Chapter 189

It was originally said that he was neither cruel nor ruthless.

He was tightly focused on following in his father’s footsteps as a warrior with unwavering will.

Being the inheritor of both the saint and warrior bloodline, and having shown remarkable brilliance since childhood, the world showered him with blessings, again and again.

The descendants of warriors.

At their forefront was always him, and among them, he was an object of admiration and awe.

While everyone else was still learning the basics, he had already mastered swordsmanship and excelled academically. Though he showed exceptional talent in magic too, he drew a line there.

To dedicate oneself to one thing means neglecting another; it’s a discipline, skill, and pursuit that demands your entire being. This statement also clearly praised and evaluated mages within the knight-centric Berk Empire.

Despite his incredible talents, he remained humble, diligent, and respectful to everyone regardless of rank. Thus, all the children of warriors were compared to him.

And none among them could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with him. This became increasingly obvious as time passed.

…But.

When the emperor, seeking to avoid war, sent his own daughter as a hostage to a foreign land, things seemed fine at first.

However, when she returned as a cold corpse, 12-year-old Carriel promptly threw himself into military service.

Of course, everyone tried desperately to dissuade him from this choice, but he wouldn’t listen.

He hurled himself into the most dangerous territories, and three years later, began making a name for himself across the northeastern front.

By the fifth year of his enlistment, he had completely pacified the northeast.

Though he held only the rank of battalion commander, no one treated him as such. That alone was undoubtedly another legend.

This was the moment a true war hero, different from those who saved the world from the Demon King, was finally born—a hero the great empire had long desired.

Yet even then, the continent still did not know…

Just how absurdly monstrous this young warrior’s bloodline truly was.

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Foreign royal palace.

From the tower’s peak, the world below burned a vivid red.

Dabas Kingdom.

But now, its name would soon be erased from maps forever, retreating into the annals of history.

They were the empire’s greatest nemesis, always raising the strongest resistance against it—not merely because their borders touched. They were, without question, the empire’s biggest enemies.

After all, it was they who orchestrated the situation that led to Princess Ellie being sent as a hostage.

Though Dabas wasn’t solely responsible for everything…

Even if Dabas fell and crumbled, the war was far from over.

“This is…”

But from a historical perspective, the current scene before us is undeniably brutal.

The ancient capital burns. The fire has raged for over half a day, yet instead of subsiding, it spreads further through the city, covering it in a thick haze of smoke. From this height, you can barely make out the blackened remnants of buildings.

But the real issue isn’t the destruction of homes and structures—they could be rebuilt.

No… lives cannot.

Right now, on this very land, everyone who lived under the name of Dabas, within its boundaries, loyal to their king and rulers, paying taxes, bowing down, submitting—all of them are being butchered without exception.

A massacre.

Not just any massacre.

In the Berke Empire, where slavery doesn’t exist, servitude does. To highlight citizenship, there must be non-citizens.

Criminals and foreigners serving 19 years in the military can become citizens.

Auxiliary roles take 25 years; forced labor takes 30.

But none of this applied to Dabas.

Because they were not human—they were enemies, infidels, demons’ minions. Therefore, killing them was righteous. It proved one’s devotion!

And so, even non-citizens caught up in this madness joined in the slaughter, becoming true members of the Berke Legion.

The empire traditionally upheld a military system centered around knights, with legions playing auxiliary roles. This was both a relic of feudalism and a consequence of noble privileges.

But Karriell overturned this system using his achievements and results, replacing it with the old Vera Empire’s legion structure—formed on the basis of victories, spoils, and subsequent developments.

The knight system favored nobles, while the military allowed commoners and nobles alike to rise based on merit.

As the empire’s territory expanded, this system reached its limits. Meanwhile, nobles attempted to expand their influence politically, but Karriell crushed them.

They believed his sword wouldn’t turn on allies, but they underestimated him and were wiped out.

What once seemed like betrayal was actually Karriell’s radical solution.

He didn’t spare them. Instead, the Order excommunicated them and branded them heretics.

Fleeing, they became pawns for other nations, giving the empire more leverage to pressure these countries.

Karriell wasn’t just a brilliant general—he was a master strategist, much to the misfortune of his enemies.

Dabras’ military strength wasn’t vastly inferior, and with allies, they might have resisted the empire.

During the war, Dabras focused on strengthening their forces. So why this outcome?

Simple: Their commander was “him.” He was already called not just a war hero but a divine messenger.

“Stop.”

“…”

Just as Elimion found the chamber where Karriell resided and prepared to enter the old king’s office, two knights blocked him.

“He ordered us not to let anyone in without reason.”

“Then I suppose I may go in.”

The knights tried again, but the presence emanating from Elimion’s eyes, despite his young age, intimidated even seasoned knights.

If anything, this was understated. When his anger fully erupted, the knights visibly paled.

They realized this boy was a genius and monster comparable to their commander.

Elimion was already considered superior to their commander in swordsmanship. If Karriell was the God of War, Elimion was the God of Swords, having absorbed all techniques of the Knights of Glory by such a young age.

“Let him pass.”

Relieved by the voice from inside, the knights stepped aside.

Elimion steadied his breathing, apologized for his rudeness, and entered.

“You sure do butt in uselessly, don’t you?”

Inside, Karriell sat with a mercenary seen several times in Dabas. The air smelled damp and unpleasant.

‘Aerarth.’

A woman of extraordinary beauty, formidable skills, sharp intellect, and quick wit.

As the personal bodyguard of the crown prince, Elimion hadn’t spoken with her, though it was clear she was close to Karriell.

Even now, she dressed casually in his presence, while Karriell was practically half-naked except for his pants.

“Doesn’t it embarrass you in front of your lady? What about your children?”

Karriell responded with a snort.

“If she wanted to stay by my side, she’d come whenever she missed me.”

“That’s what you call words…”

“Seras? I know her better than you. Or are you planning to take her over when I die?”

“Why do you always say such things?!”

At that moment, a blonde woman smoothing her hair behind her shoulders laughed and spoke.

“Master Elimion, please don’t scold Master Karriell too harshly. He has given me what is due.”

“…Reward?”

“She asked for one night if I completed her mission satisfactorily. Fortunately, she was pleased, so I gladly obliged.”

She smiled, her green eyes gleaming with joy—but Elimion felt it was fake.

She was known as the Demon of the Lake, infamous among mercenaries as someone not to associate with or provoke.

Rumors exaggerated her deeds, but many of her accomplishments for the legion involved inhumane acts.

“You’re irreplaceable manpower as a mercenary.”

“But getting closer would be poisonous.”

“Exactly. That’s what appeals to me—you don’t need repetition.”

…Disturbing conversations ensued. Elimion had learned subtlety and diplomatic rhetoric from Prince Alesius.

As the legion commander and imperial banner, Karriell had to uphold certain standards, but she—mercenary Aerarth—could cross those lines.

“You and that fool seem like a good match.”

“Though honored, I doubt Master Elimion would agree.”

“…”

“Then let’s discuss. I’ll leave now.”

“If you feel the reward is lacking, feel free to visit me anytime.”

“I’ll gladly accept your message whenever it comes.”

Her green eyes sparkled with pleasure, but Elimion saw it as insincere.

Passing him, she politely nodded and left.

“…Reducing a nation to ashes and still indulging in such impiety, huh?”

“Impiety? Are you saying conceiving life is impious? If you meant unclean, I’d have laughed it off, but impiety? Do you even know what you’re talking about?”

“…”

“So? Did you come here to throw another tantrum? You know I wouldn’t allow such things usually. There must be a reason unless you’ve gone mad. Out with it then.”

“I’ve realized my mistake.”

“Surprisingly sensible for an idiot. But it doesn’t sound like something I’d approve of.”

Clenching his teeth, Elimion countered.

“Didn’t you say that if I wanted to change you, I needed to surpass or reach your level?”

“Yes. That’s reality.”

“But even if I surpassed you, it wouldn’t matter, would it?”

“Reason?”

“…You’re not the kind to listen to anyone. You’d pretend to comply with the emperor or our father for appearances, maybe delay, but wouldn’t you always prioritize your own judgment?”

“What obvious nonsense.”

“…Isn’t it?”

If even the emperor and father disapproved…

“Wouldn’t you just destroy them?”

“No way. There’s no reason to. You’re painting me as worse than I am.”

“Compared to a demon, how different are you from the Demon King who plunged the world into chaos?”

“Outside the empire, they’d consider that praise.”

I thought I heard wrong initially and reflexively questioned.

“What… did you say?”

How could we, descendants of warriors, affirm being likened to the Demon King?

What nonsense!

“Fool. I prefer dirty, nauseating victories over noble defeats any day.”

“…Is that all you see?”

“Fool. Can’t you see beyond that?”

My tone has always been consistent. Save more lives, kill more enemies. That’s my war philosophy.

“They fear harming our soldiers and citizens because they fear us. And that will surely save someone someday, soldier or civilian alike.”

“Rather, haven’t you thought about the innocents killed unjustly by grudges? What about the innocents you’ve slaughtered?!”

“Fool. There are no innocents in this world, only naive fools who wish to believe in such things.”

“…”

“Try claiming innocence after being struck by lightning or after your powerless family gets murdered, raped, and sold into slavery far away. Or do you wish that fate upon your wife and children someday?”

“Why twist my words like that?! That’s not the point!”

“We’re at war. Would you forgive surrendering enemies? Sure, if it benefits us. But now, killing benefits us. So we kill thoroughly. This city will become ruins. I’ll make sure of it. It’ll instill terror and fear in our enemies, discouraging resistance. And potential foes will choose wisely not to oppose us.”

Smirking, Karriell continued.

“In fact, my mercy prevents conflict. Foolish fear incites rebellion, but absolute fear silences it. If they resist, it simply means our fear tactics weren’t strong enough. We suppress potential enemies through the harvest of fear. Even now. And we reward those worthy accordingly. Stop letting emotions cloud simple truths. Tsk tsk.”

And furthermore…

“There’s no innocence, only incompetence.”

“How can slaughtering innocents ever be justified?! The doctrine of Irene never advocates such massacres!”

“Why not? Isn’t it right here?”

Pointing at himself, Karriell declared.

“I am the divine will, word, and proof.”

“That! That’s not just impiety—it’s blasphemy!”

“You’re the one blaspheming. If God didn’t permit my actions, how could they happen?”

“Tha…t.”

“Did the all-knowing One send me unaware of future events? Then He isn’t all-knowing. Denying me, you, and the world denies Him. War and massacre are His domains. Despair, frustration, fear, horror—all belong to Him.”

“That won’t justify burning the world and massacring people.”

“Justify? Useless chatter. Have I ever justified myself? Learn properly. Irene bore all sins of the world on the cross. What did you learn from that?”

“…”

Dangerous.

Elimion couldn’t predict what Karriell would say next.

Thinking about it, how long had it been since he confronted Karriell so recklessly? How long since Karriell refrained from physical retaliation?

“Teach this foolish younger brother a lesson. Sin cannot be hidden, discarded, or resolved. Nor can it be avoided. Like a storm, it’s inevitable. Like the sun above, denying it denies its creator. What about your waste?”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“Someone must clean filth. Likewise, someone must bear and collect sins. And someone must die.”

Smirking, Karriell added.

“Just like the One who bore all sins on the cross.”

“…”

“Tell me, Elimion. Do you hate me? Know this: that hatred isn’t yours—it’s God’s rightful proof. Proof of what?”

That you…

“Will crucify me. I am the sword burning the world, and you will punish me, becoming the proof of unity.”

“Wa…what?! Why would I crucify you?!”

“It’s obvious if you think a little. God’s will and the world’s purpose are surprisingly simple to understand, though executing them is hard.”

What He desires aren’t merely faithful followers but practitioners of His word.

“What difference is there between well-fed cattle and those who merely believe and hope? Even that is rare, which is why they’re somewhat respected. But those are fundamentals. Fundamentals. Beyond belief, proving belief and its results matter more, obviously.”

“What have you been saying since the start?! Are you claiming to be the sinner bearing sins on the cross?!”

“The world works this way. Fool. Haven’t I explained enough? When will you grow up?”

“Brother, are you sane?”

“Huh. Are you?”

Sighing deeply, Karriell expressed his frustration.

“If I don’t bear these sins, who will? The soldiers burning the capital in my place?”

“…”

“It’s me commanding them to massacre needlessly. Also, joining our legion requires sharing burdens. For now, we must share sins to foster cohesion and belonging. Human psychology works that way. Sharing sin unites us. There are multiple meanings even in who we kill or save. We’re at war, and this is worldly reality. Only I need to know the root cause. Why? Because responsibility falls on me. I won’t irresponsibly burden those incapable of carrying it. You fool. Or do you think I do this for historical fame? That’s laughable. The most useless endeavor. Power? Spare me.”

Lost in the lengthy speech, Elimion could only gape.

Though he thought Karriell was crazy, he was disturbingly twisted beyond imagination.

Was this distortion proof of genius?

And if it was God’s will…

Then what am I?

“…What kind of world do you live in?”

“Fool. You keep asking the same thing.”

Didn’t I tell you?

“A cage of hell.”

May curses follow you. Unless you want them?

“Become stupider. Don’t worry or think too much. Fools see the world as a garden. But don’t become stupid. That breeds regret and more worries. Being dumb is fine; it brings temporary peace.”

As long as evil doesn’t tear apart your and your loved ones’ hearts…

“Now, smart fool, answer me. What would you call this world?”

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