Chapter 122

When the crises and trials ended, and peace arrived…

It would become another’s hell.

And yet another someone…

Would be thrown aside, unaware that this was hell, and someday come to a sudden realization.

That this place I stand upon…

Is, without a doubt, hell itself.

And we were cursed from the moment of our birth.

Whether realized late or early, the result won’t change…

But anyway…

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On the border between the eastern and northern parts of the continent lies the Faceulan City Kingdom. The capital city is as splendid as any royal capital, easily comparable to those of other kingdoms.

Long ago, an unnamed royal mage who worked in secrecy built a magic lab here. Over time, it grew into a tower with many followers, quickly expanding beyond a mere village to become a full-fledged city.

Naturally, such a prominent city would attract envious glares from neighboring countries. However, the founder eventually became a High Mage and established a Mage Kingdom in truth.

Still, being a brilliant mage doesn’t necessarily make one a good ruler. Especially after several wars dragged on for over a decade, the first Mage King had no choice but to surrender. To prevent further conflict, he agreed not to build any military facilities outside the main city, leaving the Faceulan Kingdom as essentially just one city.

With unclear borders, the kingdom gradually lost territory to its neighbors. But this also allowed them to strengthen their central system. They expanded the city, developed trade routes, added pastures, fields, orchards, and even extended to the riverbanks. Now the city is divided into seven distinct districts.

In a way, despite being a major city, it’s surprisingly self-sufficient – definitely an unusual structure.

Because of this, it became a crucial trading hub for merchants and caravans traveling between the east and north. To maintain balance, they needed skilled diplomats to manage trade relations, though…

…mages have always been arrogant bastards. Even with competent officials, it was hard to keep things stable.

When the Demon King’s invasion began, all that balance collapsed instantly.

The wise 11th Mage King of Faceulan fell under the Demon King’s influence, joining his forces. After the Demon King’s defeat and death, harsh retribution came for those who sided with him. The 11th Mage King was executed, and a completely unrelated new Mage King was chosen.

A middle-aged Faceulan mage, recognized for his merits during the invasion, was unanimously selected by both his own and foreign nations. But his reign lasted less than ten years.

His young successor, born late in life, proved incompetent and corrupt. Surrounded by flatterers, he indulged in pleasures from an early age, leading to widespread corruption.

Even if properly managed, the city-kingdom was inherently unstable…

This led to a rapid increase in the number of poor citizens.

Out of seven districts, only three aren’t overrun with destitute people – a serious concern.

Knowing this, the authorities try to control and monitor them through fear and bribery, encouraging division among them.

Carriel came here because it was on the way to his destination, and also to broaden his horizons about how other cities and countries function.

Compared to the empire…

This place was practically hell incarnate. For some, it was heaven; for others, pure hell – the epitome of imbalance.

On one side, food and drink overflowed, wasted and discarded…

While just a glance away, people were scraping the ground for scraps like flies, rats, dogs, and cats. Their tattered clothes barely covered essentials, with no distinction between men, women, or children.

On the other hand…

People wore extravagant jewelry and ornate clothing, competing for who could look more luxurious with extreme designs and patterns.

The looks of hatred burning in the eyes of the poor watching this…

Perhaps it’s natural and inevitable.

“Though some places recovered normally after the Demon King’s defeat… most are like this.”

Minette seemed accustomed to seeing such sights, remaining relatively calm.

“Stronger nations either plundered weaker ones or squeezed their own people dry to recover.”

Unlike the western continent, the eastern and northern regions didn’t fare well. The Demon King first emerged in the central region but focused his initial efforts in the east, making it a hotspot for traitors.

The north, while having fewer traitors, suffered from harsh conditions. The Demon King established large breeding grounds there, resulting in the area still being notorious for high daemon populations today.

Some daemons gained intelligence and formed their own power structures. Their strength now rivals that of a nation. Located in remote high mountains and swamps, they’re difficult to reach even with armies.

Additionally, being near neutral zones makes organizing expeditions against them nearly impossible. The “Ceiling of the Mountain Range” lies in this area.

Rising so high it seems to touch the sky, located at the far edge of the eastern desert and marking the limits of the continent…

Together with the western empire’s coastline and the southern sea, these define the known world. Though established centuries ago, few take these boundaries seriously anymore.

“The empire and surrounding countries had clear enemies, so unification was easier…”

Both the empire’s foes and those opposing the empire had clearer distinctions, unlike the fractured eastern region filled with tiny states.

What matters most is legitimacy and heritage…

So they fabricate histories to establish their claims. Many noble families have mixed bloodlines claiming multiple heritages.

If they have the military power, they don’t hesitate to invade nearby lands. That this city-state grew so large is quite exceptional…

Meaning the Mage King must have been truly remarkable.

“I remember learning about this in the academy…”

Difficult terrain and diverse races make unification challenging here. Single-race/ethnic groups tend to develop deep-rooted beliefs.

“So… they said knight culture could take root here?”

If a strong king arose, subordinate knights could maintain stability. Not absolute monarchy but rather mediation to prevent knightly excesses. Wasn’t the old Berke Kingdom like that?

In that sense, the current Berke Empire successfully unified various races and ethnicities under a national identity, achieving significant expansion.

“That’s not entirely wrong. Some countries promote chivalry to manage subordinates. Their advantage is internal stability compared to foreign nations.”

There’s at least some trust that the king and lords will protect and listen to them…

The empire, during times of distrust, couldn’t even trust allies, right? Here, with clearer distinctions between friend and foe, building unity might be possible once some trust is established…

Many stone buildings exist because of abundant local stone resources. Though constructed long ago, their neglected state appears dangerously unstable…

As if foreshadowing the nation’s uncertain present and future.

Then…

Carriel saw massive flames engulfing everything…

Opening his eyes revealed nothing unusual…

But closing them brought vivid images…

Massive fire consuming the area…

Also…

“Woof! Grrr!”

While consulting a leather map, they noticed a small, skinny black puppy about child-sized, barking fiercely despite its pitiful appearance.

Behind it, a dirty child lay curled up holding their stomach, protected desperately by the dog despite their own torn rags.

“You filthy mongrel!”

“There’s not a single normal kid around here!”

“I’m gonna puke! What’s that smell? Don’t they know how to bathe?”

“If they did, would they eat what they throw up?”

Mockery…

Contempt…

Disgust…

And boasting…

Several men, led by a young man strutting with his shoulders back in a blue robe, stood nearby. While not clean themselves, the youth stood out as particularly well-dressed, clearly privileged.

“I thought you looked decent enough to give some charity, but what can you do?”

“Sir, can these barbarians even understand such kindness?”

“Why is this damn mutt still barking?! Take that!”

The man made a show of kicking, but the dog lunged instead.

“Aaaaah!”

“Hahaha!”

“What are you doing?”

“Are you crazy?!”

“Don’t get bitten or you’ll catch something!”

Despite appearing weak, the dog’s resistance proved futile.

“How dare you!”

Emboldened by the dog’s clumsy movements, a man swung at its face but only grazed its snout due to his own poor aim.

“Grrr!”

Though pushed back, the dog remained steadfast in front of the girl.

“Pathetic.”

The youth stepped forward dramatically, prompting his men to hastily step back.

“Hey!”

“Oh no! The Young Master is handling this personally!”

“We’ll take care of it!”

Their sycophantic behavior was ridiculous.

Soon, a small flame appeared in the youth’s hand.

Grrr!

The dog clearly understood this wasn’t a simple threat, evidenced by trembling legs and leaking urine.

Yet it didn’t back down.

It continued barking aggressively, though obviously exhausted.

Saliva and foam sprayed from its parched mouth with every bark.

Its voice was painfully hoarse.

“Tch.”

The youth, finding even this distasteful, prepared to unleash the fire…

SLAP!

“Huh?”

Suddenly…

“Wha?”

“Who?”

…

A dark figure stood before them.

With eyes like molten gold, impossibly deep…

Slowly scanning each person…

“What… what are you doing? Let go! Do you know who I am…?”

He was released.

But why…

…is my hand still held by him?

No, wait…

Why does my arm…

Feel strange?

“Huh…?”

Something’s wrong.

Why does my left shoulder feel empty?

“?!”

Then what’s in this guy’s hand?

“AAAAAAHHH!!!”

Confusion turns to shock, then overwhelming pain causes the youth to scream involuntarily.

And Carriel…

Stood emotionlessly looking down at the youth clutching his severed shoulder, now an amputee.

Until the arm in his hand crumpled and disappeared.

The crowd stood stunned, unsure what just happened.

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