Chapter 131: Back to Blackthorn (2)

Malrik’s breath caught in his throat.

The Blackthorn Forest stretched beneath them...Or rather, what was left of it.

Over a span of more than three kilometers, not a single tree remained standing.

There was nothing but absolute ruin: scorched earth and a giant crater stretching across the center, as if a massive meteor had just struck the place.

Seeing the scene from this height, Malrik truly realized the scale of the disaster Vorgath had left behind when he sacrificed himself in an attempt to kill Malrik.

If I hadn’t moved immediately and distanced myself from the center of the fight in that moment... I would be nothing but ash right now.

He lifted his gaze slightly and saw Blackthorn Castle standing firm in the horizon, its walls already back to their normal form after Lilith’s departure.

Malrik sighed in relief. Had the fight been a little closer, the castle and everyone inside might not have survived that explosion.

Lilith had been at the castle to cover his back and protect the walls, but he wasn’t certain of her ability to protect everyone from an explosion of this magnitude.

In the end, four of his Fallen-rank souls, boosted by Reaper’s Blessing and Tyrant’s Command, had been unable to kill Vorgath. And when he realized his death was inevitable, he decided to take them down with him.

If he only knew that his sacrifice did nothing but hand me all the credit before the rulers... I wonder how would he have felt?

Malrik sighed quietly. "What a terrifying level of destruction, Cedric."

Cedric cast a long look at the ground before replying, "Yes, Banner Bearer. It seems the Black Empress has acquired a truly powerful Ascendant in her ranks."

Malrik turned to him, raising an eyebrow slightly. "An Ascendant?"

Cedric nodded. "With this scale of destruction, it is highly unlikely the perpetrator was of a lower rank."

Malrik kept staring at him for a moment, then said in a tone that sounded like mere curiosity, "And why do you believe he was Ascendant-rank? Did you see him yourself? I mean... one can’t be entirely certain."

Cedric answered with the tone of an expert who did not doubt his own deduction.

"I do not need to see the person to determine their level of strength, Seventh Banner Bearer. If he were merely an Awakened, he would not possess enough energy to cause an explosion of this magnitude."

" And if he were a Saint... he would not have needed to cause all this destruction in the first place. He could have killed that Fallen with ease, without needing to fight a battle of this scale."

Malrik nodded slowly. "Yes... you are right."

Then, Malrik pointed his hand toward another scorched area on the edge of the forest, where the Raven’s battle against Winter and Lady Mushroom had taken place.

"But look over there. It seems there is another battlefield... perhaps... he was not alone."

Cedric answered without hesitation.

"There are reports of two other operatives affiliated with the Black Empress being spotted in the area. Perhaps one of them was engaging in combat there."

A subtle smile formed on Malrik’s lips.

The Duke arranged the story absolutely perfectly... even Cedric, who appears to be a seasoned and experienced fighter, couldn’t deduce the truth.

Malrik nodded slowly, feigning conviction.

"True... that makes perfect sense."

***

Malrik, Cedric, and Eliza landed in front of the main gate of Blackthorn.

As soon as Malrik’s feet touched the ground, he regained his balance and raised his eyes toward the gate.

The walls before him looked just as they did the first time he arrived here accompanied by Ronan and his squad. At that time, he hadn’t the slightest idea what he was going to do or how he would manage to deal with the situation.

But now, he had returned after successfully resolving the crisis and eradicating the problem from its roots.

Malrik let out a quiet exhale.

It truly was a wonderful feeling.

The guards stationed atop the walls and behind the gates stepped back, their weapons raised in a state of high alert.

Three people descending from the sky without any visible means was enough to spark alarm; free flight in the sky was an ability typically associated only with those of high ranks, considered a distinguishing mark of Saints and above.

Malrik took two steps forward, and his features became clearly visible under the daylight.

Spears were immediately lowered, and the guards’ eyes widened in shock that quickly transformed into enthusiasm.

"It’s him!" one of the guards shouted from atop the wall. "The Seventh Banner Bearer! The son of His Grace the Duke!"

"Open the gates immediately!"

Shouts echoed all along the wall. No one dared, nor did they even think, to question his identity or the reason for his arrival.

The heavy iron gates rose with a loud creak, clearing the path for the Seventh Banner Bearer—the man who had faced the Fallen Bull at the walls of Blackthorn and suffered severe injuries protecting the people within.

And as Malrik entered the main courtyard, some of the guards began whispering among themselves.

"But... where is Goddess Lily? Wasn’t she always accompanying him?"

"Yeah... where did she go?"

"I don’t know. I was hoping to see her again... I’ve never seen a woman that beautiful in my life."

Malrik paid no mind to their whispers. He simply walked with steady steps, a faint smile on his face as he exchanged brief nods with some of the guards lined up on the sides. Their eyes followed him with evident respect and gratitude.

Barely a minute passed before the sound of hurried footsteps approached them.

A young man appeared with light brown hair, hazel eyes, fair skin, and a slender frame that did not suggest a strong combat build. Malrik recognized him instantly.

It was Kael, son of the Baron of Blackthorn.

Kael stopped in front of him, panting slightly, then bowed sharply. It seemed he did not recognize Cedric. "I greet the Seventh Banner Bearer!"

"How are you, Kael?" Malrik asked in a friendly tone.

Kael swallowed hard as he straightened up. "I am well, Banner Bearer. Thank you for asking. I hope everything is alright..."

His words stopped abruptly.

His eyes fell upon the old man standing behind Malrik, and his body froze for a second. He knew nothing of the man’s strength, but his instincts screamed that something incredibly dangerous was standing before him.

It felt as if a cold blade had been pressed against his neck. "Banner Bearer..." Kael’s voice came out hesitantly, his eyes widening slightly. "I... I hope the reason for your arrival is a good one."

Malrik caught the fear in his eyes and felt a hint of hidden amusement.

This poor fool must have been having nightmares about the guillotine every night.

From directly insulting the Duke before knowing my identity, to his colossal stupidity in requesting support from the LumelFrom directly insulting the Duke before knowing my identity to his idea of requesting support from the Lumiel Temple... this guy really knows how to get himself into trouble.

Before Malrik could reply, the sound of rushing footsteps approached them.

Another man appeared with long, light brown hair and hazel eyes similar to Kael’s. He hurried until he stood beside him, then bowed with deep respect, far deeper than Kael’s bow.

"I greet the Seventh Banner Bearer." He then turned slightly toward the old man, his tone shifting to a tense reverence. "And I greet Lord Saint Cedric!"