With the help of Harley's brothels, the news spread right away. The Muivell Kingdom wasn't the only one who got shocked, the other three kingdoms simply couldn't believe what they heard.
The first one to hear about this was the Sword Arbiter as he was in the nearest city.
"What? The brat has done it." The Sword Arbiter sucked a cold breath. "More than twenty Superior Demons, huh? That brat actually managed to defeat that number of demons?"
As the number one Arbiter, the Sword Arbiter had no doubt that he could defeat five or six Superior Demons, especially with his True Spirit Body.
However, even he didn't have the connection to protect a city from that many Superior Demons along with numerous lower level demons.
"If I'm not wrong, the demons are fighting like an army, right? And that brat's city is not completed yet… Well, calling him a brat is impolite after this." The Sword Arbiter smiled. "Earl Ardagan will definitely shock the world with this achievement. I wonder if the royal family is going to grant him a Marquis title or not. If they truly give him that title, his rank instantly becomes the same as that of his father-in-law. Hahaha. That's going to be hilarious."
…
Just like the Sword Arbiter, Paladin Lloyd was looking at the report given by Paladin Aurelia.
"It seems that the saintess has yet again made us understand that her vision is much different from ours. To think that she bet on someone who people think will most likely lose and… to think that despite the situation being so overwhelming, he manages to win."
Paladin Lloyd chuckled. "I wonder what those old men are going to think about this. Well, I wasn't a part of the fighting force, so I couldn't report to them."
"Still, it seems that the Moon Temple will see the new era from up close. Should I volunteer to take care of the headquarters?"
…
Stargaze Mansion.
"Hahahaha. This is going to be hilarious." Kevin laughed out loud when he heard about the news. "It seems that I have to visit the royal hearing after this. It's going to be amazing."
"Still…" Kevin looked at the report while recalling the conversation he had with Luke Ardagan.
It was already a decade ago, but he still remembered it like it was yesterday.
"Kevin. I am going to tell you this because you are my best friend. The world is going to change and there is a chance that all four kingdoms won't be able to handle it."
"What? Is there a threat at that level? Do you mean the demon that is considered to be equal to the Spirit King, a Demon King?"
"I am not sure about it yet, but all I can say is that they are going to come soon. You and I will witness that battle with our own eyes. That's why I'm going to change this kingdom first."
"Are you sure about that?"
"Yeah. Just like in the past, when my ancestors risked their lives to protect these four kingdoms, I, too, have the obligation to do it."
"Even though the kingdom is pretty harsh on you?" Kevin raised his eyebrows, not expecting Luke to still have that kind of patriotism.
"Well, I will just change the kingdom. It's not like I'm fighting the demons for the sake of protecting the royal family." Luke carefully worded it so that Kevin knew that this wasn't for the sake of those people. Those people just happened to be saved when he was protecting his targets.
"But it doesn't seem that you're going to fight on the front line."
"Of course. If my ancestor was the one protecting humanity and eventually built these four kingdoms, I wish that my son could usher in a brand new era where we fight and reclaim the lands from those demons." Luke smiled. "Your daughter is a genius, right?"
"Yeah, why? Just so you know, I'm not going to mention her engagement to your little boy even though the engagement is there."
"I know, I know. I just know that great people will stick with each other. So, sooner or later, your little princess will be with my Noel. And I'm sure you won't reject him, right?"
Kevin chuckled.
When he recalled that memory, Kevin couldn't help but smile. "A new era, huh? Reclaiming the world from the demons. It's going to be a heavy task."
Despite saying those words, in his mind, there was an image of Noel and Anna standing next to each other. Their names resounded across the world and their statues were praised as the heroes of the era.
"Since that's the case, it's time to annoy the heck out of the royal family. For my dear daughter and son-in-law."
…
In another part of the Muivell Kingdom, Countess Christina looked at the report about the rumor circulating in her city.
"It seems that the son is much stronger than his father. It's just… the royal family is going to get in their way soon." Christina still remembered how the weak boy, who had to hide his face in the open, brought the rune book to her. Yet, in just a short period of time, not only did he manage to show his face in the open, but he also shocked the entire world.
"In the past, this territory was bullied because I was a part of the Ardagan family, who supported the Third Prince. The Third Prince didn't do anything for my family, and the Ardagan family couldn't support it any longer.
"It seems that the situation will change… I have been maintaining my neutrality after the failed throne war. Is it time for me to break my neutrality once again? Or is it better for me to sit on the side?"
Christina's expression turned grim as she watched the blue sky. It was a hard decision. After all, the Ardagan family had become stronger than ever. And if the royal family defeated them again, they wouldn't be as merciful toward their allies as in the first attempt. In the worst-case scenario, there wouldn't be any Countess Christina anymore.
…
Demon Banner Army.
Oscar pumped his fists when he saw the report from Milfa.
"I knew it." Oscar smirked. "It seemed that the Supreme Devil Organization would retreat for a while because of this setback. In that case, I don't have to be careful anymore. Alexander. It's time we settle the score."
Oscar moved extremely fast. The moment he got the news that the Supreme Devil Organization, he instantly informed every single Captain of the Demon Banner Army.
All the squads categorized as Shield Squads were mobilized to protect the border, while those known as Sword Squads were sent to eliminate the Supreme Devil Organizations.
After hiding for so long, Septa could finally show everything he had found so far.
It turned into a huge operation to make sure the organization couldn't recover for a while. Even the Third Prince couldn't stop the commander this time.
…
Demon Relief Squad.
"Look! I've gotten the letter from Captain Clara. They've won!
Let's read it together!" Paul came to the Zero Squad while waving the letter.
All of them had their expressions brighten. Even Jonathan, who often had a gloomy expression, instantly lit up.
They were curious about the battle.
75,000 demons.
22 Superior Demons.
4 Devil Saints.
Just looking at the numbers alone made their jaws drop to the ground. And when they knew that only a single wall had been erected, their brains short-circuited. There was no way they could win against the demons with only minor damage to the city.
The runes were also amazing as they managed to crush the demons.
And in the last part of the letter, there was a note that piqued everyone's interest.
'Noel promised me to give two Automatic Carriages for the Zero Squad as thanks for taking care of him in the Demon Relief Squad as well as my help this time. Make sure you look forward to it. Those carriages are amazing.'
"What is this automatic carriage?"
They were confused, but once they knew about it, there was no way they would return to normal carriages after experiencing it.
…
Zaecuria Kingdom.
"Hahahaha! Good job, Duke Briton. To think that the runes are this amazing." The king of the Zaecuria Kingdom couldn't help but rise from his throne when hearing the report. "Who says that I'm foolish for supporting him and sending Duke Briton there? I want to see those people again!"
"Your Majesty. Your image…" The minister next to him had a wry smile.
"Just for one day! Let me be free for one day!" The king grinned. "With this, the rune battleship won't be the only thing we have. There will be a lot of technology that our kingdom can adopt.
"And there will be a lot of things that are impossible right now but will be impossible after the introduction of the runes. Our kingdom will have to accept all new rune technologies and adapt to this new era. We will industrialize runes as soon as they arrive. Tell Duke Briton about our intention and share it with Earl Ardagan."
"Understood. I shall send the fastest bird to Duke Briton." The minister nodded.
"Oh. That's right. How are the young talented people we'll send to the Rune Academy?"
"We are still in the middle of selection. If we choose the proud men, they might cause a conflict with the Ardagan family even if we warn them. So, we want them to be obedient first before finding out about their talents."
"Good. Let's do it in that order. I don't want any conflicts with the runes on the line. Also, monitor the situation with the Atracaeca Kingdom. We'll have to see their stance."
The minister frowned. "Are you going to stop them, Your Majesty?"
"Of course not. However, our neighbor is more than willing to warn them. So, we'll share the information with them." The king winked, implying that the Greenwood Kingdom would be the one suppressing the Atracaeca Kingdom, not them. This way, there wouldn't be too much bad blood between the Zaecuria Kingdom and the Atracaeca Kingdom.
"Certainly." The minister bowed politely.
