The commander of the Imperial Knights shouted, full of anger.
"Traitor!!"
His fierce shout was filled with murderous intent. His boiling emotions poured out into Shan. However, Shan did not let his emotions get the better of him and calmly swung his sword.
Swords clashed. Sparks flew along with the resounding sound of metal clashing. The knight commander shouted as their swords met.
“Is the devil trying to swallow up the continent?”
He continued shouting with a grim expression on his face.
“I will protect Baluar!!”
It was a determination that seemed like it was made by someone who was the main character of a tragedy. Shan could only laugh at it.
"Ha!"
Shan chuckled and swung his sword. The sword flew in a clean arc and dug into the weak point exactly.
The Knight Commander hurriedly raised his sword to block. He barely avoided the piercing blow, but the sharp blade passed through his shoulder armor. While he retreated a few steps, Shan took the lives of two knights gathered around him.
Shan shook off the bloody sword. Amid the dripping blood and flesh, Shan spoke.
“Who is it that saved his life thanks to that devil?”
“I don’t owe my life to someone like you!!”
Shan asked the Knight Commander, who was shouting proudly, with a pitiful look on his face.
“What did you do in the Hundred Years’ War?”
“...”
The Knight Commander was momentarily speechless. After a brief silence, he tried to say something, but Shan had already caught up to him. Shan’s eyes sparkled, and he walked away. He walked closer as fast as the Knight Commander had stepped back.
“All you did was stand around in the rear with a clean sword and neat armor...”
And then he closed his eyes, smiled, and stabbed a knife into his heart.
“It’s very honest.”
The Knight Commander froze stiffly. Shan passed him by, looking pale and exhausted.
“Wait... Wait.”
The Knight Commander couldn't let go of his foolishness and grabbed Shan. Shan said with a sigh.
“Get out of the way. You are not my opponent.”
“Why!!”
It was then that a sharp girl's voice was heard.
“Shan Cirxus!!”
Even during the chaos, Shan realized something was flying towards him. He quickly dodged.
The glass bottle fell to the floor with a loud crash. Then, bang, an explosion occurred. The knight commander, who was unable to dodge in time, was caught in the explosion.
As soon as they saw him screaming in flames, Targayel's private soldiers quickly retreated to a radius of three meters. It was a conditioned reflex based on the experience learned in the previous battle of the Mapel County. Only the imperial knights and Seraph's private soldiers, who had no idea what was going on, were bewildered.
Ivanna, who had thrown the bomb, ran up to Shan. She shouted at Shan.
“Our captain!! Protect her!!”
Although she only threw out fragments of words, Shan immediately understood the meaning. Shan scanned the battlefield. Elze was nowhere to be seen. Shan, who was looking around with his eyes glaring like crazy, was soon able to find Elze.
“...!!”
Elze was alone on the platform, surrounded by knights. Below the platform were Ilwooz and Tarkun, but they too were surrounded by knights and soldiers.
"Shit!!"
Ivanna shouted at Shan, who grabbed his sword and swore at her.
“I’ll take care of this! Hurry up!!”
Shan ran out and shouted.
“Liv!”
At Shan's shout, Liv ran towards Shan, striking down the knights rushing towards him with his sword.
“Yes! Order!!”
“I’ll give you command! Fight together with Ivanna!”
“Don’t worry!”
Shan gritted his teeth and said.
“...I’m going to settle things with that pervert.”
The Imperial Knights were all armed with proper weapons. They even had light armor on top of their formal attire. Elze, on the other hand, was only armed with a rapier, a mangosh, and a blood-soaked dress.
However, it was not a great disadvantage. The Imperial Knights were infinitely weaker than those Elze faced on the battlefield.
Of course, some were so skilled that they drew exclamations. However, they were absolutely lacking in actual combat experience. There was no way that knights who were only accustomed to formal duels could know how to fight like dogs.
Elze, on the other hand, was relentless. Life was the top priority on the battlefield. To survive, she had to use any means necessary. Elze rushed in and slashed him with her mangosh while simultaneously kicking his vital points.
“Aaah!!”
The knight, who had been hit in a vital spot, fell backwards, screaming. He spoke with his face reddened with insult.
“Coward!!”
Elze laughed out loud. With a clear laugh, Elze said while sending down two swords, a rapier and a mangosho.
“Is it gentlemanly to rush at a delicate lady like that?”
Of course, she was a lady with delicate words, but her hands were slaughtering the knights. While Elze was fighting the knights on the platform, Tarkun was also fighting below.
“Wow!!”
He swung his sword with a loud roar. In Tarkun’s hand was a new two-handed sword made by Master Harbin. It was a sword Tarkun had personally visited and received before the funeral. Now that the famous sword had found its proper owner, Tarkun was flying.
However, the situation was unfavorable. Unlike the narrow platform above, the space below was wide, and the soldiers were crowded together. It was difficult for Tarkun alone to deal with them, even if he attacked together with Elze. In addition, Tarkun had someone to protect. That person was Ilwooz.
“...”
Ilwooz remained frozen in place amidst the chaos. The priests had always given Ilwooz absolute support and trust.
In the millennia that the Order has led, no one has ever shown such antipathy toward Ilwooz. It was none other than the priests and bishops. Their opposition was yet another conviction for Ines and the continent.
Moreover, since the priests and bishops had declared that Shan Cirxus was a demon, Ilwooz had to lie to help Elze. He had to declare that Shan Cirxus was not a demon.
But could it really be called a white lie? Amidst all the worries, his heart was in pain as if it was burning. Ilwooz, who was wavering miserably, tried to pull himself together. He had to help Elze. He was trying to force himself somehow.
“Ilwooz!!”
Elze, who was standing on the stage, swung her rapier in a large wave and shouted.
“I’m okay! What if you get sick again?”
It was a time when Ilwooz was unable to exert his power. At that time, Ilwooz lost his power and suffered greatly due to the punishment given by Ines and his guilt towards Elze.
The situation was similar now. If he exerts his power against the priests in a state of confusion and lack of confidence, he will surely suffer greatly later. Elze spoke in a firmer voice in front of the shaking Ilwooz.
“When you have made up your mind, take action.”
"But..."
Elze was struck again by several swords. Elze quickly dodged them and counterattacked. She shouted as she kicked away two knights in one blow.
“I can easily solve this on my own!”
As Ilwooz stood there blankly, a loud voice was suddenly heard.
“Elze!!”
A man jumped out from among the Imperial Knights. Elze saw his face and immediately smiled brightly and called his name.
“Catinson Lovell!”
It was Catinson Lovell, who had joined the Imperial Knights. Catinson took his place next to Tarkun, holding a bastard sword in one hand and a shield in the other. He shouted loudly.
“I will protect you!!”
Everyone cheered when they saw Catinson, who was obviously dressed as an imperial knight, standing on Elxe's side. One of the imperial knights shouted at Catinson.
“Sir Lovell! Why are you taking the side of a traitor!! What about the pride of a knight!!”
Then Catinson shouted proudly.
“I’ve thrown away my pride! From now on, I’m a traitor!!”
Elze burst out laughing at Catinson's words. He really was a great man in many ways.
With Catinson joining, Elze was able to fight with more ease. As Elze was trying to focus on the battle again, she felt something approaching her.
“Elze!!”
Elze looked back, startled by the voice she heard.
“Shan!”
He jumped up in the exact same way Elze had and landed nimbly on the platform.
As soon as Shan arrived, the atmosphere around them became agitated. The knights who had been attacking ceaselessly until just a moment ago stopped their swords when they saw Shan. Elze also stopped her sword. Elze muttered without realizing it.
"Oh my god..."
Shan was a long way from Elze. Judging from his appearance, it was obvious how he had managed to get through here.
Shan was drenched in blood and flesh. The blood-stained crimson suit was pitch black, as if it were part of Shan. In everything being black and dark, only the purple eyes sparkled with an ominous light.
Shan slowly sat down next to Elze. Then he took a deep breath and exhaled, looking at Duke Seraph. His gaze was so numb that it made his spine tingle.
But Duke Seraph was no pushover either. He had always been cold and insensitive, but now he was different. With his blue-gray eyes shining with madness, Duke Seraph spoke.
“All the main characters are gathered here.”
Shan took the blow, revealing his true intentions without hiding anything.
“I will scrape your lies to the ground.”
“That’s a lie.”
Duke Seraph narrowed his eyes. Elze was stronger than he had imagined. She had already rendered half of the knights on the platform incapable of fighting.
Shan joined in here. It was no longer possible to lead the battle with the knights. So, it was time to bring out another deck. The well-shaped lips moved pleasantly. A languid voice flowed out with joy.
“Even if I am not the savior.”
Duke Seraph looked at Shan with a contemptuous expression and said.
“It doesn’t change the fact that you are a demon, Shan Cirxus.”
He went a step further and shook his head, speaking in a sigh.
“That’s why I wanted to get rid of at least Erzenes...”
Duke Seraph looked at Shan with eyes filled with endless contempt and said.
“Isn’t it because of you that she ended up getting treated the same way?”
“...”
“Please let her go, even now.”
Duke Seraph probably thought that if he said something like that, Shan would at least hesitate. But Shan didn't.
“I refuse.”
He answered quickly and then raised his sword. Then, he answered neatly.
“Because I’m not a devil.”
Duke Seraph frowned and muttered at Shan's denial.
“Really... You are a bad person.”
He let out a soft sigh and spoke in a regretful voice.
“I guess we need to wake up to reality.”
Duke Seraph slowly raised his hand. At his signal, Elze and Shan gripped their swords tightly. However, neither the knights nor the nobles moved. For a moment, she felt strange at the sight of no one moving. She felt energy from somewhere.
“!!”
The bishops and priests who followed Duke Seraph were all generating divine power. Pure white light enveloped them and rose up. Goosebumps ran down my spine. Elze screamed and ran to them.
"No!!"
But before he could do anything, a pure white divine power poured down on Shan.
Divine power cannot harm living beings. Ines's power to heal and nurture. That was Divine power.
However, there was only one being that could be attacked by such divine power, and that was the demonic beings.
It is said that showing once is more effective than saying a hundred words. Duke Seraph wanted to prove that Shan was a demon by pouring divine power on him. If Shan were to show the world that he was suffering from divine power, the game would be over. No other evidence or argument was needed.
Elze thought about it for a brief moment.
If she strikes the priests and bishops with her sword here, the divine power will stop. However, it would be the same as supporting the fact that Shan is a demon.
Her mind went black. It seemed like she had no choice but to just watch.
But... Elze couldn’t leave Shan alone.
Without hesitation, she threw the rapier and mangosh she was holding onto the floor. Ignoring the clattering sound of metal hitting the floor, she ran towards the white light.
As soon as her body touched the divine power, a soft yet warm feeling spread. However, she didn't have time to feel it. She frantically searched for Shan.
He was in the middle of the light.
He didn't groan even once, even though his flesh was burning all over his body. The moment he screamed in agony, he would be branded with the devil's mark. So, he endured it somehow. Blood flowed out from the corner of his mouth, which was tightly shut due to the pain beyond his limit. Elze ran to Shan and hugged him.
“... !”
Shan, who was writhing in pain, flinched. He opened his eyes that had been tightly shut. His purple eyes stared at Elze.
Elze met Shan's eyes. She saw her pupils, slits wide and simmering with rage.
Shan was now standing on the border.
The energy pulsing inside his body twitched as if it would escape at any moment. If he were to let his guard down even a little, everything would end right there.
Elze simply hugged Shan tightly without saying anything and looked at him without avoiding his gaze.
In the white light, there was only Shan and Elze.
It was a strange feeling to be surrounded by light and stare only at Shan. Strangely, as she locked eyes with him, her mind gradually became more at ease. Her heartbeat, which had been pounding like crazy just a moment ago, gradually calmed down, and her confused mind became calm.
Shan also seemed to feel similar emotions to Elze.
“...”
Shan's energy gradually subsided. The energy that had been running wildly gradually diminished and soon became a level where it slowly hovered. Elze exhaled as she confirmed that a faint smile appeared on his lips.
She had heard from Ilwooz before. The more evil he awakens, the more Shan's appearance will change. However, Shan's pupils remained the same as before. It didn't get any worse.
While Elze was relieved, the light slowly dimmed. Little by little, the surrounding scenery began to come into view. Elze and Shan emerged from the light again and settled into reality. As the two appeared, silence enveloped the surroundings.
“...”
Shan's condition was a mess. Her entire body was blackened as if it had been burned. But what was even more surprising was what happened next. Her burned skin slowly began to regenerate.
Shan could see the gazes directed at him. They were not human eyes. They were all looking at Shan with eyes filled with fear, beyond hostility.
Shan laughed hollowly. Deep inside Shan's head, someone was giggling and whispering.
"It was destined to be like this from the beginning!"
"What did you hope for in your topic?"
"You're paying the price."
"Carry the weight of blood, Shan Cirxus."
The dizzying voice pulled Shan into the abyss. Shan placed his hand on Elze’s shoulder. Then he slowly pushed her away.
“Shan...?”
To Elze, who called her name, Shan spoke firmly.
"Move away."
“...”
Elze's blue eyes trembled slightly. Shan whispered softly to her, who was hurt.
“If you protect me here, you will be treated like a devil.”
Elze's breathing became ragged. A slight trembling was transmitted through the hand that was placed on her shoulder. The shoulder that was held in his hand was round and small.
He didn't want to let go. But he had to. At this moment, Shan realized what it meant to break up because he loved her.
It was a really complicated feeling. Up until now, the emotions Shan had learned from Elze were linear. Shan loved, was angry, was jealous, and was sad.
But now, this was different. It felt like a mixture of all the emotions he had ever learned, but it was a little different.
He absolutely doesn't want to do this...but there are times when he has no choice.
Whether the rebellion succeeded or failed, from now on, Shan Cirxus was a demon who would annihilate the continent. If Shan stood by Elze, Elze would become a witch married to a demon and be stoned. The difficult path she had to walk was easily imagined in her mind.
It couldn't be. The pain was enough for Shan to bear alone. Now was the time to let her go. Shan carefully dropped the hand that was holding Elze's shoulder. And then he spoke softly.
“I... can’t leave you in the dark, too.”
Elze's mouth opened slightly. Her eyes were filled with tears. Her eyes were moist, and her heart ached. Shan pressed her tender chest and called Elze's name.
“Elze.”
And he asked for what might be the last words.
“Tell me you love me.”
Elze opened her eyes wide. The moment she heard Shan's words, something occurred to her.
Fragments of forgotten dreams were pierced into her, sharp pieces. At that moment, Elze let go of Shan's hand, and he was sucked into the darkness alone.
The recollection of memories left alone in the white light was miserable. She never wanted to experience something like that again. Elze's lips trembled. And Elze...
“!!”
He punched Shan in the face. Shan’s head snapped back with a thud. He was hit so suddenly that he grabbed his cheek with his hand and looked at Elze.
Shan, who was looking at Elze in a dazed manner, was embarrassed. Tears were falling from Elze’s eyes. Elze asked Shan, who was out of her mind, a question in a pressing tone.
“Do you love me?”
Shan nodded, not knowing what was going on. Then, Elze burst into tears and screamed.
“But why don’t you know my heart!!”
Shan was stunned by Elze's scream. Elze's words were so shocking that he couldn't even remember the punch he had received.
“I love you too! Just as you love me, I love you too!”
Tears gathered in her blue eyes and rolled down her cheeks.
“But why... as if you were going to leave forever...”
Elze burst into tears. It was the first time he had seen Elze cry so much. She glared at Shan, then wiped away her tears with the back of her hand. Then, with her eyes wide open, she spoke to Shan in a threatening tone.
“Whether you’re the devil or anything, it doesn’t matter to me. So stay by my side.”
Only then did Shan realize how much Elze loved him, how deep that love was, and how wrong it was for her to arbitrarily cut off the relationship and sacrifice herself.
“Say that one more time. Then it won’t end like this.”
Shan slowly nodded at Elze's threat, which was not a threat. Elze reached out her hand to Shan. Shan silently held Elze's hand tightly. The feeling of holding her tightly brought him an indescribable sense of fulfillment. Shan quietly whispered to Elze.
"Sorry."
Elze nodded slightly. After a moment of silence, the two picked up the sword that had fallen on the floor without saying a word.
In Elze's hands were a rapier and a mangosh, and in Shan's hand was a knight's longsword. In front of the couple holding swords side by side, Duke Seraph made a short comment.
“...It’s touching.”
He smiled beautifully and taunted.
“So what are you going to do now? It would be perfect if the couple were to be burned at the stake as a devil and a witch.”
But Duke Seraph's leisurely sarcasm did not last long.
“That won’t happen.”
A clear voice split the room. It was the voice of Ilwooz, who had been lowering his head just a moment ago. He straightened his shoulders and spoke confidently.
“I’m sorry, Elze. It’s embarrassing that you’ve come such a long way because of me.”
A pure white light began to shine from him. The bishops and priests who had denied Ilwooz began to panic at the sight of the clear light. Ilwooz, standing under the stage, looked up at Elze and Shan and said.
“I felt ashamed when I saw the two of you.”
Actually, Ilwooz had just given up.
He thought he had to abandon the devil for the sake of the Savior, or at least make up a lie.
But Elze didn't do that at all. She faced the truth head-on. And she broke through it honestly.
Don't lie. Tell the truth. And persuade with all your might.
Looking at her like that, Ilwooz felt like he had been hit hard in the back of the head by someone.
What good is a thousand years?
Unlike him, who was still shaking like a reed even after spending so much time together, Elze remained firm without any wavering. Ilwooz decided that he too would not waver any longer.
“I won’t hesitate anymore.”
A burst of white light burst out from him on a scale incomparable to the light created by the bishops and priests.
The light rose into a gigantic pillar and soared into the sky. During the surging light that seemed to engulf the entire world, Ilwooz's voice boomed like thunder.
“Listen, you who serve Ines.”
It was something that should have been done from the beginning.
"I declare in the name of Ilwooz, the first servant of Ines."
Just as Shan Cirxus had declared himself a demon, this too had to be declared in the name of Ilwooz.
But the lingering sense of anxiety in his heart had been holding him back. The uncertainty of what might happen was holding his hand. But not anymore.
"The true savior who will save the continent from the devil."
Ilwooz continued speaking in an even clearer tone.
"Erzenes Targayel."
His rainbow-colored eyes sparkled, containing all the light of the world.
[Also, as long as she is by the devil's side, the continent will be at peace without any misfortune.]
And Ilwooz declared with all his heart:
"I swear in the name of Ines!"
The rising pillar of light split into many branches and flew in all directions like shooting stars. At the same time, a brilliant light bloomed behind Elze and Shan. It was not a temporary halo created by sunlight but a true radiance.
In a moment of amazing miracle, Elze and Shan looked at each other for a moment. And at the same time, they looked at Duke Seraph.
The expression on Duke Seraph's face was indescribably grim. With the light of the Holy Ilwooz on their backs, the Targayel couple smiled in triumph.
The two men straightened their swords. The two swords were aimed straight at Duke Seraph. Elze met the tips of her swords with Shan and opened her mouth.
“Enoch Seraph.”
And he spoke confidently to the Duke Seraph, who had turned pale.
“False savior, will you just get out of here?”
"Traitor!!"
His fierce shout was filled with murderous intent. His boiling emotions poured out into Shan. However, Shan did not let his emotions get the better of him and calmly swung his sword.
Swords clashed. Sparks flew along with the resounding sound of metal clashing. The knight commander shouted as their swords met.
“Is the devil trying to swallow up the continent?”
He continued shouting with a grim expression on his face.
“I will protect Baluar!!”
It was a determination that seemed like it was made by someone who was the main character of a tragedy. Shan could only laugh at it.
"Ha!"
Shan chuckled and swung his sword. The sword flew in a clean arc and dug into the weak point exactly.
The Knight Commander hurriedly raised his sword to block. He barely avoided the piercing blow, but the sharp blade passed through his shoulder armor. While he retreated a few steps, Shan took the lives of two knights gathered around him.
Shan shook off the bloody sword. Amid the dripping blood and flesh, Shan spoke.
“Who is it that saved his life thanks to that devil?”
“I don’t owe my life to someone like you!!”
Shan asked the Knight Commander, who was shouting proudly, with a pitiful look on his face.
“What did you do in the Hundred Years’ War?”
“...”
The Knight Commander was momentarily speechless. After a brief silence, he tried to say something, but Shan had already caught up to him. Shan’s eyes sparkled, and he walked away. He walked closer as fast as the Knight Commander had stepped back.
“All you did was stand around in the rear with a clean sword and neat armor...”
And then he closed his eyes, smiled, and stabbed a knife into his heart.
“It’s very honest.”
The Knight Commander froze stiffly. Shan passed him by, looking pale and exhausted.
“Wait... Wait.”
The Knight Commander couldn't let go of his foolishness and grabbed Shan. Shan said with a sigh.
“Get out of the way. You are not my opponent.”
“Why!!”
It was then that a sharp girl's voice was heard.
“Shan Cirxus!!”
Even during the chaos, Shan realized something was flying towards him. He quickly dodged.
The glass bottle fell to the floor with a loud crash. Then, bang, an explosion occurred. The knight commander, who was unable to dodge in time, was caught in the explosion.
As soon as they saw him screaming in flames, Targayel's private soldiers quickly retreated to a radius of three meters. It was a conditioned reflex based on the experience learned in the previous battle of the Mapel County. Only the imperial knights and Seraph's private soldiers, who had no idea what was going on, were bewildered.
Ivanna, who had thrown the bomb, ran up to Shan. She shouted at Shan.
“Our captain!! Protect her!!”
Although she only threw out fragments of words, Shan immediately understood the meaning. Shan scanned the battlefield. Elze was nowhere to be seen. Shan, who was looking around with his eyes glaring like crazy, was soon able to find Elze.
“...!!”
Elze was alone on the platform, surrounded by knights. Below the platform were Ilwooz and Tarkun, but they too were surrounded by knights and soldiers.
"Shit!!"
Ivanna shouted at Shan, who grabbed his sword and swore at her.
“I’ll take care of this! Hurry up!!”
Shan ran out and shouted.
“Liv!”
At Shan's shout, Liv ran towards Shan, striking down the knights rushing towards him with his sword.
“Yes! Order!!”
“I’ll give you command! Fight together with Ivanna!”
“Don’t worry!”
Shan gritted his teeth and said.
“...I’m going to settle things with that pervert.”
***
The Imperial Knights were all armed with proper weapons. They even had light armor on top of their formal attire. Elze, on the other hand, was only armed with a rapier, a mangosh, and a blood-soaked dress.
However, it was not a great disadvantage. The Imperial Knights were infinitely weaker than those Elze faced on the battlefield.
Of course, some were so skilled that they drew exclamations. However, they were absolutely lacking in actual combat experience. There was no way that knights who were only accustomed to formal duels could know how to fight like dogs.
Elze, on the other hand, was relentless. Life was the top priority on the battlefield. To survive, she had to use any means necessary. Elze rushed in and slashed him with her mangosh while simultaneously kicking his vital points.
“Aaah!!”
The knight, who had been hit in a vital spot, fell backwards, screaming. He spoke with his face reddened with insult.
“Coward!!”
Elze laughed out loud. With a clear laugh, Elze said while sending down two swords, a rapier and a mangosho.
“Is it gentlemanly to rush at a delicate lady like that?”
Of course, she was a lady with delicate words, but her hands were slaughtering the knights. While Elze was fighting the knights on the platform, Tarkun was also fighting below.
“Wow!!”
He swung his sword with a loud roar. In Tarkun’s hand was a new two-handed sword made by Master Harbin. It was a sword Tarkun had personally visited and received before the funeral. Now that the famous sword had found its proper owner, Tarkun was flying.
However, the situation was unfavorable. Unlike the narrow platform above, the space below was wide, and the soldiers were crowded together. It was difficult for Tarkun alone to deal with them, even if he attacked together with Elze. In addition, Tarkun had someone to protect. That person was Ilwooz.
“...”
Ilwooz remained frozen in place amidst the chaos. The priests had always given Ilwooz absolute support and trust.
In the millennia that the Order has led, no one has ever shown such antipathy toward Ilwooz. It was none other than the priests and bishops. Their opposition was yet another conviction for Ines and the continent.
Moreover, since the priests and bishops had declared that Shan Cirxus was a demon, Ilwooz had to lie to help Elze. He had to declare that Shan Cirxus was not a demon.
But could it really be called a white lie? Amidst all the worries, his heart was in pain as if it was burning. Ilwooz, who was wavering miserably, tried to pull himself together. He had to help Elze. He was trying to force himself somehow.
“Ilwooz!!”
Elze, who was standing on the stage, swung her rapier in a large wave and shouted.
“I’m okay! What if you get sick again?”
It was a time when Ilwooz was unable to exert his power. At that time, Ilwooz lost his power and suffered greatly due to the punishment given by Ines and his guilt towards Elze.
The situation was similar now. If he exerts his power against the priests in a state of confusion and lack of confidence, he will surely suffer greatly later. Elze spoke in a firmer voice in front of the shaking Ilwooz.
“When you have made up your mind, take action.”
"But..."
Elze was struck again by several swords. Elze quickly dodged them and counterattacked. She shouted as she kicked away two knights in one blow.
“I can easily solve this on my own!”
As Ilwooz stood there blankly, a loud voice was suddenly heard.
“Elze!!”
A man jumped out from among the Imperial Knights. Elze saw his face and immediately smiled brightly and called his name.
“Catinson Lovell!”
It was Catinson Lovell, who had joined the Imperial Knights. Catinson took his place next to Tarkun, holding a bastard sword in one hand and a shield in the other. He shouted loudly.
“I will protect you!!”
Everyone cheered when they saw Catinson, who was obviously dressed as an imperial knight, standing on Elxe's side. One of the imperial knights shouted at Catinson.
“Sir Lovell! Why are you taking the side of a traitor!! What about the pride of a knight!!”
Then Catinson shouted proudly.
“I’ve thrown away my pride! From now on, I’m a traitor!!”
Elze burst out laughing at Catinson's words. He really was a great man in many ways.
With Catinson joining, Elze was able to fight with more ease. As Elze was trying to focus on the battle again, she felt something approaching her.
“Elze!!”
Elze looked back, startled by the voice she heard.
“Shan!”
He jumped up in the exact same way Elze had and landed nimbly on the platform.
As soon as Shan arrived, the atmosphere around them became agitated. The knights who had been attacking ceaselessly until just a moment ago stopped their swords when they saw Shan. Elze also stopped her sword. Elze muttered without realizing it.
"Oh my god..."
Shan was a long way from Elze. Judging from his appearance, it was obvious how he had managed to get through here.
Shan was drenched in blood and flesh. The blood-stained crimson suit was pitch black, as if it were part of Shan. In everything being black and dark, only the purple eyes sparkled with an ominous light.
Shan slowly sat down next to Elze. Then he took a deep breath and exhaled, looking at Duke Seraph. His gaze was so numb that it made his spine tingle.
But Duke Seraph was no pushover either. He had always been cold and insensitive, but now he was different. With his blue-gray eyes shining with madness, Duke Seraph spoke.
“All the main characters are gathered here.”
Shan took the blow, revealing his true intentions without hiding anything.
“I will scrape your lies to the ground.”
“That’s a lie.”
Duke Seraph narrowed his eyes. Elze was stronger than he had imagined. She had already rendered half of the knights on the platform incapable of fighting.
Shan joined in here. It was no longer possible to lead the battle with the knights. So, it was time to bring out another deck. The well-shaped lips moved pleasantly. A languid voice flowed out with joy.
“Even if I am not the savior.”
Duke Seraph looked at Shan with a contemptuous expression and said.
“It doesn’t change the fact that you are a demon, Shan Cirxus.”
He went a step further and shook his head, speaking in a sigh.
“That’s why I wanted to get rid of at least Erzenes...”
Duke Seraph looked at Shan with eyes filled with endless contempt and said.
“Isn’t it because of you that she ended up getting treated the same way?”
“...”
“Please let her go, even now.”
Duke Seraph probably thought that if he said something like that, Shan would at least hesitate. But Shan didn't.
“I refuse.”
He answered quickly and then raised his sword. Then, he answered neatly.
“Because I’m not a devil.”
Duke Seraph frowned and muttered at Shan's denial.
“Really... You are a bad person.”
He let out a soft sigh and spoke in a regretful voice.
“I guess we need to wake up to reality.”
Duke Seraph slowly raised his hand. At his signal, Elze and Shan gripped their swords tightly. However, neither the knights nor the nobles moved. For a moment, she felt strange at the sight of no one moving. She felt energy from somewhere.
“!!”
The bishops and priests who followed Duke Seraph were all generating divine power. Pure white light enveloped them and rose up. Goosebumps ran down my spine. Elze screamed and ran to them.
"No!!"
But before he could do anything, a pure white divine power poured down on Shan.
Divine power cannot harm living beings. Ines's power to heal and nurture. That was Divine power.
However, there was only one being that could be attacked by such divine power, and that was the demonic beings.
It is said that showing once is more effective than saying a hundred words. Duke Seraph wanted to prove that Shan was a demon by pouring divine power on him. If Shan were to show the world that he was suffering from divine power, the game would be over. No other evidence or argument was needed.
Elze thought about it for a brief moment.
If she strikes the priests and bishops with her sword here, the divine power will stop. However, it would be the same as supporting the fact that Shan is a demon.
Her mind went black. It seemed like she had no choice but to just watch.
But... Elze couldn’t leave Shan alone.
Without hesitation, she threw the rapier and mangosh she was holding onto the floor. Ignoring the clattering sound of metal hitting the floor, she ran towards the white light.
As soon as her body touched the divine power, a soft yet warm feeling spread. However, she didn't have time to feel it. She frantically searched for Shan.
He was in the middle of the light.
He didn't groan even once, even though his flesh was burning all over his body. The moment he screamed in agony, he would be branded with the devil's mark. So, he endured it somehow. Blood flowed out from the corner of his mouth, which was tightly shut due to the pain beyond his limit. Elze ran to Shan and hugged him.
“... !”
Shan, who was writhing in pain, flinched. He opened his eyes that had been tightly shut. His purple eyes stared at Elze.
Elze met Shan's eyes. She saw her pupils, slits wide and simmering with rage.
Shan was now standing on the border.
The energy pulsing inside his body twitched as if it would escape at any moment. If he were to let his guard down even a little, everything would end right there.
Elze simply hugged Shan tightly without saying anything and looked at him without avoiding his gaze.
In the white light, there was only Shan and Elze.
It was a strange feeling to be surrounded by light and stare only at Shan. Strangely, as she locked eyes with him, her mind gradually became more at ease. Her heartbeat, which had been pounding like crazy just a moment ago, gradually calmed down, and her confused mind became calm.
Shan also seemed to feel similar emotions to Elze.
“...”
Shan's energy gradually subsided. The energy that had been running wildly gradually diminished and soon became a level where it slowly hovered. Elze exhaled as she confirmed that a faint smile appeared on his lips.
She had heard from Ilwooz before. The more evil he awakens, the more Shan's appearance will change. However, Shan's pupils remained the same as before. It didn't get any worse.
While Elze was relieved, the light slowly dimmed. Little by little, the surrounding scenery began to come into view. Elze and Shan emerged from the light again and settled into reality. As the two appeared, silence enveloped the surroundings.
“...”
Shan's condition was a mess. Her entire body was blackened as if it had been burned. But what was even more surprising was what happened next. Her burned skin slowly began to regenerate.
Shan could see the gazes directed at him. They were not human eyes. They were all looking at Shan with eyes filled with fear, beyond hostility.
Shan laughed hollowly. Deep inside Shan's head, someone was giggling and whispering.
"It was destined to be like this from the beginning!"
"What did you hope for in your topic?"
"You're paying the price."
"Carry the weight of blood, Shan Cirxus."
The dizzying voice pulled Shan into the abyss. Shan placed his hand on Elze’s shoulder. Then he slowly pushed her away.
“Shan...?”
To Elze, who called her name, Shan spoke firmly.
"Move away."
“...”
Elze's blue eyes trembled slightly. Shan whispered softly to her, who was hurt.
“If you protect me here, you will be treated like a devil.”
Elze's breathing became ragged. A slight trembling was transmitted through the hand that was placed on her shoulder. The shoulder that was held in his hand was round and small.
He didn't want to let go. But he had to. At this moment, Shan realized what it meant to break up because he loved her.
It was a really complicated feeling. Up until now, the emotions Shan had learned from Elze were linear. Shan loved, was angry, was jealous, and was sad.
But now, this was different. It felt like a mixture of all the emotions he had ever learned, but it was a little different.
He absolutely doesn't want to do this...but there are times when he has no choice.
Whether the rebellion succeeded or failed, from now on, Shan Cirxus was a demon who would annihilate the continent. If Shan stood by Elze, Elze would become a witch married to a demon and be stoned. The difficult path she had to walk was easily imagined in her mind.
It couldn't be. The pain was enough for Shan to bear alone. Now was the time to let her go. Shan carefully dropped the hand that was holding Elze's shoulder. And then he spoke softly.
“I... can’t leave you in the dark, too.”
Elze's mouth opened slightly. Her eyes were filled with tears. Her eyes were moist, and her heart ached. Shan pressed her tender chest and called Elze's name.
“Elze.”
And he asked for what might be the last words.
“Tell me you love me.”
Elze opened her eyes wide. The moment she heard Shan's words, something occurred to her.
Fragments of forgotten dreams were pierced into her, sharp pieces. At that moment, Elze let go of Shan's hand, and he was sucked into the darkness alone.
The recollection of memories left alone in the white light was miserable. She never wanted to experience something like that again. Elze's lips trembled. And Elze...
“!!”
He punched Shan in the face. Shan’s head snapped back with a thud. He was hit so suddenly that he grabbed his cheek with his hand and looked at Elze.
Shan, who was looking at Elze in a dazed manner, was embarrassed. Tears were falling from Elze’s eyes. Elze asked Shan, who was out of her mind, a question in a pressing tone.
“Do you love me?”
Shan nodded, not knowing what was going on. Then, Elze burst into tears and screamed.
“But why don’t you know my heart!!”
Shan was stunned by Elze's scream. Elze's words were so shocking that he couldn't even remember the punch he had received.
“I love you too! Just as you love me, I love you too!”
Tears gathered in her blue eyes and rolled down her cheeks.
“But why... as if you were going to leave forever...”
Elze burst into tears. It was the first time he had seen Elze cry so much. She glared at Shan, then wiped away her tears with the back of her hand. Then, with her eyes wide open, she spoke to Shan in a threatening tone.
“Whether you’re the devil or anything, it doesn’t matter to me. So stay by my side.”
Only then did Shan realize how much Elze loved him, how deep that love was, and how wrong it was for her to arbitrarily cut off the relationship and sacrifice herself.
“Say that one more time. Then it won’t end like this.”
Shan slowly nodded at Elze's threat, which was not a threat. Elze reached out her hand to Shan. Shan silently held Elze's hand tightly. The feeling of holding her tightly brought him an indescribable sense of fulfillment. Shan quietly whispered to Elze.
"Sorry."
Elze nodded slightly. After a moment of silence, the two picked up the sword that had fallen on the floor without saying a word.
In Elze's hands were a rapier and a mangosh, and in Shan's hand was a knight's longsword. In front of the couple holding swords side by side, Duke Seraph made a short comment.
“...It’s touching.”
He smiled beautifully and taunted.
“So what are you going to do now? It would be perfect if the couple were to be burned at the stake as a devil and a witch.”
But Duke Seraph's leisurely sarcasm did not last long.
“That won’t happen.”
A clear voice split the room. It was the voice of Ilwooz, who had been lowering his head just a moment ago. He straightened his shoulders and spoke confidently.
“I’m sorry, Elze. It’s embarrassing that you’ve come such a long way because of me.”
A pure white light began to shine from him. The bishops and priests who had denied Ilwooz began to panic at the sight of the clear light. Ilwooz, standing under the stage, looked up at Elze and Shan and said.
“I felt ashamed when I saw the two of you.”
Actually, Ilwooz had just given up.
He thought he had to abandon the devil for the sake of the Savior, or at least make up a lie.
But Elze didn't do that at all. She faced the truth head-on. And she broke through it honestly.
Don't lie. Tell the truth. And persuade with all your might.
Looking at her like that, Ilwooz felt like he had been hit hard in the back of the head by someone.
What good is a thousand years?
Unlike him, who was still shaking like a reed even after spending so much time together, Elze remained firm without any wavering. Ilwooz decided that he too would not waver any longer.
“I won’t hesitate anymore.”
A burst of white light burst out from him on a scale incomparable to the light created by the bishops and priests.
The light rose into a gigantic pillar and soared into the sky. During the surging light that seemed to engulf the entire world, Ilwooz's voice boomed like thunder.
“Listen, you who serve Ines.”
It was something that should have been done from the beginning.
"I declare in the name of Ilwooz, the first servant of Ines."
Just as Shan Cirxus had declared himself a demon, this too had to be declared in the name of Ilwooz.
But the lingering sense of anxiety in his heart had been holding him back. The uncertainty of what might happen was holding his hand. But not anymore.
"The true savior who will save the continent from the devil."
Ilwooz continued speaking in an even clearer tone.
"Erzenes Targayel."
His rainbow-colored eyes sparkled, containing all the light of the world.
[Also, as long as she is by the devil's side, the continent will be at peace without any misfortune.]
And Ilwooz declared with all his heart:
"I swear in the name of Ines!"
The rising pillar of light split into many branches and flew in all directions like shooting stars. At the same time, a brilliant light bloomed behind Elze and Shan. It was not a temporary halo created by sunlight but a true radiance.
In a moment of amazing miracle, Elze and Shan looked at each other for a moment. And at the same time, they looked at Duke Seraph.
The expression on Duke Seraph's face was indescribably grim. With the light of the Holy Ilwooz on their backs, the Targayel couple smiled in triumph.
The two men straightened their swords. The two swords were aimed straight at Duke Seraph. Elze met the tips of her swords with Shan and opened her mouth.
“Enoch Seraph.”
And he spoke confidently to the Duke Seraph, who had turned pale.
“False savior, will you just get out of here?”
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