The next day, they prepared to head to the city of Grandburg. Although Grandburg directly bordered Heinburg, being the oldest city in the empire, it displayed noticeable differences from Heinburg.
Grandburg was under the jurisdiction of the three largest churches: Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter. While other churches existed, these three held the most influence.To reach Grandburg, they only needed a three-hour walk from the city center to the border.In the center of Heinburg, Erin returned in her traveler's attire, similar to what she wore when they went to Delburg."Your hair is longer?" Alden noticed Erin's small change.Erin touched her hair, gently stroking it, and said, "Will it be a hindrance in battle?"Alden shook his head, "Don't ask me, you're the one who will feel it.""But I think as long as you stay behind during battles, it won't be a bother, You're a Spell Caster after all," Alden added, offering a bit of ad"But, there's something strange about the incident in Delburg. Two Guardians on duty died there, but it seems the issue was resolved by someone before a large group of Guardians was sent there.""If it's not a party of Guardians, then it should be related to a Traveler's party.""Yes, that's also a possibility."…For the first time, Alden heard news about what happened in Coastal Village after they left the village in quite a mess. He understood the suspicions arising among the Guardians in the bar.The Dark Soul that appeared then was indeed a second-floor Dark Soul but had been blessed with intelligence by Conine The Disease. Besides, Cyro, a Dark Soul from the fifth floor and a direct subordinate of Conine The Disease, was also involved. If not for Erin's formidable power that could affect Cyro through the Rune, Alden wouldn't have been able to defeat him in his condition at that time. Moreover, Cyro wasn't using his original body, ma
Alden refrained from retaliating and simply observed the unexpected guest. Unfortunately, the mysterious figure remained concealed in the darkness, and Spell Flame alone wasn't sufficient for a clear view."This energy belongs to a Dark Soul," Black Orb warned.With slow and casual steps, the figure entered the range of the Flame Spell's light. The person seemed to have a humanoid posture, and Alden might not have known if Black Orb hadn't informed him that it was a Dark Soul."I can't see any Dark Soul energy from her at all," Alden mumbled.In Alden's eyes, there was no black energy circulating, as typically seen with Dark Souls. However, Black Orb's advanced detection capabilities allowed it to sense the truth behind the woman's disguise.She wore tight black clothing with a hood intentionally covering her face. Despite the lack of visible features, her body suggested that she was a woman.The curves from bottom to top exuded
Alden brought the Elf woman into the lower district. Carrying her on his back, he traversed the dirty and deserted streets."Why are you bringing her? From her reaction, it's clear she has a conflict with Darbend The Eclipse. Didn't I warn you not to get involved with the Emperor's affairs any further?" Black Orb scolded.Alden listened calmly to Black Orb's complaints. At least, thanks to the sudden appearance of the previous guardians, he had time to calm down.It was true that interacting with individuals connected to the Dark Soul Emperors was clearly dangerous, especially when it involved Darbend The Eclipse, who led the Emperors. "You let me get involved with Conine The Disease before; why not now?" he questioned coldly."That was a different case! Getting involved with Conine The Disease might be dangerous, but he's still in hibernation and can't harm you for a long time. It's different when it comes to Darbend The Eclipse!" Black Orb still
"Lord Allen, what will you do?" Riven said with determination and hope.Alden observed the hopeful expression on Riven's face and sensed an opportunity. "You can enter the Dark Dimension anytime, right?" he asked.Riven furrowed her brows, seemingly haunted by terrible memories of that place. She nodded as a positive response, saying, "Only to the sixth and first floors."Alden smiled, feeling satisfied with her answer. "Join me. I assure you, at some point, your vengeance will be fulfilled," he declared with manipulative undertones.Bound to the chair, Riven clearly felt a glimmer of hope. "Is he willing to help me seek revenge? If it's Lord Allen, it must be possible!" She united her thoughts, finding a long-awaited glimmer of hope."But, you must know that I am not Allen The Fate," Alden stated with a cold smile.Riven was taken aback, her face filled with worry. The hope she glimpsed before seemed to vanish. She just stared a
The next day, as planned, Alden and Erin entered the Lower District area of Grandburg. The newly risen sun had not fully illuminated the area, perhaps due to the dust in the air preventing the sunlight from fully penetrating."Where were you last night?" Erin asked, puzzled. The previous night, she knocked on the room Alden had booked, but there was no response.Alden looked at Erin gently and replied, "To find this." He said while holding up the painting.Erin wasn't surprised anymore, as Alden often took matters into his own hands. She quickly understood, "Is that the Dark Soul Seed?" she asked.Alden nodded.Normally, an ordinary person could distinguish a Dark Soul Seed approaching the Gate formation stage. However, according to Black Orb, they still had two hours before the Gate fully opened.They had time to prepare and find a suitable location.While walking, the gaze of the district's residents always fell on the
Guided by Alden, Erin stepped into the Gate. The cold wind, seemingly blowing through the bluish-black circulation, made Erin shiver slightly.But, seeing Alden's calm expression, she quickly reassured herself that there was no danger.They entered the Gate.The scenery changed; the previously dim sun was now entirely gone. Their feet stepped on hard mud, which cracked as they walked. Erin looked around; it was genuinely an enclosed space.And the atmosphere around her turned grim, heavy, and melancholic. "Is this the Dark Dimension?" Erin wondered.Alden observed Erin's reactions gradually. "No problem," Alden mumbled in his mind. His other purpose in having Erin enter the Gate was to see what reaction the Dorm The Savage's power would have.Considering it was just a nest and not an open Dark Dimension field, Alden was confident that even if the Dorm The Savage's power reacted, he could handle it. Seeing no change in Erin, Alden
After making preparations, they set off towards the northern part of the Grandburg city.Entering the desolate area after leaving the urban region, dense forests flanked both sides. Besides the path they followed, there were no signs of hustle and bustle. If they continued on this path heading north, they would eventually reach Baldam, the northern edge of the Devon Empire.About a kilometer away from Grandburg, they stopped with the intention of making this place their training ground.Erin complained, "This is even farther than the western forest in Heinburg!"Alden smirked, "The western forest in Heinburg is still within the city limits. Remember that I'll be teaching you a Saint-level Spell." Alden provided clarification to Erin.Erin nodded resignedly. Knowing that generally, Saint-level magic was of a destructive nature, and practicing it near settlements was clearly unsuitable. It would attract the Guardians.Leaving the b
"Ugh, why is this village closed?" Gideon asked in a friendly tone.Frank turned again to his companion, then sighed deeply. "Haven't you heard the news? It seems the Dark Soul from the second floor attempted an evil ritual in this village, but it was completely stopped. However, because all the residents died as a result, the village was closed." He explained.Gideon glanced up at Master Dorm. With his index finger and thumb on his chin, Master Dorm smiled. "Gideon, take me in!"Gideon took a short breath hearing Master Dorm's words. On the other side, Frank looked at Master Dorm cynically, seeing him as a mischievous kid."Okay," said Gideon. He stepped forward, completely ignoring the presence of the Guardian, and crossed the boundary."Sir, what are you doing!? This is a restricted area. Even though the problem inside has been completely resolved, according to air quality reports, it is still contaminated!" Frank tried to stop Gideon.