thebusnovel Chapter 478
Chapter 478
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Chapter 478
At the time when the Pascallia Imperial Palace was in chaos, busy with the aftermath.
The Archangel Gabriel, without hesitation, stabbed the writhing lump of flesh before him with a sword of light and broke it down.
“I didn’t expect it to move this hastily.”
It was clearly good news, but his expression wasn’t.
“To swallow it before the seed of the Martial God sprouts, even at the cost of losses… It must have been quite afraid, huh?”
If one analyzed the behavioral patterns of the Outer God Yog, this incident was undeniably an abnormal and hasty move.
A being that simply drifted through other-dimensional universes, devouring whatever it encountered.
A creature that committed pure destruction without any schemes—that was Yog.
But its current actions blatantly gave the impression that it feared the emergence of a natural enemy and intended to devour it before it could be born.
Was that urgency?
Or was even that merely the play of pure malice?
The die had been cast, and whether they liked it or not, one side would have to bear an enormous penalty from this.
At that moment, behind Gabriel, the Archangel Kamael descended.
“Lord Gabriel.”
“How did it go?”
“It’s all been taken care of. There will be no further offensives against the Pascallia Empire.”
Originally, archangels do not interfere in human affairs.
They only step in when there is an external threat that endangers the continent itself, or a massive systemic problem.
So while this situation might appear strange, from the perspective of the archangels, it was only natural.
Because this was not a war between human nations.
“What about the Pinas Archipelago?”
“We couldn’t approach it, but we confirmed that a part of its body is coiling around that place. Unless it’s Leon Cascadia or Raphael, if other humans set foot there…”
“They’ll either go mad or be completely assimilated. That disgusting monster.”
Contamination potent enough to corrupt even archangels.
In truth, it wasn’t that enduring it was impossible.
There would be other methods.
But such expenditure was undesirable.
“Shouldn’t we go and inform him?”
“He already knows. That approaching the Pinas Archipelago is suicide.”
“Unilateral defense…”
“There’s no need to step into the enemy’s maw until we find a method.”
If at least someone had survived, it might have been worth considering.
But unfortunately, the Pinas Archipelago was currently…
“Kamael.”
“Yes.”
“What is that?”
Gabriel narrowed his eyes as he looked at the headband in Kamael’s hand.
“A gift for Lady Elpiria.”
“I see.”
Of course, for the archangels, something just as important as maintaining the balance of the world was Elpiria.
* * *
After Bigfoot’s annihilation, the commotion in the imperial palace gradually subsided.
It was unreasonable to immediately resume the conference, and since those who had witnessed the incident firsthand could not treat it as someone else’s problem, the leaders of each nation stayed in their respective quarters instead of returning home, waiting to reconvene the international conference.
After briefly returning to Cascadia to check on Elpiria’s condition, I came back with Luna, and the one who blocked my path was none other than Princess Yustina.
Still at an age where, let alone love, everything in the world seemed fascinating.
In truth, considering her age, she would be around the upper grades of elementary school, but she was particularly prone to acting spoiled.
Born into a noble bloodline and the youngest daughter, she must have received plenty of indulgence.
Well, there are plenty of people over twenty who act far more childish.
So rather than feeling burdened, it felt more like watching a cute child.
“Prince!”
“Your Highness. I am not a prince. If that causes a misunderstanding, it could lead to serious problems…”
“Mm… Can’t I just call you Prince?”
She felt very different from Princess Eilena.
Unlike Eilena, who was in her late teens, Yustina was a young and innocent girl barely in her early teens.
“It’s a story where a prince on a white horse saves a princess. I’m a princess. So that makes you a prince.”
She held my hand tightly and spoke with sparkling eyes, and I let out a faint smile.
“Your Highness. I’m over twenty years old.”
“That’s a lie. You’re even shorter than me.”
Indeed.
My current height was about that of a five-year-old.
That meant I was smaller than even the still-childlike princess.
It hadn’t been long, so it made sense I hadn’t returned to normal yet—but when would I?
A sense of duty to vent this frustration on Melissa when I returned to Cascadia welled up inside me.
“Here! A promise! When we grow up in ten years, we’ll get married then, okay?”
She smiled brightly and extended her pinky finger.
Do they have a culture of pinky promises in Pascallia?
[It is judged to be the influence of adventure-type games embedded within the Paradise Artifact.]
Ah, right.
I must’ve put something like that into the story.
Considering the Emperor was an avid fan of the Paradise Artifact, it wasn’t that strange.
I glanced at Luna.
Why aren’t you saying anything?
Do something about this.
When I shot her that look, she snickered.
“Ten years, huh. Interesting. Even after a hundred years, not a chance.”
However, despite her words, she didn’t seem to have any intention of saving me.
To begin with, she didn’t even see Princess Eilena or Lispa Eldé as rivals.
Well, even I thought so.
It would be ridiculous for Luna to get angry over some eight-year-old saying, “Let’s get married later!”
Still, this wasn’t just some village child—it was the princess of an empire.
That made it rather chilling.
After chattering away about her own stories, she laughed cheerfully, saying we should take a walk in the garden together tomorrow, and left.
At that rate, she’d probably get along well with Grivy.
Elpiria was too young, and there was quite an age gap with Arsha.
At that moment, faint voices of conversation could be heard from afar.
“Big sister!”
“Yustina. You’re not hurt anywhere, are you?”
“Yeah, the prince saved me.”
“Really? Yustina, listen carefully.”
“Yeah?”
“If you covet someone your sister likes, you’re a bad girl.”
At that, Luna burst out laughing mockingly.
“Hmm… Sister. Do you perhaps like younger boys?”
If not for the words that followed.
“Wh—What are you saying! That’s not it!”
“But the prince is smaller than me.”
“Uh… well. You just don’t understand. Instructor Leon just became younger temporarily. And he’s not a prince—call him ‘Young Master’ in formal settings. As royalty, you must maintain decorum. Understood? Now, promise.”
“Mm… That’s a lie! I don’t believe you!”
With that, Princess Yustina ran off laughing brightly, while Princess Eilena chased after her, calling out.
Seeing that, it really did feel like even royalty were still just people.
Luna and I burst into laughter for quite a while.
The guards following behind Eilena and Yustina silently trailed the two girls.
Among them, the one who had supposedly abandoned Princess Yustina was nowhere to be seen.
* * *
The conference hall was being guarded with far stricter procedures than before.
The number of personnel alone had more than tripled, and mages were constantly moving about, layering alarm and defensive spells without rest.
At present, I was heading to the conference hall with Luna, escorting Princess Bata.
However, the Pascallia Emperor and others were already gathered there.
“Elders?”
The beautiful woman smiling brightly and waving at me—known as the pinnacle archer bearing the title of Star—was Yuhav Redis.
Once, when many Stars had become obsessed with enhancing their weapons because of me, she had cleanly swooped in and secured high-level enhancements—one fortunate individual.
Beside her were Spear Star Bellion, the previously seen Earth Star and Light Star, and also Azure Star Algran Tevne, whom I had met in the Spirit Corridor.
Sword Saint Osberg was, of course, present, arms crossed and eyes closed.
He looked like he was deep in thought, but I knew better.
That old man was dozing off.
There was one more person.
Clad in attire from the Eastern Continent.
The aura of strength emanating from within told me he bore the title of Star.
From the Anhyun Clan of the Eastern Continent.
Originally one of the Nine Great Clans, but having broken away from the alliance to stand independent…
The greatest under heaven of the Eastern Continent.
Fist Saint, the True Man Who Shatters Heaven—Yoo Sowon.
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But I had heard that both Sage Star Kael Groven and Fist Saint Yoo Sowon had refrained from external activities for quite some time.
So why was he here?
A question arose.
“You’ve come. Thank you for your consideration, Princess Bata.”
“It’s nothing. For the peace of the continent.”
As Princess Bata nodded to me, I sat beside her with a complicated expression.
Originally, it wasn’t a seat for an escort.
It couldn’t be helped.
I wasn’t here as an escort.
Naturally, the empty escort position was filled by Luna.
Still, in a place like this, Luna and I stood out.
To anyone’s eyes, we looked like a small young girl and a woman who seemed to possess no combat ability whatsoever.
“A child? Who are that child and that woman?”
Since it was his first time meeting me, Fist Saint’s question was natural.
When he quietly asked Spear Star Bellion beside him, Bellion chuckled.
“A monster with a tag on it.”
“A monster? Hm.”
He stared at me intently.
As if trying to discern something.
A mind master.
Honestly, it was a level that was astonishing.
As I always thought, in a human’s short lifespan, it was extremely rare to surpass even Sword Master.
There simply wasn’t enough time, no matter the talent.
“I believe this is our first meeting, Fist Saint. I am Leon Cascadia. And this is my wife, Luna Basillin Raphaelia.”
Unlike the Eastern Continent humans in my memory who were full of unpleasant traits, what would this Fist Saint be like?
He looked at me with slightly surprised eyes and asked,
“Wife? What is your age?”
“Around twenty.”
“Hm? Rejuvenation?”
“No. It’s due to an artifact—his body is temporarily like that, so don’t mind it.”
As Sword Saint Osberg slowly opened his eyes and spoke, he finally nodded in understanding.
“I see. Understood. However, for you to be present here means…”
“That’s right. That brat knows the situation better than anyone.”
Then the doors opened, and Emperor Credos entered, maintaining a restrained demeanor.
“I express my deepest regrets regarding this incident, Emperor of Pascallia.”
“Haha. Your regrets are well received. Please, be seated.”
At that, Emperor Credos glanced at me, smirked, and took his seat.
“You refused the title of Star.”
“I was summoned, after all.”
“Indeed. Well, what use would such a title be to you anyway.”
After that, the leaders of nations began to gather one by one.
Most of them looked around the hall, startled by the assembly of Stars, and then looked at me and were startled once more.
Some couldn’t take their eyes off Luna.
Most were young royalty attending in place of aging kings.
“Good heavens… she’s beautiful.”
“Who is that woman? Princess Bata’s escort was supposed to be…”
“Hm? He’s sitting over there.”
“Why is the escort sitting there? What is going on…”
Luna drew attention, but so did I.
No one here was blind—they had all seen me send Bigfoot flying with Pragarach.
Once everyone had gathered, silence fell as if by prior agreement.
Within that atmosphere, the Pascallia Emperor rose.
“It was a meaningful day.”
After a brief silence, he began lightly.
But the emotion in his voice was infinitely heavy.
“The continent, once rife with conflict, has finally begun to unite over a long period of time. The international conference began for that very reason. Because we are humans with intellect. Because we know goodness and compassion. The bloodshed born of further greed must come to an end.”
Instead of battle and plunder—trade and exchange.
Accepting each other’s differences and respecting each other’s cultures.
In truth, it was a starting point of peace close to a miracle.
There were still conflicts now, but compared to the past where tens of thousands would die at the drop of a hat…
“However, the Pinas Archipelago thought differently.”
No one spoke.
As time passed and the chaos settled, those gathered here showed the composure of leaders or their representatives.
“They did not abandon their desire to conquer the continent. Even so, I believed. That through dialogue, they would one day change. That the Pinas Archipelago would join hands with us and usher in an age of peace.”
But that did not happen.
“Their answer was war. And they began to employ beings that could threaten humanity itself.”
With that, the Pascallia Emperor looked at the Stars.
A whisper was heard.
“Most of the Stars are present. As expected. Is it because of the nations involved?”
“But… that person—isn’t he Fist Saint? Why is he here…?”
The Eastern Continent was currently embroiled in civil war and did not participate in the international union at all.
Thus, unlike the other Stars, the presence of Yoo Sowon raised questions.
“That is why I have summoned the Stars. The title of Star is granted to the absolute authority of each field, recognized by all nations. Their duty transcends national matters—when a being appears that threatens humanity, demi-humans, all life… they act. That is their purpose.”
He walked steadily to the center.
“You all saw it. The one-eyed giant that attacked the imperial palace. What did it appear to be in your eyes?”
“That was…”
“A monster. A being against which even a Sword Master could not foresee victory… was it a Demon Beast King?”
The murmuring grew louder.
Bang!!
The Emperor struck the floor with the staff in his hand.
“I do not know its exact identity. However, one thing is certain—it is far too alien, too powerful, and its origin too deep to be called a mere Demon Beast King. There is no choice but to ask directly the one who knows it well.”
At last, he looked at me.
There had been prior notice, so it wasn’t sudden.
I knew it would come to this.
Letting out a short sigh, I rose from my seat.
The problem was…
“Pfft…”
I was too short—once I stepped down from the chair, I couldn’t see over the table.
My reduced body was more inconvenient than I had expected.
This place hadn’t been designed with a five-year-old in mind.
I was even shorter than a dwarf.
At that, Luna approached, slipped her arms under my armpits, and lifted me.
I slowly climbed onto the table and lightly jumped down to the center.
Why is there a child here?
Who is that child?
There were no such gazes.
No one here was blind.
They had all clearly seen what my thrown spear had done—and how I had slain that thing with my sword.
“The one who defeated that monster…”
“Who in the world is he?”
At someone’s mutter, the Pascallia Emperor spoke.
“You all saw him during the attack. Then who is he? I believe this—before raising the credibility of his words, we must first reveal what kind of person he is. Those who can prove and vouch for him, step forward.”
At those words, Emperor Credos spoke first.
“He is the benefactor of Boscal, my close friend, and a man to whom I personally offered the title of Star.”
The murmuring grew louder.
The act of recommending someone for the title of Star carried great meaning.
Next, Sword Saint Osberg spoke calmly.
“As for his strength, the Stars will guarantee it. He is strong enough to fight at least three Stars and still win. Before even reaching twenty, he slew a Kraken, and he has quietly exterminated monsters threatening the continent.”
Gasps erupted everywhere.
This was one of the first times I had stood in such a public setting with everyone gathered—it felt strange.
After exchanging glances with Spear Star Bellion, Azure Star Algran Tevne, the great spirit master, spoke next.
“On behalf of the Spirit Corridor, not as a Star, I guarantee it. He single-handedly subdued a rampaging Spirit King and saved countless people caught in that incident.”
“A Spirit King?!”
“My word… so those rumors were true?”
Next came the Holy Kingdom.
But it was someone different from before.
“He is one who receives the blessing of the archangels. As he seemed unwilling, we refrained from mentioning it. But as the saying goes, a sharp awl will always pierce through a sack. Whatever his testimony may be, the Holy Kingdom will vouch for him.”
Rumors were no longer rumors.
But at this point, Princess Bata’s expression darkened.
Others knew so much about me, yet she realized how little she herself knew.
Unfortunately, from my perspective, I had hidden things to avoid causing trouble.
As multiple figures stepped forward to vouch for me, I could feel the surprise and curiosity in their gazes.
Some of those gazes seemed to say—
Surely, there isn’t more, right?
Even if no one spoke, it felt as though that sentiment lingered.
At that moment, the doors of the conference hall burst open, and two figures appeared.
“Who are they?”
“Apologies for the delay. We came riding a Hyper Griffin, but the Dragon Forge was quite busy, so we were late.”
“Nice to meet you. I am Triana Bel Trigard, attending as a representative of the Mother Forest.”
Even though their existence was known, their exchanges were extremely rare—so everyone showed surprise at the presence of elves as well.
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