Chapter 240: Chapter 147: Let the World Feel Pain (Three-in-One)
"That is... what?" someone murmured in the Inner City District’s square.
The jubilant noise of the crowd awaiting the founding ceremony gradually faded, then eventually disappeared.
Everyone silently looked up, their gazes fixed on the figure in the red-clouded black robe slowly ascending into the distant sky. Within the borders of Escarnia, everyone knew what that robe represented. It was a totem, a deified symbol.
"Cain?" someone else murmured.
But the speaker was quickly and loudly refuted by a soldier in silver armor. "Absurd! Cain perished long ago in the battle at the Valley of the End! His death was personally confirmed by His Majesty and several Legendary Rank Knights of the Round Table. How could there be a mistake? This is just an impostor dressed like Cain, a thief who has rashly intruded."
"However," that soldier also looked up, his eyes resting on the figure in midair.
He was a soldier who had once followed the Knight King into many battles, fighting Abyss Demons firsthand. Although his own rank wasn’t particularly high, his 2-Ring strength meant his spiritual power far surpassed that of an ordinary civilian. In his spiritual perception, the figure above exuded a vast and soul-capturing aura. Such a presence was incomparable even to the Titled Rank legion commander of his own army. Only the few Legendary Rank Knights of the Round Table he had glimpsed could compare.
Is this impostor also a Legendary? he wondered. Are they remnants of Despicable King Vortigern that haven’t been eradicated? Or perhaps a powerhouse sent by another nation on the continent, aiming to seize the land of Escarnia? What does this thief intend to do, appearing just as the founding ceremony is about to begin?
Such thoughts made the soldier panic, but he soon calmed his troubled mind.
The Empire today was no longer the fledgling force it once was. It had been initially assembled from a ragtag band of stragglers, struggling to field even one Legendary warrior, and barely eking out an existence between the forces of the Dawn Church and Vortigern. As the saying goes, turbulent times breed heroes. Years of bloody conflict had forged a truly battle-hardened army. Today’s Empire was the true master of this land, unafraid of any enemy or challenge.
As if responding to the hopes of the people and soldiers, several equally strong spiritual powers suddenly emanated from the center of the Inner City District. Then, streaks of light surged from the Royal Palace, piercing the heavens.
"It’s the Knights of the Round Table!"
"If I’m not mistaken, those should be Gareth, Tristan, and Agarvain—all have reached Legendary Rank!"
"I knew it!"
"For such a grave matter, the Knights of the Round Table would surely step in to drive away the thief!"
High above in the sky, three streaks of light paused, revealing the armored figures of knights. Some rode majestic and fearsome griffins. Others had summoned Element Fairy-type Pet Beasts, using wind attribute Skills to ride the air. The three Legendary Round Table Knights, whose fearsome reputations had been forged across the entire continent, took up a triangular battle formation, encircling the figure in the black, red-clouded robe. As Legendaries, they all possessed the ability to float or fly, their battles not confined to the ground.
"Your Excellency, welcome to the Empire’s founding ceremony," Tristan, leading the group, began as he materialized his armaments. "However, I am unsure of your intentions..."
With a slight movement of the reins, the massive winged dragon he rode—which clearly possessed high-purity Dragon blood—beat its wings. This kicked up a wild storm as it edged slightly closer to the central figure. Tristan was also unaware of the stranger’s purpose, but from the individual resembling Cain, he sensed a threat as formidable as himself. Since the stranger had yet to reveal his intentions, Tristan was not inclined to engage in direct combat. He preferred diplomacy before resorting to force.
What if this person is an envoy from another country who simply doesn’t understand the proper etiquette?
However, before Tristan could speak further, he saw the figure in the Robe of Daybreak turn slightly.
Being surrounded by three fully armed Legendary Round Table Knights, accustomed to fighting side-by-side in such a synchronized battle formation, presented a great risk to any Legendary who had not yet ascended to the Throne. A moment’s carelessness could lead to their demise. Being trapped in such a triangular formation offered no chance of escape.
Yet, the mysterious person dressed like Cain remained unperturbed from start to finish. He simply waited in silence for the three to close in and for the battle formation to be complete. Then, with indifferent eyes behind his whirlpool mask, he slowly scanned the trio.
"Gareth, Tristan, and Agarvain," the indifferent words came from beneath the whirlpool mask. "For such an incident to occur during the Empire’s most important ceremony... If that Gorilla Knight were still here, he would have undoubtedly rushed out impatiently to battle by now."