Chapter 500

Why on earth do the gods grant their divinity for things like this?

Ian inwardly clicked his tongue but kept his eyes fixed on the commander, whose brows were furrowed. The man's reaction would determine a great deal moving forward. This was, in a sense, the first critical step.

It was also one of the reasons Ian hadn't stopped Lucia from stepping forward, unlike his usual self. If he just clenched his teeth and endured a moment of pain, he would be able to find out many things upon his return.

"The one behind me is a holy warrior of the Stern Goddess, one blessed by the Prosperous Goddess and the Burning Goddess. The chosen one who rejected the goddesses' revelations."

Regardless of his inner thoughts, Lucia was faithfully carrying out her role. Speaking in a voice that spread with powerful heat, she took a step to the side and extended her left arm as if to present Ian.

Her actions felt larger and more exaggerated than usual, likely to make sure everyone on the wall could see clearly. Of course, she could have just been enjoying herself.

"The savior of the frontier and the final punisher of the giant kingdom, the Dragon Slayer who pierced the heart of the evil dragon, and the enforcer of the west who purified corruption and plague."

In any case, as Lucia continued, the commander's expression completely changed. He was now staring blankly at Ian, his button-like eyes wide open. But Ian could tell it wasn't just surprise. He saw disbelief and doubt swirling in those eyes as well.

"The true Great Warrior of the North, and the ruler of the snowfields who governs ten thousand barbarians. The god-slayer who killed the descended avatar of chaos, and the guardian of the northern front."

And it was the same for the soldiers lined up on the wall. Though their faces were covered with hoods, it was easy enough to guess their expressions just from their exposed eyes. Even the orcs couldn't take their eyes off Ian's face now.

So my name's made it all the way to the South.

Maintaining a blank expression, Ian was inwardly certain. It even seemed they didn't just know his name. They all seemed to know what had happened to him.

Meanwhile, Lucia, who had slowly looked over the silent wall, raised her voice. "The one and only official Agent of the Great Platinum Dragon and the one who inherited the blessing of the Sacred Blood. And now, the Superhuman who is also a returnee from the black land demonic realm that lies beyond the Black Wall, Sir Ian Hope!"

God, it's so damn long.

As Lucia's voice echoed, Ian finally let out a silent, dry laugh. What was more absurd than the fact that much had been omitted was that it didn't seem to be over yet.

Ian had told her ahead of time to keep any mention of the black land to a minimum and just observe the situation for now. Lucia had agreed, though she'd made no effort to hide her disappointment. It had been a quiet way of saying: let it go, unless absolutely necessary.

But judging by the way she acted, it was clear she'd taken it as a sign to wait, watch carefully, and then decide for herself, because she hadn't lowered her still-raised left arm, nor had she stepped back.

She was likely waiting for their reaction. Of course, the silence that had fallen over the frontline fortress did not easily disappear. Everyone was simply staring at Lucia and Ian, submerged in shock and disbelief.

"Why are you all just watching like that?" asked Lucia, breaking the silence.

Her hooded cloak, which had been billowing as if alive, billowed more intensely and spread open. Heat was already shimmering from her entire body like a haze.

"Everyone, lower your weapons and show proper courtesy!"

At Lucia's stern rebuke, a silent ripple spread across the wall. The soldiers, as if time that had stopped had started to flow again, began to look at each other. And then, one by one, they began to lower their weapons.

"W-Wait a minute!" shouted the stiffened commander, shaking his head with a start.

Blinking his thick eyelids repeatedly, he added, "The one… behind you. Is he really the Superhuman of the North? The one who went missing during the last erosion… that very one?"

His voice was tinged more with shock than disbelief. And it was clearly the reaction Lucia had been waiting for.

"That is correct," Lucia answered without a hint of hesitation. She straightened her raised arm and glanced at Ian with a look that seemed to be asking for permission.

Though he clenched his jaw, Ian gave a slight nod. There didn't seem to be any hostile orders or rumors circulating about the Platinum Dragon or himself. It would also help skip the tedious process that was bound to follow.

"The Superhuman who judged the demons wandering the demonic realm and saved the survivors," said Lucia immediately, smiling.

She then turned her head forward. "Furthermore, he subjugated the great archdemon Inaskurgl and the desert archdemon Yanar Tash, thus settling the South's long-held grudge."

She raised her right hand, which had been hanging loosely, above her head. A black-covered book with a gold-embroidered crest was revealed. Ian's official documentation, issued by the Empire.

"Greet the benefactor of the South and the hero of the Empire with all due respect."

The commander gave no reply. He simply stood there, frozen, mouth agape. It wasn't just Lucia's words that had overwhelmed him. He had recognized the document in her hand and where it had been issued.

Fortunately, this silence did not last long.

Clank, clatter—

One by one, the soldiers began lowering their weapons and dropping to one knee. A wave of soldiers, crumbling as they kneeled on one knee, rippled across the wall.

"Ju-Just a moment, please!" Shouting a beat late, the commander turned around in a hurry.

By the time he disappeared beyond the wall with somewhat waddling movements, all the soldiers were already kneeling on one knee toward Ian, their heads bowed. Their eyes still wide with shock, as if mentally repeating everything they'd just heard.

"Phew." Lucia, finally lowering her left arm, looked back. The divinity in her eyes had subsided, and a relieved smile was on her lips.

Well, at least you are satisfied. That's enough.

Ian silently licked his lips. Since everyone was bowing their heads, there was no need to hide it.

"That seemed to work perfectly," Diana whispered from the side.

Scanning the top of the wall with a strange expression, she added. "From the looks of it, they haven't forgotten those archdemons either."

Ian just gave a slight nod.

Coincidentally, all the archdemons he killed were deeply related to the South. If rumors had spread, that could win him some favor from the southerners. Given he might soon be wanted by the Empire or the Church, laying groundwork like this wasn't a bad idea.

Though the beastfolks might want my head for it.

As Ian recalled the black-furred beastfolk warrior woman, the sealed gate finally began to rise.

Rumble—-

Before the wall was even fully raised, the commander, mounted on a warhorse, came rushing out. He seemed to have had no mind to bring an escort, as he was rushing down the slope alone.

How does he even ride a horse with that body?

The warhorse skidded to a halt beside Lucia. The commander, almost rolling off the horse, ran in front of her. He took off the helmet that barely covered his face and tucked it under his left arm.

"A holy warrior of the Radiant Goddess, and a loyal sword of His Majesty the Emperor."

Breathing a little heavily, he kneeled on one knee in the Imperial fashion. "Billion Odenkurg, commander of Lavani Fortress, at your service."

"A pleasure to meet you, Sir Billion," Lucia replied and extended the certificate she had been holding. "Receive the Agent of the Saint's certificate."

"Glory to the radiant light…"

Billion received the certificate respectfully with both hands, even bending one knee slightly. Then, as he opened the book, his light brown eyes wavered.

"Oh, Lu Solar…" A low exclamation followed.

It was unclear whether it was because he had confirmed Ian's name or because the Emperor's golden seal was stamped at the end of the certificate. What was clear was that he had the expression of someone who had discovered a treasure.

So that's how it is.

A faint line formed on Ian's lips. Soon, Billion, who had carefully folded the certificate again, turned his gaze. He looked up at Ian as if witnessing a living legend—or a noble spirit descended from a myth.

Then he dropped to one knee again and shouted, "We celebrate the return of the great hero! Glory to the radiant light, His Majesty the Emperor, and the Agent of the Saint!"

Just as one of Ian's eyes was about to twitch, a thunderous shout followed.

"Glory be!"

"Glory be!"

The soldiers, kneeling on one knee on the wall, shouted in unison. Not just Diana, but Lucia too looked back at the wall, surprised.

I really can't get used to this.

As Moro snorted, Ian, who had let out a small sigh, said, "Rise. And return the certificate to the Priestess."

"Yes! Agent of the Saint!"

"You can stop shouting."

Big guy's got some lungs on him.

Billion sprang to his feet and promptly handed the certificate back to Lucia.

"By any chance, was the Black Wall also… destroyed by you?"

Instead of answering, Lucia met Billion's eyes.

Billion, glancing at Ian, twitched his thick cheeks and added, "That dazzling golden lightning and the dawn light symbolize the Great Platinum Dragon—"

"This doesn't seem to be the place to talk about it." Ian cut him off.

As Billion paused, he added, "We've come a long way, and we haven't even passed through the gate yet."

"My thoughts were short." Billion quickly bowed his head. Sweat was spreading on his forehead. "I will escort you inside. As a token of celebrating your safe return, I will prepare a humble banquet—"

"Let's talk about that step by step. Don't we have proper procedures to finish before that?"

He hadn't intended to sound threatening, but Billion's forehead instantly became drenched with sweat. Soon, he turned his body with a disciplined face.

"I will escort you immediately." He took a step and, grasping the reins of his warhorse, looked back at Lucia. Lucia, who had exchanged a look with Ian, readily mounted his warhorse.

Clop, clop—

Moro, who had been holding its head stiffly, began to move.

Ian's gaze shifted to the gate ahead. The soldiers on the wall still hadn't moved, all kneeling in perfect silence.

It does feel like I'm back.

Clicking his tongue briefly, Ian adjusted the reins. Despite his thoughts, he kept his expression blank as he passed through the gate and entered the inner castle beyond.

***

"So…"

In the office. Billion, sitting at his desk, mumbled his lips as if in a difficult position. The reason his beard was soaked with sweat was not just because he was sitting opposite the Superhuman of the North.

"You mean to say that you cannot divulge the detailed information about what you experienced beyond the wall?"

Despite having mentioned the proper procedures, Ian, as soon as they sat down, had bluntly stated that he could not comply with the investigation.

"That is correct," said Ian, finally.

The delay in his response was due to the wine in his hand. It was wine from Borta. Just one sip was enough to make his eyes fly open. No doubt he wasn't the only one who felt that way.

Because Lucia and Diana, sitting opposite each other at the side table behind him, were also holding their wine glasses to their lips without even making a sound. It was an undignified act, but fortunately, Billion was in no state to pay attention to them.

"With all due respect, Agent of the Saint, according to military law…"

"I know. One must confirm the identity of all who pass through the gate and investigate their movements and destination." Ian answered calmly, his gaze not leaving the wine in his glass.

Billion hesitated, then cautiously added, "Of course, if it were up to me, I would like to skip all the procedures… but a special order has been given to strengthen the alert on all front line fortresses. Of course, no exceptions can be made."

"Excellent. Your sense of responsibility, sir, will be an example to all commanders." Ian, who had nodded readily, finally took a sip of wine and added, "But there are exceptions to everything in the world. Especially if it's a royal order."

"Pfft. Cough…"

Before he even finished the sentence, Lucia sputtered and coughed, nearly choking on her wine. She glanced sidelong at Ian, trying to compose her face.

Though he had mentioned it in passing, she must not have expected Ian to really mention the royal order so blatantly. Falsely claiming a royal order was an unpardonable crime—punishable by death, no exceptions.

Diana and Billion were also looking at him in surprise.

Billion, who had been watching Ian nonchalantly take another sip of wine, finally asked, "What royal order… are you referring to?"

"His Majesty personally sent me to the northern front. And he ordered me to return to the royal palace and report directly on all major incidents and circumstances that occurred in the process. But as you know…"

Bringing the glass to his mouth, Ian added, "I ended up crossing the Black Wall."

"That means His Majesty's order has not yet been fulfilled. I have a duty to report everything I have experienced directly to His Majesty, and until then, I have the right not to divulge it to anyone."

As Billion's mouth fell slightly open, Ian shrugged one shoulder. "Of course, I know that you, sir, also have duties and rights. Even more so here. So, as a sign of respect, I will ask again."

Placing the glass on the desk, he finally met Billion's eyes again. "Do you truly need to hear what I experienced beyond the Wall?"