Others Summon Dragons, I Summon Legendary Knights Chapter 378 Saul's Influence

They belonged to a lineage of unparalleled strength. Victory was almost guaranteed for them, provided they held a slight advantage or maintained parity in strength.

Lady Aina herself possessed one of the most formidable curses, a bane that, upon activation, rendered every action prone to error – an endless cascade of mistakes. How could one possibly contend in a battle when their body consistently faltered, or their carefully aimed skills missed their intended targets?

Alternatively, perhaps their summoned beings would inexplicably stumble during a crucial offensive maneuver. In Aina's vicinity, nothing ever transpired according to expectation.

She represented a dormant nightmare, now awakened.

Miriam tilted her head upwards, observing Aina meticulously applying her makeup.

***

The subsequent day saw Godfrey reappear in Paradise. He stood before his parents' residence, with Toria accompanying him.

Numerous passersby cast furtive glances his way, murmuring amongst themselves. Godfrey registered their whispers from the periphery of his vision.

"He's so ungrateful. After everything the cohort sacrificed for him, he simply abandoned them and never looked back," a young woman confided to her mother as they strolled past.

Toria turned, directing a sharp glare at the girl, and matched their pace.

"There's truly no need for you to be distressed. The people here are not inherently malevolent, and she speaks the truth. I did indeed depart from the cohort that invested so much in me, but there are compelling justifications for my departure that remain unknown to them," Godfrey explained, looking at Toria.

"You possess the liberty to remove your armor. It would be prudent to allow them to witness your countenance."

Toria complied, taking off her helmet.

"Your white hair suits you admirably," Godfrey remarked.

Toria offered a gentle smile. "Are you contemplating every action except crossing that threshold? You appear apprehensive."

Godfrey let out a sigh. "You would feel the same if she were your mother."

Toria's brow furrowed. "What?"

Godfrey pressed onward, unwilling to prolong the questioning or forfeit the courage he had painstakingly mustered.

He pressed the doorbell, and Toria observed him with a raised eyebrow. "Could you not simply teleport inside?"

"I intend to surprise them."

Toria's eyebrow ascended even higher. "Appearing directly within the house would constitute a far greater surprise."

At that precise moment, the door swung open, revealing Ronald, who was in the process of tying a towel around his waist. His azure eyes sparkled with recognition upon seeing his son.

"What a delightful surprise," Ronald exclaimed, stepping aside to permit his son and his knight entry.

As Toria passed him, he narrowed his eyes slightly. "V… Toria?"

She met his gaze and nodded. "It is I."

Ronald directed a questioning look towards Godfrey, yet he was undeniably impressed. To orchestrate such a reunion, his son's summon must be truly exceptional.

As a father, a sense of pride swelled within him.

"Where is mother?"

"She's currently at the colosseum situated within the Vagabond camp."

"What? The colosseum?"

Ronald affirmed with a nod. "Saul's summon conjured an entire colosseum from another realm via a gate and positioned it within the camp. He makes no secret of his immense power. Presently, the cohort is engaged in a tournament, with the most exceptional participants set to receive a fragment of Saul's demigod essence."

Ronald elaborated, "His Black Knights and Celestial Champion are all potent Titled Gods, currently restrained by the existing power cap. Saul is utterly consumed by his pursuit of power, and his actions have resulted in numerous fatalities within the cohort, though they have also forged greater strength in the others. Gradually, the camaraderie and friendships not founded on sheer strength have eroded. Their respective classes, elite status, and regularity of assignments no longer bind them as strongly as they once did. And your mother is there, tending to the injured."

Godfrey's expression darkened. "She's there alone?"

"Certainly not. My summon accompanies her, but no one in Paradise, sane or otherwise, would dare lay a hand on her. They would be mercilessly torn asunder by the populace long before you could intervene."

Ronald interlaced his fingers.

"Do not concern yourself over your mother's safety. Your focus should be directed towards Saul and devising a method to persuade her to depart the cohort. He is ascendant, transforming into a sort of deity, revered by the populace. While Vagabond captains have always wielded influence, this is an unprecedented level. "

His voice was heavy with concern.

"I understand this was not your primary reason for returning, but we must convince your mother to leave before Saul takes an action from which we cannot extricate her."

"Lucy alluded to something similar, but the details elude me," Godfrey's eyes narrowed. He pondered why Gabriel would permit such a situation. Was Saul usurping the order he had established, or was he perhaps one of Cain's duplicates?

He remained uncertain, but Cain's ambition was for Paradise to embody tranquility. Saul, however, was poised to shatter that ideal, intending to forge a faction centered on absolute strength, positioning himself as a divine ruler.

As usual, deciphering Cain's true intentions proved challenging. He might simply be observing the unfolding events for his own amusement, unburdened by the ultimate consequences.

"Let us proceed to the camp," Godfrey declared, rising to his feet. That tournament would eventually conclude. Regardless of their approval or disapproval, those knights belonged to him, and he had not sanctioned the distribution of their essence.

***

From the zenith of the watchtower, Gabriel surveyed Paradise City with arms crossed and an unruffled demeanor.

A low sound escaped him as he shifted his gaze towards a chessboard positioned on a nearby table.

He approached the seat adjacent to it and settled down. Despite being the sole Monarch Tier entity on Earth at present, his ascent was rapid; his other self was diligently acquiring and refining the skills of High Elvin Bowmasters and knights, a fact unknown to the elves themselves.

Fortuitously for them, he found satisfaction in pursuits other than mastering their abilities, at least for the time being.

With a deliberate move, Gabriel captured the black knight, his eyes alight with a keen glint.

"The moment for our inaugural confrontation draws near, my future general. I eagerly anticipate your victory over me." A gentle smile touched his lips, which then broadened into a wide grin, revealing all his teeth.

"Should events unfold as anticipated and he succeeds in dispatching me, the ensuing suffering he endures will be the extent of his trial. However, should he falter, a far graver fate awaits."

Gabriel's eyes darted, a flicker of insight crossing them. Once that transpired, Paradise would be laid bare, presenting another significant complication that could culminate in a catastrophic disaster.

Yet, for now, they could find solace. These intricate schemes were slated to commence only after the conclusion of the Ruination. Godfrey's ascension to Monarch Tier, and a formidable one at that, was imperative to contend with him.

'Ah…'

A spark ignited in Gabriel's eyes as he rose. He perceived Godfrey's arrival at the encampment. His attention then fell upon Saul, another formidable individual, and a smirk played on his lips.

'This... promises to be quite engaging.'