Swordmaster's Youngest Son Chapter 801
Previously on Swordmaster's Youngest Son...
Chapter 801
“Je, that insane hunk of meat possessed sharp instincts. Even though I was masking my presence and watching closely, he identified me instantly.”
Within Runcandel’s Garden of Swords.
Yona used animated gestures to describe the appearance of Rakiman, the Great King of Battle, as she recounted the events.
The entire leadership of Runcandel, including Jin, was gathered to hear her report.
“In a single day—no, in less than half an hour—they utterly demolished one of Kinzelo’s primary strongholds.”
The leaders nodded solemnly, absorbing the report provided by the Tona siblings.
The territory of the beastmen had once served as the central hub for Kinzelo’s operations.
While the core leadership and the bulk of their forces had shifted to a new headquarters following the Battle of Sword Emperor Castle, the fallen fortress remained a strategic pillar for Kinzelo.
It was garrisoned by Kinzelo’s elite units; in fact, both Berakt and Badray were present when the Red Legend Tribe launched their assault.
Despite this, the fortress was wiped out by a solitary detachment of the Red Legend Tribe.
Only Badray and Berakt managed to escape the slaughter by the narrowest of margins.
“The brute didn't just spot me; he had the nerve to call me out and gave me a message for you. I considered ending him right then, but I decided against it because I was starting to feel tired.”
“Oh, uh... Elder Sister, would you actually have been able to take down the Great King of Battle?”
“Jeje, you can ask without trembling, Haytona. The youngest is still the best, but I’ve noticed lately that you two are becoming a bit cute as well.”
“Thank you, Elder Sister!”
“Don’t thank me, I said you’re only a little cute.”
“Yes.”
“Je, I could have slaughtered that meat if I truly wanted to. That red slab didn't look like much at first glance. However, there was something unsettling. Even though he was clearly in a weakened state compared to me, I had a feeling that a confrontation would result in me being gravely wounded.”
[That sensation likely stems from the Great King of Battle energy that Rakiman wields, Yona.]
“Huh? The Great King of Battle energy?”
[Correct. Given your sharp intuition, you instinctively picked up on Rakiman’s unique power. Unlike the Kings of Battle of the Blue Legend Tribe, who grow stronger through personal prowess, the Great Kings of Battle of the Red Legend Tribe operate differently.]
According to Ameris, these Great Kings of Battle were entities essentially fused with a “Fortress.”
[The hierarchy of the Red Legend Tribe is divided into Ordinary Warriors, second-class and first-class Kings of Battle, Great Kings of Battle, and finally, Gods of Battle. Those among the first-class Kings of Battle who possess the fortitude to survive the fusion process are elevated to the rank of Great King of Battle.]
“What kind of powers do these Great Kings of Battle gain from being fused with a Fortress?”
[Specific traits vary by Fortress, but all Great Kings of Battle share the ability to summon and transform into their Fortress. Summoning allows them to manifest the forces contained within, while transformation is a combat-centric shift. Though called a 'Fortress transformation,' it is actually a bestial state. The danger Yona sensed likely came from that transformation. It is probable he hasn't recovered sufficiently to utilize summoning yet.]
“Je, so that red meat can turn into even larger meat?”
“Even with those powers, it’s bizarre that Berakt couldn't put up a proper fight. He once stood his ground against Sister Linpa without being paralyzed by terror. He always maintained his warrior's pride.”
[That is likely due to the specific attribute of Rakiman’s Fortress. In my memory, he was ranked 3rd or 4th in raw power among the Great Kings of Battle, but even the Ordinary Warriors of the Blue Legend Tribe would lose their composure when facing Rakiman alone. These were warriors who wouldn't flinch against even stronger opponents.]
In short, Rakiman possessed a specialized aura designed to inflict overwhelming dread upon other beastmen.
[The Legends referred to that unique Fortress ability as ‘Beast Butcher’… It’s likely Berakt and Badray were more demoralized than ever before. One would need to be at the level of a Blue Legend Tribe King of Battle to resist it. Berakt and Badray only managed to fight back because they were approaching that threshold.]
“It sounds like an ability designed to prey on the weak. That’s somewhat like Haytona and me, isn't it? Low-level grunts probably find us more terrifying than they find Jin.”
[You’re being informal again, Flagbearer number 10. You must address Young Patriarch Jin by his proper title, not his name. Is this a casual sibling hangout, or the official conference room of the Garden of Swords?]
“Oops. My apologies, Chief Butler! A clumsy mistake on my part.”
[Submit a formal written apology after this meeting. In the old days, a simple warning wouldn't have sufficed.]
Lueth’s sharp reprimand tightened the atmosphere, causing the leaders—excluding Jin—to look tense. Even the usually relaxed Valkas cleared his throat and looked away.
“Yes.”
[While the Ordinary Warriors of the Blue Legend Tribe are by no means weak, Daytona’s point has some merit. During my era, the Red Legend Tribe as a whole projected that image. Their average power was arguably lower than the Blue Legend Tribe, yet they were feared far more. They were exceptionally savage and cruel. Furthermore, their Great Kings of Battle were easily the equals of those in the Blue Legend Tribe.]
For Kinzelo, the fact that Rakiman was the first Great King of Battle to wake was a true catastrophe.
From this point forward, the beastmen forces alone stood no chance against Rakiman, regardless of which fortress he targeted.
Even in Rakiman’s absence, and without the presence of Berakt or Badray, the Ordinary Warriors of the Red Legend Tribe would be too much for them to handle.
[As you predicted, the Red Legend Tribe has focused its hunting on Kinzelo for now, but this is worrying. I didn't expect Rakiman Hog to move with such speed. If other fortresses exist, he will rapidly fill them with sacrifices to awaken his kin.]
The Red Legend Tribe would not stay focused on Kinzelo forever.
Their deepest resentment was reserved for Jin and Ameris. Once they recovered enough strength, their sights would inevitably turn toward the Vamel Alliance.
“Given that the Red Legend Tribe is reviving its members faster than anticipated, we must prepare to act. Furthermore, the demonic forces concealed within Kinzelo will soon be forced to show their hand.”
Jin spoke up. Since the beastmen were incapable of holding the line against the Red Legend Tribe, the demons would have to step in.
“However, based on Yona’s report… both Berakt and Badray seemed troubled by the growing demonic influence in Kinzelo. Also, it’s telling that Orgal and Zephyrin haven't personally intervened despite the loss of a major fortress.”
“Exactly. Their inaction is strange. Rakiman even mentioned the Young Patriarch to Berakt, so they should have investigated immediately, if only to gauge the situation.”
Jin smiled at Mary’s observation.
“I have a feeling Kinzelo will approach us for a deal very soon. Let’s prepare our demands and wait for them to come to us.”
***
Kinzelo’s New Headquarters.
When Joe exited the infirmary, the waiting executives stood up abruptly to greet him.
“Joe, what’s the status?”
Bishkel asked. Joe gave a slow nod.
“Badray-nim’s arm is beyond restoration, Vice Leader. However, by combining my skills with Bubare’s, we should be able to provide him with a golem prosthetic.”
“A grim outcome, but it could have been worse. And Berakt-nim… is he still catatonic?”
Joe’s face darkened at the mention of Berakt.
Joe had once imagined he would be pleased if Berakt suffered.
After all, Berakt had spent years belittling and mocking him for no reason.
Yet, seeing the legendary warrior broken by those monsters, unable to find his spirit, Joe felt an unexpected surge of protective fury.
“He is.”
“Hmph, some commander-in-chief. He’s pathetic, drowning in self-pity after one loss. Once the Leader wakes, we should demand that command be handed over to the demons. It was always an insult to take orders from a common beast.”
“Shut your mouth, Braken Bachma. Even Prince Shagal is silent, yet you dare to speak so boldly?”
Joe’s shout left the demon, Braken, stunned.
“Hey, Joe. I thought you hated Berakt?”
“Braken, the Leader appointed Berakt as the commander-in-chief of Kinzelo. Right now, he is merely processing a difficult battle after a long era of peace. He will rise again and tear those bastards apart!”
“Humans are impossible to understand. Regardless, I’ll take my proposal to the Leader. Why trust these so-called 'Red Tiger Kings' or 'Great Warriors' when they fail so miserably in a real fight?”
“Quiet.”
“Fine, I’m leaving. But you’d be wise to start currying favor with the demons instead of Berakt. I don’t know why you defend a man who treats you like a bothersome insect.”
Joe glared at Braken’s retreating figure with sharp eyes.
The other executives watched the exchange in surprise, taken aback by Joe’s uncharacteristic defiance.
“Wow, Joe-nim! That was incredible. Margiella is very impressed.”
“Hmph… I just couldn't stand those arrogant demons trying to step over us.”
“I believe Berakt-nim will use this failure as a stepping stone to break through his limits. I can see it clearly, jeje.”
“Oh, Miss Margiella, is that what you truly see?”
The executives were well aware that Margiella’s "insight" had recently become much more potent.
She could perceive truths that remained hidden from others.
“It is tragic that we lost a fortress… but if it leads to enlightenment for Berakt-nim and Badray-nim, perhaps it’s a necessary sacrifice. Still, we owe it to our fallen comrades to perform the rituals diligently starting today.”
“I’ll also dissect the combat data of those Red Legend Tribe freaks to upgrade Kinzelo’s strength!”
“Excellent! But before we do that, we need outside help to ensure we aren't wiped out!”
“...Wiped out?”
“Yes. As I see it, we are on the brink of total ruin. We need the power to hold the line until the Leader and the Grand Duke fully awaken. Of course, 'ruin' mainly threatens the beastmen... but if they are all killed, we won't be able to revive Javier-nim later, will we?”
“Aren't the demons we have on standby enough?”
“It won't be enough until the Phantom Demon Chief and his legion arrive. We don't know when that will be, and the Red Legend Tribe could strike again at any moment.”
Bishkel spoke up in place of Margiella.
“Vice Leader, what is the plan?”
“We need the strength Margiella mentioned. A mobile support force capable of intercepting the Red Legend Tribe whenever they appear.”
“Who could provide that... wait, do you mean?”
Bishkel sighed at Joe’s realization and answered, “The Young Patriarch of Runcandel. We are going to negotiate with him.”