Swordmaster's Youngest Son Chapter 803

Chapter 803

Zipple Headquarters, Drakka.

Beradin spent a moment observing the executives, who were sat in a heavy, oppressive silence.

With the exception of Ronel, Octavia, and the fresh lineup of Pureblood Zipples Beradin had introduced, every leader in the room was paralyzed by fear.

The corridor leading to this meeting hall was currently carpeted with the bodies of the fallen.

Ever since the catastrophe at the Tower of Stories, a thick veil of anxiety had naturally descended over the entire Zipple clan.

Vague rumors were the only thing spreading, as no formal statements had been released to the public.

In the middle of this chaos, Beradin had summoned the first general clan assembly.

Just moments before this gathering of Pureblood Zipples and Elders commenced, Beradin had executed a swift and brutal purge.

He had eliminated anyone who dared to voice skepticism regarding the events at the Tower of Stories without hesitation.

The victims had no opportunity to defend themselves against the sudden onslaught.

Even if they had attempted to fight back, the conclusion would have remained unchanged.

Within the Holy Land and the Drakka headquarters, Beradin’s authority was nothing short of absolute.

“Apologies for the minor holdup. I took these steps to ensure the clan is led with efficiency under my rule as the new patriarch. I ask for your cooperation, even if the methods were unsettling.”

The executives traded nervous looks.

It was staggering that he could dismiss the slaughter of over thirty high-ranking officials as a mere "slight delay."

Furthermore, Beradin had openly declared himself the patriarch.

With that proclamation, the status of Kelliak’s life became irrelevant.

Whether the former leader survived or perished, the reality was fixed: Beradin had seized the patriarch's throne.

“I am certain you have numerous inquiries. You likely wonder how I ascended to patriarch and Kadun, and what the future holds for Zipple. My sister, Satrin Zipple, who was recently named Magistrate, will assist in restructuring these affairs over time. A formal announcement to the world will follow shortly.”

Satrin Zipple offered a subtle nod as she surveyed the assembled leaders.

She and all the Purebloods Beradin had brought forward now occupied the highest echelons of power.

To the veteran executives, this was a blatant coup followed by a reign of terror, yet not a single soul dared to object.

Beradin felt a wave of contempt looking at them.

While he was prepared to crush anyone who stood in his way, their spineless submission highlighted just how much Zipple had decayed.

Their long tenure as the world’s undisputed superpower had made them soft.

It was time to return to the clan’s founding principles—that Zipple should be formidable because of its inherent strength, not just its prestigious name.

He intended to tear everything down and rebuild from the roots up.

“For the moment, let us address the present. Our rivals have begun making suspicious moves while we focus on our internal restructuring.”

“…Understood.”

“To start, Kinzelo has abruptly and unilaterally halted our steel commerce. It is obvious that the Vamel alliance, guided by Jin Runcandel, is the hand behind this move.”

“That is a peculiar development, Patriarch-nim. Kinzelo should be acting as a check against the Vamel Alliance; there is no logical reason for them to suddenly provide steel to them. We certainly weren't underpaying for it.”

Beradin nodded as one of the executives spoke up.

While some were paralyzed by the changes, others were proving quick to adapt to the new regime.

“Furthermore, our intelligence suggests that the beastmen’s territory has been facing destruction. I suspect the Vamel alliance may have struck Kinzelo in retaliation for the steel trade, and Kinzelo, buckling under the weight, surrendered the resources.”

“A compelling theory. However, Kinzelo is not a group that submits easily. Had the Vamel alliance launched an assault, a full-scale war would likely have erupted instantly.”

“Are you suggesting, Sir Patriarch, that Jin Runcandel is pulling the strings?”

“I suspect a pact was formed between Jin and Kinzelo. It is highly probable that this agreement is tied to the destruction of the branch Elder Ritan reported on recently.”

“A pact… are you implying Kinzelo turned to Jin Runcandel for protection?”

“That is my assessment. I believe a specific faction—be it us, the Vamel alliance, Runcandel, or the Empire—struck Kinzelo, forcing them to seek Jin’s aid.”

“But aside from those major powers, are there even any groups capable of successfully attacking Kinzelo? The Imperial remnants possess some force, but they wouldn't risk such a reckless gamble.”

The remnants of the Imperial family had severed all ties with Zipple following the conflict with the evil god and had vanished into the shadows.

“It isn't the Imperial remnants. I believe a brand new power has surfaced.”

“A new faction…!”

“If that’s the case, perhaps the neutral parties have formed a coalition? Though, outside of the established leaders, there aren't many figures capable of uniting the neutrals, are there?”

“Perhaps no known individuals, but if it is someone who emerged after the Tower of Stories whose identity remains unverified, it isn't impossible. Still, if it were Joshua Runcandel, he wouldn't be staying quiet.”

The executives debated the possibilities for a time.

After observing their input, Beradin decided to reveal the intelligence he had recently acquired.

“It isn't Joshua Runcandel either. If he were utilizing the power of chaos, my authority would allow me to detect it. Therefore, I suspect we are dealing with forces from the underworld.”

“The underworld…?”

“The realm we refer to as the demon world exists beneath our own. At the threshold between the surface and this underworld, there are imprisoned entities known as the Great Serpent and various ancient races.”

This revelation left the executives—aside from Beradin’s inner circle—utterly bewildered. They didn't know how to process the information.

Some even secretly wondered if Beradin had lost his mind.

However, Beradin reached into his robes, pulled out a scroll, and spread it out for the executives to see.

The parchment contained detailed data, illustrations of the boundary between the worlds, and the Seal of Fire belonging to Ameris at the bottom.

That seal represented a mark of absolute credibility.

The executives cast aside their doubts and focused intently on Beradin’s explanation.

“This led me to conclude that the attackers who hit Kinzelo were either demons or members of these ancient races. Given that most known demons are already aligned with Kinzelo, the ancient races are the more likely culprits.”

“So, you are saying, Sir, that these ancient races from the underworld have somehow been emancipated… and they targeted Kinzelo. In response, Kinzelo is now petitioning the Vamel alliance for help.”

“Precisely. Our objective moving forward is to investigate them. We must identify the attackers, understand why they targeted Kinzelo first, learn why Kinzelo turned to Jin instead of us, and find out what Orgal and Zephyrin are doing.”

The executives nodded as Beradin outlined the strategy.

“I want the executives to instruct our press outlets immediately. They are to publish articles treating everything discussed today as verified fact. Additionally, the Spectre Captain will work with the Magistrate to deploy the Magistrate’s Spectre Corps and Magicians to Kinzelo’s various branches.”

“Understood.”

“We are currently trailing behind the Vamel alliance and Kinzelo in terms of raw intelligence. We must bridge that gap and prepare a response for the underworld forces at any cost. Those who produce significant results will be granted the chance to study the clan’s Vision Magic.”

Vision Magic, much like the Final Movements of the Runcandel family, was a highly restricted art.

Only those whose power affinity rivaled that of the Pureblood Zipples were eligible to learn it.

“It is a resource-intensive process, but the Research Division has perfected technology to safely boost mana affinity. I expect every one of you to give your absolute best.”

***

October 1st, 1803.

Jin was seated in a temporary lodge on the outskirts of Kinzelo’s third branch, sipping tea.

“Still no sign of them?”

Jin inquired as Bishkel entered the room.

Since the trade was finalized, Jin had spent several sleepless nights keeping watch over Kinzelo’s locations.

Jin hadn't actually intervened yet.

The Vamel alliance was merely acting as a backup force. Jin and Siris were stationed at two high-probability targets for an attack.

“…They haven't shown up here yet, it seems.”

“I see. It’s a shame Lady Siris or I weren't at the seventh branch during the last raid. A missed opportunity.”

Two days prior, while Jin and Siris were guarding the third and fifth branches, the Red Legend Tribe had struck Kinzelo’s seventh branch.

It had been a total slaughter; the beastmen stationed there hadn't even managed to put up a fight before being wiped out.

Losing another branch despite the deal they had struck was driving Kinzelo to the brink of madness.

To make matters worse, Orgal and Zephyrin remained in their comatose state.

‘Zephyrin might have actually been one of Ameris’s heads…’

Jin gave a small shrug as he thought back to Ameris’s explanation.

Ameris had mentioned that if Zephyrin had lost consciousness because of her, there would be no other explanation for it.

And Orgal had likely collapsed due to the mental link he shared with Zephyrin.

“While monitoring the branches, I came across some news bulletins. There is a report that Beradin Zipple has officially taken over as the patriarch of the clan.”

“…Beradin?”

“Yes. And… take a look at this. Beradin’s first act as patriarch was to leak information about the Underworld and cast suspicion on the ties between Kinzelo and the Vamel alliance. It’s all over the latest news.”

Jin’s eyes narrowed as he processed the news.

“Beradin declaring himself patriarch is shocking enough, but now he’s actively seeding rumors about our connection to the Underworld?”

“It’s causing a lot of chatter among the demons within Kinzelo. I’m not sure what to make of it…”

“Wait.”

Jin’s focus sharpened as his eyes darted toward the bulletin.

“They’ve arrived right on schedule, haven’t they, Bishkel?”

Jin stood up and began to stretch his limbs.

“…The Red Legend Tribe?”

Bishkel realized what was happening a moment later, though he couldn't sense any presence yet.

He lacked Jin’s raw power and the heightened perception of the Light Heart.

However, Jin had already detected the sudden, violent surge of the Red Legend Tribe’s distinct lightning energy erupting near the third branch.

“Indeed. I’ll need to evaluate the situation once I’ve dealt with them. I’m heading out first; catch up when you can.”