I Became the Guild Leader in Exile

102 – 5# Stormy Eve (5)

For the first time, a crack appeared on Zekfried’s steel-like expression.

It was because Isaac’s words had pierced deep into his heart. In an instant, Zekfried’s sword was drawn again, clashing with Isaac’s fist. The tremendous sound echoed around them.

Zekfried was enraged. How much had he sacrificed to save the world? Of course, he didn’t expect gratitude, but he couldn’t stand the foolish talk.

“Don’t spout nonsense. You haven’t sacrificed anything.”

“Sacrifice is natural, that’s what’s ridiculous.”

“Look at reality. Can there be no sacrifice in the upcoming battle?”

Even if one had the strongest power, sacrifice was inevitable in battle. All of Zekfried’s adventures and trials so far had been like that.

Perhaps he had become numb to it in the process. But this time, it was no joke. He had to stop it no matter what, even if it meant sacrificing everything.

If not, the world would end. Countless lives would turn to ashes and disappear. So, he couldn’t afford to fail even once.

“Hmph, it’s already time.”

He had already drawn his sword, ready to end it, but time had run out. If he delayed any longer, Odin would start to suspect. Zekfried sheathed his sword.

“Think carefully again. What’s more important?”

Zekfried left those words behind and turned his head. At the same time, his body disintegrated, each fragment transforming into a crow and flying into the sky. Isaac clicked his tongue.

“Are you going to leave with your head held high until the end?”

From Isaac’s perspective, it was ridiculous. He had tried to treat him a little better because he was the main character’s father, but he just did as he pleased and left. It was infuriating.

But that was put on the backburner for now. What mattered most was Zeke and Ginny’s mental state. Isaac turned his head. Zeke was standing still, his face shocked.

Of course, that was to be expected. He had just met his father, who he thought was dead, and found out he was that kind of person. Isaac thought for a brief moment.

“Hmph, I guess I have no choice this time.”

It was still a fact that Isaac couldn’t treat Zeke gently. He knew she saw him as a superior, and he was aware of it too.

But Isaac wasn’t going to abandon his family duties. After a brief moment of consideration, Isaac made up his mind. He opened his arms and hugged Zeke.

“Ma, Master?!”

Zeke, who had been stunned by the sudden situation, quickly regained his composure. He had never dreamed that Isaac would suddenly hug him. Isaac immediately opened his mouth.

“It’s okay, kid. Don’t worry too much.”

“…….”

“There’s nothing decided yet, anyway.”

Ai, who had lost his parents and grown up alone, was facing his supposedly dead parents. If he heard such words in front of him, how much shock would he receive?

A child’s mind is more fragile than one might think. Of course, to grow, they need to break out of their shell, but if the shell breaks before they’re fully mature… they’ll simply die.

So, at the very least, they need time to receive protection. And Zik thinks he’s still at an age where he deserves protection. Even if his physical strength is extraordinary.

“……Master, thank you. Thanks to you, I was able to make up my mind.”

Zik grasped Master’s hand tightly, as if embracing him. In fact, it was a shock to see his supposedly dead father again.

But what had Zik frozen in shock wasn’t that reason. It was because he felt ashamed of being unable to help Master at all, despite having a trivial reason.

Did I join the guild for this?

Did I stay by Master’s side for this?

No way.

It was already decided that day, when Master saved him.

Zik made a vow. He would stand by Master’s side, no matter where or when. Moreover, for Zik, Zikfried and memories weren’t exactly pleasant. No, they were rather painful days.

“As a father, I may not have feelings, but if I were to block Master’s path, then… I’ll take care of it myself.”

Zik’s eyes gleamed fiercely, as if possessed.

* * *

It seemed like Zikfried had come to persuade him, or perhaps to show off his strength. After all, Zikfried’s attack had a significant effect. He could easily crush Veronica, who had boasted overwhelming power.

Furthermore, Zikfried’s strength, known as the “Dragon Slayer,” made even the Iron Wall Guild members tremble. But that didn’t mean they would retreat or give up.

Instead, it fueled their fighting spirit even more. The month-long preparation period flew by quickly, and finally, the all-out war between the Law Country and the other nations began.

The Law Country declared war, launching a surprise attack on the countries that had not surrendered to them, including those allied with Gideon. In terms of numbers, the Law Country had the advantage.

The Law Country took advantage of this. They implied that Gideon couldn’t protect themselves, so they should surrender nicely. Perhaps Odin had aimed for that.

“I’ve read it all. You’re a damn one-eyed b*stard.”

But if the other side had Odin, they had Loki. 80% of the reason Ai saved Loki was for his family, and the remaining 20% was to counter Odin.

However, despite being a minor factor, Loki perfectly played the role of countering Odin, thanks to the hatred he had accumulated so far.

Loki hated Odin, who had bound his children, and used all his abilities to bring him down. The greatest trickster in Norse mythology had poured his heart and soul into it.

In reality, Odin almost fell victim to Loki’s perfect acting and his own arrogance, nearly destroying the Bifrost. This meant that Loki was more than capable of handling Odin.

Kuooo!

A strange, eerie sound wave, like a whale’s cry from the depths of the ocean, swept over the Law Country’s knights. It was a sound that no living person could ignore. It was the cry of the Midgard Serpent.

“Is that… Yormungand?!”

“No way. It’s that huge?!”

The massive body of Yormungand, grown in the deep ocean, could perfectly block the borders of the Law Country and other nations. And even this was something Loki had adjusted to the right size.

“Move aside! We’ll leave those monsters to the White Knights!”

“Damn it, those monsters are from the prophecy of the end!”

“As expected, the Holy Knights and White Knights are handling it.”

The ones attacking the other nations were the Holy Knights and White Knights. Of course, they were excellent warriors, but they weren’t the main force. Most of them had headed towards Gideon.

“We should wrap this up quickly and help out.”

“How dare you!! You’re a traitor!!”

The White Knights, who had heard Loki’s story, were enraged. No matter how low their rank, the White Knights were still gods incarnate, and their pride and arrogance were enormous.

However, those who betrayed them ignored it, which was understandable given the circumstances. Moreover, they weren’t fools either. Rokki, the second-ranked Paladin, didn’t think they were weak.

But the Paladins also had something to believe in – the Sacred Artifact. It was the strongest weapon created by Odin himself in the Law Kingdom. If used normally, it would only enhance their strength to a certain extent.

But if the seal on the Sacred Artifact was released, even the Saint Knights would be enhanced to a level that rivaled the Paladins. And if a Paladin were to use it, they would become unimaginably powerful.

“This is enough to win.”

“The 8th-ranked Paladin…”

“With such arrogance, they’re blinded by their own pride.”

Swish!!

But Rokki didn’t give them any time. Suddenly, he drew his sword from his waist and effortlessly cut down the Paladins. The Paladins fell to the ground, bleeding profusely.

“This is how pitifully they die.”

Rokki had been building up his strength to take on the Lord. Even if he hid his power, as the 2nd-ranked Paladin, he had surpassed the Paladins who were complacent in reality. It was clear that they couldn’t win against him.

So, the remaining problem was Gideon.

Surprisingly, the main base wasn’t a concern.

Because Rokki, the strongest human he acknowledged, was there. And that thought was never wrong. Many puppets who had lost their will were advancing towards Gideon.

Heroes from history, of course.

Even relatively recent heroes from other countries who had gone missing were numerous.

What did that mean? Each one was an extremely powerful warrior. However, only one person had faced the Law Kingdom’s power. Isaac, standing in front of the gate, relaxed his hand and spoke.

“Are they all here?”

Then let’s start right away.