WIEDERGEBURT Act V: Chapter 47

We returned to the ruins three days after my battle with Sigrid. I would have liked to return sooner, but we still had things to do inside of Nevaria. After all, I had still promised to gather information on the people who betrayed Feinrea.

I didn’t want to walk through the Demon Beast Mountain Range, so naturally I decided to fly there instead. Stelys Valstine and Catherina were guarding the entrance when Feinrea and I set down.

“You’ve returned.” Stelys came up as I set Feinrea on her feet and clapped me on the shoulder. “It’s good that you’ve come back. I know you’re powerful, but that didn’t stop me from worrying.”

“Thank you for your concern,” I said with a slight nod and a soft smile.

Stelys frowned as he looked into my eyes. “Is everything okay? You seem… depressed.”

My facade must have been worse than I thought if even Stelys Valstine could see through me. I was normally very good at hiding my emotions. Even among my wives, the only one who could truly see through me, right down to my core, was Kari, whom I had the longest relationship with.

“I am fine.” Shaking my head, I dispelled those thoughts. “We just ran into some trouble while trying to get information in Nevaria.”

“Is that really all it is?” asked Stelys.

I nodded firmly. “It is. Anyway, while our trip met a bit of a disaster toward the end, we did learn a lot of interesting information. I believe we can create a plan to deal with the Drage Family.”

Stelys didn’t say anything, with only a small frown to show what he was thinking, but he nodded and directed our group inside with Catherina. The older woman was escorting Feinrea, who still looked a little green from our flight.

Empress Hilda and the others were inside of the room we had been using ever since we came here. They all looked up from whatever they were doing as we entered. When Empress Hilda saw me, her eyes lit up and a graceful smile touched her lips.

“Welcome back, Eryk, Feinrea.” She nodded a greeting at both of us. “I trust your time in Nevaria was fruitful?”

I only nodded once. “While we did run into a few problems, we still came back with what I believe is enough information to create an effective strategy for dealing with the Drage Family.”

“Oh? Do tell?”

I had been using the time it took to walk down here to calm my stormy emotions. Sigrid’s death was still affecting me more than I felt it should, but I thought perhaps it was because I had killed a woman who professed her love to me. Those words had been like a punch in the stomach. They left me with so many doubts.

Unfortunately, none of those doubts could be resolved right now.

Dinner was prepared for Feinrea and I. We had only been gone for a few days, but several more tables had been set up. Right now everyone was using those tables to eat, but I could smell the residual medicinal ingredients lingering in the air. These tables had been used for alchemy, and fairly recently too. It seemed Empress Hilda was stockpiling.

After we were all fed, I launched into an explanation of what Feinrea and I discovered during our time in Nevaria, how the Neverian Braves sect members were all imprisoned in the Drage Family dungeon, how the Nevarian Spiritualists and Imperial Royal Guard were only not causing trouble for the Drage Family because they didn’t know where Empress Hilda was. I was even able to get information on some of the more prominent traitors, including the people who had betrayed Feinrea.

As they listened to my words, Empress Hilda, Dante, Reiner, Valence, their children, Stelys, Cataryna, and Catherina all seemed stunned. I didn’t know what shocked them so much, not at first. I found out soon after finishing.

“That’s more information than I thought you’d ever be able to get,” Dante said. “You’re pretty damn impressive.”

“It seems like you really did bring back a wealth of information,” Empress Hilda murmured. “We can definitely create a plan with this.”

“If we’re going to do something, then we should do it quickly,” I said. “I killed Sigrid after she discovered me. Gudmund is dead too. Now that Gudbrand’s son and daughter are both missing, I do not doubt he will grow suspicious.”

“You are correct, of course.” Empress Hilda narrowed her eyes as she looked at the people gathered around her. “Does anyone have any thoughts on how to deal with the Drage Family? If you have an idea, do not hesitate to put it forward.”

No one said anything at first, but it wasn’t long before at least several proposals were put forth. Geirolf suggested having me storm Demon Beast Gate as a distraction while everyone else snuck in, freed the Nevarian Braves, and launched an assault on the Imperial Royal Palace. However, there were several problems with his plan. The most obvious was that Demon Beast Gate was the only way to enter Nevaria.

A similar proposal was made, but instead of me storming the gate, it was Empress Hilda and her three husbands, which had been suggested under the idea that they would make a better target. None of us could deny that. Meanwhile, I would fly some people over while everyone else was distracted, free the Nevarian Braves, join up with the Nevarian Spiritualists, and launch a surprise attack on the Imperial Royal Palace.

It wasn’t bad as far as proposals went. However, I felt like it was still lacking something.

“You’re all assuming Empress Hilda and her husbands will be able to hold out that long.” I shook my head. “I mean no disrespect, but the moment Empress Hilda appears, she is not going to be dealing with the rank and file. I don’t doubt they will send their Four Generals or maybe even the six elders you spoke of will appear and attack them. Even if they are strong, will they be enough to defeat four or six people who are also at the Third State of Spiritualism?”

No one spoke, but that was because I had gotten my point across. Looks of understanding flashed through the eyes of those present, as well as looks of shame. Those almost made me sigh.

I continued talking. “At the moment, we have Catherina, Dante, Reiner, Valence, and Empress Hilda who have reached the Third State of Spiritualism. I’ve reached the Fourth State, but that is still only six people. They have ten. If we force someone to bear the brunt of the Drage Family’s force, then it should be someone who has a chance of surviving.”

A moment of silence passed as everyone thought about what I had said. I used this silence to settle my own emotions. Right now, the only thing I should be thinking about was defeating the Drage Family. That was all that mattered.

“Are you suggesting you accept the brunt of their forces?” asked Empress Hilda, eyes narrowed.

“Of course.” I shrugged as if the answer should have been obvious from the beginning. “Someone who has reached the Fourth State of Spiritualism has nearly ten times the Spiritual Power as someone has only reached the Third State of Spiritualism. However, it isn’t just Spiritual Power that I have more of. Your body undergoes a refining process after reaching the Fourth State, making you stronger, faster, and more durable. In terms of who can withstand the combined attack of several people at once, I believe I am the best candidate.”

There was no one who could deny my words, but I had another reason for wanting to confront the Drage Family head on, one that I was not willing to share with the others.

Empress Hilda slowly nodded. “In that case, do you have a suggestion?”

“I do.” Nodding, I laid down my proposal. “I will fly into Nevaria alone and launch a direct assault on the Imperial Royal Palace where the Drage Family has holed themselves up. I’ll force Gudmund and the six elders into a confrontation. With their leaders occupied, the Drage Family’s chain of command will be broken.”

Everyone frowned when I said I would attack the Drage Family directly, but no one spoke against my idea. I was sure they remembered the last battle we had fought in together. Back then, we had all fought against the man called Ask as he led an invasion of Demon Beasts and Sekbeists.

“While I have the Drage Family leaders occupied, the rest of you will break into Nevaria through Demon Beast Pass. You’ll form several squadrons that will split up after entering. One will rescue the Nevarian Braves, one will rally the Nevarian Spiritualists, and one will bring in the Imperial Royal Guards. Once that is done, you’ll systematically eradicate the entire Drage Family.” I looked at Empress Hilda, Dante, Reiner, and Valence. “I will leave the Four Generals to you.”

My plan was going to put a heavy burden on me, forcing me to fight against seven Spiritualists that had reached the Third State of Spiritualism, but this was also the only method I could think of that would work. If my wives were here, dealing with the Drage Family would be as easy as snapping my fingers. We could probably annihilate the entire family on our own. They weren’t here, however, and so this was the second best option I could think of.

“Very well,” Empress Hilda said at last. “I believe this plan might be the only one with a chance of succeeding. Does anyone have any objections?” No one did. She nodded and gave our group a grim smile. “In that case, tomorrow, we shall make our way down this mountain and journey to Nevaria. The true battle against the Drage Family begins now.”

***

The afternoon sun rose into the sky and cast its radiance upon Nevaria. There were not many people outside, but that had become natural. Ever since the Drage Family came to power, the people had become wary. Matters weren’t helped by the Drage Family members, who took the opportunity to use their newfound authority to abuse the average citizens, stealing their money, taking their men and women for their own pleasure, and destroying many businesses simply because someone asked them to pay for their meals.

Pay for their meals? Ha! The Drage Family were the protectors of Nevaria. These people should have been grateful to serve such prestigious personages.

Gudbrand Drage had heard the whisperings of the commonfolk, but he did not care for them. The strong devoured the weak. That was how it always should have been the whole time. Empress Hilda and her weak ideals had corrupted Nevaria and turned it into a land of cowardice.

“I do not see why we should let ourselves be bothered by the outcries of a few commoners,” Gudbrand said to the woman kneeling before him.

Hellen Brynhild was a mannish woman with a squarish face, broad shoulders, and a masculine figure. If it weren’t for her long hair and feminine voice, it would have been easy to mistake her for a man. This was especially so when she was wearing armor.

“It is as you say,” Hellen said in a calm voice, still kneeling, not raising her head. “I merely wished to inform you of what the people think.”

Hellen had arrived earlier today and asked for a meeting with Gudbrand and his six elders. They had made her wait several hours to infuriate her, then dismissed all of her claims as inconsequential, but even with all that, the woman maintained her composure. It was a little disheartening. Gudbrand had been hoping to find some method of dismissing her, but Hellen had no openings. He might be the Emperor now. However, even he couldn’t dismiss such an outstanding Spiritualist for no good reason.

“I appreciate you informing me of this,” Gudbrand said.

“Of course, Your Majesty.”

Hellen knew a dismissal when she heard one. Standing to her feet, she bowed to him and the council, then turned on her heel and left. Gudbrand watched as the guards on either side opened the door for her. He scowled when he saw the looks of reverence on their faces. They never looked at his family like that…

“I truly hate that woman,” he muttered.

“She is quite problematic,” the eldest among the elders said. He was still wearing a hood, so Gudbrand could not see his face. He had only seen what these people looked like once before. They were the true power behind his family, and even he needed to be respectful toward them.

“I heard she is incredibly loyal to the former empress, but she doesn’t seem to have any thoughts of betrayal.” The only woman among them mused. “Do you think perhaps she is an opportunist who clings to whoever is in power?”

“It’s possible, but I do not believe so,” Gudbrand said.

“Well, we just need to have someone keep an eye on her,” a man with a deep voice said. He sounded a lot younger than the old man who’d first spoken, but Gudbrand knew this man was over a hundred years old.

Just as Gudbrand was about to open his mouth, the loud peel of thunder echoed all around them, and the entire Imperial Royal Palace suddenly shook as something struck it. Whatever had hit the palace carried so much force that Gudbrand and the elders were thrown from their thrones. The guards near the door were similarly thrown to the ground.

“What in the nine realms was that?!” Gudbrand shouted in shock.

At that very moment, a voice that sounded just like rumbling thunder resounded across the entirety of Nevaria.

“GUDBRAND DRAGE! GET YOUR UNSANCTIMONIOUS ASS OUT HERE RIGHT NOW!”

The words made Gudbrand scowl, but the way the voice seemed to reverberated in his soul caused his face to pale. He scrambled to his feet and traveled toward the nearest balcony. Looking in the sky, Gudbrand almost gaped when he saw the stormclouds gathering overhead, swirling around like angry locusts. It had been sunny just a few seconds ago! Where had the sun gone?!

Gudbrand was not the only one who had traveled outside. The elders had also been so shocked they decided to see what had caused the palace to shake so much. All of them were staring at the now dark storm clouds in shock. However, the only woman among them eventually pointed at something in the distance.

“Look!”

Turning his head, Gudbrand saw a figure floating in the sky above them, a young man with long green hair tied behind his head with a leather band. Several bangs hovered over his vibrant green eyes, which seemed to be glowing with barely repressed power.

He was tall—taller than Gudbrand by a few dozen centimeters. Adorning his body were dark black pants that fit snugly around his waist and legs. A light blue undershirt with a triangle-shaped dip in the front revealed a hint of collar bone and chest, but a vest had been thrown over it. The front of the shirt was longer in the front than the back. The ends trailed down past his knees, swaying in the wind. The vest featured a high collar, traveled over his shoulders, and had a massive gap in the center. A belt, black boots, and fingerless gloves completed the outfit.

“You…”

Gudbrand could not place this man at first, but he looked so very familiar. He felt like he should know this man.

“Are you the one who attacked our palace?! Just who do you think you are?!” one of the elders demanded to know.

“Me?” The man smiled, and it sent a chill down Gudbrand’s spine for reasons he couldn’t understand. “I am just a man who is here to seek justice for what you cretins did to my mother.”

***

I flew through the skies of Nevaria, traveling so high not even the people manning the watchtowers could see me. I was at least six thousand meters in the air. Once I was hovering over Nevaria, I looked down and spotted the Imperial Royal Palace, the target of my attack.

Taking a deep breath, I raised my hands and began gathering my Spiritual Power, releasing it into the atmosphere. Cold hair rushed down and warm air rose. The intense hot and cold excited the moisture in the atmosphere and caused it to condense, quickly forming dark storm clouds above my head. Thunder flashed within. The air grew charged with electricity.

I could feel the smile on my face, but I knew it was a cold smile. With a wave of my hand, I released my Spiritual Power into the storm cloud, causing a massive bolt of lightning to strike the Imperial Royal Palace. It slammed into the top floor. The roof exploded. Shards flew from the now decimated roof and rained onto the ground below, causing the Imperial Royal Guards to run away. I would have to apologize to them later.

Charging Spiritual Power into my lungs and reinforcing my throat, I soon shouted in the loudest voice I could muster.

“GUDBRAND DRAGE! GET YOUR UNSANCTIMONIOUS ASS OUT HERE RIGHT NOW!”

It did not take long for the Gudbrand to race onto a balcony located on the second floor, though he didn’t seem to notice me. He was too busy staring at the storm clouds high above me. They were quite big, covering the entirety of Nevaria. Maybe I went a little overboard. Several seconds passed before a number of cloaked figures also rushed onto the balcony. Those must be the elders I heard so much about.

Since no one seemed to have seen me yet, I slowly descended toward the balcony. One of the cloaked figures soon pointed at me. Gudbrand and the others turned in the direction she pointed, freezing when their eyes locked with me.

“You…” Gudbrand’s eyes widened when he saw me, but I could tell he didn’t recognize me. It had been several years since we last saw each other, and he probably thought I was dead, so he most likely hadn’t made the connection yet.

One of the cloaked elders snarled at me. “Are you the one who attacked our palace?! Just who do you think you are?!”

“Me?” The cold smile on my face widened. “I am just a man who is here to seek justice for what you cretins did to my mother.”

Silence descended upon the group, who didn’t seem to understand my words. They glanced at each other, as if asking whether any of them had done something to my mother. None of them had realized I was Eryk Veiger.

“We don’t know your mother, and none of us have done anything to anyone,” Gudbrand said, taking charge of the situation.

“That isn’t true at all. You do know my mother. In fact, you know her very well.” I gestured to the palace. “After all, you assholes kicked my mother out of the Imperial Royal Palace when you usurped her position.”

My words rang out like thunder. Gudbrand’s eyes finally went wide with recognition. He raised a shaky hand and pointed at me.

“E-Eryk Veiger! You’re Eryk Veiger!”

“That’s right,” I said. “I returned just a few days ago and heard all about how you and your family deposed my mother, forcing her to flee into the Demon Beast Mountain Range. I have come to seek justice on her behalf.”

Gudbrand furrowed his brow.

“Do not be hasty, boy,” one of the elders said. I couldn’t see anything past that cloak of his, but the arrogance in his tone made me frown. “What right do you have to seek justice? Your mother was a traitor to Nevaria. All we did was retake the throne that should have rightfully belonged to us this whole time.”

Irritation welled up inside of me as I listened to this man talk. The storm clouds overhead, as if responding to my raging emotions, billowed. I decided at this moment that I wasn’t going to take the diplomatic route. There was a time for diplomacy. Now was not that time.

“Shut the fuck up.”

With a wave of my hand, a bolt of lightning struck the elder who’d spoken, slamming into him so fast none of them had time to react. Lightning moved faster than the human eye could track. When it struck the elder, his body was blasted off the ground. He slammed into the wall behind him, broke right through it, and disappeared from view. I wasn’t sure if he was dead or not. I hoped he was since that would make this fight a little easier, but it wouldn’t matter even if he wasn’t.

“Guthhere!” one of the elders shouted. He turned around soon after and snarled at me. “How dare you do that to my brother! I will have your head for this!”

I gave the man my best chilling smile. “It’s right here if you think you can take it. Why don’t you go ahead and try? I’d like to see whether or not you can take my head.”

I was purposefully provoking them, angering them to the point where they only saw red. My goal was to enrage them so much they chased me. This was all in order to avoid destroying too much of the Imperial Royal Palace and further avoid innocent casualties. That was also why I hadn’t just blown this entire building to pieces.

Despite my hostile actions and words, neither Gudbrand nor his elders attacked me right away.

“I believe you should rethink your actions,” Gudbrand said. “You are very powerful, but you are only one person. If you surrender now, I can at least guarantee your life.”

A chuckle escaped me. “You know, your daughter said something very similar when she confronted me.” I paused and watched Gudbrand, who did not disappoint me. His face instantly paled at the mention of his daughter. “I refused her. What makes you think I will agree to surrender when you ask me to?”

“What did you do to my daughter?!” Gudbrand roared, now angry.

It had been several days since my battle with Sigrid. Gudbrand had to be worried since his daughter had not been seen since the battle. He didn’t know that she was dead. The worry on his face made me feel conflicted, but I didn’t let any of that show as I smiled coldly at him.

“Your daughter was very persistent when she chased after me, so I sent her to join her ancestors,” I said, and my declaration was like a physical blow to the man. As he stumbled back, I decided to add more fuel to the fire. “I should mention that I also confronted your son in Bucharest. He went to see your ancestors even earlier than Sigrid did.”

While it was a little distasteful, I was more than willing to use any and every means available to enrage these people. It didn’t matter to me if the method was dirty. If there was one thing I learned in my previous life, it was that sometimes you had to play dirty if you wanted to avoid a tragedy.

“You…”

Gudbrand was shaking as he glared at me, his face red and tears in his eyes, though they refused to fall. Spiritual Power erupted from his body, producing a bright orange flame that caused the stone tile beneath him to turn red from the heat. The elders all took a startled step back. However, they soon released their Spiritual Power as well. The Spiritual Auras of their bodies all resembled flames. It seemed the rumor about every Drage Family member having a strong fire affinity was true.

“You bastard!” Gudbrand suddenly roared. “I’m going to fucking kill you!”

“Ha ha ha! You want to kill me?!” I sneered at the man. “You don’t have the strength! The strong prey upon the weak. Isn’t that what your family is always spouting? Hmph. Your son and daughter were weak, and that is why they died. You shouldn’t blame me for that. If you want to blame anyone, then blame yourself for not being strong enough to protect them.”

While I didn’t know how upset the elders were by my words, Gudbrand Drage had become irreconcilably incensed. He roared before his entire body exploded. Scorching heat waves spread through the air, so hot even my storm clouds were affected. The man down below howled as his body turned into a human fireball. Not even a second after his transformation occurred, Gudbrand flew off the balcony and straight toward me.