Count’s Youngest Son is a Warlock Chapter 280 - So… (3)

 

Lucion couldn’t simply stand by and let Veronia grow stronger by sacrificing the divine beasts.

 

—Hello! Ratta is here too!

 

Ratta greeted them with a bright smile but bristled at the sight of Veronia.

 

—Hmph! Hmph!

 

“…!”

 

Veronia stared blankly at Hume before cautiously reaching out a hand.

 

However, Hume’s gaze toward Veronia was icy cold.

 

Seizing the moment while Veronia was distracted, Lucion extended thin threads of darkness, binding the divine beasts’ fur just as Russell had demonstrated in the Great Light Temple.

 

His darkness even reached the holy relic.

 

Sensing the encroaching darkness, the relic’s light intensified, increasing the pressure bearing down on Veronia.

 

“Listen well, you bastard.”

 

Before the relic’s light could burn away his darkness, Lucion twitched his fingers, signaling to Ratta.

 

—Ah, got it! Let’s go!

 

“You didn’t come out on your own. I saved you. Don’t forget to repay the favor later.”

 

Lucion raised his middle finger as darkness enveloped him.

 

“That’s a gift.”

 

Just as Veronia had done in the past when possessing Hotram’s body, Hume tossed a box filled with items imbued with light.

 

“Boom!”

 

With a hint of laughter in his voice, Lucion vanished.

 

At that moment, light exploded outward. Veronia, breaking free from the shattered barrier, gritted his teeth as blood dripped from his mouth.

 

“You… damn bastard!”

 

* * *

 

“…Ugh!”

 

Lucion lifted his mask and coughed up a mouthful of blood.

 

[Are you alright?]

 

Bethel lightly patted his back.

 

She had been surprised when Lucion announced his plan to rescue the divine beasts. But knowing the barrier would break regardless, and that the divine beasts would otherwise die at Veronia’s hands, she couldn’t bring herself to oppose it.

 

[The worst-case scenario would have been their deaths directly fueling Veronia’s power. Seeing what you’ve done, I realize my thinking was too narrow.]

 

However, recalling their earlier discussion, Bethel furrowed her brows deeply.

 

Hadn’t Lucion collapsed once before the battle even began?

 

“I thought you said you could avoid the light. This is what you call dodging?”

 

Russell grimaced and gave Lucion’s back a few light pats.

 

“I… must be lacking.”

 

Hume, looking remorseful, offered a handkerchief.

 

“Oh no, Hume. I wasn’t blaming you at all.”

 

Russell’s eyes widened in alarm.

 

—Ratta thinks Lucion and Hume both did well! Umm… Ratta was a step too slow. It was Ratta’s fault.

 

Ratta spoke in a dejected voice.

 

If only she had been faster, maybe Lucion wouldn’t have been exposed to the light.

 

“That’s not what I meant…”

 

“You made a mistake, Teacher.”

 

Lucion chuckled as he watched Russell break into a nervous sweat.

 

-Sorry about that. It was because of us.

 

Troy gently patted Lucion’s head.

 

Feeling the soft touch, Lucion smiled and adjusted his mask once more.

 

“I’m just glad that all three of you are safe.”

 

Troy, Brillin.

 

And the wolf-shaped divine beast, still without a name.

 

“I think ‘Aedin’ would be a good name. What do you think?”

 

-…?

 

The wolf-shaped divine beast’s eyes widened.

 

-Is that…my name?

 

“Yes. If you don’t like it, we can think of another.”

 

-What do you mean, not like it? I love it. I never thought I’d have a name. Thank you. Thank you, Lucion.

 

Aedin opened his mouth and gently nibbled on Lucion’s head.

 

“…?”

 

[H-He just bit Lord Lucion’s head…]

 

Russell and Bethel’s eyes went wide, while Ratta jumped out of the shadows in shock.

 

—Hooop!

 

Ratta’s eyes grew huge.

 

—A-Aedin uncle just bit Lucion!

 

“From my perspective, it looked like an expression of joy.”

 

Hume smiled brightly.

 

-Ah, I’m sorry. I learned this gesture of affection from an old friend of mine, and I got so excited that I acted without thinking. If I startled you, I apologize.

 

—Hah… I’m relieved. Ratta was really surprised! I thought Aedin uncle was going to eat Lucion!

 

Ratta sighed in relief and ran up to Aedin.

 

“Was your old friend, by any chance, an actual wolf?”

 

Lucion asked, bewildered. Aedin nodded.

 

-Yes. A small, old friend taught me. Isn’t it amusing?

 

-Aedin. Aedin. It’s such a pretty name.

 

Brillin called out to Aedin in a cheerful voice.

 

-Little one, thanks to you, we all have names now.

 

Clack.

 

Brillin clacked its beak together in joy.

 

“There’s something I’d like to ask of you three.”

 

Lucion adjusted his mask again and spoke, his gaze shifting downward from the mountain’s peak, which stood as high as the walls of the frontier.

 

-Say anything. You saved our lives and even recovered the holy relic.

 

Troy smiled and picked up the holy relic in its mouth, handing it to Lucion.

 

“Right now, I need you to release light into the sky—let everyone know that Veronia has been freed and that the divine beasts have returned.”

 

The final battle was about to begin.

 

Though brief, everyone worked hard to set traps and strengthen the barrier.

 

A signal was needed to mark the start of the fight.

 

-Lucion.

 

Before Troy moved, he spoke.

 

-I don’t know who you’re waiting for, but Veronia has blocked the power that should have returned to you.

 

[So that’s why I couldn’t see Broson?]

 

Bethel finally understood why they had been unable to detect even a trace of Broson, despite scouring every corner of the frontier with the ghosts.

 

“Hume, is the black orb still within the frontier?”

 

“Yes, it is.”

 

At Lucion’s question, Hume nodded.

 

Thanks to Lucion stabilizing his own instability, Hume could distinctly sense both the black orb and Lucion’s presence.

 

The black orb was still in the frontier.

 

“But… it feels as though it’s far away.”

 

“Lucion, don’t worry too much.”

 

Russell spoke up.

 

“Do you know why darkness gave Broson the black orb in the first place?”

 

“You know the reason?” Lucion asked.

 

“The darkness advised me to leave a hint for Broson—the longest-surviving Death Knight and the gatekeeper of the frontier.”

 

“Are you saying Broson has something special about him?”

 

“Yes. It’s strange that he wouldn’t anticipate Veronia’s actions. Perhaps he prepared for this in advance.”

 

Listening to Russell, Lucion glanced at the darkness that had gathered around him.

 

He suppressed the urge to ask.

 

‘I need to be cautious.’

 

Whether he had disrupted this world, gained the power of a king, or whether the darkness had chosen him as its ruler, the instability remained within him.

 

Veronia, who had stolen the power of the King of Darkness, had been around much longer and would undoubtedly wield it more efficiently.

 

[Come to think of it…]

 

Bethel touched the bridge of her nose as if something had dawned on her, then soon smiled.

 

She finally understood why darkness claimed not to know Broson’s whereabouts.

 

Though not entirely certain, she recalled a moment during their battle with Broson—he hadn’t just vanished from sight; it felt as if his very existence had disappeared.

 

If he possessed such power, he could evade even the eyes of darkness.

 

[Lord Lucion, you need not worry about Broson. He is an incredibly skilled knight. If anything, he’s likely waiting for the perfect moment to strike.]

 

“Good. Then, Bethel.”

 

Lucion extended his hand toward her.

 

[As much as you wish, my lord.]

 

Bethel took his hand and possessed him.

 

[…Ha.]

 

She let out a short laugh.

 

Even with one orb remaining, the amount of darkness Lucion possessed had increased to a terrifying degree.

 

-Well then, I’ll be off.

 

“Troy.”

 

-Yes, Lucion?

 

Before moving, Troy looked back at Lucion.

 

“Please, all three of you, conserve your strength until I send the signal. It must be unleashed explosively at the most critical moment.”

 

Lucion knew he wouldn’t be able to take Veronia down unless he overwhelmed him in an instant. Even if he appeared in the world in an unstable state, that issue would resolve itself with time.

 

-I understand.

 

Troy patted Lucion, then suddenly pulled him into a hug.

 

-Don’t push yourself too hard, Lucion.

 

“I will push myself today. Just for today, please be lenient.”

 

As Lucion returned the embrace, he whispered softly, “You must not disappear. No one can replace you, Troy, so do not sacrifice yourself.”

 

Then, as if nothing had happened, he stepped back.

 

Seeing Lucion’s sorrow, Bethel struggled to remain composed.

 

-…

 

Troy simply smiled with his eyes before following Brillin and Aedin, who had already departed.

 

Boom!

 

Moments later, a brilliant light erupted into the sky.

 

It was so bright that it overshadowed the sun itself.

 

“The knights and soldiers have seen the signal. They’ve lined up and raised their weapons in unison.”

 

Hume, observing beyond the frontier and along the fortress walls, reported the situation.

 

Bzzz.

 

A vibration came from the communication device.

 

<Hamel-nim.>

 

Hearing Kran’s voice, Lucion responded calmly.

 

“Yes.”

 

<From now on, the Ale organization will enter combat formation to deal with Veronia.>

 

“Be careful, Kran.”

 

<Hamel-nim, you too… please be careful.>

 

For the first time, Kran ended the call before Lucion did.

 

“…Lucion.”

 

As Lucion held the device for a moment, Russell called out to him.

 

“Yes, Teacher?”

 

Lucion answered after a brief pause.

 

“There is no war without sacrifice.”

 

“I know.”

 

Lucion’s voice was steady, but his heart was unsettled.

 

“I know, but I hate it. This war was started unilaterally by Veronia.”

 

As soon as he spoke, Lucion exhaled.

 

The conditions for victory were simple.

 

Protect Hume.

 

Kill Veronia.

 

—Lucion, everything will be okay.

 

Ratta clung to Lucion’s leg, gripping firmly as she looked up at him.

 

“I greeted the members of the organization, but I didn’t properly greet my father, my older brother, or my older sister.”

 

Their departure had been urgent—so urgent that he hadn’t even brought Heint as his escort.

 

“…That’s what bothers me.”

 

Lucion’s gaze remained fixed on the fortress walls.

 

Everyone was there.

 

“I want to protect them all.”

 

With that unsettled heart, he looked at Russell.

 

“Lucion, no matter what, you must not waver.”

 

Russell didn’t offer comfort. His words were colder than usual.

 

Instead of empty reassurance, he forced Lucion to face reality.

 

“Your enemy is Veronia. Focus only on that. If you get distracted, more blood will be shed.”

 

Whether due to exhaustion or the toll of years of research, Russell had failed to defeat Veronia—Veronia, who had remained within the door.

 

His frustration was so palpable that even Bethel couldn’t bring herself to call his words harsh.

 

Lucion likely felt the same.

 

“Teacher.”

 

Lucion’s voice wavered slightly.

 

“My darkness… was erased before him. And my abdomen was pierced.”

 

He gathered the violet darkness in his hand and held it out to Russell.

 

“This time will be different. Keep it with you. It will protect you.”

 

Lucion turned his gaze toward the opposite end of the frontier.

 

The air was already thick with an ominous scent.

 

“Night is coming.”

 

Hume’s voice was uneasy.

 

Though it wasn’t yet evening, night was falling unnaturally fast.

 

A barrier spread over the empire.

 

[It’s coming.]

 

Bethel’s voice tensed.

 

Lucion looked to the sky and activated his communication device.

 

Bzzz.

 

<Yes, Mr. Hamel.>

 

It was Delos.

 

“The darkness will rage at his arrival, but wait.”

 

<We’re at a distance. No need to worry.>

 

“I will give the signal. Maintain contact.”

 

<Understood. I’ll be waiting.>

 

Delos fell silent.

 

Lucion, too, said no more as he created eyes of darkness and waited.

 

—Hop…! Something’s coming! Ratta’s fur is tingling!

 

The tremors in the ground were strong enough to make Ratta tremble.

 

“They’re coming. The Undying Ones.”

 

Russell frowned at the foul stench of the Undying Ones, which was palpable even from a great distance.

 

[How many did he bring?]

 

“As you can see—too many. An insane amount,” Russell replied bluntly to Bethel’s question.

 

Veronia clearly intended to overwhelm them with sheer numbers—so much so that calling it madness wouldn’t be an exaggeration.

 

“Young Master.”

 

Hume retrieved a communication device from his pocket.

 

<Can you see it from there too? It’s swarming.>

 

Shaela’s voice came through the device.

 

“Yes. I can see it very clearly.”

 

Lucion covered his communication device with his hand to muffle his voice.

 

<Give the signal. I’m ready to cast my magic at any time.>

 

“Sister, are you alright?”

 

<Don’t worry. If anything, I’m excited at the thought of killing the bastard who pierced your stomach.>

 

A laugh echoed through the device.

 

“She sounds genuinely excited,” Russell murmured.

 

“Young Master.”

 

Hume pulled out another communication device, covering the speaker with his finger to prevent the sounds from overlapping.

 

<Hamel, can you see it?>

 

It was Heint.

 

“I just heard the same question.”

 

<Shaela?>

 

“Yes.”

 

<Give the signal. You heard this too, right?>

 

“I did. You’re a bit late, brother.”

 

<This is no joke. Seriously. It’s so horrific, I feel like I’m trapped in a nightmare.>

 

Heint let out a hollow laugh.

 

“Stay focused. Keep morale high.”

 

<It’s easier with the divine beasts appearing. Honestly, I feel somewhat reassured.>

 

“Please wait a moment.”

 

Lucion gestured toward the communication device linked to Shaela.

 

The Undying Ones were notoriously difficult to kill with magic.

 

While light and darkness were most effective, it wasn’t impossible to destroy them through other means.

 

“Sister, begin.”

 

<Okay.>

 

At Shaela’s command, dark clouds gathered overhead.

 

A torrential downpour began, soaking the charging Undying Ones.

 

Kwarrrr!

 

—Hooop!

 

Ratta’s eyes widened.

 

A single lightning bolt struck.

 

Then another.

 

Dozens.

 

No—hundreds of lightning bolts rained down in rapid succession, scorching everything in their path and reducing the ground to ashes.

 

A force so overwhelming it swallowed both sound and air.

 

With power like this, was it really impossible to kill the Undying Ones?

 

Watching the battlefield erupt in dazzling flashes of light, Lucion let out a small laugh.

 

‘That’s one down.’