Amber Sword

"Isn’t that so."

The two suddenly stopped, exchanged a glance, and then smiled simultaneously.

"Back in Kruz, I thank you for sparing my life, but I’m not who I used to be. Killing you isn’t impossible now, Wood," the Gray Sword Saint suddenly said.

"So you’re truly planning to make a move?" Wood asked.

"Not quite. You have your ideals to realize, I have my homeland to restore, as long as you don’t stand in my way, I won’t make a move on you. Besides, you understand this, right? Otherwise, why would you bother bringing so many people just to give me a chance?"

Mephisto glanced at the Templars, looking indifferent as he said, "Moreover, dealing with you alone is already challenging, adding so many dogs would be troublesome."

The Templars glared at him indignantly, yet none of them dared to act, unsure whether they were ordered or intimidated by his prowess.

"So it’s better to stop and enjoy the scenery, then you go your way and I’ll go mine. They haven’t caught me yet, and I doubt the Temple will trouble you because of it," Mephisto mocked, "They’ve already lost one Chief Priest; I doubt they’d want to lose a second."

Wood shook his head, gazing toward the sea cliffs. In the distant sea, black clouds surged, waves formed a white line amid the storm, crashing against the rocks and dispersing into countless sprays.

"Though I don’t know your relationship with him, you truly don’t seem worried about that kid."

"No, I originally didn’t believe it, but seeing you here, I do," Mephisto shook his head, smiling, "I’m here, so he achieved his goal, do you understand?"

"Oh?" Wood was slightly startled, "He knew I was behind this all along? Is Turaman also in Ambeser and told him?"

"No, no," the Gray Sword Saint laughed heartily, "He just guessed from the beginning that the Flame Temple was involved behind the scenes, not because of you, but because of that Moros."

Wood frowned, looking suspiciously at this man. Due to some special reasons, he once spared him in Kruz, but he understood the man wouldn’t appreciate it. His joyful smile was surely because the Flame Temple suffered a loss somewhere again.

"Moros killed Princess Magdalene. He thought he could deceive everyone, but amidst a thousand lies, there’s always an oversight. He never dreamed his identity would be uncovered," Mephisto smiled, speaking word by word.

"That young man is truly sharp."

Wood furrowed his brow, his expression changing abruptly.

...

"Time’s up, Princess, what’s your response?"

The battlefield fell silent, as if only the patter of rain remained after the clamor of battle faded. But moments later, Williams’ voice echoed once more.

Arrogant and contemptuous.

Brand saw Princess Griffine standing dumbfounded in the rain, contemplating approaching her, but unexpectedly, the Princess turned to look first.

Amidst the pouring rain, the Half-Elf Girl’s silver eyes were filled with resolve: "Mr. Brand, I have decided to surrender to the northern nobles."

Brand couldn’t believe his ears, staring agape at the Princess. But Princess Griffine softly replied, "After my death, Erune will still have someone to carry forth this ideal; I trust that someone, trust he didn’t lie to me—"

She raised her head, gazing upon each person in the forest, "If these people survive today, one day they will be the torch of Erune’s future."

"Princess."

"Mr. Brand, I have one request."

She looked at Brand, her eyes shining brightly: "Please save my brother for me, because even if he cannot become king one day, at least I hope he can live well. This is my only wish, Mr. Brand."

She took out a Crystal and placed it in Brand’s hand: "This is the Anchor Key, only it can provide anchor points for the Royal Fleet. Father personally established this fleet and entrusted it to me; now I entrust it to you."

Princess Griffine suddenly smiled faintly, cheeks streaked with what seemed to be either tears or rain: "Mr. Brand, I hope you remember that once there was an Erune princess who fought alongside you... May the kingdom endure... May one day our ideals truly come to pass—"

May your sword always shine, Erune.

Brand watched the weeping Princess in front of him, seeing her cry for the second time. No longer the strong figure in history, but a genuine Erune elder princess.

He placed a hand over her mouth.

Nothing more needs to be said.

At that moment, time seemed to freeze; Brand unsheathed his Longsword, stepping past the stunned Princess. He raised his head, softly answering, "Nothing more needs to be said, Princess."

"Have hope."

"Never give up on your ideals."

"Because today, the past will not repeat itself."

"This kingdom’s future, I will change it myself for you."

"And from this moment on, everything of the past dissipates. No more cries of Buqi, no more lamentations of the Red; here, the kingdom has not strayed from the path of Radiance, there’s still room for redemption."

Not far from him, the Female Knight Nemesia almost seemed electrified, lifting her head hearing his words. But Brand had already raised the Earth Sword in his hand, pointing towards the person in mid-air—

"Williams," Brand shouted, "The reckoning of forty years ago! Today I stand for those people, to settle it with you—are you ready?"

The forest was silent, the entire battlefield seemed to consist only of this solitary silhouette.

And before him lay the vast fleet of the Cruz people.

...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) and vote for recommendations, monthly tickets; your support is my greatest motivation.)