Our Family Has Fallen

"It’s not that simple; the portal is quite special. I took Alhazred to have a look, and even he couldn’t solve it. He said perhaps only you could figure it out."

Everything Lance said was the truth, but why did it sound a bit strange?

Regarding that mystical scholar mentioned by the Lord, Alviss had also encountered him, and even witnessed him wielding powerful spells.

Knowing that he was a scholar with profound knowledge in the field of mysticism, if even he couldn’t manage it, then it surely wasn’t a common portal.

More important was the mutual admiration, which for him was very flattering, as recognition like this always felt rewarding.

Of course, this could only be said among equals; if it were a novice or ordinary person, any acknowledgment would seem superficial.

This desire for knowledge was a common trait among these spellcasters, and since it concerned his area of expertise, Alviss couldn’t help but feel intrigued.

He wanted to see what kind of special portal it was; such opportunities were rare.

"I can take a look, but I can’t guarantee the result."

"You won’t regret it; it’s a very precious opportunity..." Lance said with a smile, reaching out his hand to the mage.

Yet, for some reason, Alviss felt an unexplained unease while looking at Lance’s smile, but his thirst for knowledge made him extend his hand.

The agreement was reached!

"Don’t resist," Lance merely murmured as he activated [Flesh Reconstruction].

The precise control over flesh allowed Lance to sense the powerful energy contained within Alviss’s body. It turned out that even for a spellcaster, there were various means to enhance one’s physique.

Yet, the damage was still present, albeit easily nullified by him, erasing any hidden injuries.

Finally, with a blessing, he adjusted Alviss’s condition to an unprecedented level.

"Ah, this...!"

Alviss felt the withered body revitalizing, the dizziness, back pain, and fatigue all disappeared, and even breathing seemed much easier.

Once a person falls into aging, it’s almost unavoidable; as a legendary caster, he knew those so-called ascensions were unreliable, having seen many bizarre versions of longevity and rejuvenation, though most results were realized in bizarre ways.

Yet now, judging by his body’s reactions, he couldn’t detect any side effects or curses.

He didn’t doubt the Lord’s ability, but accomplishing so easily and even fulfilling the promise before the task began was shocking to him.

However, he also felt some concern, as the easier something is obtained, the more it costs...

Lance fulfilled the reward in advance fearing that if his body was too weak, he’d collapse before entering the dungeon.

Naturally, having accepted my reward, you must work for me, there’s no room for regret now.

"Take a good rest in the coming days; the place you’re heading is quite far, and there won’t be any carriages."

With that said, he got up and left, returning this area to him.

Lance knew Alviss was now eager to check if there were any side effects on his body; it was typical of these transcendent beings who wouldn’t have survived this long without caution.

Then, Lance went to meet with Tadiff and Laura, these masters, using spiritual essence to directly strengthen them to the champion level.

Lance did not find that being one step away made things simple; on the contrary, it was more dangerous as enemies on the brink would employ the strongest resistance.

Thus, at this most perilous time, Lance spared no effort in showing power, reiterating the grand vision to them, his unwavering Hamlet spirit capable of defying the Evil God for humanity, even if only he survived.

Also leading them to foresee a hopeful future for Hamlet after overcoming the Evil God...

𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

The grand narrative is essentially a political theory, similar to religion in providing an intangible vision.

However, humans need spiritual fulfillment aside from material life to sustain them forward in this desolate world.

Lance didn’t even need to use the Enchanting Voice to make his words alluring, for no one can refuse light in the dark.

They had already proven their loyalty, which was why Lance was willing to draw them in, making the utmost effort to enhance overall strength.

Even if something went awry on my side, even causing an Extreme Darkness to descend, the realistically powerful forces could resist to some extent, at least until my return.

Neither Tadiff nor Laura were eloquent, nor able to speak much about this.

But having navigated society, they understood no employer \ Lord could do what the man before them did.

"Now is the last darkness before dawn; the enemy’s counterattack will undoubtedly be more fierce, so proceed with caution."

"Nothing can escape the war hawk’s eye!"

Laura’s fervent voice startled the eagle, which instantly responded with a powerful cry.

Previously, it had also gained many benefits, and the blessing’s power seemed to propel it beyond the scope of normal creatures.

"Their bounty is mine." Tadiff (sniffing) simply replied, seeming indifferent to danger.

Seeing their attitudes, Lance felt quite satisfied; many possessed strength, but confidence was of utmost importance.

After some instructions, he arranged for the two to leave, but Lance did not rush to depart; instead, he summoned someone more special, Boslake—the one who once led a group of Barbarian Tribes to seek refuge.

"My Lord."

"Have the arrangements been completed?"

"They are completed. Most of the Barbarian Tribes have been settled without any issues."

Lance referred to the Barbarian Tribes who came, as per the plan, Barbarian Mercenaries were split into the army, and other tribal members were dispersed into newly developed collective farms in the wilderness.

The reason being their original clan mode easily fosters unity; now split into smaller family units, the aim is to disrupt their attachment to the original tribe and prevent any resurgence by tribes in unison.

Furthermore, removing the combat-capable segments first while appointing Boslake as the head translator left the remaining ones with no resistance capability.

In reality, these Barbarian Tribes suffered tribal destruction, also once ravaged by major tribes, leaving them without resistance.

If Boslake couldn’t handle such, it would be better not to bother.

Nonetheless, Lance expressed a slightly displeased reminder regarding his account.

"Wrong, not Barbarian Tribes; in Hamlet, there’s no concept of ethnicity. You have and only have one identity—that’s a Hamlet’s People."

He preferred not to delve into the ethnic quagmire; otherwise, considering the numerous tribes among Barbarian Tribes, counting a tribe by ethnicity would be unmanageable.

From the beginning, nip such trends in the bud, at least officially recognizing only Hamlet residents as identity.

Boslake couldn’t quite grasp the Lord’s reaction, as to them only clan members were considered kin, making mixed tribe individuals hard to describe, using the common imperial reference was all.

Having long served as mercenaries in the empire, he knew some survival skills, fearing to upset the Lord, he simply bowed and agreed.

"Yes!"

"Alright, alright, don’t be nervous." Lance casually soothed like in a chat, watching his serious demeanor with a teasing smile, "How is it, haven’t I treated you well?"

"No," Boslake responded almost without hesitation.

Indeed, it wasn’t flattering the Lord; it was a truth.

Throughout the Barbarian Tribes’ settlement process, numerous situations required his coordination, aware that newcomers received the same treatment.

Which was great for those seeking merely a chance to survive, free from oppression, especially having faced exclusion even among the so-called kin in the mountains.