RODH Chapter 58

58.

“…The point is that the scale of a spell can be increased at the cost of the caster’s life.”

A fraudulent kind of magic that could amplify any spell.

Ian flipped through the pages quickly, as if the exhaustion he’d suffered over the past few days was nothing.

Then, he came across a section that mentioned the Demon Lord along with light-attribute magic.

[Demon Lord.

His true identity is unclear, but he is said to be a monster that tore through the weakest barrier between this world and the demon realm.

The first head of House Kirias, along with the grand duchess, gave their lives to extract the Demon Lord’s heart, but unfortunately, the Demon Lord did not die.

The Demon Lord has four hearts, and the one retrieved by the first head of Kirias was said to be the core among them.

These are all the words of the Great Sage.

※The Great Sage seems to be a little off, so it’s advised not to believe everything in this record.]

Even if the Great Sage said strange things, he wasn’t the type to lie.

Ian continued reading about light-attribute magic.

[Magic of Light.

A powerful form of magic capable of completely burning the Demon Lord.

Back when the temple still revered the light, many priests were able to use this magic, but now, it’s said that only an extremely small number of people can.

That’s because it came to be regarded as a useless magic not worth learning.]

So, does that mean no one knows how to use light magic anymore?

Just when things seemed to be going smoothly, he felt like he’d hit another wall.

Ian closed the book and lay down.

He planned to ask Alvis about it as soon as the sun rose.

The next morning.

Having barely slept a wink, Ian called for Alvis, saying he had something to discuss.

Fortunately, Seor and Lucian were nowhere to be seen—likely off washing up.

He could feel Nevan’s gaze silently fixed on the forge.

Ian deliberately ignored that look and walked away.

At the meeting with Alvis.

Ian had taken more suppressants than usual to reduce his pheromone concentration.

“Lord Ian.”

Gone was the passion from the day before; Alvis now called Ian’s name with gentleness.

Ian asked straightaway.

“Lord Alvis, do you know anything about light magic?”

“If you mean light magic… Is this because of the Demon Lord?”

“Yes. I heard the Demon Lord is weak to light magic.”

“Where did you even get that kind of information?”

“It was written in a journal passed down in our family.”

“That eccentric…”

“Yes. Lord Alvis, there’s no time. The Hollow Knight will soon be reforged, and when that happens…”

Before Ian could finish, Alvis shook his head.

The chilly autumn wind scattered a pile of fallen leaves.

“Light magic is something I don’t know well either. There’s only one inherited magic circle. But even that is so uncertain no one studies it—it’s an extremely ancient spell.”

Ian’s expression stiffened.

But he didn’t give up.

“Lord Nevan can’t face the Demon Lord alone. We need light magic, Lord Alvis.”

His desperate voice trembled.

Knowing just how dire the situation was, Alvis couldn’t help but hesitate.

“Then I’ll look into light magic. If it’s the Magic Tower’s library, there should be some material.”

“Then I’ll also…”

“You’re going to the Magic Tower?”

When Ian looked up, Lucian was perched in a tree—who knew how long he’d been there?

Ian frowned and asked,
“Were you eavesdropping?”

Lucian casually jumped down from the tree and replied,
“I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, Ian.”

“But you heard anyway.”

Ian’s green eyes, unusually tired today, were tinged with irritation.

Noticing Ian’s mood, Lucian added,
“I’ll look into light magic too. The Dragon Clan’s library is filled with ancient spells.”

“Yes, thank you.”

Ian, dragging his weary body, turned to return to the barracks.

Just then, Lucian called out to him.

“Ian.”

“What is it?”

“Do you think you’re the one who’ll bring spring?”

“Why are you asking me that all of a sudden?”

Lucian took a step forward and held Ian’s hands.

“There’s no such thing as a fate set in stone. Fate can be changed, Ian.”

“…”

“I just don’t want you to sacrifice yourself too much.”

The question Why are you being so kind to me? rose to Ian’s throat, but before he could voice it, Alvis stepped in, siding with Lucian.

“That’s right. There’s no such thing as a fixed fate, Lord Ian. Before I was called the Blue Mage, I was just a powerless sorcerer.”

Lucian scoffed through his nose.
“You had great natural mana. Not exactly a fitting comparison, wouldn’t you say?”

“Can’t you just let it slide?”

“I was talking to Ian. Ian, anyway, I’m on your side.”

“Why are you taking my side? What if I cause trouble?”

Ian was planning something that would make Alvis or Lucian recoil if they heard.

Now that Nevan was trying to exclude him from the battle, there was no other choice.

And yet… you’re saying you’re on my side?

Wondering if it was just empty words, Ian asked, and Lucian answered seriously.

“When I’ve decided with my heart, I respect that person’s choice no matter what. And who’s to say what’s good or evil? Everyone has their reasons.”

“That sounds pretty dangerous to me…”

Ian narrowed his eyes, but Lucian threw an arm around his shoulder and went on.

“Freedom belongs to those who live it. The Dragon Clan is free.”

“And irresponsible.”

At Alvis’s cutting remark, Lucian had no comeback.

But Lucian wasn’t the type to just take a hit and stay silent.

Ian slipped away from the subtle tension between the two alphas and headed back to the barracks.

After a sleepless night, he desperately needed to lie down.

Because of that, he wasn’t watching where he was going—and collided with someone.

It was Nevan.

“My apologies, Your Grace.”

“It’s fine.”

“…”

“Then I’ll be on my way.”

As Ian tried to pass, Nevan stepped in front of him.

Nevan spoke.

“Do not come to the North.”

“Your Grace.”

“When the Demon Lord awakens, the North will be dangerous. I won’t be able to protect you as I did before.”

“I can take care of myself.”

“Don’t be stubborn.”

“I believe Your Grace is the one being stubborn.”

A tense argument unfolded—something that had never happened between the two before.

Ian told Nevan,
“Do you really think you can defeat the Demon Lord on your own?”

“I’m just doing what must be done.”

“It’s something we can do together. You can’t do it alone. That’s a pointless death!”

Already worn out from several sleepless days, and with his heat cycle nearing, Ian stumbled mid-shout.

Nevan quickly caught him.

“Are you alright?”

“No, not at all… Why are you so stubborn? It’s driving me mad.”

“I hear that often. But don’t let me be the reason you lose your mind.”

Nevan understood Ian’s heart.

Honestly, he desperately wanted Ian to come north. He wanted to stay with him, as warm and gentle as spring sunlight.

But once the Demon Lord awakened, the territory would no longer be safe.

Was that really the best thing for Ian?

No.

Faced with that unmistakable truth, Nevan, like the other alphas, had decided to keep Ian confined to the ducal estate.

Not that the Crown Prince or others wouldn’t ensure it anyway.

Either way, Ian Pearl Ruben—the one his retainers unanimously called his fated partner—had to be kept safe.

And death…

Now that he had someone precious, it frightened him a little. But just like when he’d learned of the Emperor’s scheme that cost his parents their lives, he could shut away his feelings.

Nevan handed Ian over to Bain, who came rushing up behind.

“The young duke doesn’t seem to be well. Take good care of him.”

“Yes, Your Grace!”

“…Your Grace, Your Grace!”

Ian, nearly dragged away by Bain, still wouldn’t let go of his stubborn desire to go north.

Nevan watched him with an expressionless face, and once Ian disappeared into the barracks, he let out a sigh.

There really wasn’t a single easy thing in this world.

---

On the tenth night, the northern sky began to turn a dark crimson.

Clang—clang—

The sound of reforging the Hollow Knight reached its peak.

I spoke to everyone, including Nevan.

“His Grace alone cannot defeat the Demon Lord.”

I considered telling them about the dream, but I didn’t want to cause unnecessary confusion, so I held my tongue.

Seor agreed with my assessment.

“Indeed, your words have merit. Since the Demon Lord enrages monsters, we don’t know what kind he might bring with him.”

“Besides, isn’t it about time for a monster wave to begin?”

“True.”

Peter was right.

The air was growing colder by the day, and early winter was just around the corner.

Bracing against the cold northern wind, I pulled my fox-fur cloak tightly around me.

Nevan asked,

“Do you have a plan?”

Lucian responded.

“Alvis and I looked into light magic and found a way to create a large-scale magic circle.”

He proposed drawing a pentagram-shaped circle with the northern watchtowers as its points.

“If we station about six mages at the towers, it shouldn’t be too difficult. However…”

“Is there a problem?”

Alvis answered in Lucian’s place, who seemed hesitant.

“To cast the spell, someone must go directly into the enemy stronghold—right into the center.”

At the mention of a battle that would risk lives, Seor’s expression turned icy.

“So, Alvis, are you going to be the one to cast it?”

“I would appreciate it if you could also send elite mages from the imperial court.”

“I’ll submit a petition to His Majesty.”

Just as everyone began discussing the forces they could muster, the clanging sound came to a stop—and soon after, Frigg burst in.

“It’s finished!”