Chapter 39 EPISODE 39 COUNT HRSVELGR

There were three protectors in the Slen Kingdom.

The Knights of the Golden Lion protected the Cilates Plains, which has been the biggest battleground against the Argon Empire for generations.

The invincible fleet of the 7 southern families dominated the southern waters.

And the last one was the Jackdaw Brigade, which blocked the northern barbarians for over the past 300 years.

The Northern Margrave is the head of the Jackdaw Brigade, and Thunderdoom Fortress is the nest of the Jackdaws.

If the Knights of the Golden Lion were the king of pitched battles on the plains, the Jackdaw Brigade were experts in fortress defense.

The Jackdaw Brigade have always had 10,000 people at all times and built numerous legends together with the Thunderdoom Fortress.

In the great invasion 150 years ago, Black Eagle, the legendary chieftain of the barbarians, led more than 150,000 troops against the 10,000 troops of the fortress. Despite the fact that the enemies were ten times more than their own troops, the Count Bayer of that time not only stopped the overwhelming enemies seven times, but also made a record of beheading the enemy Wild Lion. However, Count Bayer was killed, and this great invasion was called the Tragedy of the Jackdaws.

If you live in the north, always thank the Jackdaws. They are the ones protecting your life, your family, and your loved ones.

Those statements werent wrong, because many northerners do harbor feelings of goodwill and gratitude to the Jackdaw Brigade.

And it was when the Count of Hrsvelgr became the margrave, that such feelings of pride and dignity truly reached its peak.

Thunderdoom Fortress was not only the nest of the Jackdaws but was also the place where the Count of Hrsvelgr, The First Jackdaw, lived.

The situation feels delicate now that Ive come here.

Jude himself was a man from the Bayer family.

50 years ago, the head of the Jackdaws was the Count of Bayer.

It was a time before the current Count Bayer was born, and only a few people, including the old knight Victor Cromwell, remembered the days when the Bayer family was a Jackdaw.

Moreover, the former Count Bayer was not so much talented in the sword, which was unlike the current Count Bayer, who was such a powerful swordsman that he ranked among the top ten swordmasters of the Slen Kingdom.

The current Count Hrsvelgr was also one of the ten swordmasters so it was inevitable that a delicate rivalry relationship was formed between the two.

Well, it didnt matter to Jude what the actual thoughts between the two counts were.

I only came here because I needed to, and as for Lucashe is someone whos truly pure of heart.

In the first place, it was Lucas who invited him here, and Jude had readily accepted it.

Of course, Cordelia was also here because she had clung to her beloved fianc, insisting that she would follow him.

What is it?

Why?

No, I just suddenly felt like Ive lost.

Cordelia tilted her head in confusion, sniffing as she replied to Jude, and Jude inwardly admired her.

Shes Yellow Storm indeed.

Her senses were really sharp that she could somehow sense what Jude was thinking of her.

Moving on

Jude looked at the front again.

The group had not actually arrived at the Thunderdoom Fortress.

Lucas and Judes destination from the very beginning was right here, the trading city of Vedrfolnir, located at the entrance of Count Hrsvelgrs territory.

Because the Thunderdoom Fortress is literally a fortress.

So the counts mansion couldnt be inside the fortress.

Thus, while Count Hrsvelgr almost lived in the Thunderdoom Fortress, his family settled in Vedrfolnir, the most developed city in the Hrsvelgr territory.

My disciple, Ill be parting with you for a while here.

Landius strode over as he said.

He was originally on the move to meet Count Hrsvelgr, so he was now going to part with them here and head to the Thunderdoom Fortress.

Disciple, dont show your tears. Tears are useless

Because it causes muscle loss?

Yes, the time I taught you was short, but you learned really well. Thats Cheonmujiche, indeed.

With a satisfied face, Landius heartily laughed and then patted Jude on his shoulder.

But dont worry. Ill meet you again after Ive met with Count Hrsvelgr and dealt with some urgent matters. Itll be a few months later when we see each other again.

Yes, master. I look forward to the day of our reunion.

Yes, and dont forget to exercise. Be healthy and lets meet again.

Landius tapped on Judes shoulder before turning to Cordelia.

Girl.

Yes, Sir Landius.

Please take good care of my disciple and do what I asked you to.

Yes.

Cordelia modestly answered and Landius heartily laughed again. Jude had a curious look on his face as he stared at Cordelia.

What did he ask you to do?

Please replenish him with a protein diet every day.

When they had their usual conversation with just their eyes, Landius looked at them happily.

What a nice and loving couple. Theyre indisputably soulmates.

I think so, too.

Lucas, who had been somehow trying to get involved in their conversation, cut in when he got the chance.

Unfortunately, the conversation had already reached its end.

My disciple, I look forward to seeing you again. May the muscles always be together.

Ma-master too.

Jude awkwardly smiled as he couldnt say the same about muscles being together. Landius heartily laughed again and lowered his posture.

Then, disciple, girl, Lucas, and the others! May you be healthy until the day we meet again!

Boom!

Landius kicked the ground and soared up.

A dozen meters no, he soared at almost tens of meters high, and then he kicked again into the air and became the red flash that they saw on the first day.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

They didnt hear it wrong. That was the sound of Landius tearing through the air as he soared up the sky.

Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!

They blankly stared at the sky for a few seconds while listening to the faint sound of Landius laughter.

Cordelia was the first to open her mouth.

He aloneis in a different genre

I agree.

Jude strongly agreed as he looked far at the northern sky.

***

You must have accumulated a lot of fatigue from traveling, so take a good rest for today. If there is something you lack or need, please tell us right away. You dont have to feel burdened about it.

Thank you, Lord Lucas.

Thank you very much.

After Lucas guided them directly to the guest rooms, he smiled and left. Jude and Cordelia ate, took a bath, and had a break before having their alone time together as usual.

Theyre surprisingly cooperative.

Wellweve already spent so much time alone together. It must be a routine for the knights now.

It was at a level where the knights left the two alone now even though they havent said anything yet.

Moreover, the phenomenon accelerated further after Dahlia returned to Count Chases territory because of her injury.

They didnt have any knights closely attached to them now.

Doing that is good, but do you really have to do that now?

Itll be over soon. Ill just do one more set.

After exercising every day for the past six days, it had become awkward for Jude to not continue his daily exercises.

Disciple, remember. All the strength of a man comes from a stable and strong lower body. It is already common sense that the circumference of the thigh is directly proportional to ones lifespan.

Jude wanted to ask whose common sense was that, but he did agree to the fact that training the lower body was important.

Because a person is an animal that stands on the ground with both feet after all.

The whole body was stable only when the lower body was stabilized, and the whole body had to be stable in order to move the body properly.

Ah, its hot. Im sweating.

Cordelia wrinkled her nose as she spoke. She was making a special juice with the help of <Wind Cutter> magic.

It was what Landius asked for before he left.

But you must have gotten a lot better with your Gueumjulmaek. You can now exercise that long.

I think the physical part has somehow been solved. Its also thanks to the opening of the first door.

After having finished his squatting exercise, Jude took a deep breath and received the juice from Cordelia.

Look forward to it. Once my Gueumjulmaek is healed, Ill carry you, cross over the wall, and care for you. Ill even do all of it as a set.

What is this crazy bastard saying?

After their usual exchange, the two sat facing each other and started talking seriously.

Well, weve come all the way here, so lets organize our future schedule.

First of all, is our top priority the Sunflower?

Thats right, because the Sunflower will bloom in the next 15 days.

As legend has it, the Sunflower was a flower that bloomed only once every twenty years and fell on the third day.

We have to get the timing right.

Well have to leave in a week at the latest.

They had to consider the time to get to Frost Anvil, and the time to travel through all kinds of obstacles to get to the place where the Sunflower is located.

Eating the Sunflower will almost cure my Gueumjulmaek. In addition, I can also get my hands on a special constitution.

What did you get when you ate it as Jude?

I dont know, because I havent eaten it when I played as Jude. It was physically impossible then.

Judes main scenario happens a year later after Cordelia and Lucas.

When Judes scenario began, it was after the Sunflower had already wilted.

Hmmif Cordelia eats it, it will damage her body instead.

The Yang energys extreme energy was like a poison to ordinary humans.

Youve become a witch. So its my turn this time.

What about the Ninth Heavens Nine Doors?

Thats that.

I hate you.

Jude sneakily laughed at Cordelias words, and said as he raised his palms as if to calm her down.

But Im not going to let it go after all. Just as I got the Ninth Heavens Nine Doors this timetheres no rule that says that we have to move according to the original story.

Cordelia tilted her head at Judes words, but soon understood it. She spoke with a smile on her face.

Ancestral Regression technique.

If Jude was born with Cheonmujiche, Cordelia was born with the very strong blood of a high-ranking angel.

Therefore, just as Landius acquired the power of a giant through Ancestral Regression technique, Cordelia could also gain the power of an angel.

Its an event that only takes place after the middle part of the original story, but

I dont have to wait until then?

Exactly. Because Im here.

The Ancestral Regression technique required a very special magic circle and various materials, but the problem of the magic circle could be solved right now.

It was proudly stored in Judes memory.

JudeWiki is the best. Its really convenient.

Please use it anytime, maam.

Jude did an old-fashioned bow like those in plays, and then spoke to Cordelia who was laughing lightly.

But, as you know, you have to collect the ingredients first. Do you know the materials necessary for the Ancestral Regression technique?

I have JudeWiki, so do I have to know?

Thatyoure right, but do you know though?

I know it. Youre talking about that now, right? The most important material that cannot be replaced and varies for each Ancestral Regression target.

Thats right.

The Ancestral Regression technique was a ritual to awaken the power of the ancestors hidden in the blood, which is the way to go through the soul.

And in order to make the ritual a success, they needed the blood of the target ancestor.

Landius must have conducted the ritual with the blood of a giant. Though he had to go to a remote area to find the giants, it wasnt that difficult as he could still meet them.

But Cordelia was different.

She needed the blood of an angel.

Uhhhis there any way to get the angels blood early on?

It didnt exist in the original story, but it should still be possible now.

Thats not Ah! Lena!

She is one of the five main characters in the first episode of

Legend of Heroes

and is the only woman among the main characters.

In the original story, Jude or Cordelia never met her, let alone prevent her death.

But this time, it was different.

There were two people who planned to meet her in person and save her life.

And Lena had the blood of an angel.

At the end of the first episode of

Legend of Heroes

, she was awakened as an angel through the Ancestral Regression technique.

As expected, its Lena. We must get it. By all means.

Yes, but we dont even know where she is right now, so we would only be able to get it at the right time period that we know.

There have already been many changes due to the butterfly effect, but Lenas death event takes place in the barbaric land beyond the borders. Like the Sunflower, it was an event that occurred in conjunction with a special event with a fixed time period, so it was highly likely to proceed as scheduled.

Then, lets sort them in order.

Okay. First of all is the Sunflower event.

After obtaining the Sunflower, we will work on twisting the main scenario, The Northern Barbarians Great Attack, from its very roots.

I think I know what youre thinking.

Oh, really?

Really.

Cordelia was the second place in the server rankings after all.

Jude cheerfully laughed and said.

Yes, in the middle of our work on the main scenario, we will save Lena and get the angels blood.

Then Jude himself will carry out the Ancestral Regression technique to awaken Cordelia as an angel.

I cant wait to for it to happen.

When one awakens as an angel, wings made up of light are formed and it becomes possible to fly.

Give me a ride when you awaken.

What is this crazy bastard saying? What are you talking about?

Moving on.

Moving on?

Yeah, moving onin order to do that, we have to first finish the Sunflower event well. One of the materials needed for the Ancestral Regression technique can be found in Frost Anvil.

Thats killing two birds with one stone.

Yes, we achieve two things by just going to Frost Anvil.

And as usual, the two then quickly began to make detailed plans for their future schedule.

But during the next afternoon, an emergency report from Thunderdoom Fortress threw all their plans into the gutter.

Because weve been attackedtwice.

There had been two attacks from the demon followers that aimed at the children of the 12 northern families.

What was even more problematic was the fact that only Jude, Cordelia, and Lucas were attacked for the second time.

Fortunately, Lady Sylvia, Miss Viola, Lord Felix, and Count Dahuts male twins were not attacked.

Some of them had already arrived home, like Count Dahuts twins, but there were some who werent attacked even though they were on the way home, like Sylvia and Felix.

And these facts only suggested one thing.

The target of the Devils Hand were the three children Jude, Cordelia, and Lucas or at least, one of them.

Therefore, Count Hrsvelgr gave a strict order to Lucas when he returned home.

Stay quietly at home. With the guests.

Upon hearing Lucas entire explanation, Cordelia urgently turned to Jude, who cautiously asked.

Then, Lord Lucaswhat about the Sunflower?

My father said that he would give a separate order to his subordinates in finding the Sunflower. But before thathe said that a major search for the Devils Hand was necessary first.

At Lucas words, Jude and Cordelia looked back at each other again.

Is this for real?

Yes, I think it is.

According to Lucas, the search operation for the Devils Hand must be completed first before they begin the work for the Sunflower.

However, if this happens, there was a high possibility that they would miss the Sunflowers blooming period.

Moreover, if Jude and Cordelia do not directly go to Frost Anvil, the necessary materials for the Ancestral Regression technique would not be obtained.

If were in Vedrfolnir, were free to go out because my father gave us his permissionso, would the two of you like to go sightseeing around the city together?

Lucas sweetly offered with an apologetic face.

What should we do?

Lets get out of this one first.

The two made up their minds and came up with a plan without any further discussion.

I understand your concerns well. Thank you for your kindness, Lord Lucas.

Its our first time in Vedrfolnir, so Im very excited. I look forward to working with you tomorrow.

When Jude and Cordelia responded with a smile instead of disappointment, Lucas became visibly relieved and then continued.

Okay. Ill be in charge and guide the two of you around Vedrfolnirs attractions. Itll be fun. By all means.

I look forward to it.

My heart is already pounding.

Cordelia smiled while lightly pressing on her chest, and Lucas unconsciously blushed and hastily said.

Um, then Ill go now to prepare for tomorrows tour. Please have a good rest.

See you tomorrow.

See you tomorrow, Lord Lucas.

Jude and Cordelia acted like a married couple as they warmly received Lucas offer, and Lucas immediately left the room with a bright face.

Hey, what should we do? If we agree to this, well be stuck in this place.

It was as Cordelia had said.

If they followed Count Hrsvelgrs orders and went sightseeing around Vedrfolnir, they wouldnt be able to save Lena, as well as get the Sunflower.

I cant help it. We have no choice but to do that.

That? Is there something we can do?

You know, the usual solution.

Jude seriously spoke as he placed his two hands over Cordelias shoulder and gave her a deep and quiet look.

Wh-what is it? Why are you looking like that?

Cordelia, do you trust me?

What is this crazy bastard sa-

Her words were cut off.

Cordelia realized it at that moment.

What the usual solution that Jude had mentioned was.

Moreover, Dahlia wasnt here right now.

F*ck.

Cordelia cursed, and Jude took out the stationery.

***

Im going on a honeymoon trip with my beloved Mr. Bayer. Well be back in a few days, so please dont bother looking for us, okay?

A letter was found on the bed of Cordelias room the next morning.

It was obviously written by Jude and Cordelia, but by that time, the two had already run off.