The Return of the Limited-Time Sword Master

Chapter 123: Founding Festival (8)

Ancient noble families held many treasures collected as spoils of war by their ancestors.

The Adalbert family, for instance, stored precious treasures in the Chamber of the Overlord.

And the royal family was no different.

“This is the Hall of Glory. The name was given by the first emperor himself. Like the Adalbert family, we also have a duty to fill this room with newly acquired treasures.”

“Filling a treasury is indeed the most effective way to show the family’s prosperity.”

Martin responded to the emperor’s words as he looked around.

An array of weapons, including spears and swords, was displayed in perfect order.

Each one was either strikingly ornate, terrifyingly sharp, or radiated an intense magical energy that made one’s body tremble.

“I thought the Chamber of the Overlord had some impressive pieces…”

He had to admit it.

In terms of overall quality, the treasures in the Hall of Glory surpassed those in the Chamber of the Overlord.

The claim that successive emperors had poured their hearts into gathering them wasn’t an exaggeration.

“You saved the emperor of the Empire. So feel free to take anything from here, even if it’s one of the Divine Swords.”

“A Divine Sword…”

Martin was astonished by the emperor’s generosity.

Masterpiece—Treasured Sword—Holy Sword—Divine Sword.

Among the four levels, the Divine Sword was the highest, granting its wielder immense power.

The best example was Stefan Rustal before Martin’s return.

That man raised Karadyl, a spear from the Rustal family’s vault, to the level of a Divine Sword and demonstrated immense strength through it.

As a 5th-circle warrior, he sometimes displayed the power of a 6th circle, even matching 7th-circle masters when risking his life.

There was a reason Martin had gone to the Rustal family’s vault for Karadyl.

“Although raising Karadyl to the level of a Divine Sword won’t give me 9th or 10th-circle strength…”

Every Divine Sword had its limits.

But the reason he chose Karadyl was simple: the powers within the sword would greatly benefit him.

Even now, it helped compensate for his comparatively lower physical abilities against those of similar ranks.

“If I hadn’t regained consciousness, the Empire would have descended into chaos. Thanks to you, I can stabilize the succession, avoiding the worst outcome. Considering the harm that could’ve been caused by disorder, a Divine Sword is a small price to pay, even if it leads to immense growth on your part.”

Martin fell silent at the emperor’s words.

There was something unusual about the emperor’s manner of discussing his growth.

Unfazed, the emperor continued.

“Though I was immobilized by the curse, my consciousness remained clear.”

“So that’s why you weren’t startled when you opened your eyes.”

“Precisely. And my children would often visit to tell me what was happening in the Empire. They hoped for my swift recovery, and as a result, I didn’t miss a single event. I know everything, from the accomplishments you’ve achieved since becoming deputy head to how much further you’re likely to grow.”

Martin was stunned.

The emperor, despite being half a corpse, had held onto a thread of consciousness.

It was impressive to hold onto awareness in such a precarious state. He understood why the emperor was known as an absolute being.

“Just as Duke Klaus said, you possess qualities that could place you on par with us. Considering your achievements, it’s certain you’d make an exceptional ruler. I’m confident that your existence will influence the Empire’s future history in some way. Perhaps you’ll pursue independence, like Duke Klaus.”

“I’ve never considered separating from the Altarian Empire. Though it’s concerning that the First Prince and Duke Ferdinand don’t seem content with that.”

“That’s nothing unusual. Just as the heads of the three noble families dreamed of independence, the imperial family has always wished to absorb the three great families. We coexist simply because there’s no strength to make that possible.”

Martin sighed inwardly.

The emperor’s words betrayed his desire to completely control the other great families.

“When the Klaus family falls, no force will be left to balance the Ferdinand family. Won’t that make them too powerful?”

“I am Duke Ferdinand’s son-in-law, and Richard is his grandson. For others, it might be a concern, but Duke Ferdinand would never harm his own family. Although I can’t guarantee what will happen in future generations, Richard will likely reach the 10th circle before then.”

The emperor’s reasoning was sound.

Karl von Ferdinand wasn’t the type to break his word.

Yet, Martin’s questions weren’t fully answered.

“Supporting the First Prince seems almost inevitable, so why haven’t you named him crown prince?”

“In the end, Richard, backed by the Ferdinand family, will win. I simply hope that Theodore and Claudia lose their ambition for the throne through this competition. That’s why I gave them the opportunity.”

“Merciful or cruel, I can’t quite tell.”

Martin gave a wry smile.

He didn’t regret saving the emperor.

If he hadn’t restored his consciousness, the Klaus family’s declaration of independence would have thrown the Empire into chaos.

“I’m not ready for that yet.”

This situation had completely deviated from the course of his previous life.

With his knowledge of future events rendered nearly useless, he needed to control the chaos as much as possible.

That’s why he had decided to awaken the emperor.

Thanks to the emperor’s decree, the Ferdinand family’s focus had shifted to the Klaus family, buying him the time he needed to grow stronger.

“Regardless of the imperial family’s ambitions, I owe you a personal debt. So, I’m giving you this chance, to help you survive the tumultuous times ahead. My children and descendants may resent it, but that’s none of my concern.”

Then he added that, given his limited lifespan, he didn’t see the point in dwelling on it.

His words and actions were, in many ways, astonishing.

“Well, have you decided what you’ll take?”

“Yes. I’ll take the dragon’s blood.”

With Karadyl, which would evolve into a Divine Sword, he didn’t need another weapon.

He wasn’t particularly interested in dual-wielding, and if necessary, he could grab something from the Chamber of the Overlord. No one would complain about that now.

The same went for armor.

Glaiph, crafted by elven artisans, held its own against anything in the Hall of Glory.

As for potions that increased mana, he wasn’t interested.

With the Dragon’s Curse, his mana increased infinitely; there was no need for such elixirs.

“Dragon’s blood… you’ve set your sights on something intriguing.”

“It’s the most valuable treasure for me.”

“As that’s what you desire, I’ll respect your choice.”

The emperor waved his left hand, and a glass vial containing the dragon’s blood flew over swiftly.

It held a greater quantity than what he had consumed in the Chamber of the Overlord.

“Take it.”

“Thank you. I’ll make good use of it.”

Martin accepted the vial with both hands and stored it in his subspace.

The emperor, watching him, spoke again.

“As an heir of the three great families, you should know why the three great families and the imperial family are considered so prestigious.”

“Yes. Unlike the royal families of other nations, the three great families and the imperial family have systematized the methods to reach the 10th circle. Although it’s reserved for direct descendants, I’ve heard that each of the four forces has its own approach.”

Just as the First Patriarch, Arelia, had left a fragment of herself, it was clear that the First Emperor and the founding patriarchs of other noble families had taken similar measures.

This was how, for over a thousand years, a consistent line of 10th Circle Absolute Beings could reign as patriarchs.

“That is correct.”

The Emperor, saying so, lightly waved his left hand.

A thick book then flew between the Emperor and Martin.

Seeing this, Martin felt puzzled.

There was no title on it.

The Emperor explained with a calm expression.

“It is the journal of the First Emperor. This is the final volume, documenting a conversation he had with the founding patriarchs of the three great families just before his death. Though, it was more of a battle of insight disguised as conversation. The Imperial bloodline reached the 10th Circle by relying on this.”

“Why bestow something so precious to me…?”

Martin felt his body tremble involuntarily.

The First Emperor and the founding patriarchs of the three great families were considered the most heroic and powerful figures in the Empire’s history.

A book containing their insights and experiences?

That wasn’t all.

‘I can also learn about the unique abilities and combat styles of the Imperial family and the other three great families.’

There was no doubt.

No treasure in the Hall of Glory could compare to this.

“After all, you saved the Emperor. I couldn’t possibly reward you with just one thing. But I figured material rewards wouldn’t be particularly useful for you, so I’m giving you this. Even as a copy, nothing has been omitted from its contents, so it will be of great help to you.”

“I will accept it with gratitude.”

Martin clutched the journal with both hands.

However, beyond his joy, he assessed the situation with a level head.

Although he had the enlightenment necessary to reach the 9th Circle, fully understanding the contents of this book seemed unlikely with just that alone.

The 10th Circle was on an entirely different level.

Even so, he wasn’t overly worried, for a simple reason.

‘Our family still has the First Patriarch.’

Arelia von Adalbert.

With her guidance, he could theoretically inherit the enlightenment and experiences of a 10th Circle Absolute Being.

That alone was immensely meaningful.

“You’ve been given a path to survive the Ferdinand family. Now, it’s up to you how you use what you’ve received.”

“Yes. Even if the Adalbert family faces ruin, I will not resent Your Majesty.”

“That’s a relief. I wouldn’t want bad blood with the one who saved me. Now, I should take my leave. If I stay longer, people will start to worry.”

“Understood.”

With that, Martin placed the journal in his personal spatial storage.

‘I want to return.’

He yearned to go home immediately to discuss the journal thoroughly with Arelia.

Finish his affairs in the Imperial Palace as quickly as possible.

Martin steeled his resolve.

* * *

After the Emperor returned to his quarters, Martin headed to Claudia’s palace with his companions.

There, he conversed with her alone.

“Honestly… you have no idea how shocked I was when I first heard about it from my eldest brother! I understood that you were visiting His Majesty to check on him. But a curse—considering we’re allies, shouldn’t such matters have been discussed first? That’s only courteous.”

“I formally apologize for that, Princess. However, I hope you’ll understand that immediate action was necessary.”

“And the reason?”

“Duke Klaus kept trying to monitor His Majesty’s condition. Considering the situation, it wouldn’t have been surprising if he’d attempted some ploy. So, we decided that conducting matters in the presence of Duke Ferdinand would deter Duke Klaus from interfering.”

“Ugh. It’s frustrating that I can’t argue with that.”

Claudia sighed deeply in genuine frustration.

She did feel disappointed at Martin’s independent actions.

But beyond that, she was more afraid.

Martin’s growth rate was unprecedented in history.

Overcoming countless adversities and revitalizing the declining power of the Adalbert family at an astounding pace.

‘At least Count Minert is by my side…’

The Adalbert family still didn’t have a 9th Circle master.

But, broadly speaking, that wasn’t entirely accurate.

Through alliances with the northern Elves and Dwarves, they now had access to the power of a 9th Circle master.

Considering Martin’s talent, it wouldn’t be surprising if he reached the 9th Circle in a few years.

‘The balance of power is completely collapsing.’

At this rate, their alliance might become one in name only.

If things continued this way, the throne would grow more distant.

Without the aid of Martin and the Adalbert family, she wouldn’t be able to play a significant role in the impending civil war.

‘I need to find a way to solidify our alliance, regardless of the balance of power.’

It was a relief, in a way.

She knew what she had to do, though voicing it out loud wasn’t an option yet.

‘He must have a lot to think about, too.’

Martin observed Claudia, lost in thought, and inwardly smiled.

He had no intention of severing ties with her.

Even if Richard took the throne, it would only inconvenience him.

So, he needed to use Richard as leverage as much as possible.

‘I hope the Klaus family and the Ferdinand family keep each other busy.’

After all, with the north and south so far apart, deploying forces here was challenging.

A direct confrontation between the Ferdinand and Klaus families seemed inevitable.

‘While they exhaust themselves, I’ll continue to grow.’

He had established a good relationship with the northern Elves and Dwarves, proving himself trustworthy.

With this foundation, he planned to reach out to other races in different regions.

And with the dragon’s blood gifted by the Emperor, he intended to restore his physical prowess to its peak and challenge the 9th Circle.

‘The Imperial family, the civil war… none of it matters to me.’

What mattered was himself and the Adalbert family.

That resolve would never waver.