The Return of the Limited-Time Sword Master

Chapter 138: The End of the Rampage (2)

Werner von Klaus, composed entirely of light, stared directly at Martin.

Even through the communication link, his gaze was intense.

Martin met it calmly.

“—I’ve lived a long time, but I’ve never genuinely thought anyone was truly impressive.”

“Not even His Majesty the Emperor or Duke Ferdinand?” Martin asked.

“Those two are peers, so I acknowledge and respect them, but that’s where it ends. It’s hard to find something impressive about someone who’s achieved what I have. But you, Martin Adalbert—you are different.”

Werner’s tone was calm, but there was genuine admiration in it.

“Since you woke the Emperor, I’ve acknowledged your capabilities, but now I can’t describe it as anything less than extraordinary. I never expected you to uncover the truth about Doom so quickly.”

“Well, that’s thanks to sparing the Dark King. I managed to extract more than enough from him.”

Martin chuckled, recalling the Dark King.

The man had tried every trick to escape Martin’s grasp, handing over every piece of information or lead he could find on Doom and The Medicine King.

Thanks to his desperate efforts, Martin had achieved his goals sooner than expected.

“Honestly, I didn’t think you’d keep the Dark King alive. I assumed you’d kill him as soon as he refrained from fighting Nicholas.”

“A 7th Circle warrior is a rare asset, and someone with the Dark King’s skills is even rarer. I had no intention of wasting an opportunity to gain a useful card.”

“Leadership qualities combined with strategic insight—you are formidable indeed.”

Werner clicked his tongue in mild astonishment before his expression turned serious once more.

“I’ve gotten off track here. I should have started by thanking you.”

“I was wondering when you’d get to that,” Martin replied, his tone relaxed.

Werner didn’t take Martin’s demeanor as insolence; this time, it was indeed true that he owed Martin a debt of gratitude.

Recent negative events had all been framed as the work of the Second Prince, with him taking all the blame.

Of course, since the Klaus family had allied with the Second Prince, some of that negative image inevitably extended to them as well.

“But considering what we’ve done, it’s hardly significant, wouldn’t you say?”

“I agree. Our family has long held sway in the south, so it’s secure, but other regions are another story. If we’re to secure independence and establish a nation, we can’t ignore the sentiment of citizens elsewhere. In that sense, your support was invaluable.”

“Well, I have my own interests too.”

“I’m aware. You want the Klaus family to keep the Ferdinand family and the Imperial House occupied for as long as possible. You need time to build up the Adalbert family—or more precisely, your own power.”

“In the end, I used you, Duke, but I trust you don’t mind? We’ve both benefited, after all.”

“Indeed, I acknowledge that. Consider this my way of repaying you.”

“That’s bold, or should I say, it seems you dislike being in debt.”

“Both.”

Werner felt a sense of novelty in this exchange.

Besides the Emperor and Karl, no one else had ever addressed him so comfortably.

Even Nicholas and Hendrick, both 9th Circle mages, found him intimidating, yet Martin, with lesser power and experience, spoke so naturally.

“It’s amusing that it doesn’t come across as arrogance.”

Werner’s understanding of Martin’s potential to become a 10th Circle mage in the future played a part in this, but aside from that, Martin’s abilities commanded respect regardless of age or rank.

“I’m curious, Duke, what kind of gift is the head of one of the three great families offering me?”

“Knowledge about the Dark King’s past. Will that suffice?”

“That’s good.”

Martin nodded in satisfaction.

He no longer needed material resources as much; information was far more valuable to him, and Werner had met his expectations.

“The Dark King is…”

Werner then shared everything he knew about the Dark King’s past.

Martin bowed his head slightly.

“Thank you for sharing this information. I’ll make good use of it.”

“I’m glad it’ll be of use to you.”

Werner nodded, acknowledging Martin’s straightforward gratitude.

“As I’ve told you before, my sole ambition is independence. My only desire is to establish a kingdom for the Klaus family; I have no intention of claiming other regions.”

“If you can keep your word, I’ll refrain from intervening in the Klaus family’s affairs. The Second Prince and the Marquis Royce family, however, I’ll have to deal with for the Adalbert family’s future.”

“I hope we each achieve what we want.”

“I hope so too.”

With those words, Werner ended the communication.

Left alone, Martin leaned back in his chair.

“Once I eliminate the Second Prince’s faction, I’ll withdraw from the civil war.”

He doubted Claudia would be pleased by this decision.

However, she had no right to object or oppose his actions.

She had not only lost the opening battle but had also been forced to abandon the free city of Akela and flee to the north.

Her influence in this civil war was almost non-existent.

And now that the Emperor’s favor had shifted to the First Prince, even her claim to the throne was a hollow one.

“In the past, she might have tried to advance through Count Minert, but that’s no longer an option.”

There was already a 9th Circle mage on his side.

Barthez, the High Elder of Altair Village, was with him, and if necessary, he could even request the support of Alexandre, the High Elder of Ranens Village.

If the First Prince were ever eliminated, Claudia’s value might increase, but there was no rush to get involved yet.

Whatever the situation, the Adalbert family and the northern region no longer had any reason to be entangled in unnecessary chaos.

“All I need to do is focus on building my power and my family’s strength.”

With that, Martin rose from his seat and made his way to the reception room.

It was time to properly settle matters with the Dark King.

—

“Thank you for your help. Thanks to you, everything was smoothly resolved.”

“Now that I’ve fulfilled my obligations, I expect you to keep your promise.”

The Dark King disregarded Martin’s gratitude, getting straight to what he wanted.

“From this moment on, the Assassin’s Guild and I will leave the North. As long as you reign over the Adalbert family, I’ll refuse any contracts involving northern figures.”

“I know those from the underworld avoid stepping into the light, but you take it to an extreme. You don’t even lead a double life like most others.”

Every notable figure in the underworld had manifested a unique ability.

Because of this, it was common for them to live dual lives, able to integrate as nobles. Prime examples included the Dark King and The Medicine King.

But in contrast, the Dark King lived solely as the master of the Assassin’s Guild, with no presence in the public sphere.

With a slightly stiff expression, the Dark King replied, “I don’t see why my personal matters should be discussed.”

“Oh, you don’t have to explain anything. I already know.”

“What…?”

“Rudi Schnellenger. Descendant of House Schnellenger, the marquis family wiped out by the Ferdinand family 400 years ago, right?”

“…Ah. So Duke Klaus told you. I didn’t expect him to be so loose-lipped.”

“He’s not loose-lipped. It’s just that he owes me quite a bit after this recent situation. That’s why he shared what I wanted to know.”

At Martin’s words, the Dark King—Rudi Schnellenger—sighed deeply once more.

But Martin didn’t pay any mind to his reaction.

“I must admit, I was surprised. I never thought any descendants of House Schnellenger would still be around.”

The powers at the top of the Altaria Empire had always been the Imperial House and the three great families.

That fact hadn’t changed since the Empire’s founding roughly a thousand years ago.

However, they weren’t without challengers.

On rare occasions, a 10th Circle powerhouse would emerge from a lesser family or a branch of one of the great families.

Rothar Adalbert, founder of the Rothar Martial Art, was one prominent example.

“Out of countless challengers, House Schnellenger was impressive. They came close to defeating the Ferdinand family. In fact, 400 years ago, they even bested the family head of that time—albeit only once.”

“…But in the end, it was meaningless. The Ferdinand family won, and we lost. That’s all there is to it.”

“Is that really all you think?” Martin replied, unconvinced.

After all, powerful individuals of the 6th Circle or higher could live well anywhere they went.

And yet, Rudi Schnellenger had chosen a quiet life as the Dark King.

All the past masters of the Assassin’s Guild had done the same.

“While Duke Klaus didn’t tell me everything, it’s not hard to guess your situation. As long as even one heir remains, the family isn’t truly destroyed, right? I imagine you want to restore its lost glory. Isn’t that it?”

“…You truly are adept at seizing people’s vulnerabilities, Young Lord. Do you know how infuriating it is when you can’t deny it?”

“Of course I do. But why should I worry about that?”

Martin’s bluntness left the Dark King speechless.

Seeing this, Martin delivered the final blow.

“Serve under me. I’ll help you fulfill your life’s ambition.”

“Do you even realize what you’re saying?”

“Of course. I’m telling you that I’ll crush the Ferdinand family myself. Ideally, the Klaus family would do it for me, but still.”

“You’re thoroughly mad. You know you can’t even match the Young Lord of the Ferdinand family right now, let alone the head himself.”

“That’s true, for now. But my potential is such that all of the Empire’s strongest recognize it. His Majesty himself declared that I’ll reach the 10th Circle within the next ten years. With that kind of backing, I believe it’s very possible, don’t you?”

“…Why are you so determined to recruit me? The Adalbert family hardly lacks talent.”

“Oh, you have it backward.”

Rudi looked at Martin, puzzled.

“If the Klaus family wins, then it’s fine. But if the Ferdinand family comes out on top, things will get complicated. They intend to eliminate not only the Klaus family but us as well.”

“Yes, I’ve heard as much.”

“So if I want myself or my family to survive, I’ll have to defeat both the Ferdinand family and the Imperial House. Since that battle is inevitable, wouldn’t it make sense to bring in someone who shares that goal?”

“A sort of bonus, then.”

“Exactly. But I genuinely want to make you my retainer. Swear loyalty to me, and I’ll help you rebuild House Schnellenger. I’ll even grant you its former lands.”

The Dark King was at a loss for words.

This was the last thing he had expected to hear.

“What’s there to consider? No matter what you or the Assassin’s Guild tries, you can’t defeat the Ferdinand family alone.”

“I could align with the Klaus family. That would allow me to fight against the Ferdinands.”

“But that’s all it would be. Do you think their southern-obsessed family head will help you establish a stronghold in the East?”

“…You really know how to corner someone,” the Dark King said, shaking his head.

This time, he did so with much less certainty.

Since his family’s downfall, he had been forced to constantly watch for the Ferdinand family.

Every few decades, they’d even visit the Assassin’s Guild to issue a warning.

The moment he stepped back into the light, they would bring about his ruin.

Since the Ferdinand family could back up such threats, he hadn’t dared to disregard them.

And so, Rudi had hoped—genuinely hoped—that this miserable life would end with his generation.

Swoosh.

Seeing his hesitation, Martin extended his right hand.

“I won’t ask you to pledge absolute loyalty right away. But can you at least work for me as my retainer?”

“It’s unfortunate that I have no choice but to yield to reality.”

Despite his words, the Dark King reached out and took Martin’s hand.

In that moment, he severed an incomplete relationship and became a sworn retainer of the Adalbert family.

“Perfect.”

A satisfied smile crept across Martin’s face.

At last, he had acquired an information network respected across the continent.

“I owe The Medicine King my thanks.”

He had gained a great deal in exchange for defeating him.

Perhaps he’d thank him on his death anniversary someday.

That would be enough to convey his gratitude.

Though the dead would never know.