Book 9, Chapter 86 (1/2)

Cut Through

Apeiron wouldn’t agree with Richard’s reasoning, but he smiled and shook his head, “Alright, think of it this way. I’ve walked through tens of thousands of lives in the past few days, and every time my perspective changes ever so slightly. In a way, I gain a deeper understanding of the laws of the world.”

“You can understand laws this way?” Julian asked with disbelief.

“Mm. Only a little at a time, but it adds up quickly. But the real value isn’t in that; I believe it’s the strengthened will.”

Julian frowned, but he swallowed his question of what use is there. Apeiron remained silent, lost in her own thoughts.

Richard didn’t hurry either, calmly wiping out half the dragon rib in front of him before asking, “How’s the Land of Dusk?”

“Hasting defeated another fortress, but with the current situation, I don’t believe he’ll last longer than two or three more.”

Richard disagreed, “No. He’s done at this point.”

“Hmm? Why?”

“Because the Daxdians have their own trump cards too. I saw the devilfish all those years ago in the Land of Dusk, and that was mass-produced like these saint drones. They have to have made some breakthroughs in the years since.”

“Hmm… In that case, Julian. Go to the Land of Dusk tomorrow and observe Hasting. Kill him the moment he’s defeated, and bring me his head.”

“As you wish, Your Majesty!” Julian bowed, flashing a ruthless smile.

However, Richard who was cutting into another steak shook his head, “No need. If he’ll fight seriously to his last moment, then he’s making a contribution to Norland. Let him be.”

“But he’s a Scholar.”

“A Scholar-adjacent, if that. It’s fine to spare him; I’ll take care of Soremburg one day.”

“If that’s what you want, but he should know what to do next if he’s smart enough. Anyway, what are your plans?”

“I’m heading to Lithgalen to find the route the elves took to reach Arbidis. It’ll take decades if I go explore the abyss myself.”

“Tell me when you’re heading to Arbidis; I’m coming along.”

“Nope,” Richard immediately rejected her, “What about the Sacred Alliance? There won’t be anyone to oversee this place.”

“I don’t give a fuck, I just want Sharon back!” Apeiron snarled.

“But it’s not like you’ll be too useful anyway!”

“The abyss is a land of chaos, it’s my strong suit!”

“And what happens when you actually take a hit? You’ll die immediately, and I can’t save you all the time!” Richard said, looking her up and down. Apeiron was left speechless at this declaration as well, unable to refute his point. Just like during her battle against him, her physical resilience left a lot to be desired.

Seeing her hesitation, Richard softened his tone to mollify her, “How about this. Let’s discuss things again before I leave. For now, I need to settle some things before I go to Lithgalen. Namely territory.”

He formed a holographic map of Norland out of thin air, “We Archerons barely have any territory in our name. It’s not just about the resources, there isn’t enough land for the family to develop. I need to get everyone to a point where they can progress for at least a few centuries without me.”

“Isn’t that dangerous?” the Empress replied, “It’ll be more difficult to defend a vast territory.”

“Won’t be too bad in the near future. Alice will still live another century at least, and I’ll push it to three. With her around, there shouldn’t be any major losses in battle. As for powerhouses, my daughter should be able to hold her own.”

Apeiron nodded, “As long as I’m alive, I won’t let anything happened.”