The struggle between demons and humans was undeniably intertwined with the continent’s history.
From the moment they recognized each other’s existence, the battles were relentless, leading to countless sacrifices.
‘Of course, the greatest damage was inflicted on the humans.’
While demons could use magic from birth as if it were their own, humans had to exert tremendous effort just to control mana.
Even when they eventually became proficient in handling mana, the situation didn’t improve.
During the time spent training, demons were not idle.
‘They were multiplying uncontrollably and betraying humanity, causing their numbers to skyrocket.’
Holding off seemingly endless enemies was nearly impossible, and miracles were not common occurrences.
Eventually, humans found themselves preparing for a final battle.
It was a moment when words like “it’s over” and “there’s no hope” naturally fell from their lips.
‘What dealt with it was the Hero.’
The moment the longed-for miracle occurred.
The Hero. When beings blessed by the Goddess of Peace, Eris, appeared and awakened, changes began to take place.
‘They swept away the invading demons and reclaimed all the lost territories.’
After that, it was a cycle. When demons attacked, heroes appeared to resolve the situation, and this would repeat every few decades.
Humanity and demons fought tirelessly until the Kallos Empire was established, and many heroes had emerged throughout the grand history.
‘We have not forgotten the efforts of the heroes who achieved feats akin to saviors, and people have begun to honor them.’
Forgetting history was unthinkable, so Edenria decided to take action.
They decided to designate the weapons used by previous heroes as national treasures for preservation.
As a result, apart from the Elysion, the hidden inventory of Edenria contained equipment used by previous heroes.
‘Indeed, it’s akin to placing the highest level of security for the purpose of honoring the heroes.’
That was the reason.
‘But why is this supposed report here?’
The reason Ian was surprised upon seeing the object Raymond presented.
Inside the box was a small ring. A plain silver ring with no particular decorations.
However, Ian knew well what it was.
‘The Guardian’s Silver Ring… I’m not sure exactly, but it was used by the previous hero, wasn’t it?’
When worn, it not only granted divine power but could also change one’s attribute to Holy for a period of time.
Unlike previous heroes, the one who awakened as a hero with innate shadow attributes couldn’t use the holy sword, leading to the creation of this item.
Was Raymond preparing such a precious thing as a gift?
‘Oh… No way. Even Raymond wouldn’t…’
Edenria would not hand over a national treasure to an imperial citizen.
Even if the hero Ariel were to come personally, seeing the real thing would be nearly impossible.
“Why are you showing this to me?”
Surely, he wasn’t intending to give it away. As Ian shifted his gaze, Raymond only smiled, clearly pleased.
“Yes, the Guardian’s Silver Ring. This is the reward we decided to give you, Ian.”
“You’re giving me the Guardian’s Silver Ring? Why…?”
“I understand what you want to say. It’s not an ordinary item.”
Raymond, with a gentle smile, looked at the silver ring and continued.
“In fact, the Guardian’s Silver Ring is a recently discovered item. Originally, the plan was to designate it as a national treasure and move it to storage.”
A weapon of a hero that no longer exists in the world. It was such a precious item for Edenria that they had prepared to transport it as safely as possible.
However, Raymond did not view the item’s transfer to storage favorably.
“Although it’s undoubtedly a precious item… I don’t think the Guardian’s Silver Ring is valuable only as a treasure.”
The world was growing more turbulent. Not only had the demon attacks intensified, but even demon lords were descending.
If things continued as they were, the possibility of a major war was high, and Raymond believed it was essential to address it from the start.
“Though it’s a relic from the past, it’s still an item that can be of great use now. Among the things we could offer, I believed it was the most suitable for you, Ian.”
In a way, it might seem like a somewhat irresponsible request to aid in capturing a Demon King.
However, rationally speaking, Ian, not Ariel, was the most reliable figure in the current situation.
After all, Ian was born with the Dark attribute. It would be more advantageous for him to use holy attributes against demons.
“But, can you really give me such an important item? Even if I handled Leviathan, giving away the hero’s equipment…”
“To be honest, it’s not entirely okay. I received a lot of criticism from higher-ups for this decision.”
Raymond, who had always gained the trust of the Church, remembered the time when he was scolded by the Pope in a meeting.
Even though he had captured a demon lord, he was harshly criticized for thinking it was right to hand over a national treasure to an imperial citizen.
It was not just verbal abuse. He was about to be promoted to the position of Grand Archbishop, but it almost didn’t happen.
Handing over the Guardian’s Silver Ring to Ian was such a serious issue.
“Even as a High Archbishop, it’s impossible to decide on giving away a national treasure as a reward on my own. However… fortunately, someone with similar thoughts was present at the meeting.”
“Someone with similar thoughts? Who was that?”
Was there someone like that in Edenria?
Ian had briefly thought of Piers Arcana but quickly dismissed it. As just a cardinal, Piers wouldn’t have had the authority to raise his voice in the meeting.
‘Who could it be?’
Despite his curiosity, Raymond didn’t easily reveal the name.
Perhaps it was correct to say there was no need to disclose it.
“You’ll find out soon enough. Or maybe even in a few hours.”
With a satisfied smile, Raymond stood up.
“Well then, I look forward to working with you in the future. May Eris’s grace be with you.”
“I’ll make sure to use the gift well.”
Ian also rose from his seat, holding the Guardian’s Silver Ring.
***
“Is it right to be pleased about this, or should I refuse it?”
Even after leaving the room, Ian wandered the hallway for a while, sighing deeply.
At that moment, the Guardian’s Silver Ring, worn on his finger, emitted a radiant light.
“It’s definitely a valuable item, but I never expected to receive it.”
Honestly, he had thought that even if Raymond prepared a treasure, it would be nothing special.
Although the position of High Archbishop was high, it wasn’t one where he could make all decisions alone.
Moreover, despite having a good relationship with the Empire, Edenria was still a foreign nation, so he hadn’t expected them to give something so significant.
Receiving such an item under these circumstances was especially bewildering.
‘However, refusing it seems inappropriate given that Raymond said it was necessary, so I can’t just turn it down.’
What he learned from his conversation with Belphegor was clear.
The remaining two Demon Kings would soon begin a serious assault.
To execute their plans, they would likely target the most troublesome opponent, which was him.
‘Certainly, if that time comes, there’s nothing better than this item.’
Even if the Hatred of the Blade and the seal on Rebrion were lifted, he couldn’t be confident in stopping their combined onslaught.
Aside from Belphegor, the remaining two were formidable in terms of power, making the fight challenging.
In such a scenario, a new weapon like divine power would be immensely helpful.
‘Yes… It’s certainly a good situation.’
However, he couldn’t just sit back and be satisfied.
Isn’t there a saying that there is no goodwill without a price?
Even if Raymond resolved the Florian Mansion issue, he couldn’t be at ease without finding out who agreed to hand over the Guardian’s Silver Ring.
His hand, which had been handling the Guardian’s Silver Ring, suddenly froze.
‘Who could it be… someone with the power to make such a decision and speak out against the Pope?’
It was at that moment when he tried to suppress his confused emotions and racked his brain.
“If you’re standing there and fiddling with it, it must mean you like my gift quite a lot, right?”
A clear voice was heard from behind him.
Was there someone in the hallway he thought was empty?
He hadn’t heard any footsteps.
‘Who could have approached me without my senses noticing?’
Turning to identify the source of the voice, Ian saw a woman.
“You….”
A woman dressed in a gown combining white and gold stood before him.
Her long white hair, cascading down to her waist, was styled with elegance, and her eyes turned to Ian.
Ian recognized her immediately.
“Glendia?”
“You haven’t forgotten my name? Well, given our extraordinary circumstances, it makes sense. Anyway, it’s been a while, Ian Volkanov.”
Saintess Glendia.
It was the moment Ian reunited with a former member of the Hero Party.
