Reveal

Sung Jin-Woo POV

When I saw as Lucas fired a fireball towards Arthur my blood boiled in anger as I wanted to kill him right there, but Ash stopped me

"Jin-Woo protect Arthur first," He said

As I teleported next to Arthur I used Ruler's Authority to deal with the vines. I then wanted to continue to kill the elder wood guardian so I could hunt Lucas down, but Arthur stopped me saying he wanted to kill it himself. I disagreed with him as I told him how ruined his body was, but when I saw his eyes. His blue azure eyes filled with determination I saw myself in him when I was fighting in the double dungeon to survive, but also to not run away like a coward. I reluctantly moved away as Arthur tried to stand up. I wanted to at least heal him first but.

"Don't heal him" Sylvia said

"His power will multiply greatly combined with his determination to survive the fight" She continued

I wanted to disagree, but as I saw Arthur's body slowly change a surge of mana coming out of him, I stayed silent as I watched him fight the elderwood guardian after I blasted the entrance and told the others to leave. After Arthur defeated it he had no strength left so I caught him, and took the elderwood's shadow, and beast core.

"It's corrupted," I said to myself

"But it would still fetch a price," Ashborn said

"No, it would be too risky I'll just let them drain the man, but I'll destroy it later since the will is corrupted" I replied as I saw Elijah, and Jasmine carrying Samantha.

I called them, and walked together with them, to the surface, we decided to split up after leaving the dungeon, Me and Jasmine went to the cave again with Arthur so I could heal him, while I asked Jasmine to stand guard. My Shadow Soldier from Arthur's shadow came out and healed Arthur leaving no injuries.

We then waited for Arthur to wake up, then left the dungeon to report this to the guild. As we entered the building I saw A familiar figure I wanted to kill.

"Not now, there are too many eyes," Arthur said

"You guys managed to make it out alive!" Behind a group of barrel-chested adventures posing as guards was Lucas.

Kaspian, seated a few feet away from us, leaned his head on his hand—vexed at the boy's impertinence—as he locked gazes with me to remind me of our discussion.

Both Elijah and Jasmine sprang up from their seats, weapons ablaze as I remained in my seat. It took an amount of self-control that I never knew I had to stop myself from lunging forward and skewering the brat to the door he dared come in through.

At this point, I couldn't tell whether he was that confident or just plain stupid for not just betraying us, but mocking us immediately after.

I guess he wasn't completely dumb, since he had the sense to at least bring some backup.

"But their pathetically weak" Ash said

Lucas took a step forward, slapping the guard in front of him to move out of the way towards Arthur. "I wonder how you managed to escape from that terror of a beast. Did you have to sacrifice someone else to save yourselves? That whore, Samantha, is a cripple now, but she's alive so I don't think it was her. I don't see Brald, though... don't tell me you sacrificed hi—"

Before he had the time to finish his sentence, my fingers had already let go of the dagger I had hidden behind me.

The next moment, Lucas let out a shrill scream as he clutched his right ear, blood leaking through the spaces between his fingers.

My dagger had impaled itself deep into the wall behind Lucas, barely missing the head of the guard that stood behind him.

At the sounds of the hollow thud and scream, the guards whipped around to make sure their boss was okay before turning back to me with weapons held ready.

I stood up from my seat and walked steadily towards the pale Lucas, the entire room deathly silent.

"W-What do you think I'm paying you for?! Get him!" Lucas hissed, pointing at me with a trembling finger as his other hand still gripped his bleeding ear.

The guard closest to me lifted his axe in position to split me in two when I quickly grabbed his axe and shattered it with my hand.

Before the rest of the guards could react, I lunged myself towards the frightened Lucas. I could hear Kaspian gasp behind me in fear that I would cross the line, but my hand merely went to my dagger impaled into the wall right behind the boy.

The blonde noble's eyes nearly bulged outside of their sockets as his face was just inches away from mine.

"My apologies. I merely dropped my dagger and wanted it back," I whispered, my voice coming out deeper and more threatening, thanks to my mask.

I pried the dagger out of the wall and sheathed it back into the cover I had used to break the guard's fingers. Turning around, I sat back on the couch, nonchalantly motioning at Kaspian.

On cue, the guild leader hastily responded. "Now, now! Mr. Lucas, your ear is bleeding heavily. Let me escort you to the medical room to get that fixed up."

Gently herding the noble brat and his guards out of the room, he turned back to me with an exasperated expression.

"You did well," Jasmine broke the silence, taking a seat as well. "But I'm afraid you've made enemies with one of the strongest houses in the Kingdom of Sapin."

"That's fine. He won't take action from what happened today. Despite that conceited attitude, Lucas is cautious. He knows that right now, if he doesn't go against me, I won't do anything more."

Leaning forward, I gripped tightly at the black sword I had refused to unsheathe until the end. I vowed silently that this wouldn't be the end.

Me, Arthur, and Jasmine decided to leave, and head back home after receiving payment from Kaspian.

"He's going to be a thorn, and trouble to deal with later" Ash said

"Why don't we go back and kill him now" He continued

"Already one step ahead of you," I said

I already planted a shadow soldier on Lucas just waiting for him to be alone to kill him. I waited for hours until he was alone as I snapped my finger a spear appeared from Lucas's shadow thrusting through Lucas's heart as blood began coming out of his mouth.

We arrived at the Helstea manor. At the front entrance, we were greeted by Arthur's parents. They hugged him, Jasmine, and me. Then we proceeded to the dining room where Arthur told him about it.

Days passed by until I got word from Virion that he would be announcing the Lances with the other races, and that my information was already shared during the first three race meeting when they agreed to unite, and formed the council.

Arthur POV

As I was sleeping I was brought to the Void.

"Hello Arthur this is an automatic recording that would play when I've deemed you ready. I'm here to tell you about the other continent. It's called Alacrya. Alacrya has already sended many spies, and mutated, and corrupted beasts into our continent. I've dealt with the majority of the influential ones but that was when we were in Elenoir. I do not know how many there are today. Since my spy has also not recieved anymore reports about this. I am afraid the othe continent is after war. Get stronger in order to protect your loved ones."

I woke up gasping for air, and tried to calm myself down as I slowly digest the information Jin-Woo just gave me. Another continent besides Dicathen, and they're looking for war. I was afraid, but he was right I need to get stronger if I'm going to protect my loved ones in Dicathen. I need more power. I need to be better. I thought to myself, later I visited the Void to train with the others.

Virion Eralith POV

I wasn't supposed to be here, but that brat told me to announce it myself because he didn't trust anyone else with his identity. Truthfully even I was curious about what he put on me ever since that day I tried to sense anything from my mana I wasn't able to feel anything. As I was in my waiting room with Alduin and Merial

"Father are you sure you want to come?" Alduin asked

"I have to-it's something that brat entrusted me to announce" I replied

Alduin sighed while Merial tried to calm him down. I was never a fan of big announcements like this ever since I stepped down from the throne. I always find it bothersome and pressured to speak to a lot of people and give them hope. As our carriage arrived at the location where the announcement would be held I stepped out of the carriage and greeted the other king, and queens that had arrived. We all then proceed to enter the room with our lances to get ready for the announcement. As I entered my room Aya, and Alea was already inside. They stood up to greet me, but I raised my hand telling them to sit down as I went to a chair, and drank some tea to calm myself Remembering the words he whispered to me that day "Unfortunately he can't attend but He has let me show you something as proof of his existence He calls himself Shadow Monarch" His voice rang inside me, I've already figured out how to open the speech, but I was still nervous and it wasn't because of the speech. It was because I had to announce his existence, something that defies logic, and human comprehension. As we were all told to get ready I stood up and walked with Aya, and Alea as we went onto the stage. As we entered the stage I could see many people standing waiting for the announcement many were cheering, and clapping their hands.

(A/N: the following is a copy-paste)

"Attention Humans, Elves, and Dwarves alike, I go by Blaine Glayder. While most of you know me as the King of Sapin, today I speak not as the King of Humans, but as one of the representatives of the Continent of Dicathen!"

The hundreds of thousands of people all kneeled, some going on all fours in worship at the sight of the King. The blurry projection becomes clearer and zoomed in closer to the balcony of the Castle. There, I could see the King of Sapin in the front with the Queen of Sapin, Priscilla Glayder, seated behind him alongside a few other important-looking figures. My eyes widened as I spotted Alduin and Merial Eralith, the King and Queen of Elenoir, with Grandpa Virion standing behind them with his arms crossed and his white hair tied neatly behind his pointed ears. Beside them are two representatives of the Dwarves, both lavished in extravagant clothing much too large for their compact figures; I assumed that they were the king and queen.

"Today marks the beginning of a new era in this Continent we call our home. I assume many of you are aware of the existing problems between the Humans and the Elves while even the Dwarves were considered just business partners. However, that is not the way we wish to continue. The representatives of all three kingdoms—your leaders—have met together many times over these past few years to unite our races. Two years ago, we had agreed for all three races to be able to become adventurers. It started with just one or two representatives, but now it has expanded. It brings me a smile when I see parties with humans, elves, and dwarves alike, working together towards a common goal. Last year marked another big milestone where Xyrus Academy welcomed students from the Kingdom of Elenoir and the Kingdom of Darv so that the new generation of mages can make friends and memories with not just humans, but all three races. We all understand how difficult it may be for some of us to adjust after constant enmity between us. However, we urge you to let go of the past and the discriminations you may hold, and think beyond that, if not for yourself, but your children and the future of this continent."

There was another big round of applause with a roar of worship and adoration accompanying it. King Glayder sat down and Alduin Eralith, the King of Elenoir and Tessia's father, got up from his seat and cleared his throat before speaking into this world's version of what seemed to be a microphone.

"It is an honor to speak on behalf of everyone here on this unforgettable day. As King Glayder so adamantly stated, I am also in agreement about the future of our continent. For some people, this may not hold much interest but for many who yearn for adventure and new places to visit, I can wholeheartedly say that this continent is filled with many unknowns. An obvious example is the very Beast Glades residing just beyond our borders. While an uncountable number of adventurers have ventured out into the Beast Glades, it is not an exaggeration to say that not even half of it has been traversed. While the mana beasts have not left the Beast Glades, who is to say that just because they haven't yet, they never will? Even in our homeland of Dicathen, there are places so dangerous, no one dares to explore, but what if I were to say that even greater mysteries and dangers are out there?"

King Eralith paused for a brief moment while the crowd in Etistin and the crowd here in the City Square of Xyrus filled with the sound of murmurs.

"That's right! You have not heard wrong, fellow citizens of Dicathen. We are announcing today, February 10th of the 1005th Cycle, that we have found evidence of another continent."

The crowds erupted into a clamor of noises, some angry, some afraid, but everyone curious. Even my own hands shook in excitement as my father and Vincent looked at each other in shock.

"Please. We don't know very much, so your guess is as good as ours. What we do know is that, out there—possibly within reach in a few years—is another continent that may or may not be hostile. There has been evidence of them trying to reach us as well, but on both sides, it seems that our current technology does not permit us to travel that far."

The crowd shown in the Capital was in chaos until the dwarven king rose from his chair and trotted towards the microphone.

"QUIETTTTT!!!"

The dwarven king roared into the voice-enhancing artifact.

"As Alduin said, we don't know much. However, in these times of uncertainty and possible threats in the future, wouldn't you guys all agree that standing beside one another is what's best for this continent and our people? Your children can be in danger as well. The last thing we want is to fight amongst ourselves. Our appearances may be different and our cultures may clash, but remember this...we are all born in this continent of Dicathen. I for one am proud of that and hope that future generations will feel the same way. What about you?"

The crowd remained silent at first but a couple of claps triggered a huge boom of applause as cheers and whistles broke out. The Dwarf King wasn't as eloquent in his words as the two previous kings that spoke, but his words had a very strong impact. Even Elijah next to me was clapping excitedly as Sylvie continued to watch the screen in curiosity.

"The process of joining our three races and kingdoms will take time and much effort, but today, we will be anointing six individuals—individuals that we, the three kings and queens, believe to be the most courageous, tactful, smart, and powerful."

From the back of the podium, six warriors came out: two elves, two humans, and two dwarves. Clad in refined white armor that varied slightly for each person, they walked up and knelt on one knee.

The three kings each made their way in front of the six kneeling knights and took out from a small ornamental box, six rings. King Glayder of the humans presented the rings to the two elf knights while the Dwarf King presented it to the two human knights. Finally, King Alduin of the Elves placed the rings on the two Dwarf knights, stating that they stand and bow to the crowd. As the cheers exploded, King Glayder went up and spoke once more.

"These six individuals will henceforth be granted the title of the Six Lances. Each Lance signifies the ties they hold not to their Kingdom, but the entire Continent. This is a truly historical moment as the first Lances have been anointed. These six individuals' main goal will be towards the well-being of the Continent, whether that be exploring dangerous and unknown dungeons in the Beast Glades, as well as working alongside us, the rulers of this Continent, to ensure that our home is protected when the time comes that we are met with foreign hostilities from a different Continent."

Once more, the crowd roared as many began throwing flowers and the hats that they were wearing up in the air. As the crowd in Xyrus began clamoring in excitement, I couldn't help but think to myself. I knew that such theories as herd mentality or crowd psychology hadn't been defined in this world, but the leaders of our country knew exactly how to exploit the emotions of the mass.

"Lastly, while the title of being one of the Six Lances may be prestigious and comparable to even ourselves as kings and queens, this title also brings upon a great burden and danger. Children of the new generation that seek to become the future protectors of this Continent, strive to be one of the Six Lances! Grow strong and noble as not even the heavens are the limit!"

With that, the four orbs making up the corners of the projection floated down as the image of the announcement faded. The last thing we heard was the chants of, "Long live the King, long live Dicathen!"

(A/N: No longer copy-paste)

"Before we could close the announcement a former king from Eralith would like to give a speech about this, and also a separate announcement"

I stood up my heart beating wild because of how nervous I was, as I took the sound artifact I spoke

"People of Dicathen my name is Virion Eralith, former king of the Elves. Today I would like to express my gratitude to all of the three races to forget about our differences and uniting. From today onwards we wouldn't be facing things alone, we would be facing things together as one. We will continue to grow together, to live together, and to do things together. Today I am permitted an exceptional person. Unfortunately, he can't attend but He has let me show you something as proof of his existence He calls himself Shadow Monarch " As I stopped the sky got dark as the silence was broken by a scream of fear. All of us looked up to see three ginormous dragons with black scales, glowing purple horns, a black tail, and a glowing purple underbelly. As the crowd was screaming in fear I heard a voice from the dragons.

"People of Dicathen I am sorry for not coming today as I had urgent business to attend to. For now, I could only show you this as proof that I exist." The voice said

I looked back to the crowd to see expressions of fear, amazement, and disbelief. Even I had a hard time believing what I'm seeing. As I turned to look at the lances all of them also froze in fear, amazement, and disbelief. As the announcement came to a close the dragons returned to my shadow earning another wave of gasps from the people. The three kings, and queens came to me with their lances and asked me to come to the meeting room

"Elder Virion may I ask the identity of the person," Blaine asked

"I'm I can't tell you that He'll tell you eventually he said to me" I replied

"But this isn't some kind of little thing that could be kept a secret the people would want to at least know the man's name so they have a feeling of security" Blaine replied

"Like I said he calls himself Shadow Monarch, I am not allowed or have the right to say anything beyond that" I replied

But it seems that Alduin, Merial, Aya, and Alea already have an idea of who he was. But as I was about to leave.

"Hello council," A voice said

The lances quickly took a stance expecting an attack, but He appeared behind me.

"Lower down I do not come to harm you," Jin-Woo said

"Alduin, Merial" He said

"You," Blaine said pointing his finger at him

"Hello again Blaine, Priscilla" He said

"Dawsid, Glaudera" He continued with a slight nod

"Shall we start the meeting" He said