Swordsman's Regression: Reawakened as a Necromancer-Chapter 45: Ancient Power

"If I may. The Demon Lord’s power is too immense," he spoke up from the corner of the throne.

"That was why the Hero title was created. The Hero is the only one capable of breaking the Level 150 cap. Only an immense power can rival an immense power. Without him... we are ants fighting a storm."

King Alfred still remained silent. The lines on his face seemed to deepen with every word spoken.

He was almost pitiful. He looked like a man trying to hold up a collapsing roof with his bare hands.

"A power of that magnitude?" Thanlor murmured. "Where else can we get it if not from the Hero himself?"

"Please permit me, my lords!"

They turned their heads to the man, standing up and walking out from the rows of courtiers..

He wore the white and gold vestments of a Priest, the leader of the God Temple in the King’s City.

He has a serene face, but his eyes were burning with fanatical excitement.

He bowed low before the King.

"Your Majesty," the Priest said. "If it pleases you... I think it is time for you to consider what I asked."

Alfred looked down at him, but said nothing.

Ulcraft spoke on his behalf. "What is this ask of yours?"

The Priest looked at the noble, then at the king.

"There is a sacred power in the depths of Stonehold," he said. "In my prayers, I have seen this power numerous times. Untapped. Ancient. Waiting for us to claim it. Now is the best time, with the Hero gone and the darkness rising."

"This again! Thimoses! Why do you always venture into uncharted territory?" the Chief Diviner snapped. "We do not mess with forces we do not understand. If what you say is even true."

"Silence, old man!" Ulcraft pointed a finger at the Diviner. "You were the one who just said we needed a ’new immense power.’ One has been suggested, and you are immediately against it? Let him speak!"

The Priest nodded to Ulcraft, then turned back to the King. "It is not an imagination, Chief Diviner. This power exists. A power that predates the Kingdom. Why else would the gods keep it there if not for us to use it in such a time as this?" 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

"We can not sit back any longer and allow a kingdom to fall to the fallen god! If the Hero will not save us, perhaps the land itself will."

His eyes sparked with assertion. "I have prayed. And in all my prayers, I am taken to this light. This is the way, my king. This is the will of our heavenly leaders."

The nobles looked at one another, murmuring in agreement.

"I agree."

"Whether or not it exists, we have to try."

"I agree as well."

Grigor was the only one who didn’t speak.

They turned to the King.

Alfred closed his eyes, rubbed his temples, and heaved a weary sigh.

"I have investigated the Priest’s claims before, and though I found nothing of value, I recognize that whilst I depend on my human eyes, Priests are gifted with the vision and guidance of the gods themselves."

The Chief Diviner creased his brow.

"And he makes a valid point. It is dangerous to do nothing while the Demon Lord prepares. If this power exists... it could save us."

Everyone was silent as they awaited his final remark.

"Very well," the King said after a time.

His eyes were hard as flint but he still had an important decision to make.

"The Hero has made up his mind. He has rejected us. So we must turn our eyes to our history for help."

He looked at the Priest. "How many men would you need to find this ancient power?"

"Five high-level Awakeners and a contingent of warriors should suffice to breach the outer seal," the Priest answered smoothly.

"I will go," a voice rang out.

Aethelstan stepped forward beside his father.

"I will lead this mission, Father. As a Lvl 99 Knight, I can lead with efficiency to ensure that the realm is saved. Even if the Hero," he spat the word like poison, "has forsaken us."

"No," Alfred said instantly.

Aethelstan blinked. "Father? I am the strongest Knight in the capital. I am powerful enough to lead this mission."

"You are also valuable enough to remain here," Alfred cut him off, his voice brooking no argument. "You are the crown prince. You will remain here."

Aethelstan opened his mouth to argue, his face flushing with indignation, but the look in Alfred’s eyes stopped him.

He stepped back quietly—rage seething within him—and he resumed his earlier stance.

Alfred turned to the Priest. "Go to the Elderis Stone Academy. Use my authority and pick from the high-level Awakeners there, whoever is willing. Then gather warriors from the locals."

The King gestured to a scribe. "I will send a notice to King Baldric Ironbeard of the Dwarf Kingdom. I will inform him of your arrival and request he aid you in the saving of our world."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," the Priest bowed deeply.

"Good luck," Alfred said heavily. "May Azrael’s hands guide you."

The Priest turned and swept out of the room. As he passed the Chief Diviner, their eyes met. The Diviner looked fearful; the Priest looked triumphant.

The doors closed, leaving a heavy silence in their wake.

"I still think," Grigor said, breaking the quiet as he stared into his cup, "that we should not fully give up hope on the Hero."

Ulcraft scoffed. "He hates us, Grigor. Do you not see how he intentionally defiles us?"

"Well... I only suspect he is not fully against saving the realm," Grigor mused. "He only does not want to do it under the crown’s influence. Or else... why save a village like Cuttleham? Why stop a Migration he could have easily bypassed?"

"He wasn’t saving them," Luvar muttered dismissively. "He obviously just wanted the bountiful Experience that comes from killing Demonspawns. He’s grinding. He wants power."

Grigor shrugged. He had a small, cynical smile on his lips.

"Then in that case," Grigor said, "he will definitely kill the Demon Lord."

He took a sip of his wine.

"That will give him thousands of EXP, won’t it?"