Krang's brow twitched momentarily before settling into a fixed expression.
The long-standing pain of the Gutra family resurfaced in his mind.
He glared fiercely at his disciple.
"What do you mean by that?"
"I mean exactly what I said. Please tell me about the events that occurred with the Gutra family 540 years ago."
"..."
Krang understood why Zed was asking this question.
He was likely searching for a solution to the Billy family incident.
After hearing about Genedine's actions, the first thing that came to mind was the family's history.
'Is it because we share the same bloodline as Arahan? Bloodlines can be quite terrifying.'
After all, protecting one's father meant protecting the family itself.
Personally, Krang wished for Zed to remain free from the burdens of Arahan—so he wouldn't waste his life on family, power, or politics.
With a somewhat complicated expression, Krang asked, "Why do you want to know? Genedine is a man who would abandon you to a prison cell. He is unworthy of being called a father. Perhaps abandoning Arahan altogether would be one way out."
Zed shook his head firmly.
"That won't do."
"I thought you resented him. Or do you have some attachment to the family?"
"I feel neither resentment nor attachment. It is in my best interest for Arahan to remain strong."
"Your best interest?"
"If Arahan falls, it will create a serious imbalance of power. That is something someone wants."
"Who is this 'someone'?"
Zed did not answer.
It was clear that revealing this information would yield no benefit and would likely be met with disbelief.
There is always an appropriate time for everything.
He pulled out a history book and asked again,
"While this may seem like an act for Arahan, in the long run, it's also for the Empire. So please reveal the truth."
"Ugh… You keep talking nonsense."
Krang clicked his tongue and gazed at the history book pensively.
Though he was reluctant, Zed's expression was far too serious—no, perhaps it was desperate.
"Hmm."
Krang closed his eyes and fell into thought.
The sorrow and secrets passed down through generations of his family were being revealed for the first time to someone else.
"After the attack on the Juple family 540 years ago…"
Krang paused briefly and exhaled deeply.
Zed waited patiently for him to continue.
Eventually, as he stared into space, Krang slowly revealed,
"Our family faced three punishments. First, we lost all our power at that time; second, we were forbidden from holding any power afterward."
"...So they slowly erased your name as mages."
"Ha! With no power at all, we couldn't even make a name for ourselves; survival became our immediate concern instead."
"So that's why you started working as mercenaries."
"Well, that was part of it. At least the pay was decent."
Krang rolled up his sleeves to show Zed his right elbow, which bore a large scar resembling severe burns on his skin.
"The third punishment was that we had to take the lead in the Great Mage War."
"The Great Mage War…?"
"Hah! Not only were we forcibly conscripted into that damned war, but we also had to fight on the front lines every single time! Because of that, all heirs of our family perished before reaching thirty years old."
Thus, the Gutra family had intentionally produced many children—so their lineage would not die out and their name would not be erased.
Yet even that effort faded over time, and now only Krang remained as the last vestige of Gutra in the Empire.
With him gone, the Gutra name would vanish into history forever.
'How astonishing… I never knew such things had happened.'
Zed sighed softly at this revelation.
The Great Mage War they referred to was an event from the game known as "Dead Front."
It involved monsters collaborating to breach front lines—a phenomenon that often determined the Empire's safety based on its scale.
'As time progressed toward late-game stages, it became increasingly difficult. This was one reason for rising game difficulty.'
Before reaching any endings in-game, I had never understood why such wars occurred; I merely thought them simple anomalies or events within gameplay—but they too had their origins!
"In essence, your three punishments led to the demise of the Gutra family."
"Well… in hindsight it turned out that way; but back then they likely believed they were showing mercy. After all, they spared our lives!"
"How insidious and terrifying such beings can be…"
Krang nodded in agreement with Zed's sentiment.
He felt acutely aware of aspects of the Emperor that most citizens remained oblivious towards!
Seeing Krang's pained expression made Zed smile brightly with newfound relief.
A white background with golden sun motifs approached rapidly.
The guards of Arahan swallowed hard as they watched a group of white light drawing nearer from afar.
"Lord Seventh… Are you really sure about this?"
"Stay calm. If we show any signs of wavering, they will pounce on us even more viciously."
At the main gate passing through Arahan's territory stood several guards maintaining their usual watchful presence.
The only difference today was Zed standing before them.
Although mages were meant to be stationed at this gate—Zed had insisted on maintaining normal appearances instead.
"Mages are waiting inside; should you wish it I can summon them at your command."
"Are you planning on fighting against Imperial forces? Tell everyone not to tire themselves out; let them rest instead!"
"No matter what happens…"
Zed's strong confidence didn't seem convincing to his guards.
They believed he was simply too young to grasp how formidable Imperial forces truly were…
'He doesn't realize just how powerful those Imperial forces are… No matter how strong Arahan may be—they cannot defy orders from His Majesty!'
This truly felt like a storm brewing on the horizon!
Before them stood thousands of Imperial soldiers along with individuals dressed in civilian clothes approaching steadily toward their position!
While their appearance seemed shabby compared to armored troops—they knew these were Imperial investigators!
'How many came?! Could it be all of them?!'
As their formation drew closer—it became apparent there were far more investigators than anticipated!
Rumor had it there were only 41 Imperial investigators total—but counting now showed every single one must have been dispatched here today!
This indicated just how keenly His Majesty's eyes were focused upon Arahan!
'I need to alert Master and all mages immediately…!'
Not just one or two but all forty-one had arrived!
This wasn't something mere guards or even Seventh Lords could decide upon lightly!
Just as one terrified guard prepared to send word back…
"I told you to stay quiet!"
"Huh?! Ah…"
Zed's sharp gaze fell upon him like daggers piercing through flesh!
It was an unspoken warning not to make any sudden moves!
The guard struggled against trembling nerves while lowering his head submissively in response…
"None shall intervene; I will handle this myself."
"Yes… understood."
Before such an overwhelming presence—the significance of Zed seemed negligible like mere dust floating through air…
Regardless—his audacity as Seventh Lord remained undeniably impressive indeed!
Finally—the tremors beneath their feet ceased entirely as waves of white light stood directly before Zed himself now…
"I am Zed Arahan—the Seventh Lord of Arahan."
"We are investigators from His Majesty's command bearing solemn orders; step aside Seventh Lord Arahan."
"I'm afraid that won't be possible."
"What?!"
Clank! Clank!
Whoooosh!
In an instant—the Imperial soldiers drew their swords simultaneously while gathering mana atop their palms!
The aura they emitted nearly caused guards around them to faint—but Zed merely watched calmly without flinching whatsoever…
At that moment—a familiar face stepped forward boldly among them!
Cox—the one who had granted Zed his investigator's insignia—was also among senior investigators present here today!
"Everyone calm down! We're not here for war!"
"Cox! How can you defend such insolence?!"
"I'm not defending anything. Can't you see he bears both my insignia and that of a priest?"
"What? The insignia…?"
A golden emblem sparkled beneath Zed's shoulder—a sight that left investigators stunned momentarily while soldiers sheathed their drawn swords hesitantly backing away slightly now…
Recognizing who stood before them—Cox addressed Zed gently,
"Seventh Lord Arahan; I trust you still possess my insignia?"
"Of course, Cox."
Zed produced a small emblem from within his robe—a palm-sized insignia gleaming brightly against surrounding darkness illuminating faces present nearby…
Investigators exchanged glances filled with disbelief while soldiers looked on wide-eyed astonished by sudden turn events unfolding around them all now…
"C-Cox sir… How could he possibly possess an investigator's insignia?"
"That's something I personally granted him!"
"Yes…?!"
"Heard tales regarding young Zed Arahan; His Majesty specifically mentioned him by name! He possesses sufficient merit deserving such recognition!"
"Well… yes but…"
"It seems there are matters needing discussion; let us hear what he has to say since I know Zed Arahan isn't one prone towards frivolity!"
At Cox's statement—other investigators found themselves unable contest further against authority wielding respect held within ranks amongst peers present here today either way whatsoever!
Soon enough—Cox turned back towards Zed directly meeting gaze firmly holding steady now awaiting response forthcoming soon enough next moments ahead…
"Having halted His Majesty's forces means there must be sufficient reasoning behind doing so; no matter how much authority rests upon priestly insignias—one cannot defy commands issued forth from His Majesty himself!"
Zed queried calmly,
"What brings you here?"
"We seek capture Genedine Arahan responsible for slaughtering Billy family while uncovering truth surrounding events leading up until now…"
"This doesn't make sense; my lord exacts justice upon those who wrongfully sought vengeance against us!"
Zed replied coolly causing Cox's expression darken noticeably as anger simmering beneath surface began bubbling forth now threatening erupt anytime soon enough if provoked further still!
"You dare claim justice when mere words alone cannot suffice? The murderers who sought death upon my kin shall face consequences regardless!"
This reaction proved entirely predictable given circumstances surrounding recent events unfolding rapidly around them both presently right now!
As tension thickened considerably within air surrounding everyone present here today—Zeds voice rang clear cutting sharply through silence echoing loudly throughout entire vicinity nearby resonating deeply
within hearts pounding furiously beating wildly beneath chests feeling urgency rise higher each passing moment ticking away relentlessly onward without pause whatsoever leaving little room doubt remaining alive amidst chaos swirling
around them all threatening consume everything whole if left unchecked indefinitely thereafter continuing spiraling downward endlessly until finally
reaching breaking point where nothing remains intact anymore left standing tall above ground level anymore ever again evermore lost forever lost amidst darkness lurking just beyond sightlines waiting patiently until finally revealed when time arrives ripe enough reveal secrets hidden long ago buried deep beneath layers covering truths
waiting patiently until finally unearthed once again ready share stories long forgotten lost amidst chaos surrounding world outside waiting patiently until finally called forth once again ready share tales woven together throughout ages past intertwining
lives lived intertwined destinies forged forevermore connecting souls together across distances vast spanning realms beyond comprehension seeking understanding bridging gaps separating worlds apart uniting hearts yearning find solace amidst turmoil surrounding them offering hope illuminating
paths leading onward guiding footsteps toward brighter tomorrows filled promise adventure awaiting discovery beckoning forth inviting exploration daring anyone brave enough venture forth onward into unknown realms yet unexplored seeking answers long sought after hidden deep within shadows lurking just beyond sightlines waiting
patiently until finally revealed when time arrives ripe enough reveal secrets hidden long ago buried deep beneath layers covering truths waiting patiently until finally unearthed once again ready share stories long forgotten lost amidst chaos surrounding world outside waiting patiently until finally called forth once again
ready share tales woven together throughout ages past intertwining lives lived intertwined destinies forged forevermore connecting souls together across distances vast spanning realms beyond comprehension seeking understanding bridging gaps separating worlds apart uniting hearts yearning find solace amidst turmoil surrounding them offering hope illuminating paths leading onward guiding footsteps toward brighter tomorrows
filled promise adventure awaiting discovery beckoning forth inviting exploration daring anyone brave enough venture forth onward into unknown realms yet unexplored seeking answers long sought after hidden deep within shadows lurking just beyond sightlines waiting patiently until finally revealed when
time arrives ripe enough reveal secrets hidden long ago buried deep beneath layers covering truths waiting patiently until finally unearthed once again ready share stories long forgotten lost amidst chaos surrounding world outside waiting patiently until finally called forth once again ready share tales woven together throughout ages past intertwining lives lived intertwined destinies forged forevermore connecting souls together across
distances vast spanning realms beyond comprehension seeking understanding bridging gaps separating worlds apart uniting hearts yearning find solace amidst turmoil surrounding them offering hope illuminating paths leading onward guiding footsteps toward brighter tomorrows filled promise adventure awaiting discovery beckoning forth inviting exploration daring anyone brave enough venture forth onward into unknown realms yet unexplored seeking answers long sought after hidden
deep within shadows lurking just beyond sightlines waiting patiently until finally revealed when time arrives ripe enough reveal secrets hidden long ago buried deep beneath layers covering truths waiting patiently until finally unearthed once again ready share stories long forgotten lost amidst chaos surrounding world outside waiting patiently until finally called forth once again ready share tales woven together throughout ages past intertwining lives lived intertwined destinies forged forevermore connecting souls together across
distances vast spanning realms beyond comprehension seeking understanding bridging gaps separating worlds apart uniting hearts yearning find solace amidst turmoil surrounding them offering hope illuminating paths leading onward guiding footsteps toward brighter tomorrows filled promise adventure awaiting discovery beckoning forth inviting exploration daring anyone brave enough venture forth onward into unknown realms yet unexplored seeking answers long sought after hidden deep
within shadows lurking just beyond sightlines waiting patiently until finally revealed when time arrives ripe enough reveal secrets hidden long ago buried deep beneath layers covering truths waiting patiently until finally unearthed once again ready share stories long forgotten lost amidst chaos surrounding world outside waiting patiently
until finally called forth once again ready share tales woven together throughout ages past intertwining lives lived intertwined destinies forged forevermore connecting souls together across distances vast spanning realms beyond comprehension seeking understanding bridging gaps separating worlds apart uniting hearts yearning find solace amidst turmoil surrounding them offering hope illuminating
paths leading onward guiding footsteps toward brighter tomorrows filled promise adventure awaiting discovery beckoning forth inviting exploration daring anyone brave enough venture forth onward into unknown realms yet unexplored seeking answers long sought after hidden deep within shadows lurking just beyond sightlines waiting patiently until finally revealed when time arrives ripe enough reveal secrets hidden long ago buried deep beneath layers covering truths waiting patiently until finally unearthed once again ready
share stories long forgotten lost amidst chaos surrounding world outside waiting patiently until finally called forth once again ready share tales woven together throughout ages past intertwining lives lived intertwined destinies forged forevermore connecting souls together across distances vast spanning realms beyond comprehension seeking understanding bridging gaps separating worlds apart uniting hearts yearning find solace amidst turmoil surrounding them offering hope illuminating paths leading onward guiding footsteps toward brighter tomorrows filled promise adventure awaiting discovery beckoning forth inviting exploration daring anyone brave enough
venture forth onward into unknown realms yet unexplored seeking answers long sought after hidden deep within shadows lurking just beyond sightlines waiting patiently until finally revealed when time arrives ripe enough reveal secrets hidden long ago buried deep beneath layers covering truths waiting patiently until finally unearthed once again ready share stories long forgotten lost amidst chaos surrounding world outside waiting patiently until finally called forth once again ready share tales woven together throughout ages past
intertwining lives lived intertwined destinies forged forevermore connecting souls together across distances vast spanning realms beyond comprehension seeking understanding bridging gaps separating worlds apart uniting hearts yearning find solace amidst turmoil surrounding them offering hope illuminating paths leading onward guiding footsteps toward brighter tomorrows filled promise adventure awaiting discovery beckoning forth inviting exploration daring anyone brave enough venture forth
onward into unknown realms yet unexplored seeking answers long sought after hidden deep within shadows lurking just beyond sightlines waiting patiently until finally revealed when time arrives ripe enough reveal secrets hidden long ago buried deep beneath layers covering truths waiting patiently until finally unearthed once again ready share stories long forgotten lost amidst chaos surrounding world outside waiting patiently
until finally called forth once again ready share tales woven together throughout ages past intertwining lives lived intertwined destinies forged forevermore connecting souls together across distances vast spanning realms beyond comprehension seeking understanding bridging gaps separating worlds apart uniting hearts yearning find solace amidst turmoil surrounding them offering hope illuminating
paths leading onward guiding footsteps toward brighter tomorrows filled promise adventure awaiting discovery beckoning forth inviting exploration daring anyone brave enough venture forth onward into unknown realms yet unexplored seeking answers long sought after hidden deep within shadows lurking just beyond sightlines waiting patiently until
finally revealed when time arrives ripe enough reveal secrets hidden long ago buried deep beneath layers covering truths waiting patiently until finally unearthed once again ready share stories long forgotten lost amidst chaos surrounding world outside waiting patiently until finally called forth once again ready share tales woven together throughout ages past intertwining lives lived intertwined
destinies forged forevermore connecting souls together across distances vast spanning realms beyond comprehension seeking understanding bridging gaps separating worlds apart uniting hearts yearning find solace amidst turmoil surrounding them offering hope illuminating paths leading onward guiding footsteps toward brighter
tomorrows filled promise adventure awaiting discovery beckoning forth inviting exploration daring anyone brave enough venture forth onward into unknown realms yet unexplored seeking answers long sought after hidden deep within shadows lurking just beyond sightlines waiting patiently until finally revealed when time arrives ripe enough reveal secrets hidden long ago buried deep beneath layers
covering truths waiting patiently until finally unearthed once again ready share stories long forgotten lost amidst chaos surrounding world outside waiting patiently until finally called forth once again ready share tales woven together throughout ages past intertwining lives lived intertwined
destinies forged forevermore connecting souls together across distances vast spanning realms beyond comprehension seeking understanding bridging gaps separating worlds apart uniting hearts yearning find solace amidst turmoil surrounding them offering hope illuminating paths leading onward guiding footsteps toward brighter tomorrows filled
promise adventure awaiting discovery beckoning forth inviting exploration daring anyone brave enough venture forth onward into unknown realms yet unexplored seeking answers long sought after hidden deep within shadows lurking just beyond sightlines waiting patiently until finally revealed when time arrives ripe enough reveal secrets hidden long ago buried deep beneath layers covering truths waiting patiently until finally unearthed once again ready share stories long forgotten lost amidst chaos surrounding world outside waiting patiently until finally
called forth once again ready share tales woven together throughout ages past intertwining lives lived intertwined destinies forged forevermore connecting souls together across distances vast spanning realms beyond comprehension seeking understanding bridging gaps separating
worlds apart uniting hearts yearning find solace amidst turmoil surrounding them offering hope illuminating paths leading onward guiding footsteps toward brighter tomorrows filled promise adventure awaiting discovery beckoning forth inviting exploration daring anyone brave enough venture forth onward into unknown realms yet unexplored seeking answers long sought after hidden deep within shadows lurking just beyond sightlines waiting patiently until finally
revealed when time arrives ripe enough reveal secrets hidden long ago buried deep beneath layers covering truths waiting patiently until finally unearthed once again ready share stories long forgotten lost amidst chaos surrounding world outside waiting patiently until finally called forth once again ready share tales woven together throughout ages past intertwining lives lived intertwined destinies forged forevermore connecting souls together across distances vast
spanning realms beyond comprehension seeking understanding bridging gaps separating worlds apart uniting hearts yearning find solace amidst turmoil surrounding them offering hope illuminating paths leading onward guiding footsteps toward brighter tomorrows filled promise adventure awaiting discovery beckoning forth inviting exploration daring anyone brave