*

The Arcana Continent.

A land that is not revealed on the outside.

The Hidden Piece, the Claudi Territory.

Four stone statues guarded the territory. Beings that live and move as a symbol of loyalty to their master and protect the territory on behalf of the absent master.

Maxima the Golden.

Yugrik of the Forest.

Kansul of the Valor.

Acamond of the Shiver.

The symbols of the four Houses that serve Claudi guarded the Claudi Territory.

Except for adventurers who were allowed by their benevolent master to step on it.

As long as they were guarding it, the territory would not allow any intruders.

It was a rule that could not be broken.

Unless the statues of the Four Houses were destroyed.

It was like a law that no one could harm Claudi Territory or Claudi, that once you set foot in Claudi, you were forced to follow.

And yet.

… jeobeog.

An unauthorized person stepped into the Claudi territory.

”!!!!”

The symbols of the Four Houses recognized the sign in unison, as they were instructed to do.

The Claudi Territory is perfect, and so is Claudi.

There was to be no breaking of the rules.

“This.”

But the statues of the Four Houses would not let the unauthorized in.

And the intruder faced the statue.

His eyes were gleaming with anguish.

“You look like you have a lot to say.”

Of the four statues, the one that faced him was that of the Maxima Family.

The statue of Maxima remained silent as it looked at the intruder.

The intruder smiled wryly.

“Was your name Ignite Maxima? I am deeply sorry for your distant descendants. I’m sure they are paying a heavy price for the crimes of their ancestors.”

One might ask.

Why, in this land, where Claudi’s decree still stands.

Can an intruder speak as he pleases?

If so, I will show you.

“As your master, I have nothing to say, I am sorry.”

Not Grandfell, but another glorious head of silver hair.

Pride.

His gaze sweeps over the Claudi Territory behind Maxima’s statue.

It’s been a long time, Claudi’s mansion, which I destroyed with my own hands.

“It makes me sick to see it again.”

That wasn’t an exaggeration or a lie.

Ever since I stepped foot in the Claudi Territory.

Pride’s body was trembling wildly and uncontrollably.

Perhaps it was the fear that had been imprinted.

“My teeth are shaking just looking at it again.”

Because he was born from Claudi, with Claudi’s blood in his veins.

He knew Claudi’s true nature better than anyone else.

His body was reacting.

“But I have no intention of stopping.”

Suddenly, Pride quickened his steps.

He was mortally wounded by Paimon. A grievous wound that even the demon’s regenerative powers could not fully repair. Clothing aside, just walking on two legs was a miracle.

“It’s still needlessly vast.”

seueug.

Pride dragged his legs and made his way toward the mansion.

He looked behind him.

The statue of Maxima looked on wordlessly.

So did the rest of the statues, who were sensing the signs.

Someone will say.

What happened to the rule that could never be broken?

The answer is, it remains unbroken.

In this moment, Pride’s behavior is not condoned simply because he has Claudi’s blood running through him. Pride, because his actions are truly for Claudi’s sake.

“So, in the end, this is how things went wrong.”

That’s right.

Claudi’s Lord, to be precise.

Because it was for Grandfell’s sake.

“Nevertheless……”

Pride swallowed a small laugh.

“You have nothing to worry about, Grandfell.”

My one and only younger brother.

 

———

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