The Iconless: Chapter 114 – The Crow’s Inheritance (End of Book 2)

“Bishop, what are your orders?” John the Priest asked.

“Return swiftly to the Capital. We must investigate this properly and make sure that nobody learns what we have witnessed. We need to win the favor of the Archangels. Only us, no other Churches! And damn that Alexius. I never liked him, but dabbling with the demonic?!” The Bishop ground his teeth.

***

“Carl, go check on Graves. Make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid. I quite like him. I see great potential in him and his companions. I will be entering secluded training now that I have all these relics. If anything happens while I am gone, you are to protect this place. Do you hear me?” Corvin spoke simply, yet his words carried a threatening undertone.

“Your Holiness, even without your orders, I would protect my own family. I wish you all the luck and hope your powers are restored as soon as possible!” Carl said reverently.

Corvin pulled Nera into his shadow, carried Lucian in his arms, and left the cathedral, leaving Carl gripping the hilt of his sword.

***

“Graves!” Carl barged into the guildhall, where Graves sat slumped over his desk.

“Oh great.” Graves muttered. “Yes, Grandfather?”

“I heard everything! Don’t you worry, I will protect you!” Carl rushed forward and hugged him.

Graves frowned. Usually, Carl wasn’t the most affectionate grandfather, but something seemed to have cracked that icy shell.

“What do you mean?” Graves asked, fearing the worst.

“Lord Corvin spoke with me. He reported everything. Don’t worry, the Church stands behind you. We will handle it all!” Carl whispered.

I knew it. Corvin is planning something ridiculous again. Graves frowned before a slight smile formed.

“Where is Corvin now?” Graves asked.

“Lord Corvin has entered secluded training to prepare for the worst. You stay here and lie low until we finish our investigation. Train and rest. I will handle everything!” Carl declared before letting go.

“Send for me if you need anything, and do not tell the Governor a word!” Carl added.

***

A few hours later, in the Capital.

“Your Highness, the Cardinal has requested a meeting.” A servant bowed before Konst, who sat enjoying his meal.

Konst exhaled. “What is it now...? When?” He asked.

The servant paled and muttered, “Right now. He is outside in the waiting room.”

Konst frowned, wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, and sighed. “Clear the table and call him in.”

The servants rushed to clean the table and usher the Cardinal inside.

The man wore emerald robes embroidered with shimmering golden lines. Around his neck hung a heavy golden sword-shaped pendant bearing the emblem of Sariel, and atop his head rested a small emerald hat that shimmered like a sunlit meadow.

“To what do I owe this pleasure, Gustave?” Konst asked coldly.

“You should know why I am here. I thought we had a deal. You would use Abyssal Eyes only if no witnesses remained. I need to act now, Konst. The Pope will not like this! And of all people, you target a son of one of our own? Really?!” Gustave spoke coldly, his voice steadily rising.

Konst took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. “What will it take to make this problem disappear?”

“No. Not this time, Emperor. We need to make an example of someone.” Gustave replied coldly.

“What if I have the Jancard family provide both of their daughters sooner than expected? The Moreau family appears to have raised a particularly talented daughter as well, and I could include the Lavigne girl. That would be four potential candidates for this century’s vessel.” Konst offered.

“Hm. Olivia is spending a great deal of her vitality holding back the Scourgefell. And what am I supposed to do about my Bishop and Trison?” Gustave frowned.

“Give Leon a few more toys to turn into Red Knights and kill anyone else who complains. Marcos is already marching on Trison. He is taking the old path so as not to alarm anyone. It should take him roughly two weeks, give or take, especially with support from my Pegasi Squadron.”

“Fine. But you owe me. And what about Alexius? He might do it again.”

“Do not question my family again, Gustave!” A surge of yellow light erupted from Konst, blinding Gustave.

“I have it under control.” Gustave bowed, visibly pale, and departed.

“Fuck!” Konst cursed and smashed the table into dust with a single powerful slam of his fist.

***

Somewhere above the Grasping Mountains south of the Capital, a handpicked group of a hundred men clad in silver-plated armor rode upon pristine white winged horses, their crystal-like wings shimmering faintly beneath the sun’s embrace.

Behind them, two Pegasi dragged a floating carriage adorned with gold and silver.

Within it, Marcos sat crying over the scorched body of Neyrea, who lay writhing in agony upon the carriage's cushioned seat.

He poured potion after potion over her and activated healing relic after healing relic. Slowly, her body began to recover, but most of her limbs were gone.

“My wife, all of this because of me... because I sent you to spy on that bastard Alexius. Please hang in there. There is an elven healer in the South who owes me a favor. Just hang in there, I beg you!”

His hands trembled as he poured another potion over her ruined body.

“I know he knew who you were, and he still did it. You will pay one day, Father. I swear it.”

He whispered as he continued drenching her in healing liquids.

***

Corvin met up with Grey and Khrol on his way back.

“Roger had only one divine relic available, it’s a simple shortsword containing a small amount of divine energy. He said it’s on the house for his favorite VIP customer. After the auction, the Trison branch exploded in popularity and doubled its profits.” Grey chuckled as he explained.

“Alright, tell him I send my thanks.” Corvin stored the shortsword away. “Come, let us eat; I am starving.” Corvin led them toward Black Stew.

***

A large boar charged at Duncan.

Duncan blocked the charge and braced himself while Anne bound the beast with Cinder Chains.

At the same time, Ronan activated the Shaman’s Bracelet, surrounding them with totems while layering debuff after debuff onto the massive creature.

Darian lunged forward and leaped onto its back, raining blows down with his bone-iron-covered swords.

Meanwhile, Alistair rushed to its flank in an explosion of speed and drove his lightning-covered mana blade deep into its side before releasing a storm of electricity that cooked its insides.

Squeeeal!

The boar crashed to the ground.

Darian landed one final clean strike before jumping back to the ground.

“This should be the last of them.” Duncan exhaled.

“Store the cores and take the boar. It would be a shame to leave it here to dissipate into mana.” Alistair added.

The bodies of monsters would eventually return to mana if left within the dungeon, but once taken outside, they behaved like ordinary corpses, allowing raiders to harvest materials and meat.

Darian bound the boar and dragged it toward the exit while the others carved the cores from the remaining monsters.

“Let’s head back to Trison!” Anne cheered.

***

Corvin and Khrol rested in Corvin’s house. Khrol spent most of his time with the fishermen, helping them adjust and grieve.

Finally, on the second day after their return, a group burst through the front door shouting.

“Corvin, we are back!” Anne shouted.

Corvin heard them from the backyard and rushed inside, with Lucian and Nera following behind him.

“Welcome back. How did it go?”

“We did fine. Everyone is in one piece.” Alistair spoke.

“Well, mostly,” Ronan added.

“You will tell me everything.” Corvin chuckled. “But first, let me tell you what happened.”

Corvin sat down on the sofa and explained everything.

“So, the Church is going to handle it?” Alistair finally broke the silence.

“Who knows? I wouldn’t bet on it. How would an Empire army gain access to a demonic relic if the Church knew nothing about it? The whole thing stinks, but we shall see what happens. For now, stay here. I am going into the Demonic Realm to finish some things.” Corvin said.

“Your legacy?” Alistair asked, conflicted.

“Indeed. It should make all of us stronger. Oh right!”

Corvin suddenly remembered and created five runes, each floating toward one of them and merging into their bodies. Their auras surged instantly.

“What did you do?” Alistair asked, shocked.

“It’s a new skill I learned. It pours mana directly into you, greatly increasing your power. Don’t worry, it’s nothing dark.” Corvin explained.

“I see,” Alistair muttered.

“Wow! Thanks, Corvin!” Ronan and Duncan cheered.

“How long do you plan to be gone?” Anne cut in.

“Not long, I hope. I need to take control of the realm and train for a bit. Hopefully a week will be enough, if not less.” Corvin replied.

“Can we come with you?” Anne asked.

“I’m not certain. Let me check.” Corvin asked Omega.

[Normal humans cannot step into a demonic realm without mutating. However, this realm is connected to you, and they are linked to it through your power. It might be fine.]

[Though I would recommend taking someone stronger, like Darian, as a test subject first.]

“It might be fine, but let’s not risk it. I will take Darian with me and see what happens. He’s stronger. You can come next time.” Corvin said apologetically.

“Fine. But I’m going to Dornwich to have that Unique Core turned into a Skill Book.” Anne said.

“What if something happens?” Corvin frowned.

“We’ll go with her. Don’t worry. It should only take half a day to get there from here if we keep up the pace.” Alistair cut in.

Corvin sighed. “Fine.”

“Friend, this is for you!”

Suddenly, Darian unwrapped a black greatsword.

It was long and pitch-black. The blade was wide near the hilt, narrowed toward the middle, then widened again into a deadly sharp point. Eerie runes glowed along the guard and extended down the blade.

Corvin stared at it, his eyes shining.

[Hollow’s Edge]

Rarity: Unique

Type: Greatsword

A blade crafted entirely from Aethersteel and the souls of the dead.

Contains the skill Knight’s Steed: Call forth the steed of the fallen knight to aid you in combat. The steed cannot be damaged and will follow you into battle, allowing you to fight from horseback.

While mounted, all sword attacks gain increased range and release sharp slashes of Soulforce that erode vitality on impact.

Strength +15

Agility +15

“Oh wow, that’s for me?!” Corvin stared at the impressive weapon.

“Yes, friend. This is my thanks for everything.” Darian nodded.

“You did say we should keep any greatswords we found for you,” Alistair answered simply.

“Well, you guys are the best! I haven’t received a present in forever!” Corvin smiled like an innocent child, making Anne’s heart clench.

He stood, swung the blade a few times, then stored it away.

“Alistair, do you want these?” Corvin produced Linnus’s swords.

Alistair gasped as he saw the masterfully crafted weapons.

“You would need to use them together, but the boosts are insane. Speed, precision, sharpness, you name it.” Corvin said.

“These are that captain’s swords? I’m not sure how smart it would be to wield them openly.” Alistair shook his head.

“Alright, I will keep them on me, and you can use them in dungeons,” Corvin suggested.

“Alright.” Alistair nodded.

Later that day, Corvin introduced them to Khrol and explained that he would be joining the ‘guild’ as well.

They also spent time getting to know Graves, Ortho, and Iris. Corvin made sure to see everyone, even Mina and Liara, before returning home with his party.

“Khrol, you’re coming with me?” Corvin asked.

“I am. If it helps me grow stronger, then this old body can still endure a little more hardship.” Khrol replied.

“Alistair, watch over Anne and the others. Darian, come.” Corvin spoke.

“You don’t need to tell me that!” Alistair barked while Anne blushed.

Corvin led Khrol and Darian into the backyard.

“Omega, start the Crow’s Inheritance!”

[Finally!]

[Sacrificing the heart of a Demon General to power the ritual.]

[Using the bloodline of Malphas as the anchor to stabilize the connection to the 72nd Realm.]

[Connection achieved.]

A large black portal emerged, then dispersed, leaving behind a set of heavy, ornate doors wrought from black metal. Crimson images of crows circled a massive tree carved into their surface. Beneath the tree sat an old man, endlessly carving a key.

[Gate materialized successfully.]

[Using the Realm Key.]

A black key emerged from Corvin’s inventory and floated toward the gate. One of the crimson ravens opened its beak, revealing a keyhole. The key slid autonomously into place and turned counterclockwise.

Click.

The doors unlocked and slowly swung open, releasing a heavy miasma-soaked air.

Beyond them stood an enormous castle in the distance. Dark-silver stone shimmered beneath twin suns, crimson roof tiles shimmered the color of a living flame, and a shattered barrier flickered ominously around the whole structure.

Before the castle stretched a vast field covered in the ruins of an ancient city. Towering black trees surrounded it, their trunks pulsing as though alive, while roots slithered through the ruins and merged with the broken structures.

“Well then, shall we? Wish me luck, everyone!” Corvin smiled and stepped through.

Darian followed instantly. Khrol gulped and hurried after them.

The gates closed as quickly as they had opened and slowly faded away, leaving nothing behind.

“There he goes. Without us again...” Alistair sighed.

“Oh? You missed him, huh?” Anne teased, nudging him with her elbow.

“Hah! As if. It’s just that he keeps growing stronger.” Alistair scoffed.

“Well, we are too. Just a little more slowly.” She shrugged. “Come on, let’s go. We have a mission of our own, right?”

“It’s been ages since we went Skill Book shopping!” Duncan cheered.