A few days had passed, and the Imperial Capital was teeming with nobility.
The Imperial Castle, towering over the city, was a colossal structure whose name echoed throughout the world. Since the nation's founding, it had never allowed a single enemy to breach its walls, and it stood today in its solemn majesty as an enduring symbol of Leomel's power.
The largest conference room in the castle was far too massive to be called a mere room. It was wider than the Imperial Academy's Great Auditorium and rivaled the Parliament Building where the legislature convened. A series of these meeting spaces were connected by wide corridors, and every single one was bustling with people. Nobles moved between them, debating agendas that had been under preparation for weeks.
This was the Imperial Castle Conference. It was a gathering held once every few years, where nearly every noble in Leomel assembled. They discussed a myriad of topics, from regional administration and inter-territory exchanges to infrastructure and road maintenance.
This year, however, the focus was centered on the disturbances of the past winter: the incident involving the Apostle of the Giant God, Wadatsumi, and the events in Windea. Most notably, the conversation revolved around the descendant of Hero Ruin. These topics took center stage, fueling the excitement of the Hero Faction.
Despite the fervor, Ulysses and Radius took their seats with composed expressions, having fully anticipated this atmosphere. Their calm demeanor left the members of the Imperial Faction on edge, yet no one dared voice a complaint to either of them. Among the Imperial Faction, rumors that Radius would soon be named the Crown Prince served as their primary source of morale.
Facing the nobles who were as enthusiastic about political maneuvering as they were about the conference itself, Ulysses smiled at Radius, who sat beside him in the massive hall.
"They truly never tire of this, do they?"
"How does it look from your perspective, Radius? Watching this factional conflict as the potential Next Emperor?"
"I cannot speak too lightly on the matter. Some of them do foolish things from time to time, so I must keep a sharp eye on them. What about you, Ulysses?"
"Nothing in particular. I haven't been deeply involved in factional struggles for a long time."
That was his claim, even if he was widely regarded as the head of the Imperial Faction.
"Now you're the one being modest. There have been plenty who tried to cross you—especially that Minister of Justice from over a decade ago."
He was referring to the minister whom Viscount Given had served as an assistant. When that man had clashed with Ulysses, he lost the political struggle so soundly that he was stripped of his position. That battle had made the name of Ulysses, then only a young noble, famous both at home and abroad.
"I never once made the first move in those cases."
"Oh? Is that so?"
"However, if someone strikes me, I will retaliate. That has nothing to do with factions; it's simply how I operate."
"…Well, you certainly have a way with words."
As they spoke, Vane and the others were introduced to the floor. When a nervous Vane delivered his greeting before the assembled nobility, he was met with thunderous, deafening cheers. He was the sole individual inheriting the blood of Hero Ruin. Now that all seven descendants were gathered, even many within the Imperial Faction were visibly moved by the sight.
After the day's session concluded, Ulysses stood by a window in the castle corridor, looking out at the city.
Strong-Armed. It wasn't a title he had claimed for himself; rather, it was a moniker that had naturally taken hold among those who either feared or respected him. Countless nobles and high-ranking military officials passed by, and almost every one of them looked startled to see Ulysses standing there. They would offer a brief, hurried greeting with a slight bow before retreating, their posture stiff with wariness. This reaction remained the same even among nobles of his own faction.
"Oh?" Ulysses murmured.
It wasn't a monologue. He had spotted a group walking toward him down the hallway. They were boys and girls dressed in the Imperial Academy Uniform—for them, there was no formal wear more appropriate.
"That person over there…"
One of the students noticed Ulysses as they approached. Ulysses offered a warm smile and a slight nod of acknowledgment.
Vane was the first to recognize him. Following closely behind were the other children of the Archduke families. Other nobles watched the encounter from a distance, whispering among themselves.
"It is an honor to meet you, Marquis Ulysses Ignat," Vane said politely.
"How very courteous of you. To be addressed by the descendant of Hero Ruin—I’ll have to brag to my late father about this."
With those words, the Strong-Armed man bowed deeply.
"Though I am of meager talent, I hold the title of Marquis. I hope for our continued acquaintance."
Vane could sense the immense strength residing beneath Ulysses’s smile more clearly than any of his companions. It wasn't their first time in the same room—they had often attended the same parties—but they had never spoken directly.
Vane's internal impression was immediate: So this is the man, Ulysses Ignat.
Facing the smile of the man whose reputation spanned nations, Vane's palms unconsciously broke into a sweat inside his clenched fists. Ulysses, sensing the boy's tension, found the sight rather endearing.
"There's no need to be so stiff. I am just a mere noble, after all. I lack the legendary bloodline of a Hero like you."
"I-I'm not sure how to respond to that, my lord…"
"Is it so strange? I don't believe I've said anything incorrect."
Vane wondered if there was a deeper meaning to this exchange, but his conclusion was that there was none. While he wouldn't go so far as to say he was being toyed with, he realized Ulysses was simply observing his reactions to gauge what kind of person he was. In an interaction thick with political weight, Ulysses radiated an presence so powerful it was suffocating. Vane finally understood why nobles from every faction treated him with such extreme caution.
"Is something the matter?" Ulysses asked gently.
Even that soft inquiry made Vane feel as though he might be swallowed whole if he lowered his guard for even a second.
"…No. It's nothing."
"Is that so? Well, then." Ulysses checked his watch. "Oh, is it already this time? Excuse me, but I have some urgent business to attend to."
Ulysses stepped past them and walked away. The group stood still, watching his retreating back.
"Whoa! That was the first time I've ever heard Marquis Ignat's voice from that close!" Kaito laughed, finally relaxing. He had seen Ulysses at parties, but never from such a short distance. "That was something else, Vane. Weren't you terrified?"
"I don't know if 'terrified' is the right word…"
Vane wasn't sure. However, the sheer pressure had been undeniable. He looked down and realized just how much his hands had been sweating. A wry smile touched his lips.
"He has a certain gravity that doesn't show on the surface."
"No kidding. Just being near him made my hands shake," Kaito admitted.
"Me too. By the way, Sera, you’ve talked to him before, haven't you?"
"A few times," Sera said, "but I never get used to it. I'm nervous every single time. Licia says she's used to him now, but honestly, I don't even understand how that's possible."
Many nobles whispered that one should never cross Marquis Ignat. And among those who sought to master the sword, it was said that one should avoid a confrontation with the Strong-Armed man at all costs. Whether or not that was a direct reflection of the Imperial Faction’s power was debatable, but one thing was certain: in both the world of politics and the world of the sword, there were some opponents who were best left alone.
As a student, the Imperial Academy Uniform served as perfectly acceptable formal wear, which was highly convenient. However, for a grand party, a little more flair was allowed. Before spring, Ren had traveled to the Imperial Capital with Lezard to visit the tailor Licia frequented. He had commissioned several suits and a summer uniform, which had been delivered to Erendil Manor just before the final day of the conference.
On the evening of the final day—the night of the grand party—Ren dressed in his brand-new suit and headed toward a massive luxury inn along the Imperial Capital Boulevard. Numerous carriages were lined up at the entrance.
Ren entered the venue alongside Licia, where Ulysses and Fiona were already waiting.
"I’m going to pay my respects to the Viscount, so why don't you three enjoy yourselves?" Ulysses suggested.
With that, the adults departed, leaving the three of them behind. The elder nobles were clearly busy, as many were seen clustered together, deep in discussion over the buffet. Ren stood with Licia and Fiona, two girls dressed in shimmering gowns that made them look like visions of light.
"To the conference," Ren said, raising a glass.
The three shared a toast and began enjoying the food. A short while later, a man in a Knight's Uniform who was part of the security detail approached Ren.
"I have a message for the three of you."
Such things were common at these events. Often, people of high status used messengers to arrange private meetings away from the prying eyes of the crowd.
"For us? From whom?" Ren asked.
"Lady Archayse says she is waiting for you on the balcony just outside the hall."
The name Archayse belonged to Mirei's family, a Countly house. Ren knew immediately that this wasn't an invitation for a romantic tryst; it was official business. He led the two girls toward the balcony.
The balcony offered a spectacular view of the Imperial Capital at night. Other young nobles were scattered about, cooling off or enjoying the scenery with their partners. Each seating area was partitioned by thin, white curtains.
Mirei was standing in front of one of the partitions. She was wearing a dress unlike anything Ren had seen on her before, her hair and makeup styled with the grace of a high-born lady.
"I’ve been waiting for you-nya," she said.
As soon as she spoke, her usual quirk remained, which immediately put Ren and the others at ease.
"Well then, step inside-nya."
Behind the curtain, they found Radius. Ren understood why the Prince had used Mirei’s family name; if Radius had approached them openly in the hall, it would have caused a massive stir.
They sat at a large round table, and Ren met Radius's eyes.
"Sorry for the sudden summons," Radius said.
"It’s fine. I don't mind."
Mirei stood behind Radius, acting as his attendant. She was wearing a small smile.
"What's so funny?" Ren asked.
"Nyahaha. I'm just enjoying the moment-nya."
Radius chuckled in response. "I feel the same. Gathering like this at night reminds me of last summer. The five of us used to stay late at the academy working on festival preparations."
The five of them made up the Lion King Grand Festival Executive Committee. Even now, they occasionally met in the Academy Library, but meeting at this hour brought back a sense of camaraderie.
"So, Radius, what do you have for me?"
"I've compiled the intelligence you requested." Radius pushed a thick stack of documents across the table.
Licia and Fiona tilted their heads in unison. They had sensed Ren was working on something behind the scenes, but hearing that he had enlisted the Prince confirmed it.
"Whoa," Ren muttered as he saw the stack.
"What's with the lack of energy?" Radius teased.
"Sorry. It’s just… this is much thicker than I expected."
"It's for a friend. And for Leomel."
"Swapping the order of those two would make you sound more like a future Crown Prince," Ren noted.
"Perhaps." Radius gave him a playful wink. Ren didn't press the matter, knowing his friend took his duties to the Empire seriously. "It’s as we discussed, Ren. Attacks began around noon today in several of the regions we flagged."
"And the response?"
"The forces we deployed have taken action. However, we have yet to locate the main body of the enemy. I’ve received word that the Archduke families will take the lead, and the Hero Faction is already preparing to deploy their own independent units."
As Ren scanned the report, thinking through the implications, Licia leaned in.
"Ren, when did you start talking about all this?"
"Since spring began. Between the Apostle of the Giant God, Wadatsumi, and the attempts to steal the Ring of the Water Goddess, we couldn't afford to be reactive."
For Ren, this was about staying ahead of the game. Because he knew the world of The Legend of the Seven Heroes, he wasn't just reacting to events as they happened; he was actively investigating the Demon King Cult's movements.
Here it is.
He found a specific piece of information. It corresponded to the climax of Chapter One, "Bloodline of the Hero," from the second game. Traces of the Demon King Cult had been spotted in a town near Windea—the very place Vane and the others were destined to return to.
The Archduke families would lead the pursuit. Vane, now recognized as the true descendant of Hero Ruin, would soon face a powerful high-ranking member of the Cult. The decisive battle was close at hand.
In another part of the inn, Vane and his group were gathered. Sera, having just received an urgent report, was briefing them.
"It’s the Demon King Cult," she said, her voice low and sharp.
Tension gripped the group. This was a scene that mirrored the events of the original game's lore.
"I heard several towns were hit. There are reports of casualties," Kaito said, his grip tightening on his gear. "They’re attacking again… we have to move!"
Kaito’s shield was his symbol of protection. Facing the threat of the Cult, he was driven by a sense of ancestral duty. Had he already possessed the Leonard family’s Hero Equipment, he would have sworn an oath on his shield then and there.
However, things were different this time.
"Several towns were attacked, yes," Sera corrected, "but it seems there were actually no casualties."
"Are you serious? How is that possible?"
"His Highness Radius and Marquis Ignat. Apparently, they had secretly moved forces into the areas they suspected would be targeted. It’s incredible… they were one step ahead."
The group was stunned.
"So, if the Prince hadn't acted, we would have been caught completely off guard," Vane noted. Everyone nodded in agreement. "But the battle isn't over. We can't just sit here."
"Right. Our fathers are already moving, and we can't let them go alone," Sera said, looking at her companions.
"I agree," Charlotte said.
"Nemu too! Let's go!"
"I don't think I even need to say it, but you’ll need Arkay's magic, won't you?" Lizred added.
Finally, Kaito spoke up. "Then I'll be the shield that protects everyone."
The Archduke families had always stood at the forefront of Leomel's crises. Their bravery was legendary, and their presence on the battlefield inspired the people. They didn't believe in hiding behind walls while others fought; that was their mission.
The seven gathered here were more than just students; they were the descendants of the Seven Heroes. Their task was to wield their power for the sake of the Empire. But beyond duty and emotion, there was a specific, concrete reason why they had to go—a reason tied to the Meldeg Family, the house Squall was born into.
That night, the Magic Ship Deus departed from the Imperial Capital, carrying Vane and the others toward the conflict. The Archduke families were leading the charge to sweep away the Cult. This was a mission only the seven descendants could perform, something even Ren could not interfere with.
Meanwhile, the Imperial Faction had been moving behind the scenes for even longer, led by Radius, who shared his intelligence with Ren and Ulysses. Imperial troops were already engaged in a massive sweep of Cultist cells across the country.
The following morning, even though classes were canceled, Ren went to the academy. He had stayed in the capital after the party.
"Professor Chronoa, it’s me," he said, knocking on her door.
"Come in, come in!" her voice rang out.
Ren had been consulting with Chronoa for some time regarding the Cult's movements. When he entered the office, he found Estelle already there.
"Lady Estelle, you’re here early," Ren said.
"Indeed. I was summoned, so I came," Estelle replied. She patted the sofa beside her. "Sit."
Chronoa was seated at her desk by the window. "Wow… so you really did call Estelle here, Ren."
"I'm sorry. Radius and I had something we were working on, and I really needed Lady Estelle's expertise."
"He told me he wanted to rely on my sword," Estelle added.
"And I told you to tell me what was going on too!" Chronoa complained.
"And I told you to wait for Ren," Estelle shot back.
"…Ren, what do you think of this woman's attitude?" Chronoa sighed.
"As the one who started this, I can only apologize," Ren said. Estelle simply laughed.
"So, why did you come to the academy, Estelle?" Chronoa asked.
"I'm heading out to join the fighting soon. Ren wanted to talk before I left, and I thought this would be a good place for a final briefing."
Estelle turned her gaze toward Ren.
"A man wielding a strange power is leading the Cultists. He’s the one who targeted the foreign temple that was guarded by the Elfen Holy Palace Knights."
"I’ve heard the reports," Chronoa said. "The town was leveled, and every Holy Relic was taken."
"Yes. While there are traces of other Cultists, it seems this one man did most of the destruction himself."
The focus turned to the nature of that power.
"They call it Regeneration, but this is on another level. Apparently, even his clothing restores itself along with his body."
No matter how many times the knights pierced him or burned him with magic, he simply healed. Chronoa had been investigating this ability using military data.
That power is abnormal, Ren thought. He knew it was Orphide’s ability from his knowledge of the game, but he wanted to find a way to counter it effectively in this reality.
"What did your research show, Professor?" Ren asked.
Chronoa shook her head. "I can't find a record of anything like it. You can repair clothes with magic, but to have them regenerate simultaneously with the body… it’s beyond standard magic."
"So we’re still short on data," Estelle noted.
"I’m sorry, Ren. I couldn't find a definitive answer."
"Don't worry about it. It’s the Demon King Cult; it’s not surprising they have access to unknown powers. But it is a headache."
"I suspect he’s using a power that possesses some level of Divinity," Chronoa added.
The only known counter was Vane’s power. As a descendant of the Hero, his mana could slow down the regeneration of anything tied to the Demon King.
(Is that really the only way?) Ren wondered.
"Hypothetically, even if Vane’s power works, we still won't understand the mechanics of how he heals, will we?" Ren asked.
"No," Chronoa admitted. "The Hero's power is the blessing of Main God Elfen. It’s a natural antithesis to the remnants of the Demon King's power."
"Well, it doesn't matter," Estelle said. "The Hero Faction will handle him for now. I might join in later if they struggle, but I have another priority."
"Another priority?" Chronoa asked.
"I'm heading to the Great Sea of Trees in the Rofelia territory."
That was a dangerous, secluded region. Estelle explained that knights had detected an unsettling surge of mana in the area.
"The Great Sea of Trees… where the Black Emperor Horn Behemoth lives?" Ren asked. He remembered the name from an S-rank request he had seen at the guild.
"Exactly. If the Cult is behind that mana surge, it’s bad news. If they try to control that monster—or even just provoke it—the damage would be catastrophic. I’m going to investigate and, if necessary, take it down on the spot."
In the original timeline of the games, Estelle was rarely in the capital because she was constantly hunting the Cult after Radius was kidnapped. But things had changed. Now, she was moving under Radius's direct orders for a different mission.
"I don't think anyone can actually control a beast like that… but are you sure you’re okay? I could come with you," Chronoa offered.
"Ha! Are you looking down on me, Chronoa?"
"I'm just worried, you idiot."
"I know. But don't be. It would be a bigger problem if you left the capital right now. Stay here and keep the people calm."
Ren intended to stay in Erendil to guard Licia and Fiona, just as he had promised Radius. He had considered going with Vane, but the Hero Faction had plenty of combatants, and the seven descendants had a specific mission that only they could fulfill. He felt that staying behind to act as a final line of defense for the girls was the right choice.
Estelle left shortly after, and Ren followed.
I’ve already told Vane what he needs to know, Ren thought.
The night before, he had pulled Vane aside and given him a "hint"—framed as a rumor he'd heard at the guild—about how to combat the Cultists' regeneration.
Is that really true? Vane had asked.
I don't know for sure, but I think it's worth trying.
Got it. If we get into a fight, I’ll give it a shot!
If the knowledge from the games held true, that advice would give Vane a massive advantage.
Ren met up with Radius in a quiet corner of the academy.
"They're moving exactly as we expected, for the most part," Radius said, reviewing the latest reports. "Civilians were evacuated before the fighting started, and the Archduke forces are engaging them in several towns. We've deployed Magic Weapons, but the sheer number of enemies means it’s turning into a melee."
"And the status of the battle?"
"Smooth so far. No major setbacks."
"But," Radius added, his tone darkening, "this is just the beginning. They’ve deployed more troops than we initially estimated."
"Reinforcements?"
"It’s a possibility. I suspect they might strike near the capital or Erendil next. They’re clearly wary of how fast we responded. It feels like they’re trying to draw our attention away from their real objective."
"So the fighting in the towns is a diversion."
"Exactly. The Imperial Castle Conference just ended; a major disturbance near the capital would force us to redeploy our best assets—people like the Sword King or Chronoa."
The Cult is getting smarter, Ren realized. Because he had stopped so many of their plans, including the disaster in the Baldur Mountains, they were being forced to adapt.
"I'm still worried about Orphide," Radius said. "He’s clearly the mastermind. What could he possibly be after?"
Ren wondered the same thing. The Cult was attacking everywhere, but Leomel was taking the brunt of it. Why Leomel? What was the ultimate goal?
"Whatever it is," Radius continued, "targeting Leomel must be a step toward the Demon King's Resurrection. We have to stop them."
"Maybe there's another country behind them," Ren joked.
"I considered that. But other nations are being hit too, so I don't think they're just pawns. Though…" Radius sighed. "The Shelgard Empire is a mystery. Since they're always in the sky, we have almost no information on Cult activity there."
Radius looked at Ren. "So, Ren, what are you going to do?"
"What do you mean?"
"I figured the usual Ren would have already volunteered to go to the front lines."
"Well… I thought about it."
Ren had debated it. But his priority was staying close to Licia and Fiona. He wanted to be their shield. He had done everything he could to prepare Vane and the military, but he couldn't shake the feeling that he should be doing more.
Radius sensed his friend's inner conflict.
"I'll respect whatever choice you make, Ren. But promise me one thing."
"A promise?"
"Don't do anything reckless. Those two would never forgive you if something happened." Radius nudged him in the side and laughed.
"What if I don't think it's reckless?"
"Then you're on your own."
"I thought you'd say that."
"Just be careful, my friend."
Radius watched Ren walk away. He didn't say it out loud, but he noticed the look in Ren's eyes.
You have the same look you had at the Great Clock Tower, Ren, Radius thought.