Ch 85 - The Summit of the Virtues

The forest blurred past me as I ran, my breaths steady but quick, each step pounding against the earth. For the next two hours, since I spotted the dragon I didn’t stop. The oppressive silence of the forest pressed on me as I moved, a stark contrast to the chaos from before.

Something was unnerving about the quiet. No howls, no rustling in the underbrush, no distant roars of territorial beasts—just an eerie stillness. Even the usual buzzing of insects seemed absent, as though the entire forest was holding its breath.

It was as if Belarus’s draconic presence had left an invisible scar across the land, shaking the ecosystem to its core.

Dragons were creatures of legend, feared and revered by all. A true king of beasts had flown through this forest, and its dominance had driven every other monster into hiding.

For once, that worked in my favor.

With no wild creatures to slow me down or threaten my life like before, I pushed forward, covering as much ground as possible. This eerie reprieve wouldn’t last forever. Once the dragon’s influence faded, the forest would return to its usual chaos.

But for now, I ran freely, desperate to put as much distance as I could between myself and that battlefield of death.

After sunset, the forest's natural order seemed to restore itself. Animals began creeping out from their hiding places, and the once-muted wilderness stirred with life again. I took it as a sign that the dragon's oppressive presence had faded, allowing the creatures to reclaim their territories.

It was a small relief. While there was still a risk of encountering a wild bear or another beast, that still felt infinitely more survivable than crossing paths with a dragon.

By now, I had covered significant ground, and the forest was thinning. The dense trees gave way to patches of open land, and I could see stretches of plains on the horizon. Fewer wild creatures roamed here, and for the first time in days, I began to feel safer.

As night fell, I decided it was time to set up camp. I found a spot near a small pond connected to a stream—an ideal location. The sparse trees offered just enough cover, and there were no signs of large predators nearby.

I wasted no time washing off the grime and sweat of the day from running. The cold water was invigorating as I splashed it over my face and arms, cleaning the streaks of dirt that clung to my skin. It gave me a moment to reflect. My body bore no scratches or marks from my frantic escape through thorny bushes and jagged branches. The constant regeneration had healed me so quickly that it was as though the cuts had never existed.

It was a strange feeling, knowing I’d been burning mana all day without realizing it. The exhaustion I felt wasn’t physical but magical—a lightheadedness that reminded me of the limits of my newfound abilities. Still, a bit of rest and a meal should be enough to replenish my reserves.

After examining myself more closely, I confirmed what I had suspected earlier: the signs of the Eternal Dendrite’s influence on my body were gone. No bark-like skin, no unnatural discoloration. I looked completely normal—at least outwardly. However, I couldn’t ignore the subtle changes I felt. My stamina was higher, and my physical strength was slightly boosted. It was not enough to wrestle a three-horned bear, but it was noticeable nonetheless.

I finished washing and returned to the small campfire I’d built. The fish I’d caught earlier were roasting on skewers over the flames, their golden skin crisping perfectly. Alongside them, I had a small collection of fruits I’d foraged from the forest.

As I bit into the grilled fish, its rich, smoky flavor brought back memories of my time in the demon realm—nights spent loitering around, surviving on whatever scraps I could gather. The food back then was barely edible, a stark contrast to this simple yet satisfying meal.

After eating, I started preparing for the night. I climbed one of the trees to take a nap, using the flurry of leaves as a blanket and the thickest branch as my bed. I also grabbed a nearby vine and tied myself to the branch so I wouldn’t fall while sleeping.

For my defense, I had a wooden spear with its end sharpened using stones. I kept it nearby and stabbed into the tree.

Nestled in my leafy blanket, I looked up at the sky. The moonlight filtered through scattered clouds, painting the world in a soft, ethereal glow. It was beautiful, but my mind was far too restless to enjoy it.

What now?

The border couldn’t be more than two days away, but once I crossed it, then what?

Lysanthera had instructed me to find the Immu tribe in the Jarla Forest, yet I had no idea where that was. Hopefully, they might help me in this predicament.

Although the eyeball assured me my human parents were safe, I was still a bit worried and couldn’t trust him wholeheartedly.

So much has happened in the past few years. Ever since I participated in the ascension ceremony, everything has spiraled downhill. My family has been hunted by an assassin clan, and I was nearly imprisoned and turned into a dryad medicinal herb, only to be saved by a shady guild. After that, I was tortured to death to lift the curse and now ended up trying to escape this country. All of this occurred in just three years.

I could survive if I escaped this country for now. It’s sad that my benefactor, Damien, and Vex, who rescued me, have died or may end up dying at the hands of the Virtues. But at this point, I have to look out for myself. If the Virtues don't annihilate their guild, they will likely try to find me again since I still have not fulfilled my part of our deal.

I’m pretty sure Damien and Vex ended up killing one of the Virtues, but I don’t think they will survive an encounter with Belarus. However, that’s their problem, not mine.

For now, I need to focus on the one thing I can control: getting out of this cursed country. After that, I might try to learn about my powers and track down the Immu tribe.

With that thought, I yawned and finally fell asleep.

Clutching my makeshift blanket, I closed my eyes, listening to the faint rustle of leaves and the gentle trickle of the stream. The chaos of the day lingered in my thoughts, but exhaustion eventually pulled me into a restless sleep.

—-------

Meanwhile, as Benjamin was on the run, the world itself descended into chaos.

The death of Lux Sentinel, one of the twelve Heavenly Virtues, sent shockwaves across the realm. Statues of Lux proudly displayed in churches and shrines, cracked and crumbled—a divine signal of his demise. The announcement of his death was met with disbelief and horror. How could one of the strongest and most revered figures fall so suddenly?

Panic rippled through the masses. In the streets, millions gathered to mourn the loss of their beloved Virtue. Others, however, were fueled by anger and confusion. Protests erupted in cities and villages alike, with accusations flying about who could have committed such a heinous act. The air was thick with uncertainty, and fear took root as whispers spread about the implications of losing a Virtue.

In some areas, mourning vigils took place, with candles illuminating the streets and solemn prayers echoing in the air. In contrast, other locations experienced riots, as citizens clashed while assigning blame, leading to chaos that threatened to spiral out of control. National authorities struggled to maintain order, their resources stretched thin in the face of widespread unrest.

The Church of Virtues quickly stepped forward, trying to stem the tide of panic.
Their spokespersons addressed the crowds with calm reassurances:
“Devotees of the Virtues, do not lose faith. The Heavenly Virtues are investigating this matter thoroughly. They will not rest until justice is served. Peace will be restored, and the perpetrator of this vile act will face divine judgment.”

But their words only did so much. For many, the loss of Lux Sentinel felt like the loss of a shield protecting the mortal realm. Meanwhile, many opportunists exploited the disorder. Criminals took advantage of the chaos to unleash havoc, and riots erupted in major cities.

As the world order spiraled into chaos, the Heavenly Virtues were urgently summoned to their headquarters.

A grizzled middle-aged man with streaks of gray in his hair marched down the grand passage, his expression as sour as his mood. He flicked the lid of his pocket watch open and closed repeatedly, the metallic click echoing in the silent corridor. This was Silas Tranquillow, the current Virtue of Patience, though his grumpy demeanor seemed far removed from his title.

Trailing behind him was a strikingly handsome young man with golden hair, his black tricorne hat perched perfectly atop his head. Kraven Vandalf Frost, the Virtue of Magnificence, walked with a calm, measured grace that seemed almost at odds with the turmoil that had gripped the world. His eyes darted toward Silas occasionally, but he kept his silence, exuding an air of quiet confidence as they approached the conference room.

Silas reached the grand doors and shoved them open, stepping into the room with a deliberate air of irritation.

The vast chamber was bathed in light, its elegance underscored by the magnificent chandelier hanging overhead. At the center stood a large circular granite table, its smooth surface gleaming under the golden glow. Twelve imposing chairs surrounded the table, placed at perfect intervals, each reserved for a Virtue. Yet, only five of the twelve seats were occupied.

Silas scanned the faces of those present, his sharp eyes narrowing further, and his expression darkened with visible displeasure.

Kraven, ever composed, strolled around the table and settled into an empty seat next to a disheveled young woman with messy hair and pronounced dark circles under her eyes. Her posture was slouched, her demeanor apathetic.

"Ms. Alquira," Kraven greeted with a faint smile, "how rare to see you arrive before us."

The woman, Alquira Wagabaria, the Virtue of Temperance, grimaced at his words. "There are plenty of empty seats," she muttered, her voice dripping with annoyance. "Did you have to sit right next to me?"

Ignoring her irritation, Kraven leaned back in his chair as Silas took his own seat. Silas let out a frustrated sigh, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the table. "It’s already been half a day," he said gruffly, "and yet half of us are still missing."

The tension in the room thickened as a tall man with white hair and sharp elven features rose from his seat. His pointed ears twitched slightly. He gave a polite, almost exaggerated bow before speaking.

“That’s everyone who will be attending today,” he declared with a smooth voice, his tone betraying no emotion. “So, without any further delays, shall we begin? Mr. Silas, would you be so kind as to deploy your time barrier?”

Silas’s lips twisted into a deep frown, his fingers drumming impatiently on the table. “Is my vision faltering with age, or are we still missing four of the Virtues?”

Before the elf could respond, a loud yawn shattered the formal atmosphere.

The source? A dark-haired man dressed in light pajamas, his posture slouched as if he had just rolled out of bed. A longsword rested lazily in his arms as though it were a mere pillow. His straw hat obscured his face, but the utter boredom radiating off him was palpable. With his legs propped on the table, he appeared wholly uninterested in the meeting—or anything else for that matter.

While the rest of the room ignored his casual insolence, Silas’s brow twitched violently. His irritation finally boiled over.

“Justin,” Silas growled, his voice cutting through the room, “could you at least try to pretend to act like a Virtue for once?”

Justin barely moved, waving a dismissive hand from beneath his straw hat. “Yeah, yeah, whatever,” he mumbled, his tone dripping with indifference. “Inkarav, go ahead and run the meeting like usual.”

“Thank you, Your Excellency,” the elf said, a smile stretching across his face that seemed almost insincere. “As you all heard, I will be leading this meeting.”

Silas shifted his glare from Justin to the elf, his irritation still palpable. “Where are the others? Seven seats do not constitute a quorum.”

Inkarav’s smile didn’t falter, but his eyes glimmered with a cold sharpness that hinted at hidden agendas. “Your concerns are noted, Mr. Silas,” he replied with a slight tilt of his head. “However, precious time is slipping away. Would you mind deploying your barrier first before we continue?”

The room seemed to hold its breath as Silas locked eyes with the elf. There was something about Inkarav’s polite demeanor that gnawed at him. The elf’s smile remained plastered on his face, but the lack of warmth in his gaze betrayed his true nature.

The air grew still, the unspoken tension between the two hanging heavy in the room.

The long-haired, dark-haired woman with an elegant figure gracefully poured tea into a cup. Her pointed ears peeked through her neatly tucked hair, hinting at her elven heritage. "I have a feeling this meeting will stretch on, so I prepared tea beforehand," she said in a soothing tone.

Seated beside her was a youthful girl with blonde, curly hair, dressed in a charming, colorful frock. She closed the book she had been reading and looked up eagerly. "Thank you, Ms. Meena. I’d love a cup," she chirped.

“Of course, Lady Briana. Here you go,” replied Ms. Meena as she handed a teacup to the blonde girl.

Alquira lazily raised her hand, her exhaustion evident. "I don’t think I’ll survive this meeting without dozing off. One for me as well, please."

Kraven chimed in with a polite nod.
"If you could be so kind, I’d like a cup as well."

Seeing the increasing demand for Tea, even Inkarav gave Meena a warm smile.
"One for me too, if it’s no trouble."

Meena returned the smile, exuding a calm and collected aura. "Of course. I prepared plenty for everyone. What about you, Silas? Justin?"

Justin waved a dismissive hand, not bothering to sit up from his reclined position. "Pass. I’m good."

Silas, on the other hand, looked increasingly irritated.
"Why not pull out some biscuits while you’re at it? Is this a tea party? Has everyone forgotten that one of the Virtues has just been slain?"

The room fell into an awkward silence, broken only by the soft sound of Meena pouring tea.“That’s true," Inkarav said, his voice laced with feigned solemnity as he clasped his hands in mock prayer. "Lux’s demise was an unfortunate tragedy—such a bright young soul with a promising future. Whoever is responsible for this atrocity will face the full wrath of the Virtues. That much, we vow."

He turned his gaze back to Silas, his tone shifting. "Now, shall we proceed? Can we count on you to raise the barrier, or shall we carry on without it?"

Silas exhaled sharply, clearly exasperated. Taking out his pocket watch, he flicked it open, and with a wave of his hand, a shimmering barrier enveloped the room. Instantly, the world outside slowed to a near standstill, time grinding to an almost imperceptible crawl.

"Thank you. Your barrier is as invaluable as ever," Inkarav said smoothly. "Now, shall we begin?"

Silas raised a hand before the elf could continue. "First, I need to know—where are the rest of the Virtues?"

Inkarav inclined his head, as though expecting the question. "I’ve reached out to everyone. Cala Diba declined, as his tribe was holding an important festival that required his presence. He’s already sent his condolences. Lima is currently engaged in a covert mission and won’t be attending. Valve remains unreachable, and no one has seen him in over six months. As for Belarus..." Inkarav hesitated, a hint of resignation in his tone. "He immediately left to investigate Lux’s death upon receiving word. By now, he should already be at the scene, conducting his investigation."

Silas’s expression soured, his distaste unmistakable. "Out of everyone, you sent that meathead to investigate?!"

Inkarav shrugged, his usual calm demeanor tinged with helplessness. "Do you think I could have stopped him? The moment he heard about Lux’s demise, he was ready to charge in. Once he’s like that, there’s no reining him in."

Kraven leaned back in his chair, letting out an exasperated sigh. "Frankly, it would have been better if that lizard had been the one slain instead. That beast has lived far too long already."

“Kraven,” Meena chided, raising a delicate eyebrow, “you shouldn’t speak ill of your comrades.”

“I apologize; that came out poorly,” replied Kraven.

There was little to no genuine mourning between the Virtues.

Silas sighed heavily, rubbing his temples.
"I just hope that man doesn’t go berserk and end up destroying yet another country like the last time. I have no intention of wasting my precious energy and ether to clean up his mess again."

Inkarav gave an overly reassuring smile.
"Don’t worry, I’m sure he’s not that reckless-"

Kraven paused mid-sip, arching an eyebrow,
"Nope, actually, he is that reckless."

"He’s a meathead," Alquira chimed in dryly, her tone as sharp as ever.

"No intellect whatsoever," added the young Lady Briana with a hint of disdain as she closed her book.

"For once, I must agree," Meena said, her usual elegance hiding a note of amusement.

Inkarav let out a dry, forced laugh, attempting to maintain decorum.
"Haha... you’re all exaggerating."

Silas groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose as if to stave off an impending headache.
"Let's hope that Belarus doesn't turn this investigation into another significant historical event."