Chapter 107 Golden Dawn (Two-in-one)
The silver lance and the golden sword shone against each other.
In that instant, an ancient mystery overflowed, carrying a primordial and profound aura.
Before that ancient mystery, Shaya clearly felt that the Sands of Time in his spiritual world, which were like starlight dots, were no longer dim and lifeless.
Instead, they flickered, like a true sea of stars.
Is this the significance of a top-tier Holy Relic?
Just a trace of its revived aura already involved the rule domain of space-time.
Looking at the manifested spear and sword, Shaya had a general idea.
After all, in his previous efforts to find the ruins of the Ancient Azure Court, Shaya had been a dabbler archaeologist, and later became the Empire’s Sword Holder.
He had heard of the history of the Freista Empire.
Naturally, he also understood the legend of the Demon-Slaying Holy Sword and the Storm Lance, once held by the “King of Knights.”
Of course, since it was an ancient legend found in ancient scrolls and sung by bards, it was hard to say how much of it was fabricated.
At least when Shaya saw descriptions like “unbreaking aurora,” “holy sword forged from a planet,” “tower at the end of the world,” and “storm anchor that binds stars,” he was utterly bewildered.
He named the Holy Relic Beast Tamer contracted by Aerora “Rungoniumad” precisely by referencing this legend, thinking to boost its prestige.
However, as time went by, Shaya gradually began to doubt the true origin of the Holy Relic contracted by Little Ai.
After all, the true value of Holy Relic type familiars was extremely difficult to judge. If you talked about their upper limit, it could be infinitely high. The history of the Western Continent was long lost. If it were a Holy Relic from a mythical era several epochs ago, its racial level might have already surpassed Tier Seven, moving towards demigod or throne levels.
But if it were just an ordinary Tier Four or Five sword weapon, a Holy Relic that had simply endured through the long passage of time… then its potential would be extremely ordinary.
Beast-type familiars had the concept of evolution. Even the lowest-tier Pollen Bugs might have a chance to evolve into true Meteor Dragons. But the upper limit of Holy Relics was directly determined by their predecessor. Even if they could recover step by step, it was extremely difficult to surpass their original form.
Therefore, in most cases, Holy Relic type familiars had a huge advantage in the early and mid-stages. But once the Beast Tamers gradually entered the high ranks, this advantage would quickly diminish and even be surpassed.
But Aerora was different.
Shaya’s own Beast Tamer talent could be described as astonishing, and he had the System’s assistance. He was also considered diligent in cultivation.
Yet Aerora had been able to keep pace with him from beginning to end. Every time Shaya completed a leap in strength through the System’s mission rewards, she could follow closely behind.
Even in terms of direct combat power, unless Shaya used certain one-time, pay-to-win abilities, Aerora was still superior to him.
This was truly worth pondering…
What was the saying?
The only ones who could contend with pay-to-win warriors were lucky players.
Could it be that he had casually given a name to Little Ai’s familiar, and it had actually come true?
Such doubts lingered in Shaya’s mind for a long time, until now, when Isadorella herself appeared, essentially providing solid proof.
The answer to what could awaken that Holy Sword was self-evident.
“Although I had some guesses before, I didn’t expect that the Holy Spear would also reappear and find a master.”
Isadorella’s crimson beautiful eyes gazed at the silver spear for a long time before she looked back at Aerora.
“Perhaps Miss Aerora doesn’t quite understand yet…”
“But Rungoniumad, the Holy Spear that is on par with the Holy Sword, has surpassed the limits of ordinary legends after its full revival.”
Her words paused slightly before she continued, “Some popular rumors might be exaggerated, but in fact, most of those legends are true…”
As she spoke, Isadorella’s gaze fixed on Aerora’s face:
“As the Anchor of Gales, an incarnation of storms, Rungoniumad in its fully revived state contains enough mystery to allow you to advance to the legendary rank through feedback.”
“It’s even possible to cross the barrier of the throne… that’s not impossible.”
The words spoken by this Second Princess were enough to shake anyone.
The opportunity to cross the barrier of the throne.
What kind of concept was that?
Even the previous Shaya was, in the eyes of most people, merely a legendary seed.
But even so, various invitations flooded in. Whether it was Isadorella inviting him to be the Sword Holder, or the marriage alliance with the Borgia Family, they were all investments in Shaya’s future.
And Aerora, as long as she grew, had the chance to cross the barrier of the throne. Once this news spread, it would undoubtedly cause a huge stir, and countless extraordinary forces would try to win her over by any means necessary, even directly offering her the position of future leader.
The current Western Continent was no longer the “Land of Calamity” era where saints were as common as dogs and legends walked everywhere… every legend was a high-ranking figure, capable of establishing a kingdom, let alone a throne-level being above a legend.
However, under Isadorella’s gaze, the blonde maiden simply tilted her head with a hint of confusion.
After displaying her Holy Relic, she quickly withdrew Rungoniumad and shifted her attention back to the unfinished dessert before her, that small tiramisu cake.
She held a small silver spoon, continuously feeding the dessert into her mouth, occasionally offering some to Shaya beside her… In Aerora’s eyes, the news that the Second Princess spoke of, which could cause a huge stir in the Western Continent, was not as important as sharing dessert with Shaya.
On the other hand, Shaya’s eyes lit up: “Your Highness, the Holy Sword has also recognized you as its master, right?”
“Yes.”
“Since that’s the case, the Imperial Royal Family must have quite a bit of extraordinary resources for reviving ancient Holy Relics… Since you’re idle anyway, why not give some to Little Ai.”
“Little Ai is my person, and I am the Empire’s Sword Holder.”
“Rounding up, it’s also considered cultivating strength for the Empire.”
The Second Princess looked at Aerora, then at Shaya.
After a long while, she shook her head slightly, abandoning the recruitment intention that had just arisen in her heart.
Originally, with the revival of the late Emperor’s Holy Spear, she, as part of the Imperial Royal Family, could not possibly give up on recruiting the contractor of the Holy Spear.
However, after witnessing the entire process of the Palace of Oaths dinner from the room above… Isadorella finally began to understand the relationship between the blonde maiden and Shaya.
It was far beyond what she had speculated before – retainers, friends, maids, lovers…
This was a bond that outsiders could not shake, nor could they ever interfere with, a bond that transcended life and death.
“That’s right.”
“Speaking of which, although the Sword Holder and the Royal Family are collaborators.”
“But if we were to be precise, after this dinner, I actually owe you a lot.”
Isadorella smiled and shook her head.
She had indeed prepared a considerable amount of high-level extraordinary materials suitable for reviving Ancient Species and Holy Relics to revive the Holy Sword.
But now, the Holy Sword was basically revived, only needing the final push. Those materials had become surplus.
Of course, even though they were surplus, there were no lack of buyers for such high-level evolutionary materials.
But Shaya’s help to her far exceeded this.
If Shaya had not refused the marriage proposal from the Borgia Family, the Royal Family’s reputation would have plummeted yesterday.
Moreover, if it weren’t for Shaya’s presence, Sylvia, the Lord of the White Tower, would never have been able to severely injure Goodrian.
The intervention of a throne-level Beast Tamer was something that money could not buy.
It could be said that entirely on Shaya’s own, the outcome of this banquet, which could potentially determine the destiny of the entire Freista Empire, was overturned.
“I will have someone deliver the surplus materials from the Imperial Treasury. Although it’s not enough to compensate for the previous debt, it’s a demonstration of my sincerity.”
As she spoke, the Second Princess’s voice softened slightly, “For whatever reason, your refusal of that marriage proposal at the banquet was a great help to me.”
“Not at all.”
Shaya waved his hand righteously, “The Empire is my home, and building it depends on everyone. Compared to those old nobles who are always scheming and have grudges against me, of course, I support Your Highness more.”
After all, she was his major benefactor, and the superficial work had to be done.
Although, theoretically speaking, he had already hitched himself to the powerful Sylvia, a super-rich woman who came with a dowry of an entire White Tower.
And Shaya was actually a standard pragmatist, perfectly fine with being supported by a rich woman.
But the crucial point was that Shaya’s ability system was rather unique.
With the System, especially the newly opened Sands of Time Mall, Shaya didn’t really need real-world extraordinary resources and materials except in a few cases. The Sands of Time he needed could only be obtained by completing tasks.
The real glutton for resources was Little Ai.
Shaya had already made up his mind in his heart not to let Little Ai suffer any grievances. Whatever treatment she deserved by joining other forces, he would ensure she received no less.
But with Holy Relics, if you wanted to accelerate their revival… besides waiting for fate, there was only the option of spending money without regard for the cost.
Especially now that he knew the origin of Little Ai’s first Soul Pact, the Holy Spear, the resources required in the future would be terrifyingly huge… that was throne-level potential. If it really reached that point, even selling all of Shaya’s industries in the Black Lily District would be like a drop in the bucket.
Even if Shaya could accept being kept by the extremely wealthy Sylvia… but to use the money of a woman who deeply loved him to support another woman…
If he really did that, Shaya really worried that he would one day meet the same fate as Kōji Minami, with a cleaver.
“Brother Shaya, I don’t actually mind you using the White Tower’s money to cultivate Little Ai.”
“As long as… you give me a little compensation.”
As Shaya’s thoughts wandered and he fell into a daze.
He heard a melodious voice echo in the depths of his mind.
Shaya looked up stiffly and saw the silver-haired witch beside him resting her chin on her slender wrist, looking at him with a charming smile.
Telepathy?
No, this wasn’t the Spirit World.
Even a legend couldn’t cross the cognitive barrier and directly comprehend another’s thoughts…
This was just Sylvia’s powerful analytical ability as a throne-level Beast Tamer, deducing his current thoughts from the conversation he just had with Isadorella and various micro-expressions.
Damn it, could throne-level Beast Tamers do whatever they wanted?
It seemed they really could do whatever they wanted, never mind.
Shaya strengthened his facial management and sighed in his heart.
As for Sylvia’s suggestion, he just let it go in one ear and out the other.
Putting aside whether his male pride would allow it, just the thought of “a little compensation” gave Shaya a bit of PTSD.
Sylvia now was no longer the shy and inexperienced little girl she used to be; her desire to attack was terrifyingly high.
If, in front of Little Ai, another famous scene of “White Album” happened, who knew how many days he would have to kneel on a washboard.
…
“Well, it’s getting late…”
“Although simple, it was indeed a rather heartwarming meal. Thank you for the hospitality.”
Isadorella stood up from the wooden chair and put on her black and red Black Vulture military uniform again.
She pushed open the door, and the carriage engraved with gold Black Vulture patterns was waiting outside.
“Oh, right, Augustina asked me to give you a message.”
The Princess turned back and looked at Shaya.
Augustina?
Shaya recalled the Queen of the Night, whom he had met once in the Shadow Council.
During their previous meeting, he had vaguely felt something was off about her.
Moreover, this time, Augustina had violated the Shadow Council’s long-standing neutral stance and directly killed Goodrian.
However, no matter what, at least based on her current performance, the Queen of the Night still maintained goodwill towards his side.
“What did she say?”
“I know you suspect the Holy Court, but it’s not the Holy Court, or at least, not the entirety of the Holy Court.”
“Also, be careful of the ‘Golden Dawn’.”
Isadorella repeated word for word: “That’s all she asked me to convey.”
“I’ve been investigating the matter of Ceylon. That letter was indeed Goodrian’s personal intention… personally delivered by Riel, the head butler of the Borgia Family, and a transaction was made with the wanted criminal Warwick. Only these three knew about the entire process.”
“But there are still doubts… and the biggest doubt is Goodrian’s motive.”
“Wanting to seize the Oathbound Chess of the Winter Flower and the power of one of the Eight Great Oathbound Families… it can indeed be said to be one of Goodrian’s motives.”
“But is it worth cooperating with a wanted criminal for this bit of profit? The Winter Flower has indeed declined, its influence limited to Ceylon, and it poses no threat to the Borgia Family.”
“And cooperating with a wanted criminal from the Holy See, once exposed, would have significant repercussions, even leading to the termination of the originally good cooperative relationship between the Borgia Family and the Holy Court.”
The Second Princess’s crimson eyes gleamed with a clear and cold light.
“I originally speculated that this might be a play orchestrated by the Holy See and the Borgia Family, with Goodrian and Warwick acting as double intermediaries. Using the riot caused by the destruction of Ceylon, they intended to destabilize the Empire.”
“But now it seems, it might not be that simple.”
