Chapter 470 - Ruins of Imperial Dungeon 2 (1/2)
After some time, two stone gates appeared.
There were a lot of metaphysical patterns, numbers, and symbols engraved on the gates, and the guard approached the gates and pressed patterns and symbols.
Kuukng!
When the thick-as-hell stone gate opened, the dungeon began to unfold in front of everyone’s eyes.
They weren’t aware, but the dungeon was created by the Baroque Imperial using the structure of the Abaron Empire.
“Count Ferrero is in the third room on the left.”
“But, what is that stone gate over there?”
When Luke pointed at the stone gate on the right side, the jailer seemed flustered.
“Even I don’t know. I am only asked to work here, so His Majesty spoke nothing about it.”
The reason why the jailer was able to work there was because he was related to the Baroque Imperial family.
He was a noble but had no ability. However, Rudolf viewed it as an advantage.
The guys with swords didn’t like cramped places, and wizards and scholars are more interested in admission rather than punishing.
In addition to the possibility of an intruder getting into the dungeon being very low, there was no need for the Emperor to put a skilled man there.
All it had to be was a human who could torture the prisoners and give them meals occasionally.
“I honestly wanted to do something, so I came up here, but I never dreamt that I had skills to do this work here. And whenever I get close to that gate, I feel like I am losing power…”
‘Losing power?’
At the words of the jailer, Luke recalled the time when he was trapped by Nanas.
At that time, he had gone to the Dark Forest where the trap was installed. He was unable to breathe, and it was uncomfortable as the black circle on his heart was moving slow.
It was because of the trap installed by Nanas… Well, it was mainly because of the place where it was located.
The Aether Vortex could drain one’s power regardless if it was an aura, divine, mana, or magi.
Could such thing be behind the iron gate?
Was it made so that everyone would be prevented from entering it?
When Luke was in doubt, Philip rushed into the dungeon to look for Count Ferrero.
“Vice-captain! Are you okay?”
When he heard his old title, Ferrero, who was leaning on the wall, lifted his head.
“Philip, is that you?”
“Yes, it is me. I am here to see you, Vice-captain.”
Ferrero smiled at Philip’s words and saw him break the prison door.
“What are you talking about? I am your enemy.”
Ferrero had ears everywhere, and he knew how well Philip had turned out.
He knew that Philip was a Sword Master and was the commander of the 1st squadron of the Symphonia Kingdom.
When he heard all of that, Ferrero was delighted.
It seemed like Philip had met a very good master that made him a free bird. Ferrero wasn’t wrong when he recognized Philip as a talented kid.
It was a pity that he would have to clash swords with Philip on the battlefield someday, but even then, it was the fate of a knight.
But that same Philip was in front of him now.
“I have no intention of betraying the Empire. I don’t know how you managed to get here, but you need to go back.”
“Then you did think about betraying the Emperor, right?” Luke asked.
“You are surely…!”
Ferrero’s eyes went wide.
The leader of the enemy, the enemy of Emperor Rudolf, the man called the traitor, Ferrero never thought that such a man would appear here.
Regardless of Ferrero’s reaction, Luke continued, “The Emperor doesn’t know, but you didn’t want to abandon the people I guess. Is that why you are saying you won’t betray the Empire?”
When Luke went straight to the point, Ferrero’s eyes watered.
He knew that the distance between the Emperor and him had grown too much to fill.
Nevertheless, it was he who failed to think of the people.
If he ran away or lost the battle there, there would be no one left to protect the powerless people from the Emperor.
“Well, your decision is an important one. But, for now, why don’t we make a bet?”
“Bet?”
As Ferrero asked, Luke nodded.
“In the past, you always asked for a battle against me, right? Once you get out and recover to an extent, we will do that.”
“There must be something else, right? Should I become your servant if I lose?”
“Exactly. Instead, if you win, take my neck to Rudolf. The Emperor will be fond of you and will clear away your sins.”
“Your Majesty!”
Upon hearing the ridiculous offer of Luke, Philip and his agents shouted.
Even if he was the Majesty, saying something like that was stupid.
However, Luke stopped them and asked Ferrero, “How is that? Will you agree, or will you refuse?”
“Huh, I agree. I always wanted to fight you.”
Ferrero had always wanted to compete with Luke since the first time he met him in the Imperial palace.
It was because he felt a tremendous amount of strength from the man who claimed to be just an Intermediate Expert.
But currently, the kid seemed to have developed a lot. He was now a Rune Knight and could use magic, so he wanted to fight Luke now more than ever compared to the past.
“Very well.”
Kang!
Luke, who smiled, immediately slashed through the magic seal that was holding Count Ferrero in place.
“Let’s get out of this depressing place. Sir Philip, help Count Ferrero move.”
“There is no need. I have the strength to walk on my own two feet.”
Ferrero staggered while getting up.
Philip, who saw that, couldn’t help but feel anxious. However, fortunately, Ferrero began to walk steadily.
It was when Luke’s party had left the cell that urgent screams were heard outside the dungeon’s stone gate and among them were the jailers.
“What are those?”
“It is a monster! Be careful!”
The screams were troublesome, but Luke, who could sense the mana, ran out.
Grrr! Grrrr!
Thud!