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Chapter 47
The Light That Answered
Deep beneath the sturdy halls of Valencrest, the underground chamber slowly grew quiet at last. Just moments before, it had echoed with the fierce clash of steel, the roar of magic spells, and the thunder of a battle that felt like it might never end.
Now only soft echoes lingered, bouncing gently along the cracked stone walls like the last whispers of a fading storm.
The ritual circle lay broken and still. Where twisted purple runes had once pulsed with dark, hungry energy, only scorched black stone remained.
Thin trails of gray smoke curled lazily upward into the cold air, the final whispers of the Eclipse Covenant's cruel magic fading away like bad dreams at dawn.
The heavy, choking fog that had filled the space was gone, and the crushing pressure that had made everyone's hearts feel tight had lifted.
In its place remained a strange freshness in the air—like the world itself could breathe easy once more after a long night of suffocation.
Knights stood scattered across the chamber, breathing hard after the long fight. Their armor was scratched and dusty, covered in marks from blades and spells.
Some leaned on their swords to catch their breath, wiping sweat from their brows with tired smiles.
Others gently helped wounded friends to their feet, offering kind words and steady arms. Soft green light from healing spells flickered here and there.
The magic wrapped around cuts and bruises like gentle hands from the earth itself, soothing pain and knitting broken flesh.
Laughter and quiet cheers began to rise as the men realized they had won.
The victory did not roar like thunder—it came softly, like dawn creeping across the horizon.
At the center of it all, Duke Armand Valencrest stood tall and proud. His emerald aura, once blazing like a wild storm, now faded slowly.
The glow softened into something calmer and warmer, like the last golden light of a peaceful sunset.
His sword rested at his side, still humming with faint power.
Tiny sparks of green magic danced across the blade before fading into the air.
Not far away, Malrec Voss—the Third Elder of the feared Eclipse Covenant—lay unconscious against the cracked wall.
The duke's final mighty strike had sent him flying there like a rag doll tossed by the wind.
Thick iron chains, enchanted with glowing green runes, now wrapped snugly around his arms and legs.
Knights worked quickly to secure every lock, making sure the dangerous man could not move even a finger.
Malrec's face looked pale and peaceful in sleep.
But no one trusted the calm, because they all knew the darkness inside him could wake at any moment.
One of the captains, a sturdy man with a kind face lined by years of service, stepped forward and bowed low.
"The enemy forces are subdued, Your Grace," he said in a voice full of respect.
"The cultists have either been captured or sent running. Our home is safe once more."
His words echoed through the chamber like a promise finally fulfilled.
Duke Armand nodded once, his eyes steady and grateful.
"Good work, my friends. Valencrest stands strong because of you all."
His gaze swept slowly across the battlefield, taking in every knight, every wounded soldier, every small victory.
Then his eyes landed gently on Alex, who had just stepped back into the main chamber from the hidden side room.
The boy's steps were quiet.
Yet the faint golden glow of holy energy still danced around his fingers like tiny playful stars.
For a long moment, the old duke simply stared.
A soft smile slowly spread across his face, warm and full of wonder.
Then he walked forward with steady, purposeful strides.
Each step echoed softly across the ancient stone floor.
Alex stood quietly, feeling a little shy under all the eyes now turning toward him.
The golden light in his hands flickered softly, almost like it was happy to be noticed.
Duke Armand stopped right in front of him.
He placed a strong, fatherly hand on Alex's shoulder and smiled even wider.
"Alex…"
His voice carried both deep relief and quiet pride.
"If not for you, Valencrest would have died tonight."
"The darkness would have swallowed us all."
The knights nearby fell silent, their tired faces turning toward the boy with new respect.
Max, standing close by with his arms crossed, gave a small nod and a grin.
"It's true, Your Grace."
"The ritual would have finished without him. Alex turned the tide when no one else could."
Alex rubbed the back of his neck a little awkwardly, his cheeks warming under the praise.
"Well… I just did what anyone would have done in that moment."
"I saw the chance and took it."
His voice remained soft and humble.
Duke Armand laughed, a rich sound that filled the chamber like sunlight breaking through clouds.
"No, my boy. Not anyone."
His eyes sparkled with warmth and wisdom earned from years of leadership.
"You stepped forward when fear could have held you back."
"You saved my people."
"You saved my home."
"And for that, you have my deepest gratitude."
"And the thanks of every soul who calls Valencrest their own."
For a peaceful moment, the chamber stayed quiet.
The only sounds were the soft crackle of distant torches and the breathing of men finally resting after battle.
It felt like a sacred pause.
The kind that appears in stories where heroes are honored after great deeds.
Then the duke continued, his tone light but sincere.
"So tell me, my boy. What do you want?"
"You have earned more than words can say."
The offer carried genuine respect.
Alex blinked in surprise.
"What…?"
Duke Armand chuckled again, patting his shoulder once more.
"You heard me."
"You stopped a terrible catastrophe tonight."
"If that ritual had succeeded, the entire duchy would have fallen overnight into shadow."
"Fields, villages, families—all gone."
"So name your reward."
"Land?"
"Gold?"
"A title of authority?"
"Anything within my power is yours."
Alex fell silent for a moment.
His mind began turning slowly like ancient gears inside a clock tower.
Valencrest was known far and wide as the richest agricultural heart of the empire.
Endless golden fields stretched beneath open skies.
Wheat swayed in the breeze like oceans of sunlight.
Barley grew tall and strong.
Sweet fruits hung heavy on orchard trees.
Healthy livestock grazed peacefully across green hills.
Food flowed from Valencrest like a river of life.
Reaching every province across the empire.
And all of it passed through merchant guilds.
Guilds that controlled the wagons, the roads, and the prices.
Alex slowly lifted his head.
His eyes looked calm but thoughtful.
"Actually… I do want something."
His voice remained steady.
Duke Armand smiled warmly.
"Of course you do."
"Speak freely, Alex."
"My ears are open."
Alex took a steady breath.
The warm glow of holy light still hummed softly within him.
"Your region is the strongest farming land in the entire empire."
"You supply food to almost every province."
"Bread for the hungry."
"Grain for the bakers."
"Meat for the tables of kings and common folk alike."
His words were careful and respectful.
The duke nodded proudly.
"That is correct."
"Our soil is blessed by the earth spirits themselves."
His chest swelled with pride.
Alex continued calmly.
"And you do it through many merchant guilds across the empire."
"They handle the wagons."
"The deals."
"The prices."
"The distribution."
Cedric nodded quietly from the side.
"That is how the trade system has always worked."
"Fair and steady for generations."
His voice carried quiet confidence.
Alex's eyes sharpened slightly.
"Then I want you to stop."
The room froze instantly.
Even the torches seemed to pause their flickering.
"…Stop?" Cedric asked slowly.
Confusion touched his voice.
Alex nodded gently.
"From today onward…"
"Cease all trade deals with every merchant guild in the empire."
His tone remained calm.
The knights exchanged puzzled glances.
Soft murmurs rippled through the room.
Duke Armand raised one eyebrow slightly.
"And replace them with what, my boy?"
Alex smiled faintly.
"With me."
"I want Valencrest's entire food trade to pass only through my merchant guild."
His words were simple—but powerful.
Cedric frowned thoughtfully.
"Your merchant guild?"
Alex nodded once again.
"Yes."
"Mine."
Silence filled the chamber.
It was the deep silence that comes before great change.
Like the quiet moment before a storm reshapes the sky.
Duke Armand studied Alex carefully.
"What exactly does that mean?"
Alex's eyes glowed faintly with golden light and quiet ambition.
"It means…"
---
Meanwhile — Far Away
Thousands of kilometers beyond mountains and kingdoms stood a vast white cathedral touching the clouds.
The Holy Citadel.
It stood like a beacon of pure light beneath the stars.
Its towers gleamed like pillars of heaven.
The marble walls seemed to shine from within.
Every stone carved with ancient blessings.
Inside its deepest sacred chamber, an old man knelt alone before a golden altar.
The Pope.
Candles flickered softly around him.
Their flames steady and peaceful.
The air smelled of sweet incense and fresh rain.
Calm and sacred.
Suddenly—
Golden light burst across the chamber.
The Pope's eyes opened instantly.
His body trembled.
Tears streamed down his face.
"…Finally…"
"…Finally…"
His voice shook with centuries of waiting.
He pressed his forehead against the stone floor.
"After centuries…"
"The Goddess has sent her Apostle to this troubled world."
His voice filled with awe.
He stood slowly.
New strength filled his old bones.
"Knight Commander."
A tall armored knight stepped forward.
"Yes, Your Holiness."
His voice firm.
"Go."
"Find him."
The knight blinked slightly.
"…Find who?"
The Pope whispered reverently.
"The Apostle of Light."
Silence filled the chamber.
The words carried holy weight.
"Listen carefully."
"No one must know."
"Not kings."
"Not nobles."
"Not even the archbishops."
His tone turned serious.
The knight bowed deeply.
"As you command."
---
Back in Valencrest
The chamber remained quiet as Alex finished speaking.
"It means…"
"…I will control the empire's food supply."
Duke Armand stared.
Cedric's eyes widened.
Max slowly smiled.
Because what Alex proposed was not business.
It was power.
Power that could reshape the empire.
Duke Armand finally asked.
"…Alex."
"What exactly are you planning?"
His voice calm but curious.
Alex smiled slightly.
Golden light flickered around him.
And the answer that followed would change the empire forever.