Year 760 of the Clover Calendar.
The Clover Kingdom suffered the most devastating attack since the appearance of the demon god.
The outer capital was completely destroyed, and even the inner city sustained significant damage.
Countless people were displaced, many perished during the attack.
Wails filled the streets, and amid the grief, voices condemning the government's inaction grew louder.
The day after the invasion ended, a massive crowd gathered beneath the inner walls of the royal capital.
"Come out! I want to know why not a single Magic Knight showed up to help us!"
"Yeah! My wife is dead! And you people hid like cowards!"
"Where are you? Too scared to admit your failure?!"
The crowd's fury was palpable, and every word echoed all the way to the top of the city walls—where the captains, the King, and the Wizard King stood.
"I'm sorry… I underestimated the enemy. That's what led to such devastating losses..."
The Wizard King's face was filled with remorse.
He had indeed been present during the invasion, but chose not to act immediately—he was trying to bait out the mastermind behind the attack.
Little did he know that the Golden Dawn, supposed to be the kingdom's pride, had already been dispatched on a staged mission far away.
Given the scale of the destruction, the Wizard King had an inescapable responsibility.
"This isn't entirely your fault. The enemy was well-prepared. Even Fuegoleon got caught off guard."
Yami shook his head, trying to offer comfort.
Every squad had faced ambushes on their way to the capital, with the Crimson Lions suffering the worst.
Even their captain, Fuegoleon, lost an arm and was knocked unconscious.
Thankfully, he survived.
"But we still need to give the people an explanation..."
With a sigh, the Wizard King stepped onto the high platform atop the inner wall.
Yami and the others followed, flanking him on both sides.
When the people saw the Wizard King appear, the entire crowd went silent.
"The loss of your loved ones, the destruction of your homes—I understand your pain. I also blame myself, because as your Wizard King, I failed to protect you when you needed me most.
What's done is done. No words can bring back the dead.
Therefore, I intend to step down from my position as Wizard King... as a gesture of apology to the people."
Uproar!
The crowd exploded in disbelief.
Even Yami and the other captains were stunned.
Step down as Wizard King?
Who would take his place?
And who could be worthy of that role?
Wasn't this just going to cause even more chaos?
"Quiet! Please, quiet!"
The Wizard King raised his hand, signaling for calm.
He didn't want to abdicate—not because of a thirst for power, but because stepping down meant giving up on his ideals, his dreams.
But as the highest authority, he couldn't pretend nothing had happened.
Still, someone had to take the fall for the public's outrage.
"After I step down, I suggest that Vangeance, captain of the Golden Dawn, take my place as Wizard King.
Of course, this is only my suggestion. The final decision should be made after careful deliberation..."
Before he could finish, a voice rang out from the distance.
"I object!"
Everyone turned to see Ethan Hayes , his arms bandaged, looking every bit the wounded warrior as he strode forward.
Many people recognized him—especially those from the inner capital.
The battle had been devastating, but if not for his solo effort against countless enemies, the death toll would've been much higher.
He was the only Magic Knight seen during the battle.
Though people had lost homes and loved ones, few could blame him.
He had done everything he could—alone.
He had earned their respect.
"I object. If you want to resign, that's your decision. I can't stop you.
But if anyone can be the Wizard King… it sure as hell can't be him!"
Ethan's words landed like thunder.
Everyone was stunned.
He was furious.
Vangeance is the traitor—the mastermind of the Eye of the Midnight Sun!
How could the Wizard King even suggest such a person become his successor?
"Ethan, watch your tone! You're speaking to the Wizard King!"
Several captains frowned.
Sure, Ethan had done a lot—but this was disrespectful.
"Shut up! You don't know a damn thing!"
Ethan snapped, eyes flashing dangerously.
It wasn't their fault—Vangeance had hidden his true identity too well.
If not for knowing the full story, Ethan never would've guessed it either.
"Ethan, I know you have a bias against us nobles, but do you really need to target me in front of everyone like this?"
From behind his mask, Vangeance spoke with calm and composure, not the least bit flustered.
"He's right," another captain chimed in. "Vangeance has led the Golden Dawn with honor for years. If the Wizard King steps down, why shouldn't he be the one to succeed?"
One by one, others voiced their support.
Though the squads competed behind the scenes, they were still allies.
And Vangeance was well-liked, respected by nearly everyone.
Even the Wizard King held him in high regard, having personally mentored him.
Ethan could only shake his head at this scene.
"Fine. Since you're all like this, I won't beat around the bush anymore."
His tone turned cold.
"I'll say it outright—Vangeance is a traitor. He's the leader of the Eye of the Midnight Sun and the mastermind behind the attack on the capital!"
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