Chapter 666: Treason

The shift in battle left the soldiers on edge as they kept stealing glances toward Amelio to see whether he would still attack them. A king's command was absolute, even if it went against their hearts. Ilia Perli knew that he could trust his king whenever he was in doubt.

The Yalen King was the only one worthy of being king because all his decisions were based on the future. So even though he might not have the strongest body or a terrifying ability, he was fit to rule a county. This was the reason that the Yalveran Union prospered in recent years.

"Is this truly the right thing to do, Major Perli?" asked the White Fairy hesitantly, unwilling to stand against Arthur Silvera. "Our only hope to defeat the calamity was the man who wounded it. Thousands have died after Amelio destroyed the city, but we are expected to give up now?"

Her words made Ilia Perli clench his fist with a conflicted expression. Arthur Silvera did not say anything after the four defenders betrayed him as if he had seen it coming since the beginning.

"I cannot do this, ra," said Devan while ruffling through his hair. "This man saved me earlier, even if he did not mean to do that. If I turn against him now, I won't be able to look at myself the same way."

"Are you turning against the king?" asked Ilia Perli with a frown, sweat rolling down his face. "Since the beginning, this man has been a criminal. It was a matter of time before we had to arrest him."

"If you switch sides, then we are nothing but mercenaries who have no beliefs to defend. This man is an invader!" pointed Devan at Amelio. "How do you expect us to befriend him?"

"Any more than this, and you will breach our contract, Bloody King," said the Yalen King on the screen. "I decide what is right and wrong for this kingdom."

"The Defenders," said Arthur for the first time, and all eyes turned toward him. "As I understand, you have made a contract with the kingdom to defend it if a dungeon break occurs or another nation invades. Is that correct?"

"…yes," nodded the three.

"The Yalen King is trying to use the fact that you are in a battle to delude you into following his commands. Just because we are in a battle does not mean we must pick sides to help. After all, I am still a citizen of this city and kingdom, even if I am a criminal. This is not within the scope of your contract."

After Arthur Silvera finished his words, the three guild masters also realized this crucial fact. It was their duty to fight against Amelio, but Arthur's case was an internal affair that the Temple should handle, not them!

"A twisted logic!" shouted the Yalen King in a low voice. "You are the real threat who is conspiring against the throne!"

"Even if I cause a coup, it would still be an internal affair. The guild masters are welcomed to fight me, but do not fool them in front of my sight."

The guildsmen, soldiers, and gobkins all stared at the scene with equal conflict. But, as he faced that accusation, the Yalen King was silent before he sighed.

"If that is so, then I will place a bounty on Arthur Silvera's head. Whoever captures him, dead or alive, will receive a national from the Yalen Treasury."

The announcement caused an uproar among the soldiers and guildsmen. A national treasure was akin to a second ability; obtaining it will make a person leap through ranks. It was said that the Yalen Treasury had the most treasures in this world, making this bounty quite hefty.

"If that is the case, then I have no argument here. Those who wish to kill me, come forth," said Arthur Silvera as he raised his arms. "However, I will not go easy on those who seek to harm me. I will use every resource I have to take you down."

The earlier excitement died down as Arthur Silvera not only had an army of shadows, gobkins, and a dragon but also the Calamity Spider that stopped a war once before. If he were an enemy, it would not be easier than fighting Amelio.

"Those who value treasures more than morals are dismissed from my guild," said Devan while folding his arms. "Since I am not obliged by the contract, I have no reason to fight anymore."

"It is the same… for me…" said the Stars Mage as he tried to stand. "For me to befriend the man who almost killed me… that is a sick joke."

"Are you all turning your backs on the kingdom?" glared Ilia Perli as his aura turned menacing. "We have accompanied and facilitated your dungeon raids and fought together against every opponent!"

"Do not fool yourself, Iliara," said Devan with a shake as he strolled toward the major. "You are the one who is the most reluctant among us to fight this battle," said the guild master while patting his shoulder.

"Hahahaha! This is too ironic, Arthur Silvera," laughed Amelio heartily. "The world you wish to protect keeps betraying you over and over, keeps betraying you! Until when would you keep choosing to use these powers selflessly?"

"Until I die," Arthur grinned as he walked toward Amelio.

"I guess that is the one quality that made you trustworthy with this power," smiled Amelio as he took a stance. "I do not care what the descendant of the seer wants, but this fight… I will not forfeit."

"Neither will I," answered Arthur before he addressed the soldiers. "I will keep on fighting the same as before. If you stand in my way, I will attack you just the same. Whatever you decide, I am fine with it. However, those who follow the wills of others have no hope of harnessing the universe!"

The words resonated within the heart of every awakener present, including Ilia Perli. He stared blankly at the back of the young man before he turned his head toward the sky. The intent he had barely mastered was one he obtained with his unwavering faith in this kingdom. However, that faith has wavered today.

"Harnessing the universe?" smiled Ilia Perli while staring at the infinite blue sky. "Do you know what lies beyond this world, Arthur Silvera?"

"Even if I knew, I bet you want to find out yourself," replied the young genius, and Ilia Perli heartily laughed. His laugh filled the battlefield, making the soldiers confused. The Yalen King stared with a frown at the major.

"You dare betray me, Ilia?" asked the Yalen King in a voice laced with killing intent. After a few seconds from his question, Ilia Perli stopped laughing.

"I would never betray this kingdom," said Ilia Perli. "Whatever the punishment after this, I would accept it. However, I don't want to live in doubt!" said the Major General and Commander of the Unbroken Corps as he knelt on the ground. "Just this once, allow me to disobey that order!"

"It seems no matter what I say, then you will still fight the calamity," glared the Yalen King at him. "You better decide wisely, Ilia. This is no different form treason."

"I know, my king," said Ilia Perli before rising from his spot. "I will meet you again in the palace after this fight ends!" after saying that, Major Perli disconnected the ring, and the screen disappeared.

The soldiers were silent, and so were the guildsmen. It had never occurred to them that the king's strongest asset would betray him on this day. However, Ilia Perli seemed relieved.

"You brats!" shouted the Major General toward his men. "This old man has caused a lot of problems for you. I have no family other than this. Therefore, I can rest easy that my actions will only harm myself. As for those who don't want to fight, I will not hold it against them!"

"Major…"

"Ilia Master…"

"Commander! You mustn't!"

The soldiers were also conflicted after realizing that their commander was disobeying the king's direct order. This was the taboo among soldiers and knights, as a subordinate who did not trust their king was a disgrace to their oath.

"Arthur Silvera!" shouted Ilia Perli toward the man standing the closest to the calamity, even though the fallen god was ready to attack. "Are you certain that this man can be defeated?"

"There is no need to be certain," said Arthur Silvera without turning back. "I do not plan on leaving this place without ending this crisis. It is either victory or death."

Ilia Perli was silent as he heard his resolve. His fist tightened, as this was the unwavering belief that he wished to have in all his battle. His king has forced him to doubt himself and be nothing but a puppet, but Ilia Perli couldn't bring himself to do it.

"I am more than my blind faith."

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