Elden Ring, but with Wind Spirit Moon Shadow

Chapter 502 Opening the City, Welcoming the King!

Deep within the army camp of the royal city of Rodel, Montgomery sat silently in his military tent.

Even in this more private place, he was unwilling to maintain the pretense forever.

Despite the discrimination he faces due to his ominous identity, he is who he is.

The teardrop-shaped Pedroz lifted the tent flap, glanced back at the blazing sun in the sky, and then stepped into the tent.

Peroz stopped in front of Montgomery and silently stared into his eyes.

Looking at the seemingly calm Montgomery, Peroz spoke indifferently:

"The sun outside doesn't seem to be setting this time."

"This has a significant impact on our military."

"Leaving aside my opportunistic cuckoos, the warriors in the royal city don't seem to be so resolute either."

“I can sense that their hearts are beginning to waver.”

"Aren't you going to do anything about this situation?"

Montgomery's fingertips tapped incessantly on the table, revealing a hint of anxiety; his heart was not as calm as it appeared.

Finally, Montgomery sighed and replied helplessly:

"What you're saying is indeed a problem we need to face, but how should we manage it?"

"The sun, which hangs high over the border area, can be seen by everyone in the border area."

"Their eyes are on their bodies, are we going to blindfold them and prevent them from seeing?"

"Besides... I don't intend to get involved."

Montgomery stood up and looked up at the sunlight shining down from the horizon.

"The children of the Golden Tree also have the right to seek new light."

"I only need to do what I can do, and I will never force them."

His opinion of Bai Shi has changed many times.

From one of the countless overconfident individuals, driven by ambition and attempting to reach the Elden Ring...

From successively defeating the Fragment King to facing enemies whose expansion and growth require careful handling...

Now, the opponent is a king whose brilliance shines throughout the entire border region, and who is known to all.

Now, even if Montgomery desperately wanted the Golden Tree's glory to last forever, he had to admit:

Bai Shi is the true king who bears the mandate of heaven, while I am merely the dust blocking his path.

From any perspective, he was a respectable king.

If it weren't for the Golden Tree, Montgomery probably wouldn't have even considered becoming its enemy.

However, there are no "what ifs" in this matter; the Golden Tree is a belief in Montgomery's heart.

He would not hesitate to sacrifice himself to protect the Golden Tree.

Montgomery stood up and looked out at the dazzling light through the gap in the tent flap.

Seeing the golden tree's radiance fade before the sun, Montgomery knew how the people's hearts would choose.

Montgomery sighed softly, a sigh that was too heavy and contained too complex emotions.

There were so many things that made him sigh, that he didn't even know what he was sighing about.

"When I truly basked in the glory of the Golden Tree, it was already the era of the Golden Tree's decline."

"Perhaps compared to the sun's brilliance, the golden tree does indeed appear somewhat dim..."

"But I will never deny the past glory of the Golden Tree just because the sun shines brighter."

"Even if the Queen abandons us and abandons this original ideal, I will protect this tiny light."

"Although I never witnessed the true glory of the Golden Tree during the heyday of that dynasty, the more I look up to its splendor, the more I understand..."

“Mother… Queen Marika also established this magnificent dynasty with the aim of illuminating all living beings.”

"The decline of the Golden Tree didn't happen overnight..."

Peroz listened quietly to Montgomery's words, and although he could sense the will within them, he remained unmoved.

He was merely a substitute for a foreign aid, and had never basked in the glory of the Golden Tree.

Knowing that destruction was imminent, yet remaining steadfast, he respected this admirable belief.

However, for him, it was quite difficult to truly empathize.

Montgomery probably realized that he shouldn't have said those things to Peroz.

However, expressing one's own beliefs is itself a way to strengthen one's inner resolve, and Monger took it as an encouragement to his own heart.

Otherwise, he worried that he too would be captivated by the sunlight and abandon his duty to protect the golden tree.

Montgomery turned around, looked into Peroz's eyes, and said:
"I... probably won't be able to continue protecting the Golden Tree from Bai Shi's conquests."

“Even my father has been defeated, so there’s no way I can defeat Bai Shi.”

"If they were to truly engage in war with the Sun King's army, the Golden Tree's army would only suffer bloodshed and see no hope of victory."

"This is a battle we can't win, but there's something I can do."

"If it comes to the final moment, my identity as an ominous sign will be the last means to protect Rodel."

A look of surprise gradually appeared on Peroz's indifferent face; he realized what Montgomery was up to.

"Are you... planning to appear as an ominous sign?"

"You should know what will happen once Rodel's Blessed King reveals his true form as an ominous figure."

"The inhabitants of Rodel will not appreciate what you have done for the Golden Tree, no matter how glorious your achievements or how much you care for them."

"On the contrary, once your identity is exposed, they will only think that your existence tarnishes the Golden Tree."

"Even the act of distributing weapons to the sons of omens in the sewers during the broken wars of the past would be seen as having ulterior motives."

"Humans are such creatures, and I have to remind you of that."

As a android teardrop that has survived countless years of travel in the borderlands, Peroz knows the survival strategies of the outcasts.

However, Montgomery simply shook his head; he already knew all along.

Even Pelos, the imitation teardrop, knew this, so how could he, the son of the ominous who truly lived in the royal city, not know it?
"Of course I know, I've always known."

"As long as I embark on this path of protecting the golden tree as the son of the ominous sign, I will be despised."

"But to protect the last rays of this golden tree, one must give up the admiration of others and the good reputation left behind."

"I concealed my identity not to hide myself, but simply because I did not want it to cause turmoil in the capital."

"But when it really comes to the end, this despised identity is also the most suitable one to bear everything."

"Whether he is an enemy of the Sun King or a son of an ominous sign hated by the people of gold..."

"If all the blame is directed at me, then the conflict between the two camps will be reduced, right?"

"Perhaps the people will be treated better, and will not be discriminated against as people of a conquered nation..."

"As the guardian of the Golden Tree and the last king, I will surely fall before the Golden Tree's curtain falls."

"After that, I'll trouble you to witness the end of the Golden Tree for me..."

Montgomery calmly recounted the script he had arranged, which, despite ending with his own departure, seemed utterly insignificant to him.

His gaze pierced through thousands of miles, and his past experiences and memories in Stoneville came to mind.

In that distant Stoneville, not only trolls and demi-humans, but even hybrids who were hated and regarded as ominous during the Golden Tree era could live equally.

I wonder if the sons of evil omen, who were blessed with the same furnace power as the hybrids, will also have a place to live in that sun dynasty.

Montgomery hoped that after his death, the evil creatures in the sewers would meet a good end. Lopez remained silent, simply watching Montgomery's retreating figure.

They initially approached Mengert only because they were forced by circumstances; they had no choice but to unite against Bai Shi.

But now, he has to admit that Montgomery deserves respect.

He did everything he could for the Golden Tree, and even at the very end, he hoped to protect the Golden People who hated the ominous signs.

They never even basked in the light of the Golden Tree's true glory, yet they possess such resolve while guarding this ruined city...

He really didn't know what to say about Montgomery.

Even though he was born as the son of an ominous sign, destined to be unblessed, Montgomery was still willing to become the guardian of the Golden Tree.

It's not that he wants to reciprocate because he's loved; rather, he simply wants to love.

If it weren't for the tragic status that this ominous sign held him back, he would surely have been a dazzling and radiant king.

No, in the eyes of the avatar teardrop, which disregards worldly opinions, even with its ominous identity, Montgomery still shines brightly.

As the last king of the Golden Tree, leading his people to persevere to this day, Montgomery truly deserves the title of "Blessed King".
-

The intense sunlight shone on the battlefield of Lingmiao Plain, and the lingering smell of blood dissipated in the light.

The soldiers looked up at the figure coming from the sky—Bai Shi's imposing figure reappeared on the edge of the battlefield.

Bai Shi radiated a dazzling golden light, and with each step he took, the light before their eyes seemed to grow brighter.

The earth shone with a warm glow as if soothed, and the shattered armor and blood-stained flags all lost their traces of war in this light.

There was not a sound of war, as if even heaven and earth were silent for Bai Shi's return.

Behind Bai Shi, a tall figure broke through the light barrier and appeared—it was Holly Lou.

He shed the arrogance of a barbaric king, his brow now displaying only solemnity and reverence.

The warriors held their breath, their gazes shifting between the two kings.

Holly Lou took a deep breath, raised her empty palm, and her voice resounded across the battlefield like thunder:

“Warriors—I, Holly Lou, have fallen to this light.”

The warriors who had come with him across the sea were filled with sorrow upon hearing of their king's defeat.

They have seen the light of white and the warmth of the sun, but no matter what, the taste of defeat will never be sweet or pleasant.

Holly Lou's gaze swept over the bewildered Faded Ones and the Savage Warriors, and she said in a low, deep voice:
"Soldiers, why grieve? Why sigh?"

"This is not the end, but the dawn of a new era!"

“You have witnessed Bai Shi’s power and personally experienced his benevolence.”

"He could have crushed everything, but he chose forgiveness and guidance... Such mercy and power can only be possessed by a true king!"

Holly Lou's voice grew louder and louder, and her emotions became even more intense.

"The future of border areas should no longer be bound by bloodshed and shackles."

"If you are still willing to fight for the light, still willing to fight for hope, then you should continue to fight for this light that illuminates all things!"

"Fight for a brighter tomorrow, for a tomorrow that all beings can look up to!"

"Soldiers, you should cheer! For this new border crossing!"

Holly Lou's impassioned declaration was deafening, clearly reaching everyone's ears and abruptly breaking the silence on the battlefield.

The soldiers accepted the outcome with equanimity, raising their arms to embrace the warm light.

Bai Shi opened his arms and shouted to all the living beings present:
"Soldiers, follow me!"

"Follow me to the final battlefield—the Asian Plateau!"

"The dawn of a new era is just around the corner!"

The warriors of the White Ones raised their arms high, their cheers sweeping across the land like a tidal wave; the former followers of Holle Lu bowed their heads, offering their loyalty to the new king.

In the light of dawn, even the wind seemed to be whispering a name—'Sun King' Bai Shi.
-

Royal City of Rodel is the city of the Golden Tree, and also a large city fortified with double walls.

Even during the War of Shattering, the thick city walls were never breached by the allied forces of the monarchs.

However, today, the continuous operation of the elevator and jacks, with their roaring sounds, foreshadowed that this was definitely not an ordinary day.

As the Sun King's expedition reached the Yatan Plateau, an unprecedented army set foot on the plateau.

Bai Shi rode Torret, with Melina and Lani following on either side.

Behind him, the warriors of Stoneville, regardless of race, fought side by side, solemnly advancing on the king's journey.

Holly Lu led the Faded Ones and the Savage Warriors in silent obedience. Their former fighting spirit had completely crumbled, and now all they could see was awe for the true king.

On the other side, Messermo and Lera stood side by side, their battle-hardened black armor losing its shadow in the sunlight, while their magnificent silver armor gleamed with a cold luster.

The army of Shadow City surged forth like a black tide, and the banner of Kalia fluttered in the wind.

These warriors, once imprisoned in the shadows, now have a burning yearning and longing for the light in their eyes.

Dragons soared through the sky, flying freely under the guidance of dragon soldiers and Celine Sangs.

The brilliance of the golden tree was blocked by wings that blotted out the sky, leaving only shadows for the people of gold.

The Golden Tree warriors, who had already retreated to defend the royal city, felt their hearts sink upon seeing this earth-shattering display of power.

Leaving aside those armies that look incredibly powerful, their former war kings are already in the enemy's camp!
The original king of the Golden Tree, the most renowned king of the borderlands, now stands opposite the Golden Tree...

So what reason do they have to continue fighting?
The massive army approached the walls of Rodel, but the defending troops hesitated to launch an attack.

Not only did they not want to be enemies with the former king, but they also did not receive the order to attack.

Approaching the royal city, Holle Lu strode forward, facing the direction of the city, and solemnly declared:
"Soldiers, the battle is over!"

"Open the city gate!"

Upon hearing Holly Lu's voice, the warriors of the Golden Tree completely lost their will to fight.

The original king of the Golden Tree possessed such prestige.

Having a reason not to fight, the soldiers shouted to each other from the bottom of their hearts:

"Open the gates! Welcome the King!"

But at that moment, a loud voice came from the towering city wall:

"Rodel...will not surrender without a fight!"

"The city gates shall not be opened without permission! Anyone who disobeys shall be executed!"

The soldiers stopped what they were doing and looked up as if they had found their pillar of support.

Because the voice from the city wall was clearly that of the King of Blessing!
A tall but somewhat hunched figure slowly appeared, while the faces of the soldiers and nobles gradually turned pale, revealing expressions of disbelief.

Montgomery, leaning on his cursed sword, stood on the city wall, looking down at everyone—in his original form as the son of an ominous sign.

When Holly Lou, who was far away outside the royal city, saw Montgomery reveal his true face, his expression immediately changed.

Among the elites, Sheikh Haide stared wide-eyed, unable to believe what he was seeing.

No matter how unwilling he was to believe it, a terrifying truth could not be suppressed and surfaced in his mind.

He raised his arm high, pointed at Montgomery, and roared:
"...Child of an ominous sign!"

"The true form of the Blessed King is the Son of an Ominous Sign!"

Instantly, the royal city erupted in uproar, and the situation was clearly spiraling out of control in a dangerous direction.

Only Peroz stood behind Montgomery, watching that lonely figure, knowing that everything was proceeding according to the Blessed King's plan.

Even the Golden People's hatred for the Child of the Ominous could be used as a means of protection.

(End of this chapter)