Chapter 463 463 – Hot Spring
Just a minute after Arthur ended the communication with Queen Eve and Sana, the kingdom knights and church knights could be seen running around the Capital City and standing on guard at different points, ready to calm the citizens down if something happened.
The citizens, initially bewildered by the sudden commotion, were reassured by the knights' explanation that it was merely a training exercise for emergency situations.
The church knights, known for their honesty and aversion to lies, added credibility to the explanation. The people, trusting the knights, began to settle down.
It was a known fact that people from the church wouldn't lie as it would get them sins, something they despised.
Just as the knights managed to calm the citizens down, the ground suddenly rumbled wildly.
The tranquility of the Capital City shattered once again. Ripples of seismic upheaval threw many objects to the ground.
A deafening sound echoed across the landscape, reverberating through the heart of the city. Glasses shattered, and some pots fell from the window.
In the distance, the air quivered as thought the very fabric of reality had been torn. Rocks, burning red hot from an attack unleashed by Arthur out there, ascended into the sky, propelled by the force of the shockwave. They danced in chaotic movements against the backdrop of a blinding golden light.
Following suit, the shockwave from the attack radiated outward. A barrier that was erected along the Capital City's wall managed to stop it from reaching the center of the city. However, the rumbling that came with it still managed to pass through.
Citizens in the streets clutched at anything stable; their faces contorted in a mix of awe and fear. Birds took flight in panic, crying loudly as they flapped their wings.
"What happened?!"
"What is this…?!"
"Apocalypse!! It's the apocalypse!"
"It is a stampede! A horde of monsters are running amok!"
People began to scream, guessing what actually happened.
The very air itself crackled with energy mixed with boundless Mana, a manifestation of an extraordinary power. For a brief moment, no one was able to use their Magic or Skill due to the disturbance in the Mana ripple in the air.
As the echoes of the explosion subsided, loud noises began to ring from one place to another. The once peaceful surroundings were now busy, filled with fear that was mixed in their voices.
Everyone didn't know what happened. However, getting briefed and cautioned about what would happen beforehand, the knights moved to calm the citizens down.
"Please calm down! That's the Paladin's attack to punish Sinners!"
"That was Paladin's technique to protect us! Don't worry, we're safe!"
"No monsters or calamity happened! His Holiness the Paladin has already departed to take care of anything out there!"
Whether they were kingdom knights or church knights, they shouted loudly in an attempt to regain the peace from before.
The people were still gripped by the spectacles. However, when they heard that the explosion and the turmoil were the aftermath of the Paladin's attack, they once again watched the flying rocks in the distance.
They began to fall one by one. If those rocks hit the ground again, another earthquake would follow suit.
Nonetheless, no one looked afraid this time.
"Is that really His Holiness attack?"
"That's… Amazing…"
"What kind of monster he fought, I wonder. I can't see the mountain peak from here anymore!"
"Whatever it is doesn't matter. If he truly fought a monster and used that attack to protect us… I believe that we're safe!"
The knights continued to shout, emphasizing the Paladin's protective role. The citizens, now more curious than fearful, wondered about the nature of the monster the Paladin had faced. The atmosphere shifted from panic to admiration for the Paladin's strength and sacrifice.
As the rocks descended, threatening another earthquake, a flash of golden light appeared in the distance. A flying slash effortlessly obliterated the rocks, turning them into dust.
The citizens erupted in cheers, expressing their awe and gratitude toward the Paladin.
"Paladin!"
"Sir Paladin!!"
"That was awesome!"
Even the knights, witnessing the incredible display of power, couldn't help but be amazed.
An attack that could destroy a mountain and even turn a rain of large rocks into dust. Everyone who held swords wanted to reach that stage someday.
***
"Well…" I stood in a new valley that I created with <Dimensional Breaker> and looked at the sky, which turned brown from all the dust my attack kicked up. "This is too strong."
Water gushed out from the middle of the mountain I cleaved in half… Well, I destroyed it. A new valley was created between two flat surfaces, and a deep crater especially was located where the wooden house that the cultists used as their base before was located.
I walked toward where the source of water appeared like a fountain and scooped a bit that accumulated in the new crater. It felt rather… hot.
"Is this an actual hot spring source?"
Why would it be here?
I meant, did this world actually have natural springs? I thought it had none as it was flat and had a limited depth, unlike Earth.
But when I thought about it again, there was nothing strange with it. Unlike Earth, science didn't really work in this world full of Magic and Skills. So there could be some explanations, whether it was created by Magic or the others, that could explain this spring.
One question remained.
"Is it safe to use?"
I plunged my whole arm into the water. It was popping hot and actually stung me slightly, even with my resistance.
It would be impossible to be used as a bath, like what I planned beforehand. However, there was no sign of a negative effect that was inflicted by this hot spring besides the searing heat.
lightsnοvεl.cοm With a little effort and money, I could turn this place into a new city.
'That seems to be a good idea. I can also move those people from the Border City into this place after getting Queen Eve's permission. With the shade created by this valley, the Vampires should have no problem living in this place too.'
And then I would seal the secret entrance so it wouldn't be a problem for the future. The unknown people that appeared from the other side still worried me slightly.
'I will talk with Lucy before going to the Sin Kingdom. I can also visit the other side with my new passive skill to investigate who those people are.'
I used <Heal> to cure my hand, which turned slightly red from the heat, and walked away. I could leave the rest to Sana and the people from the church.
As for me…
'It's time to relax.'
I would enjoy my relaxation before my engagement ceremony next week.
This content is taken from fr(e)ewebn(o)vel.𝓬𝓸𝓶