Level Up Legacy

1154  Ghost Ruler

Throughout the world, every screen showed the face of a single man. Sharp features like a wolf and golden eyes like the sun. His face was neither arrogant nor condescending as he spoke to them, but it instilled fear in those who saw him.

"A week ago, the war ended between my guild and those who seized control of the runic city," said Arthur atop his throne, with his warriors standing behind him. The world saw humanoid creatures unlike any other, making them even more terrified. "And as an aftermath of that battle, I am now the ruler of Runera."

"This is not the topic I appeared to address," said Arthur as he raised his hand, and black lightning crackled atop it. "I understand what a messed-up place the world has descended into because of the seven families. I want to invite anyone who needs food and shelter to my city."

As the world heard his announcement, it froze in place. As the impoverished eyes of the weak lit up with hope, the man changed in their eyes from a warlord to a saint. The camera zoomed out from his throne, which happened to be atop the walls of Runera.

Arthur Netherborne rose from his seat and the throne of runes scattered. As he stood before his warriors, the camera showed the armies standing beneath the walls. They were covered in runic armor from head to toe, shimmering with countless lights.

"My warriors will not rest until injustice is vanquished from this world. No one can touch you once you enter these walls, and you will lead a life of dignity, not just survival. The things you build will stand here for eternity in the greatest city in the world."

As his words echoed through their souls, their blood boiled with excitement. The new ruler of Runera also showed the vast expanse of farmlands around his city, enough to feed millions.

"I don't ask anyone to take a weapon and kill their master, but grab the nearest items you have and flee toward Runera. You will find a way to teleport here while looking, and then, you and your family can be safe from both cold and hunger."

The camera once again zoomed to show his face and nothing else. As his short beard and long hair fluttered in the wind, the man's golden eyes peered into their souls and reached out.

"Come to Runera!"

As the deep voice invited them, the broadcast ended. The screens around the world showed whatever was on them moments before, but the image of that man could not leave their minds forever. From the forests of Janea to the mountains of Shon, people began moving in hopes of a better future.

Although the broadcast lasted for less than a minute, it resulted in the biggest human displacement in history. A massive immigration began as people ran away from famine toward the city of runes, the only one capable of feeding them without crushing their dignity.

After the broadcast was over, the world began changing. Rebellions rose like wildfire, seeking to destroy their nations. However, the rulers did not stand idle as their control was threatened. Armies began taking action against those rebellions, resulting in massive wars throughout the world.

As for the man who has never stopped fueling this anarchy, he entered the city of runes as its conqueror. The runemasters and their families, who lived on the peripheries of the city as its residents, stood to watch him walk through its streets.

Julia and the rest, including Velos, told these runemasters the truth behind the puppeteer and the four families. As for the leaders of each family, they were still recovering from his actions.

Yuvan Perli became the public enemy of these people, but none of them knew that he died as a puppet himself. In the end, his life vanished beneath an astral parasite that became him, and he became it. Therefore, these people did not hate Arthur but were still wary of him.

Arthur walked through the streets with his eight warriors. Some of them were far from human, but no one could say a thing. Children looked at them with awe and curiosity, while adults were more fearful.

Although he came as a conqueror, no one cheered for him. Arthur did not care as he made his way toward his own goal, which lay at the center of the city. Mother of Mana still had no voice, even after Arthur returned. However, his new intuition could tell him that Rega was just sleeping, awaiting his return as well.

"Some call you the true ruler of Runera," said a man standing on his balcony, looking down on Arthur and his warriors. Arthur raised his eyes to see an old man with his family, who tried to stop him. However, he did not give a care. "What took you so long if that's true?"

"Please forgive him, dear sir! He is just a senile old man!" said a woman who looked to be of a similar age, probably his wife. His two children also tried to hold him back, dragging him away from the balcony.

"You cannot call him an old man with such eyes burning with youth," said Arthur with a smile as he looked at the old man. "Have you lived your entire life in Runera?"

"As did my father before me, and the one before him," said the old man without being fazed. "Our lineage dates back to the first families of Runera, the ones who believed a true ruler of our city would arrive. My father died two years ago, still dreaming about meeting you. Where were you then, true ruler?"

"I was a nobody at that time," said Arthur with pride, something that most found confusing. "But now, I arrived. I knew your ancestor when he was alive, but in his diaries, I'm sure that he described me as having one arm."

As he heard the words, the old man was stunned speechless. Arthur then resumed his walking before leaving him with a few words.

"Seek me out when you have the time, old man. There is a lot we can achieve together," said Arthur as he walked down the road. His warriors followed him, and no one else dared disturb him.

Arthur reached the ruins which the Runic Guards guarded. Grandmaster Jumana was also there, standing beside the captain. The two of them bowed to him as he arrived, not showing the usual dignity of a grandmaster.

"These two greet their lord," said Velos and Jumana to him. Arthur raised his hand, demanding that they stand. "We awaited your arrival."

"I heard that the two of you played a huge part in maintaining order after the war," said Arthur with gratitude. "How did you come to accept me as a ruler for the city?"

"Runera cannot survive alone," said Velos with sadness. "Furthermore, we have always known that the Ghost Ruler was not the one we awaited. After all, they never controlled the runes."

"Are they within the ruins?" asked Arthur as he remembered the identity of that ruler, which Oriole has told him when Arthur fought against Sier. Velos nodded, and Arthur looked at the entrance. Since Jasmine has not participated in the war, that means she never had anything to do with Yuvan Perli. "Everyone should wait here."

Arthur then walked into the ruins, descending down the staircase that led to the first layers. As he has already broken through these layers, he reached the place he visited last, where he fought against Sier within the empty city.

The ruins became nothing but a broken array after their battle. Arthur tried to escape them the last time because he had to go and save Kera. Sier was the one to remain within the ruins, seeking the treasure buried within them.

Things changed within these ruins, as Arthur walked through a desolate underground cave that held no resemblance to the last. After he kept on walking through tunnels and hallways, he reached a giant gate that remained sealed.

Outside the gate stood a figure, leaning on one of its pillars. The figure wore a ragged cloak with dirt forming a thick layer over it. Arthur stopped a few meters away as the figure looked at him.

"We meet again, Jasmine," said Arthur to the figure, who remained frozen in place. After a few moments, she pulled down her hood and revealed her face, the same as the one Arthur met in Alka. A tanned skin with dreadlocked hair. At that time, he had no idea that she was his sister.

"You changed a lot, little brother," said the Princess of the Yozia Empire while looking at him with anything but affection. "I have been waiting for you."

"I hear that a lot," said Arthur while studying his sister. "I expected a more heartwarming reunion than this. However, I cannot help but feel that you never planned to meet and greet."

"I have no desire for a reunion, but I have served my purpose," declared Jasmine as she stood there like a statue. "I have been guarding these ruins all this time."