I WAS The Rank–1 Hero-Chapter 55: The Faithful Turn [2]

Somewhere around Tartarus (Demon Continent):

Deep within the dark forest, where twisted trees danced with in the winds.

At the heart of it, a beautiful fortress stood, unlike any other, pristine white, large garden, but surrounded by darkness.

It was a stark contrast to its surroundings. It felt as if it didn’t belong to the Demon Continent.

Its large garden, lush with blood-red roses and vines with green thorns stretched around the fortress.

Despite its beauty, there were no guards.

None were needed.

Because this place belonged to her—a being feared even among demons.

The Tenth Seat of the Demon King’s Castle—Nathalia.

In a grand bed chamber inside the fortress, bathed in yellow dim candlelight, she lays atop a bed.

Her spotless, pure white skin glowed under the flickering candlelight. Her body was barely concealed by a thin white fabric, outlining her outstanding figure. Although her back remained bare, from which her long angelic feathers folded over her back, covering it.

She was someone who liked to keep quiet.

She traced her delicate hand over her blindfold, where a dark crimson tear seeped through, staining the silk. The blood streamed down her cheeks, yet she remained unfazed, as if unaffected by the pain.

She already knew.

After all, she had already seen him.

The dream world which was maintained and created by her, was now destroyed to pieces, by none other than him.

In a voice below a whisper, she spoke.

"An Authority holder is near us."

She raised her hand, slipping a silver ring with yellow crystal off her index finger.

It was not any ordinary ring, it was an artifact, crafted by the God of Dreams, Oneiros.

Holding the ring, she joined her hands in praying position elegantly.

Minutes passed.

Then, with the same composed elegance, she leaned back onto her red-cushioned bed.

"Lilith."

Nathalia’s commanding voice echoed through the empty room.

Almost instantly, the air twisted. And a figure simmered from the shadows.

Her long, obsidian-black hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing a face of mesmerizing beauty. Her deep crimson eyes, filled with an almost hypnotic aura, met Nathalia’s. Her pale skin bore an ethereal glow, while the feathered white wings behind her gave her the presence of a being of Nathalia’s equal.

But despite that, she bowed her head, pressing herself to the cold marbled floor before Nathalia.

"My lady," she spoke.

Nathalia’s lips curled into a satisfactory smile.

She studied her retainer for a moment before giving her command.

"I assume you’ve sensed it as well. Find him. Locate that Authority Holder."

Lilith’s expression did not waver, she had indeed sensed the presence—and as one who possessed an Authority herself, she couldn’t ignore it.

"Yes, my lady."

With that she vanished, leaving Nathalia alone once more.

A soft whisper, almost inaudible left her lips.

"Let’s see… what Authority he possesses."

***

The moment I activated my Ruler skill, a strange sensation washed over me.

My mind felt… clear.

My vision sharpened. I could now sense everything in my vicinity. Every moment, every shift in the air which I’d previously overlook, was now in my sight.

My thoughts raced in my mind, faster than ever before. Ten times faster.

I could analyze, calculate, and predict outcomes instantly.

Every action, every reaction—nothing was beyond my domain.

Truly, a ruler.

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And then—

A thick aura erupted from my body, spreading through the whole area. The sheer pressure of it made both Ruby and Envy flinch.

"!"

"!"

Their bodies stiffened, their breaths hitched. For a moment, they almost stumbled, but they quickly steadied themselves.

I noticed their gazes locked onto me, wide-eyed, filled with awe.

They both had some knowledge of my abilities, but even they weren’t aware of it.

This skill… it was new. Even to me.

As expected of an S-Rank skill.

I recalled Goddess Ylthea’s words—

"The skill you wield has no limits. It will grow as you grow."

Checking my Fate’s Interface, I confirmed it, there’s no more side effects in my skill.

But compared to the other Authority Holders… my power was still too weak. Far too weak.

I exhaled sharply, pushing those thoughts aside.

"Alright, let’s move."

Then, I hesitated.

"But first..."

From my Inventory Ring, I retrieved three health potion bottles, A-Rank recovery elixirs, worth 5 million each.

Without hesitation, I tossed each of them toward Ruby and Envy.

They caught them with ease.

They immediately understood my intent.

Pop!

Uncorking the bottles, they carefully poured the shimmering red liquid into Anna, Aria, and Julius’s mouths.

The moment the liquid touched their lips, soft murmurs escaped from their mouths.

Then instantly their eyes shot open.

’Wow. That’s… effective.’ I thought.

Julius, rubbing his eyes, glanced around, his voice was weak.

"W-What happened…?"

Anna stirred, rapidly blinking in confusion.

"Z-Zane…?" Her gaze first landed onto me.

And then there was Aria.

Her eyes locked onto her mother—Jenna.

Tears welled in her gaze as her whole body trembled.

"M-Mother…!"

A sob broke from her.

’Such a cry baby.’

Anna and Julius turned their head to her, then followed her line of sight—where Ruby and Jenna stood.

Their gazes shifted to the glowing numbers on their suits: 07 and 03.

The two Single Rankers.

Their eyes widened.

A flicker of hope washed over them, replacing the despair in their eyes.

But more than that, what shocked them most was Pride.

Unlike Envy, whose identity was public, Pride had always concealed her real identity as Ruby Oliver.

Her true face.

But now—

"Headmistress…?" Anna whispered, her voice sounded surprised.

Ruby didn’t flinch.

She turned toward them, her crimson hair waved with a light wind.

Then, she spoke.

"Students, don’t be afraid. We will keep you safe."

Her voice carried no hesitation. No doubt.

I watched her in silent admiration.

She had always feared revealing herself to the world. The trauma of her past left her terrified that people would reject her, abandon her.

But now—

A small smile tugged at my lips.

"So today is the day…"

I’m proud of her.

End of Chapter.