Those who earned the Third Grade of Severity were known as the irredeemables. These were individuals who caused so much sorrow and pain that no benefits could justify Dyon allowing them to live any longer.
"… Using orphans as experiments, using virgins as sacrifices for fiendish techniques, treating the lives of the common people as the resources of the Ragnor Clan…" Dyon's jaw clenched. "… Sacrificing millions of newborns to tie the Karmic Fate of three Faith Seeds…"
Lord Odin kneeled before Dyon, his blond greying hair hanging over his body in a pitiful manner.
"… Third Grade of Severity."
A cold wind whipped through Odin City.
Lord Odin's death seemed swift, but watching his soul being forcefully extracted by Dyon and imprisoned, those watching understood that it was anything but.
One would think that those earning the Third Grade would be rare, but over half of the Ragnor Clan fell under this category. Though this percentage lessened if the trials Dyon held before coming to their core universe was counted, it was still over 20%.
The Ragnors had committed too many atrocities in the name of strengthening their Clan. But, this purpose became completely empty when the number of horrible deeds outside that purpose were exposed. They had no moral high ground to stand on and could only be executed one after another, their souls trapped for all eternity.
It wasn't that they didn't want to fight back, but how could they? Even the arrogant Lord Odin lowered his head in defeat, it destroyed all thoughts of resistance.
The number of Champions fells to less than 10% of their original number. All of the Elder Fey were slaughtered as well. By then end, only a little over half of the Fey remained.
The Ragnor Empire was completely decimated in just a week, but no one dared to raise a word of complaint. Thinking of Dyon's valiant figure, fighting with his life on the line against a Planet Grade Empire, he had earned the respect of even those he killed. His Presence was undeniable.
**
"I keep my promises. You've played a great role in the success of my Mortal Alliance so you are now an official citizen of outstanding merit.
"You can use these merits as you please and transfer them as you please."
Madeleine's former master stood across from him in a hall that was once the Ragnor's Throne Room, a complicated expression on her face.
She remembered when she scoffed when Madeleine said that Dyon would become a Saint in just 30 years and beat her… Not only had he shattered such a prediction, he stood so high above her head now that she couldn't hope to see his limits.
The worst mistake she had ever made in her life was doubting this young man… Maybe the relationship they could have had would never be seen now. She knew well that Dyon only gave her this opportunity out of consideration for his wife's feelings. It had nothing to do with the thought of forgiving her, nor would there ever be a chance for her to gain his forgiveness.
When something crossed Dyon's bottom line, there was no going back. She had tried to kill Ri, no matter what reasons she had, no matter how she tried to justify it, Dyon would never forgive her.
She could stand here today in thanks to her relationship with Madeleine and Ri's Uncle Acacia. Nothing more, nothing less.
Her eyes lost focus… She remembered the day she first met Dyon.
He had stormed in and saved Madeleine from a Fate that even she couldn't, stopping her from having to marry Akihiko.
Somehow, that day, he saw through her disguise as an elderly lady and called out to her, subtly finding a way to add a layer of protection to both himself and Madeleine.
Her first impressions of Dyon were great due to this reason, but she allowed various matters to cloud her judgement. She simply didn't believe that even a talented person could make it so far on their own…
Back then, she had sensed the unwillingness in Dyon's eyes when he handed Madeleine over to her, she had sensed his rage. But, she thought nothing of it. No amount of passion in the world could surmount the accumulation of powerful Clans…
Yet, this very day proved her thoughts wrong. Not only did Dyon destroy the Ragnor Clan whose mere branch Clan threw their universe into Chaos, but he subdued an enemy far beyond her imagination.
"Daddy, who is she?" Alauna asked curiously, sitting on Dyon's lap as he sat on the throne.
"Her name is Evelyn. She did your dad a very big favor, we owe her a lot." Dyon said with a light smile.
"Oh?" Alauna's large eyes blinked. She didn't believe her dad would lie to her, but why did it seem like the lady was very sad and that her father did like her very much?
"Thank you for helping my daddy!" Alauna said innocently, unable to understand the complex emotions in the room.
Evelyn snapped out of her thoughts, bowing slightly.
"I appreciate your kind words, Princess. This Evelyn will keep them in her heart."
With those final words, Evelyn bowed to Dyon once more, then turned to leave.
Certain actions of the past were unforgivable, but at least Dyon gave her a path to live. Still, she was very surprised to find the Madeleine had appeared before her just as she closed the large double doors.
...
Madeleine smiled lightly. "Teacher."
Hearing this address, Evelyn felt that something had torn at her heart. There was a subtle difference between the title of master and teacher, but it was a striking one nonetheless.
A master was a loving parent, a nurturer for life. But, a teacher was fleeting, a person who could have a small or large impact on a person's life for a limited time.
By calling her teacher, Madeleine had drawn a clear line between her an Evelyn, but she hadn't been too distant either… It left the bitter taste in Evelyn's mouth feeling even more sour.
"Madeleine, I hope you've been well." Evelyn squeezed out a smile, tempering down the discomfort in her heart.
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