Building My SSS-Rank Universal Empire: From Trash to Cosmic Overlord-Chapter 156: Caught him

Artifacts are categorized in different ways. Enchanted tools are also considered Artifacts, but they are copies, created from the symbols of power found on the real Artifacts in ruins and Rifts.

There are ranks as well, Artifact, Legendary Artifact, Chained Artifact, and then Named Artifact.

The level of power between them is immense, sometimes akin to the gap between Knight ranks. Some even possess a degree of consciousness and intelligence.

So, to hear that the Borderland has a Chained Artifact didn’t surprise Vale, but to think the Commander had one as well, waiting in the Purple Fortress, was astonishing.

"So only a Athrimir can use this Chained Artifact?" Vale asked. He could already imagine the possibilities.

"Yes. It’s the inspiration for all the other Towers. If you can acquire it and use it, then there’s no higher proof because everyone knows that only the Commander can wield it.

"A lot of us Flagbearers have tried to take over the Commander’s fortress, but it was difficult. We could only gain entrance inside the walls, but nobody has ever managed to open the door. Maybe only a Athrimir of blood can open it as well.

"Your father spent a lot to make that fortress. He stayed there for some years when he attempted to clear the Rift with the forces he brought over," Takoda said.

Vale nodded, his eyes glinting. He felt as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. For some days now, he had been feeling a little lost, thinking about how to deal with the pressure of the Master Knights grinding down on him.

He had felt as if he were trying to chop down a mountain with a sword. But now, he had something he could do—something only he could do.

He remembered what the Towers did in the hands of Tower Captain Sybila. ’......What I be able to do with a Chained Artifact—the original version...’

He tried to shove his excitement aside and think about it logically. "From the map I studied earlier, the monsters have a ruin there, and frequent ruin breaks around the area mean they have forces always stationed there to attack and guard."

Takoda nodded. "The monsters claimed the surrounding area after the Commander fell. That’s one of the reasons why no other forces have tried to hold the fortress.

"To clear the Rift, the Purple Fortress is a must. It’s near the Rift and acts as a key point to directly fight the Rift and push back."

A chill ran down Vale’s spine when he heard that—to directly fight the Rift. He had faced that monster, and its mere aura was almost enough to kill him.

’...I can’t wait till I advance to Master Knight. I will use everything I have—the Flagbearers, everything...’

Vale locked eyes with the Chief. "Then, to take the Purple Fortress, the monsters around the area must be completely wiped out."

"Yes. I can provide you with some warriors, Blessed Vale. They are experienced in fighting monsters and will buy you time as you enter the fortress to wake it up and claim the Tower."

’...Wait...wait...’ Vale made sure his face remained expressionless. "You’re not going to join, Chief Takoda?"

The Chief’s face darkened. "It is for your safety, Blessed. We Master Knights don’t appear in every battle because the Rift sends out Riftborn Titans to fight us whenever we move. The Riftborn Titans are only slightly weaker than us, but there are more of them than Flagbearers."

Vale frowned. ’...Well, that answers my question about why the Flagbearers haven’t just finished the monsters off... That monster I saw that day must have been a Rift Lord...so strategic...’

He deflated and sighed. "Thank you, Chief Takoda. I will take the warriors. Will you send a Tower Captain as well?"

"Of course. How could I leave a Blessed alone after we’ve gone all these years without one?" Chief Takoda said in a heavy voice, as if he wanted nothing more than to lock Vale in a room for his safety.

Vale bowed his head, feeling a twinge of guilt for lying to them. But really, he was a Blessed. How else could he carry the Crimson Moon and react to the crown?

He sighed and smiled inwardly. ’...I only do what I must...’

"I will take my leave now. I still have to meet the Exiled Flagbearer."

Takoda huffed. "That woman—be careful. She’s almost like me, keeping her nose where it doesn’t belong, but she will interfere if the interest is high enough."

The Chief stood and walked towards Vale. Up close, he seemed even taller and bulkier, like a moving mountain. He bowed again, and his elders followed suit. "Thank you once again, Blessed Vale. Will you return for dinner? We will prepare a feast in your name and send a ritual to the Crimson Lord."

"Yes. I will return. I’ll have to trouble you, Takoda, as I’ll be using this place as my base for a while."

The Chief nodded solemnly. "You can even use this place as a permanent base if you wish."

Vale smiled and followed Manefor, who led him outside the inner palace to a small hall where his companions were waiting—and eating.

The three of them sat around a table filled with food and drinks, munching away until they saw Vale. Instead of standing or hurrying, they called him to join them.

And so, they ate as they asked him about the outcome of his meeting.

"I’m going to be the Commander. The Forsaken Tribes have given their support. And we are taking the Purple Fortress."

They froze. Frexon’s eyes went wide, and the meat he was holding nearly slipped from his hand.

Vale stared at him and grinned. "Wait till you take me to the Exiled before sneaking off to tell Sevrix the news."

Slya snorted. "You caught him there."

Frexon glared but shrugged. It wasn’t as if it were unexpected that he would pass information back to his Master.