Episode 893 Sixth (6)
Understanding is the power to distinguish and interpret things.
Verden grasps the principles of the essence of magic through momentary analysis.He can mimic parts of another person’s magic without memory. Verden’s talent was the foundation for recreating
If the essence of any magic is grasped for even a single moment, that magic cannot escape Verden’s understanding unless it vanishes.Just as was the case with the First Sorcerer King’s unique incantation magic that summoned meteorites from space.
To prevent Verden’s magical interpretation from being fully unleashed, the only way is to block it from penetrating the essence, just like Vangelis’s magic.
However… the one who touched the cube in the Exodium vault did not choose that method.Just as glass is shattered into pieces and scattered across a desert, he concealed his traces by breaking the core into pieces and scattering them to hide them.
It was certainly clever.
However, it was not a solution.
Smashing the glass into small pieces and scattering them on the surface of the desert was the wrong answer. If they wanted to buy even a little time, they should have hidden the glass itself deep beneath the desert.
As soon as the desert entered his senses, Verden understood the form of every piece of glass on the ground and completed the image of the glass before it broke in his mind.
The moment the core was perceived.
Upon detecting the magical structure that had interfered with the cube from a distance, traces of it became visible. Someone had manipulated the cube from a specific direction.
Inside the storage.Even just recently.
Does the storage facility have a separate surveillance system?
Verden spun his head.There was no doubt.Magic had clearly been cast from one side of the storage room wall, where nothing was visible. He didn’t sense any particular gaze, but given the circumstances, he had a strong feeling that someone was watching the storage room… no, him.
“A surveillance system? What does that mean?”
Lugart asked back as if he didn’t understand what was going on.
Verden continued to stare at the wall of the storage room with his nerves on edge.He was certain it wasn’t a hallucination.
It was truly a fleeting moment.
… … !
For a moment, a magical sensation flashed, and a path of magical power stretching across the entire Exodium like tree roots appeared and then vanished.It was in the blink of an eye, like lightning silently flickering in the sky.
However… … it was enough time for Verden to figure out where the mysterious flow of magic eventually led.
“It seems there is a foreigner in the Ark.”“What?”“I will guide you.”
Verden, having risen slightly from the ground, immediately left the storage room. Lugard matched Verden’s pace without asking for the reason.Whenever they were blocked by a closed door, he personally opened the passage for them.
From underground, to a deeper underground.
As they approached the bottom of the sky island, the presence of people became very faint. The two entered an area where a soft blue light adequately illuminated the darkness.
“What kind of space is this?”“This is the Ark’s final control room. Normally, we operate only one control room, leaving the other four unused. Among them, this one has the fewest practical functions, so it is the lowest priority.”
Management office… … .
Verden placed his fingertips on the wall and walked slowly.With his eyes closed, he searched for something.
Lugart, who had been quietly watching the scene, took a big gulp of wine.
I miss you.
I recalled the time I explored a dark cave near my hometown when I was young.The damp air, the howling of goblins, the sensation of fumbling along the rough walls… that excitement and trembling made me an adventurer.
It was then.
Whoosh.
Verden spread his five fingers and twisted his wrist 90 degrees clockwise. The skin touching the wall and the magical power created friction.A blue light flickered from the crack in the wall, and soon a hidden space was revealed.
“…I knew there were many things I didn’t know about the Ark, but to think I would confirm them through the next captain.”“I will lead the way.”
Thump, thump.
Verden and Lugart stepped into the secret room hidden in the fifth administration room. It was a place that could by no means be called spacious.The entire room was clearly visible just by standing anywhere and looking around.
There was nothing particularly noteworthy.
Except for the ‘streamlined tube’ prominently installed in the center of the secret space.
So, you’re saying someone manipulated the cube here with magic, and on top of that, was monitoring the storage in real time? Seeing how they vanished without a trace, they are no ordinary person.
Lugard tapped on the coffin, sharpening his senses. As expected, there was no reaction. Like an empty, streamlined tube, the room was hollow.
“What do you think?”“It seems it is already too late to continue the pursuit.”
Verden also carefully examined the coffin, which appeared to be the only clue. Since nothing was engraved on it, there was no way to know what its purpose was.At least, from the outside.
The magical power is reacting slightly.
Swoosh──
He swept the lower part of the coffin from left to right with his palm, as if wiping glass. A veil of magical power rippled, revealing hidden characters.Ancient characters.Since he had learned them directly from Alpha, interpreting them was not difficult.
‘Name of entity… … Gamma.’
It is the entity name that Omega mentioned at the bottom of the first magic tower.
Omega, Alpha, Beta, Gamma.
A shiver ran down my spine.
I understood immediatelywhy Lugard, the leader of the Ark, hadn’t noticed.
So, he was at the Ark after all.
It has been confirmed that the First Demon King’s fourth artificial golem is in the Ark. Even at this very moment. Since it must have been created after Alpha and Beta in sequence, it is impossible to predict what functions it possesses based on mere thought.
Verden silently swept his palm from right to left again. As the veil of magic regenerated, Gamma’s name was concealed.He judged that it was too early to inform the Ark of Gamma’s existence at this moment.
Because Gamma avoided me.
I need to act cautiously until I find out the reason. I don’t have to chase Gamma right away. He will stay on the Ark indefinitely anyway.Once I become captain, I will have plenty of opportunities to find Gamma.
Just then, Lugart, who had been leisurely looking around the room, spoke up.
“If there is someone in the Ark I don’t know, they must be someone deeply connected to the First Demon King. As expected, tracking his footsteps was not my role. I doubted my judgment time and time again… but seeing my judgment proven right today, I feel relieved.”
It was a deep sigh, as if shaking off the hardships of the past.
Berden did not agree with Lugard’s way of thinking, but remained silent as it was not an appropriate setting to discuss their respective ideologies.
“Since I haven’t even detected anything so far, searching for it would be pointless. If it becomes known that there are outsiders, it will cause a huge commotion on the Ark as well. Let’s keep this matter between just you and me for now.”“Understood.”“Then it is my turn to ask a question.”
After each completing a round of question-and-answer at the top floor of the Exodium…Verden, who had come down to the basement to choose a relic, had asked if there was a separate surveillance system in the storage room. Strictly speaking, that was also a question.
Verden was dumbfounded, but Lugard continued speaking regardless.
“I was in Gargant, too, when the World Conference was held. Hearing that all human races would be attending, I headed to the continent with Elder Sheorn for the first time in a long while. However, there, I encountered a strange being. Near you.”“Nearby…?”“It was the strongest being I had ‘directly’ clashed with.”
Lugart whispered softly.
“A hulking old man with a golden Holy Cross around his neck. His murderous intent toward you was unusually intense. Do you happen to know him?”“……!!”
Fanatic old man.
The moment I nearly suffered a fatal injury due to a skill in a fictional space, and the scene where the World Tree intervened due to a taboo violation, flashed through my mind.
“Hmm, so you knew. At least it’s a relief that you are aware of who the enemy is.”
Lugard moistened his mouth with wine again. Because he had been drinking without restraint, the bottle was empty before he could even feel satisfied.
“Unfortunately, we’ve run out of alcohol, so let’s end this Q&A here. The atmosphere is a bit chaotic, too. I’ll hear the answers you couldn’t give today next time.”
Lugart readily took a step back.
Verden asked.
“Aren’t you curious?”“I am curious, but I will hold back for a moment. After all, the leader of the Ark is a position that requires patience. Above all, I do not prioritize curiosity to the extent of putting the incoming captain in a difficult position with the coronation just around the corner.”
The virtue of moderation.
This was also the difference between an adventurer and a wizard.
“So, is that the one you decided on for the relic?”“If I have to choose one from among them, wouldn’t this be the only option?”
Verden held up a gray cube smaller than his palm.
“As far as I remember, that cube is an artifact that has been preserved for over two centuries. Its name has not been passed down. I presume it was used for designing magic or magic circles, as it can freely manifest and store patterns using magical power or adjust its form; however, because it is so difficult to handle, it had not been able to find a suitable owner like other artifacts.”
Lugard put his hands behind his back.
“It may be useless to others, but it would be the most fitting relic for you. It seems to hold a secret left behind by the First Demon King. Whatever it may be, I hope it serves the ideals you pursue and is of help to humanity.”
Verden nodded and stored the cube in the subspace.
“Thank you.”“Then shall I head back? Oh, by the way, if you hadn’t thought of a different name for that cube, may I leave the naming to the Watcher of the World?”“It doesn’t matter. Is there a reason?”“Of course there is.”
Lugard said seriously.
That child likes naming things.
* * *
Alpha and Beta got permission to wander around Exodium. They did not accompany Adrian and Isabella because the Ark’s base was safe.
Although a guide was originally required, the members of the next captain’s faction were not bound by the rules and duties that an Ark candidate must observe.
[The last sibling. Where?]
[It is most likely in the Ark. However, there are no clues regarding Gamma.]
The Golem brothers, who had not yet heard the news from Verden, explored the fortress. They conversed quietly so no one could hear, greeting the members of the Ark who were looking at them with curiosity.
Alpha tapped Beta’s head.
[Beta. Found a younger sibling. How does it feel?]
Beta spoke as always while carrying his brother on his head.
[How did Alpha feel?]
[Reunion of separated families. Happiness.]
[I think I would be happy too.]
Omega and Alpha each had a guardian by their side, but Beta did not. Beta was left alone in the Great Forest for 300 to 400 years.Without Alpha and Verden, Beta would not have been able to reactivate.
Just as Alpha understood the concept of family, so did Beta.A new sibling…Beta knew what to do if he ever faced a youngest sibling. It was simple. If he took care of Beta just as Alpha did, there would be no problems.
[Gamma might be lonely, too. We must hurry and find him.]
[I admit it. Still, we must not rush. His Majesty Verden will find him. I think we should prepare a gift for the youngest.]
[Is it a gift? That’s a good idea.]
Alpha and Beta crossed the hallway, chattering about what the last brother would like.It was only after their magical power had faded far into the distance that the hallway walls began to ripple.
Swoosh.
As one of the functions of the completed body, gamma that passed through the matter appeared.
[… … What gift? Those idiots.]
Gamma touched my face.
[Ah, seriously. I told you we should have scrapped it.]
When I woke up, I was confident I could handle the Omega, Alpha, and Beta. But just overhearing that conversation made me hesitate.
What is affection anyway?
May the fully awakened Creator overcome this one and only weakness.
* * *
I met the leader of the Ark for the first time and decided on the relic to be succeeded following the captaincy.
The next day dawned according to continental time.
All that remains is the coronation ceremony.
