Episode 1074 Legions (6)
Regritt, having returned from the Desert of Silence, did not reveal everything to the Ark. This wasbecause matters such as the First Demon King, the Artificial Golem, the Administrator, the World Tree, the Ancient God, Fate, the Thread of Fate, ‘You’, the Signs, the Truth of the First Magic Tower, the Great Branch, and the Battle of Fate were not issues to be shared with the Ark on one’s own initiative.
So, Legrit classified the materials in his own way and kept silent about most of the details he could not figure out on his own.
He kept his promise to keep the secret with Verden.
The unknown hidden in silence.
Elder Sheorn carefully stroked a branch of the World Tree. Of course, having never even entered the Great Forest, he failed to realize that this was part of the World Tree. Heonly knew that there was something missing in Regrit’s report.
It’s a gift I can’t refuse.
Even if Legrit and Verden had concealed some information, no one on the Ark cared.Surely they would handle it on their own?If they couldn’t be trusted, they wouldn’t have acknowledged them as the captains of the Ark in the first place.
Since you have opened the door for me, it is my job to walk inside. Even the emotions that come from discovery and exploration.
What exists in the silent desert? What is it that the captains kept it a secret? What is the origin of the uncharted territory that humanity could not conquer?
My blood boils.Just like when I was selected as a candidate for the Ark.
What a great blessing it is to be able to feel this way even in old age.
I will gladly accept the gift.
Elder Sheorn wrapped a branch of the World Tree in a cloth and placed it in his bosom. The expression on the face of the owner of the Ark’s library was no different from that of a wizard who had acquired a clue to a mystery.
It’s Acetro’s turn next.
The shaking space signaled that the conversation between Elder Sheoren and Verden had ended.
widely.
Acetro Oldin returned to his seat.
A participant in the summit.The mediator of the balance.One of the main forces of the Demon Realm Suppression Corps.
I could roughly guess why this monocular-wearing transcendent being of the magical world had personally sought out Verden regarding the issue related to the Ark.
Verden asked.
“Is it Layla’s case?”“Yes.”
Acetro flipped through the stack of documents. His handwriting was incomparably more elegant than Verden’s. On each page, a considerable number of topics, main points, and footnotes were neatly organized to an almost obsessive degree.
“This is the summary of Layla that I wrote. Use it as a reference to keep an eye on her.”
Verden lightly skimmed the contents.
“I think Leila would despise this if she saw it, studying a person in such detail.”“It can’t be helped, since I’m not just investigating the Great Demon of the Parasite presumed to have a contract with Leila. Try not to get caught if possible.”“I’ll be careful. Is that all for now?”“There is one more.”
Acetro lightly moistened his lips with the freshly refilled warm tea.
Elder Sheorn said.
“The Great Calamity of Light belongs to the World Alliance, and we have not yet located the Empress, who fled to the Four Gates after fighting you.”“However, we have confirmed the Great Emperor’s location.”
The Great, Lycan Turgard.
An ancient transcendent being fully resurrected in modern times, like Vantoreon and Hythril.Also one of the main characters of the War of the Transcendents.
“And… the being who induced the First Demon King to use Draven to be resurrected by the power of the Old King. It is an arrangement for resistance.”
The reason they revived the 8th-rank transcendent being must be that it helps the resistors. If you think about it that way, it is possible that it is a strategic move to assist the ‘Adversary of the Old King’.
However, the point is that there is still no confirmation as to who is opposing the former king.
The First Apostle, a being made of light.Identity unknown.Adversary unknown.
The Second Apostle, Arthur Tarenfold.The first king of the human world.Adversary unknown.
The third apostle, Host.God of the sea.The adversary is the Black Sea, Tearel.
The Fourth Apostle, Bloodia (pseudonym).The Dragons.According to Tearel’s conjecture, the Adversary is the Slayer of Calamity, the Demonic Terror.
The Fifth Apostle, Giant.Ancient Species.Adversary unknown, possibly the Watcher of the North and King of the North who is sealing the Giant in ice, Eres Eindgel Prohas.
Sixth Apostle, Akhand Linigea Tain Xerion.Old King.Adversary unknown.
The seventh apostle, Ishur.God of the desert.The adversary is probably Kirondar.
“Based on the circumstances, it seems likely that Arkhand’s adversary lies among the First Necromancer and the Three Sinners, but there is a flaw in this hypothesis. The difference in their levels is stark. Logically, a match is absolutely impossible. That said, I don’t think one of the Ancient Transcendents would be the adversary…”
The forces of the resistors are shrouded in a massive veil, even more so than ‘your’ forces.That was the case for Verden.It is necessary to find out exactly what the Adversary means. Though, it may not be something that can be heard from Deus Widen and Meia.
“Just because I hear the location of the Great Emperor doesn’t mean I can use it to my advantage. The rule is that information obtained through the Ark is to be used only for matters related to the Ark.”“It would be a different story if the Ark decided that it must intervene in this war. Well, the higher-ups haven’t made that judgment yet, though.”“Hmm, you see, it is different from the Ark of the past.”
From the perspective of the Ark, the First Transcendent War and the Second Transcendent War were quite different.
The presence or absence of an arc.
Unlike 800 years ago, the power of the Ark possessing the Sky Island has grown exponentially and become stronger, so if it steps to the front, it will eventually be exposed.
but.
There is no option to help humanity moderately without the group being discovered.
Watch, orgive it your all.
The reason the Ark has been able to survive until now is that it has not taken an ambiguous stance that would cause division on critical matters.
“Still, familiarize yourself with the outline. The Great Emperor is organizing a force in northern Delharun. It is massive yet secretive, so it is not easily visible on the surface.”“What about the scale?”“No more than a few hundred.”
Acetro added.
“However, we do not know what will happen in the future. After all, the Great Emperor is a man who once ruled the entire Eastern Continent as the emperor of a faction that served only the Transcendents.”“Since the past and present, which cannot meet, have intersected, friction is inevitable. The war is of the utmost importance, but even after that, a situation where one cannot dare to let one’s guard down will unfold.”
Elder Sheorn summarized the complex and multifaceted situation of the international community in one sentence.
“It is truly a turbulent time.”
* * *
Ascetro Oldin and Elder Sheorn left the ownerless land, Verden met with other members of the Ark in the same place as them.
There were three people representing the unit organized directly under the command of the Wonder Breaker.
It is good to finally see you again. I am Listener, the Sixth Captain’s direct informant, responsible for connecting Lord Verden with the Ark intelligence network.
Listener, the first member of the Ark that Verden encountered in the Principality of Liviant.
“It is an honor to greet you in person, Captain, as I have only seen your face from afar until now. I am Egil, appointed as the direct subordinate of the Wonderful Breaker.”
Agil, a top-tier mercenary and mercenary guild leader devoted to the ideology of the Ark.
“Wait, only representatives are coming. Why am I here too…?”“Well, it is because I have a deep connection with Lord Verden. Now, please introduce yourself.”“…I am Theon.”
Theon, a former Gluttony assassin who was serving as the Doctor’s subordinate in the Principality of Liviant and ended up getting bizarrely entangled while attempting to assassinate Verden.
and.
There are two candidates for the Ark.
“Wow, you’ve gotten so polite? You used to talk down to me like crazy. Theon, where on earth did all that Gluttony spirit go?”“Shut up, please.”“I guess he’s finally grown up. Anyway! I’ve been hearing about your exploits every single day! I respect you, Brother Verden!”
Locke, a disciple of Elder Ren Balhag and of the Ark.
The gray robe looks cool. And congratulations on reaching Rank 8.
Mithril-grade Adventurer, Blood Sword Layla.
With the exception of Egil, every single one of them was acquainted with Verden. As Listener said, they were all entangled with Verden in many ways.
Verden said.
“I was so preoccupied that I only just got to see your face. I look forward to working with you. By the way, I left the unit composition to the Ark, and quite a big shot was selected as the unit commander.”“N-You are too kind, Captain.”
Egil could not hide his joy as a member of the Ark and bowed his head deeply.
“I will serve with all my heart, for the sake of wretched humanity.”
Like the Adventurer’s Guild, mercenary guilds operating across the continent do not have a headquarters. Since each guild is an independent entity, there is only a guild leader.
Among the hundreds of mercenary guild leaders, Egil is considered to be among the top four in the continent’s mercenary industry in terms of influence.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
He is an invaluable asset, serving as the captain’s right-hand man and ears while he is active on the continent.
Clap clap clap.
Locke clapped his hands together.
“Now that the opportunity has been arranged, we ought to have a party, but… the situation outside isn’t exactly ideal for laughing and chatting here, Brother.”
Locke stopped clapping and stood up.
“I joined the World Alliance led by you as a mercenary.”“It will be a trial greater than any trial.”“I’m not the type to be a trial, but that’s not why I’m a candidate. I’m going to pour out more than everything I learned from Master Ren Valhag.”“I see.”
Verden stood up and held out his hand.
“I wish you good luck, Locke.”“I wish you good luck too, Brother Verden.”
Locke gripped his hand tightly.
“Hey, Theon. You’re fighting in the war with me, too. Don’t act awkward, just come on over. It’s a chance to shake hands with your big brother, the World Alliance Leader and an 8th-tier Transcendent, you know?”“C-cough.”
Theon stood up hesitantly.
Theon decided to move with Locke. Considering the years they had worked together, he couldn’t just send him into his death alone.Not that he intended to die for the sake of loyalty, though.
Will I be able to survive this time, too?
Theon was the one who had survived until now despite betraying Gluttony. He felt that this time, he might be properly testing just how great and tenacious his luck and life force truly were.
like that…….
Verden shook hands with each of them one by one. A brief conversation followed. But that was enough.Listener, Locke, Agil, and Theon stepped back out into the world from Isabella’s private laboratory.
Click.
The door closed.
Verden was left alone with Leila.
“It reminds me of when we first met. Lorien, the city of the Principality of Liviant. To think it has already been four years since we defeated the Soul Tree there.”
Layla took off her pitch-black helmet. Dazzling blonde hair fluttered. A beautiful face was revealed, imbued with a demonic curse that even the Luas cult could not undo, a face that instilled fear in most people.
“You have something to tell me privately.”“…….”“Is it a matter related to the devil, as expected?”
* * *
Verden thought.
The content of Acetro’s summary focused on various hypotheses regarding Layla.
───The more the demon’s curse intensifies, the more powerful physical abilities and regenerative power are displayed.
───Backlash of the Curse───Mental Erosion.───Exclusion. The moment others recognize Layla’s bare face, they are engulfed in intense negative emotions. If they fail to resist, they fall into terror. (However, Verden is an exception. The cause is unknown.)
───Leila’s hometown: Village Hesnier in the Ternetia Federation.───The Watcher of the World observed the village when selecting Leila as a candidate for the Ark.───However, reconfirmation revealed that Village Hesnier had already been destroyed six centuries ago.
It is impossible to determine Layla’s whereabouts prior to joining the Adventurer’s Guild.There are absolutely no eyewitness accounts of her, as she travels around wearing a mask.
───In the year the power source of the Bohemian Magic Tower went berserk, Layla’s blood, collected in the past, changed in an instant.───Red -> Black -> Red.
… … .
The information collected by Acetro served as the basis for various hypotheses, and among the dozens of topics, the one Verden focused on was a hypothesis regarding the relationship between Leila and the demon who cursed her.
───Assuming that the demon that cursed Layla is indeed the Great Demon of Parasitism, it presents a case that is the exact opposite of typical demon worshippers and contractors.
The devil regards humans as objects of play and livestock. This tendency becomes more pronounced the greater the power gap between the devil and humans. Powerful devils drive weak humans to their deaths and feed on pain and tragedy.
If the Parasite Archdemon possesses the same military power as the Archdemons of the Legions that died in the First Great Crusade, then Leila is an insurmountable opponent. The Archdemon’s will is, in effect, Leila’s destiny.However, the Parasite Archdemon does not interfere with Leila except for the curse. In fact, it could be said that he is practically neglecting her. This cannot be interpreted as a conventional relationship between a powerful demon and a weak human.Furthermore, Leila accepts the demon’s curse only when she is in danger, drawing out power beyond her normal level. It is similar to a demonic contract. In other words, the Parasite Archdemon is condoning such utilization.
It is too mild to be considered a curse cast by the great demon of the courtesan.
It feels as if the great demon of the parasite is protecting Leila.
Therefore, the conclusion of this hypothesis is twofold.
One is that the Archdemon of Parasites regards Leila as a precious being, like a child, in a sense. And the other is… … .
Verden narrowed his eyes.
‘The possibility that Leila might be a being whom even the Great Demon of Parasitism cannot interfere with at will.’
There are many grounds to refute the prejudice against the devil ingrained in Acetro’s mind, but anyway.
I liked the latter conclusion.
The Archdemon of the Courtesan has hidden herself in the Mirror of Evil. It is highly likely that Leila has existed for at least six centuries. However, her appearance is naturally youthful. At this point, even if I cannot be certain, I can certainly suspect it.
6 Great Legends – Stone of Fire – Absolute Barrier: Pandella.
The primeval artifact, which grants eternal life to its owner, was sealed in a forest to prevent the ‘Nameless One’ from becoming its master and causing harm to the world.That forest underwent repeated mutations and became an uncharted territory known in modern times as the Demon Realm.
Verden asked inwardly.
‘Layla, are you the ‘Nameless One’?’
He did not voice that question.
If the speculation is true, then Layla must currently be suffering from some form of amnesia. You must not expect a rational reaction.The unconscious.You must tap into the consciousness within consciousness that even Layla is unaware of. Just as the leg reflexively rises when the knee is struck by a hammer.
You have to catch them off guard unexpectedly.
Verden decided to imitate Thearel’s method as an experiment. It was strictly an experiment.Thinking this, he gripped the teapot.
Layla picked up the teacup.
“Thanks…….”“Pandela. The Nameless One.”“Yes?”“The Stone of Fire.”“……??”
Layla blinked and tilted her head. She looked clearly flustered, wondering what on earth he was talking about out of the blue.
It doesn’t work at all.
It seems the amnesia has taken deep root in the unconscious.Or perhaps Thearel’s method is terrible.
Verden continued speaking calmly.
“If you don’t know, that’s fine. I am continuing to gather information on the Great Demon of Parasitism, but it seems I will need more time.”“Don’t push yourself too hard. Dealing with the danger right in front of us is the top priority.”“So, about the war.”“Ah, yes.”“If you want to join the Ternetia Federation Suppression Corps, I can let you in. The Federation is your home,after all.” “Thank you for your consideration, but honestly, I don’t care where I go. I’m ready anywhere, so I’ll follow the Alliance Commander’s will.”“Is that so?”
Verden nodded.
“Pandela.”“What is this Pandela you’ve been talking about for so long? Is she connected to the Archdemon of Parasitism?”“I’m talking to myself. In that case, I’ll assign her to the Ternetia Federation Suppression Corps.”“……Yes. But I have a question.”
The two continued their conversation about the war. It was mostly Leila asking questions and Verden answering. Sincethe exchange wasn’t very long, the minute hand of the clock barely moved.
“Let’s head up now.”“Sure.”
Leila followed Verden, looking satisfied as if her curiosity had been somewhat satisfied.
It was the moment Verden grabbed the doorknob.
“Pandela.”“Hey, what is that? Why do you keep acting like that??”
The desired reaction still isn’t coming out.
It’s still okay.
If the subconscious is not stimulated, such repetitive forced recognition can be the answer.Whispering words unexpectedly until they come to mind is also a method.
* * *
Preparations for the punitive expeditions are nearing completion on each continent.
At the same time, the final meeting between Verden and the old king was imminent.
