Episode 1000 Continent (1)
Four years ago, as the power source of the Bohemian Magic Tower ran wild, the ten perfect substances that heralded the beginning of the Age of Magic were reduced to nine.
Infinite magical power is a miracle of humanity.
Had such a power source not been invented, it would have taken roughly several hundred more years of progress to achieve the current level of magical technology.
The fact that the power source is under the control of the Ten Great Magic Towers, filled with top-tier wizards, rather than a specific country, is also a factor that absolutely cannot be ignored.
How would the world have reacted if a mine existed that would never run dry?A struggle for it would have repeated itself forever.For the owner of an infinite mine would be the very force that rules the continent.
However, although there may have been much noise due to the power source, no actual war has been waged over ownership of the power source so far.
The Magic Tower is the center of the magic world… … so exchanging murderous intent with such a magic world is tantamount to throwing oneself into a danger of terror that could explode anytime, anywhere.
All-out war?
The magical world possesses a strategy of large-scale magical bombardment. Furthermore, in the approximately thousand-year history since the establishment of hierarchical magic, there has never been a time when the Magic Tower was without transcendent beings.
Political and insidious pressure?
It is unknown how many high-ranking officials of the Magic Tower have met their demise so far. Magic is diverse. There are also diverse ways for people to die.
Not just one, but as many as ten power sources for the magic tower.
The power, wealth, and military might of the Magic Tower.
The irreplaceable uniqueness that there is no magical force capable of completely replacing the Magic Tower through magical advancements.
For the reasons mentioned above, the ten magic towers were able to reign as masters of power sources and lead radical magical development toward the next era.Even if one power source was lost, as many as nine remained, it was impossible for the status of the magic towers to fall significantly in this regard.
However… …it was none other than the Akenad Magic Kingdom that created a new variable.
At this year’s Magic Festival, held for the first time in about eight years, the 7th Magic King unveiled a new power source constructed using the Magic
Even if it is inferior to existing power sources, the power source of the Magic Kingdom still has potential for development. The 7th Magic King also declared that he could produce more power sources than that.
Thus, the proposition was broken.
Infinite power sources are no longer the exclusive property of the Magic Tower.
The major forces that critics currently evaluate as leading the next generation of the magical world are the Artisan Magic Tower, Eon, and the Arkenad Magic Kingdom.
Whooooooong… … .
The power source of the Magic Kingdom, also known as the Source, emitted a faint blue light.The natural magical energy circulating in Centrum, the fortress of the First Magic King, was concentrated into a massive spherical mechanical device along the passage created by the
The endless magical power of nature was converted into highly versatile magical power that humans could use almost freely with extreme efficiency.
The magical power output from the source sustained a total of 238 special spatial magic circles modified by the Magic Kingdom that were connected to it.
Thump, thump.
With his hands clasped behind his back, Vangelis wandered through the magic circles all day, gazing at the power source he had created. His thoughts did not cease.
“We spent dozens of days analyzing the unidentified waves emanating from the Gate of Death and completed an arrangement of spatial magic circles to counteract them. Although we could not pinpoint the source of why it was destabilizing the space, we nonetheless reclaimed ownership of the space using the power of the Magic Kingdom.……”
I heard the name “Gate of Death” directly from Verden upon his return.
“What do you think, Medrail?”“I am proud to be a member of the great bloodline.”
Medrail Ruin Akenad, having set foot on the top floor of Centrum, headed toward Vangelis and looked around at the magic circles filling the surroundings.
“It was my grandfather who orchestrated and stabilized these complex spatial magic circles.”“If it weren’t for the mages of the Magic Kingdom, it would have easily taken another 57 days.”“Above all, if it weren’t for the power source my grandfather created, we would have had to consume an astronomical amount of magic stones just to barely stabilize the spatial coordinates of all continents. And even then, only for a mere few tens of minutes. Making spatial travel possible again, albeit temporarily and in the long term, will surely be recorded as my grandfather’s great feat.”
The grandfather and grandson looked up at the power source side by side.
“Of course, there is the option of using the power sources of the Ten Great Magic Towers, but…”“Given that power source runaway incidents have actually occurred, the Magic Towers aren’t bold enough to expose their own hearts. Besides, they didn’t want to reveal the Magic Kingdom’s magic circle technology to the Towers in its entirety.”“It can’t be helped.”“Because the Magic Towers aren’t ours.”
There are things that cannot be tolerated by others under any circumstances. In the magical world, which constantly evolves through derivatives, one’s own unique skills usually fall into this category.
Even if the world were to end tomorrow, the Magic Tower would not hand over its power source, and the Magic Kingdom would not readily yield its magical technology.
The altruism Vangelis occasionally displays is, in fact, limited to his family.If anyone else dares to encroach upon Vangelis’s territory, he will not hesitate to take action as the Supreme Seven Great Demon Kings.
“Thanks to that, I spent some time thinking about how to properly utilize this imperfect power source. Had I failed, I wouldn’t have been able to operate the spatial magic circle arrangement I painstakingly perfected even a few times.”“Operating it just four times would have shaken the Magic Kingdom’s finances. It is proof that the Source’s power is of immeasurable material value.”“Hahaha, the effort certainly paid off. Yes, it was rewarding, but… the more I thought about an infinite power source, the more doubts I had.”“Doubts?”“Even the vast natural magical power circulating in the Centrum cannot sustain the Source. Without a gap, the entire Centrum would come to a standstill. Even this amount of magical power is a long, long way from being infinite.”
Vangelis’s voice went low.
“But what is the Magic Tower’s power source that it never runs out? It is an absolute rule of the magical world that one cannot create something out of nothing.”
The power source of the source is still emitting light.
“Assuming the absolute premise hasn’t been broken… where on earth did the magical power of the Magic Tower’s power source originate?”
Various questions regarding the Magic Tower’s power source had long been buried in the magical world.Over the considerable span of 185 years, the power source had already been proven to be perfect. It had become a concept in itself.
Water is water.Sky is sky.The power source is the power source.
There is no reason to question this.
It is no more productive than planting seeds in a desolate desert. The magical world decided to move forward rather than look back.This realization was deeply ingrained even in the mind of Vangelis, who had spent his entire life in the magical world.
“and…….”
Vangelis recalled what the old king had said in the Hyaremar Inland Sea.
The Magic Kingdom has always existed. Oldark has never ceased to exist.
That guy, who suddenly mentioned the name of the first Demon King, was completely unhesitating. He acted as if he knew a truth that no one else knew.
The Ancient King is a being from eight centuries ago, and the Founder is a transcendent being from five centuries ago. Even considering the margin of error, there should absolutely be no way the two would ever meet. Yet… … the Ancient King showed absolutely no sign of unfamiliarity when speaking of the Founder. It cannot be explained simply by the fact that he knows him.
Vangelis slowly stroked his chin.
“What is an Apostle of Destiny? And what is a Resistor? The Old King referred to Verden as the Destroyer of Destiny. Are the Apostles of Destiny Verden’s enemies? Is Verden the Resistor? Then why did they go out of their way to distinguish between Verden and the Resistor? Also, what is the race known as the Demons? And why did the Four Dragons mention the World Tree upon seeing Verden?”
As thoughts followed one another, Vangelis’s intuition connected the clues. Ultimately, while it was impossible to know if it was the correct answer, it led to a hypothesis that was at least slightly more probable.
The ancient king spoke of destiny proudly time and time again. Does this mean that the progenitor lies at the center of destiny and Verden, which defies it?
Verden inherited the legacy of the first Sorcerer King known as
Then the progenitor was a resistor… …? Resisted fate?
Vangelis’s questions all came down to one.
What is fate anyway?
It was the moment Vangelis first began to question fate.It was just as he was reflecting on the general meaning of fate and attempting to contemplate how it was connected to the Progenitor, Verden, and the chaos of the world.
“Grandfather?”“……It is too early to speak of the rest.”
Shaking his head from side to side, he soon averted his gaze from the power source.Then, he changed the subject.
“More importantly, has everyone arrived?”“Ah, yes, Grandfather.”
Medrail nodded. Reminding himself why he had come to the top of the Centrum, he led Vangelis to the highest balcony.
In this way, the grandfather and grandson looked down at the capital of the Demon Kingdom from a place close to the sky.
Lords of the rank of Count or higher have assembled, each leading their knight orders. The Magic Association of the magic city of Virente has also joined in with its fleet.
Airships proudly flying the flags of their territories were waiting outside the capital’s walls. The Magic City Association was also situated in one corner of the area.The magical energy of many wizards flickered through Vangelis’s magical senses. While there were some who had awakened their ki, the number of wizards was overwhelming.
The leaders who would command the great army of the Akenad Magic Kingdom visited the capital of the Magic Kingdom in one fell swoop as soon as they received the order from the 7th Magic King.
Medrail took out a letter sent from the North.
“And they say Prohas is also ready to welcome the Magic Kingdom and the world.”“Hospitality from the nation that rules the North.”
Although Prohas was not a nation with significant ties to the Magic Kingdom, the young King of Prohas recently showed considerable interest in the country. He even wentso far as to say that he would like to join forces with the Magic Kingdom’s military if war were to break out.
The intention was unknown, but it wasn’t bad.
Since the sole ruling force of this cold north possesses formidable power, those who survive the bitter cold are resilient.
Although I am concerned about the beings who betrayed humanity, I must not be afraid to take the first step just because stones might trip me.
Vangelis looked north as he read the invitation written in the handwriting of the King of Prohas—Eres Eindgel Prohas.
It’s been a long time since I’ve been to the North.
The urgent summit to be held before the old king sends a messenger will take place in Prohas.
* * *
“Prohas. It’s atmospheric.”
Prohas’s letter, already opened, lies on the round table. Although the letter, sent via the Magic Kingdom, was effectively a notification that did not seek an opinion, Emperor Zeracl did not go out of his way to object.It appears the Magic Kingdom supported King Prohas’s will.
Currently, the influence of the Magic Kingdom—or more precisely, the 7th Great Demon King—cannot be ignored. After all, he is a transcendent being who resolved the continent-scale spatial movement inhibition phenomenon.
He deserves respect for the achievements he has made.
“The environment in the north is the exact opposite of the volcanic zone; will you be alright?”“I’ll be fine if I borrow the power of a magic item. I’ll have to go even if I have nothing. A summit is being held, so I can’t exactly skip it just because it’s cold, can I?”
Arkul, the leader of the Red Volcano clan representing the dwarves, replied. Visiting the imperial capital for the first time, he was being treated like royalty.
Emperor Zeracl nodded in satisfaction.
“That is an excellent mindset. The dwarves’ role in this war will be immense.”“Of course. The whole world will come to know what the dwarves truly are—whether it is the old king or whatever—and what the dwarves’ weaponry truly is.”
Arkle took a sip of the fine liquor and smacked his lips. He wanted to gulp it down, but he restrained himself. He had to maintain his dignity as the representative of the clans.
“By the way, I heard that you are reluctant to cooperate with the neighboring Empire. The Kingdom of Valdera, the Barimtiel Concordat, the Kingdom of Itel… especially the Kingdom of Itel, which received a great deal of help from the Empire during the Undead crisis.”“It is an unavoidable choice given that the continent’s current enemy is the Undead. After all, the Luas religion is the best for dealing with the monstrous beings born of death. Besides, isn’t something absurd shaking the continent once again?”“Hmm… that is true.”
Arkul frowned as he looked down at his glass.
“Life that doesn’t die. Lately, I feel like I’m seeing all sorts of things I shouldn’t see.”
There is no death.
Death disappeared from this world due to the ancient king released from the seal of the Lord of the Lefragium Magic Tower before there was even a chance to properly respond.
A human who had long since suffered excessive bleeding from a knife wound receives a miracle of healing and survives.The head of a worm that crushed the body moves.The pupils of slaughtered livestock tremble ceaselessly.
It was such an absurd matter that society did not stir up but rather sank back, just as one shrinks from the cold wind carried by a storm.
Any human facing such a bizarre situation has no choice but to cling to the Luas religion. There is no dissatisfaction with the two kingdoms and the collaborating nation following the religion.This is because Emperor Zeracl does not care much about the military strength of the three kingdoms in the southern part of the Western Continent.
The Arnach Empire is a great ’empire’ that has existed for over 600 years. It boasts a longer history than even the Arkenad Magic Kingdom.
The military strength of the territories and nations subordinate to the Empire is truly overwhelming. The Arnak Empire is the most territorially and populous nation in the entire world.
The Empire has also already assembled a large army.
“I have never heard of the ancient king possessing such power, but reality is reality. War with the ancient transcendent being is now an inevitable course. The Empire will be awaiting your creation.”
Geracle clasped his hands together majestically, displaying the composure of an emperor.
“I look forward to a mighty weapon.”“Do not worry.”
Arcul assured him.
It has been on track for a long time already.
With G’harun, the legendary hammer with the blade, leaving the volcanic region, the orthodox Dwarf faction lost its center.Their voices were still loud, but Arkul paid no heed whatsoever.
Stubbornness?Just break it with even stronger stubbornness.
Arcul has no intention of abolishing orthodoxy. He merely intends to grant it flexibility. The mass production of tools, a taboo for dwarves, was not far off.
“Oh, by the way, I heard there is a dwarf attached to the Glory of the Dead. By any chance, what kind of dwarf was it?”“It is difficult to explain. You would be better off seeing for yourself at the summit.”
The interrogation of Grimmel and Luneska is scheduled to continue at the summit.This time, Verden will also attend.
The conversation between the Emperor and the Clan Leader continued a little longer, and not long after, the door opened and the sound of short footsteps faded away.
Emperor Zeracl, having dismissed the Imperial Guard, spoke with Krail—the Lord of the Imperial Executive and his shadow—by his side.
“You must have seen the real Grimmel Gromfar, the worst dwarf on earth, yet you remain silent. I take that to mean you are ready to cooperate with silence.”
[… … .]
“Explain the state of Lunesica Anternoa’s soul, Aerodon.”
The Sky Dragon Aerodon demanded to personally verify the worst dwarf on Earth in exchange for advice. Now that his request had been granted, it was his turn to speak.
[This damn Emperor. He is absolutely razor-sharp.]
The Aerodon hiding in the ceiling came down softly, flapping its small wings.
[Get it, so stop nagging me. It’s already seriously bad enough…]
* * *
There is a person whose upper body was crushed by construction materials in an accident. With his internal organs crushed to a pulp and his spine reduced to dust, he should have died.
But it doesn’t die.
A person with only their head and lower body remaining cries out in agony, begging to be saved. People vomited at the horrific sight that was too gruesome to behold.
As death literally vanished, people were thrown into bewilderment and froze.
Fortunately, just because you didn’t die didn’t mean you couldn’t receive treatment.
Even if the upper body is crushed as shown above, if debris remains, it can be healed by a high-level miracle, and if there is no debris, it can be restored by a miracle that repairs the missing body.
There was no ceaseless flow of footsteps from the continent toward the Church of Luas. The same was true for the diocese. Naturally, the Church distinguished between miracles that could be performed in the world and those that could not, just as it had originally been.
The resentment of humans—who could neither receive the highest-level miracles nor possess the wealth to offer offerings, and who were merely unable to die—criticized the Holy Nation.Nevertheless, the number of those who worshipped Luas, the Goddess of Light, only increased.
There is no death.The more so, the clearer the light becomes.
Pope Romanus knelt and prayed before a statue of a goddess whose face was hidden by a robe. He prayed not only for believers but also for humans who resent the light.The Pope must know how to embrace everyone, rather than distinguishing and excluding people.
“I heard about what happened in the Kingdom of Ronia, Saint.”“…….”“Couldn’t you endure it? That vengeful spirit.”
Saint Leonhard sat in a prayer chair with his head bowed. It was only after some time had passed that he finally opened his mouth.
“I had to.”“Is that so?”“Even if I could turn back time, I would kill the former King of Ronia. I do not regret it. This much… I do not regret it.”
Leonhardt affirmed the uneasy relief he felt only after finally achieving revenge, saying that he would have made the same choice time and time again.
Because it is young, it is inexperienced.However, because it is young, it can be learned.
“Verden must have heard of the King of Ronia’s death long ago, yet there has been no reaction from Eon. However, they certainly will not sit idly by. They will likely retaliate at the summit. After all, the Ruas religion owes a great deal to Verden.”“I shall take responsibility…”“I will speak with them.”
The Pope did not hesitate.
“A saint should ruminate on past actions and ponder what to learn from them. And never apologize to me. That is what it means to truly have no regrets.”“…….”“We must always strive to become better beings. I trust that this revenge will serve as great fertilizer for you, Saint.”
Leonhardt had nothing else to say.
“……Yes, Pope.”
Leonhardt rose from his seat and left the sanctuary’s prayer room. He thought of his family. He wanted to tell his mother and younger sister that he had avenged the village of Tyr. He beganto put more force into his feet, which had been dragging along uncontrollably.
Family was Leonhardt’s everything.
thud.
The Pope, now alone, coughed softly and prayed toward the statue of the goddess. The ancient king had been released from his seal. The Theocracy had also assembled its army.A massive force of clergy and paladins would be organized, as if waging a holy war.
“Luaz, please watch over your sheep,”
Did my prayer reach them?
The fingertips of Saint Ersetia, who was suffering from a second fever in the secret room of the sanctuary, moved.
Three newcomers will gather again.
* * *
There is still time before the old king sends a messenger.
There are only a few days left until the banquet of knowledge.
Whoosh.
For the time allotted, Verden traversed the continent by borrowing the stabilized space of the Magic Kingdom. His visit to Highlandia was part of this effort.
Highlandia is the land of the Oath-makers situated in the high mountains.
Since it is separated from the nearest country by high cliffs, the rugged terrain makes it ideal for deceiving others and plotting something.
For example, the military.
That’s right.
The forces of the Alliance of Transcendents are being forged in the territory of Highlandia. Both the Golden Sinners and the Sinners of Death are residing there.The Alliance has trained and equipped itself using the Golden Vigos left behind by the sinners.
It is a relief that you have returned safely, Your Majesty.
Enet the fierce dragon, a disciple of the former Master who is currently based in Eon, welcomed Verden as a guide at the Allied Forces Training Center.
Verden detected a facility that had thoroughly concealed a specific location. Even with his sensory abilities, he could not tell what was in that place.
“Yurion was hiding something interesting.”“I heard that it was built based on the ancient ruins remaining here. Adrian, Yurion, and Vendie are waiting. I will guide you.”
Following Enet, we entered a canyon shrouded in white mist. In the center of the canyon stood a massive gate built upon a distant ancient structure.
The door opened from the inside, as if it recognized the presence of Verden and Ennet.
I reached the end of the canyon.
Beyond that lay a vast territory. It was Highlandia’s most secret hideout, inaccessible without passing through the canyon gate.
At the center was a very small city, and Allied troops were being trained at the Allied bases scattered near the city.
Even if they are not the entirety of the Alliance of Transcendents, they are practically its center. Forthey were all beings who had passed the Covenant of the Oath-Willed and followed the Transcendents without a single traitor—that is, a follower of fate—among them.
It was the result of organizing a considerable number of people selected from the realm of the Transcendents, including the disciples of the Temple, the Knights of the Word Spirit, the elites of the Masterless Land, the mages of Eon, the nobles of the Principality of Liviant, the executioners of the Republic of Beldirn, the knights of the Kingdom of Estiria, some adventurers, and some mages of the Magic Tower.
thud!
They all stomp their feet in unison toward the transcendent being who has come to the Alliance of Transcendents.
To some, the Absolute Ruler of Estiria.To others, the Leader of Eon.To others, the Three Great Leaders of the Black Hour.To some, the Divine.To others, the Overlord of the Masterless Lands.To others, the Breaker of Wonders.
I greet Verden of Eon.
Thousands of elite soldiers, who would command hundreds of thousands or more of troops in the future, saluted Verden.
