Episode 842 Reflections (2)
Moving separately from the others in the waiting room, Vangelis was the first to leave the World Conference Hall and headed to the mansion where he had been staying in Gargant.Sensing a powerful presence, Medrail hurriedly came out of his room in his pajamas.
“You’re here, Grandfather?! How is the World Conference…?”“That’s good news.”
Vangelis soon raised his fist, expressing the joy he had been holding back. It was an emotional turmoil that even his granddaughter had never seen before.
What on earth is going on?
Medrail, who hadn’t yet grasped the situation, naturally harbored a sense of anticipation. He didn’t know exactly what it was, but it was certainly no ordinary news.
Vangelis firmly pulled his chin back and grabbed Medrail’s shoulders.
“My prediction was correct.”“What…?”“Akenad’s blood flows in Verden.”
Medrail’s eyes widened.
“D-did you verify this yourself?”“Not exactly, but I couldn’t help but be convinced at this World Conference. If you had been there, you would have felt the same way.”
Several shocking news stories and scenes flashed through Vangelis’s mind.
“A distinctive robe crafted from dragon material. A phenomenal growth rate that reached the upper echelons of the 7th Rank—no, nearly the very top—in just a few months. A mysterious background. Special magic. That unique extraordinary quality unparalleled in the world. Indeed, there was nothing lacking to be called a blood relative of the First Demon King. And what made me believe this conviction of mine was the truth was precisely ‘that sense.’”“A sense?”“How should I describe it…….”
Vangelis walked around the living room stroking his short beard, then stopped.
“A sense of liberation.”“A sense of liberation?”“I actually felt an intense sensation when I listened to Verden’s speech about fate and prophecy. It was like taking off a very old straitjacket. Medrail, do you remember when I felt something similar again?”
Medrail Ruin Akenard is Vangelis’s only granddaughter and disciple. What she has been taught so far is not only magical knowledge but also the very lives of the Seven Great Demon Kings.
Medrail cautiously moved his lips.
“……When you awakened as a Transcendent.”“The moment the unique Akenad bloodline residing within me awakened, my very existence felt as if it were boiling. Yet, ironically, that moment came to mind while I was experiencing an indescribable sense of liberation. Here, I recognized a certain inevitability, not a coincidence.”
Madness was evident in Vangelis’s unwavering eyes.
“Verden is connected to the First Demon King in one way or another. Just as deeply as we are. That is the conclusion I have reached.”“If Grandfather says so, it is safe to say it is a foregone conclusion.”
Medrail raised his eyes slightly.
“You’ll still check it, right?”
Even if you believe it without a doubt, it is merely circumstantial evidence without clear physical proof. If that is true, you must absolutely not stop here. This isespecially true for a wizard who digs into and explores all the unknowns scattered throughout the world.
Vangelis smiled broadly.
“Hahaha, I was actually on my way back after promising to prepare for this year’s Magic Festival with Eon. Once we finalize the decisions of the World Conference, I plan to invite Verden to the Magic Kingdom. The verification of the Akenad bloodline will take place then.”“As for the method… I suppose that is the only way.”“It is simply a matter of finding the remaining member of the bloodline, of whom only the two of us remain. Is maintaining secrecy really such a big deal?”
There is only one magical means to prove the bloodline of the Demon King without a single error—the special method of mana manipulation that only the wizards of Akenad can handle.
“I will teach Verden the basics of
If you master even the slightest bit of
The result will indeed be clear.
* * *
Verden crossed his arms.
I definitely never used
The first Demon King… I took extra care in managing my magic because I couldn’t exactly explain my relationship with the Administrator to the outside world… …Where on earth did they find a clue that could lead to the misconception that I am of the Demon King’s bloodline?
Did this become a hassle?
Looking back, it seemed he had been suspicious for some reason. This was the reason Vangelis had acted so friendly right before the World Conference.
If it were discovered that Vangelis had mastered
“The possibility of them turning hostile still cannot be ruled out… … It would be different if the judgment were made considering not only blood but also magical power.”
From such an Elven perspective, Verden could be seen as similar to the first Demon King, so he would be able to avoid becoming an enemy of the Akenad Demon Kingdom.
Perhaps Vangelis might readily understand the truth even after hearing all the circumstances. To be honest, Verden and the First Demon King are quite deeply related in a sense different from blood ties.However, this prediction is too optimistic, so I just kept it to myself.
I guess I’ll only know for sure once I go to the Magic Kingdom.
I will respond on the fly depending on the situation.That is the conclusion I have reached for now.How to clear up Vangelis’s misunderstanding is a matter to be resolved later.
It was really fun!
Ignacia approached, stretching while seated on a floating throne. On either side of her were the Master and the Oath-taker.
“It’s incomparable to the last World Conference, isn’t it? Do you know why? Of course, it’s because Verden wasn’t there! Oh, Verden, my cake, my sweets, my clown, my storyteller, my comfort doll───”“Don’t sing such a bizarre song.”“Ahahahaha!”
Ignacia spun around Verden, laughing splendidly. Itwas incredibly chaotic.
“Did the other attendees leave?”“Yes, since the closing ceremony ended just like that. Neither the House nor the Senate was in a mood to relax and catch up for good. It is fortunate, at least, that the Water King left without causing any further commotion. The same goes for the Dwarves. The Magic Towers were especially quiet.”
The oath-taker shrugged his shoulders as if to supplement the Master’s explanation.
“Well, it can’t be helped. Thanks to that, they’ve gained more than a few pieces of information from the World Conference, so they must have plenty to think about. Indren, who loves stability, looked particularly serious. Gareth was going with the Luas Cult.”“He was dragged away.”“Even Gareth wouldn’t dare fight those three with a serious intent. The Saintess is there, after all. Anyway, to think they would repay Gareth like that right after the conference ended. Was that their plan?”“It only distracts attention during the conference.”
He had painstakingly seized control of the World Council with the First Magic Tower and the Prophecy, but in the midst of that, drawing in the Luas religion with the Glory of the Dead and the Blood Pact in an attempt to counterattack Gareth was actually a loss.
After all, the World Conference is only a part of it.Reality is undeniably reality.It was much more natural to entrust Gareth to the Luas religion immediately after the closing of the conference like this, and it was easier to put him in a more difficult position.
“The Saintess was furious because of that second servant guy. Even if he’s cleared of charges, Gareth is going to have a headache for a while.”“Someone once said that if you’ve been wronged, you must repay at least exactly what you suffered.”“Emperor Jeracle must have said that.”“You know it well.”“When I was invited to his coronation ceremony a while ago, I asked him if there seemed to be some empty seats on the Imperial side, and that’s exactly what he replied. Haha, there’s a reason we jokingly call him a political transcendent.”
Did he have connections not only with various transcendent beings but also with the Emperor of the Empire? Just as he appeared to be sociable, the Oath-taker seemed to have wide connections in this world.
“Anyway, I’m going to be non-stop busy from now on. Because of that damn prophecy… Anyway, I came to tell you this before returning to Highlandia.”“I’m listening.”“I just need to protect my family and my country.”
The oath taker’s gaze became serious.
“Whatever secrets and schemes you harbor, as long as you don’t forget that, I’ll help you.”“…….”“I’m a pretty simple man, you know. See you again soon.”
The oath-taker smiled like a true man and left with a farewell.
The master said.
“Yurion’s defining characteristic is that the ideals he pursues are infinitely transparent. That is why you absolutely must not underestimate him just because they are so clearly visible.”“Honestly speaking, if you were to rank the current Transcendents based on their vicious natures, Yurion would be among the top few. Hmm, maybe just below the Saintess?”“You’d be in the upper ranks too, right?”“Oh my, does my personality look that bad? But wouldn’t I be better than the guy who killed a whopping five Transcendent beings?”“Pfft.”
The Master subtly covered the corner of his mouth and continued speaking as if he hadn’t laughed.
“……Then I will contact you soon regarding the Glory of the Dead. Goodbye, both of you.”“Are you only calling Verden? What about me?”“I’ll think about it.”
And so, the Master also disappeared down the hallway.
Ignacia crossed her legs.
“Ah, I’m really bored now that the World Conference is over. I feel kind of empty.”“It hasn’t been that long since it ended.”“You’re the one who raised my threshold for fun, aren’t you? Take responsibility!”“What responsibility?”“Desert.”
She whispered.
“I really want to see the civilization in the Silent Desert. From the look of it, the First Magic Tower looks like it might be there.”“Hmm.”“Come on, I brought the book all the way from the desert knowing you’d ask for this. Let’s not beat around the bush. Weren’t we friends? Huh?”
Ignacia whined, shoving the book by Tuhar that she had received as a gift a few days ago in her face.Verden replied.
“Come to think of it, I still owe you one more debt. Is this to settle the payment?”“Ah, that’s a bit of a stretch.”“?”“I—I took Silis in as a disciple, too. Isn’t that enough? I granted your request because we’re friends.”“It wouldn’t have been a bad offer for you, either?”“That’s that, and this is this! Anyway, you’re taking me to the desert later, okay? Promise, done!”
Ignacia forcibly linked pinky fingers with Verden and vanished without a trace. Why are these so-called Transcendents so self-willed?
I guess that’s not something I should be saying.
Verden walked toward the hallway, which had suddenly become silent. Most of the surrounding presence had vanished, and now only a few remained.
It looks like the conversation ended well.
Serendia, the guardian of the World Tree at the corner, turned her back against the wall.
Shall we walk a little?
* * *
Verden and Serendia walked side by side toward the World Conference waiting room. Surrounded by thick magical energy, the conversation between the two took place in secret.
“What about Karans and Merquien?”“I sent them out of the meeting hall first. Since I brought so many elves, they need to prepare to leave Gargant immediately.”“It is dawn right now.”“Gargant is not a suitable environment for the elves of the Great Forest. It is better to leave when it is dark to minimize friction. Of course, ownerless lands are a bit different. It would be alright if they stayed for a while, wouldn’t it?”“I gave permission a long time ago. It would be more convenient if we went together, but I still have business in Gargant.”“Of course, I understand.”
Verden changed the subject as he heard the regular sound of footsteps.
“You asked the Provider if there was a Great Demon of Parasites in the Demon Realm. Thanks to that, I was able to re-propose the conquest of the Demon Realm and ensure its passage. And during the Pledge of Truth, you asked a simple question that allowed me to conceal more of the truth. Did the Elf attend the World Conference purely to help me?”“I intended to assist in various ways, but there were hardly any moments where I could actually step forward. It is a pity.”“I am grateful for that.”
Verden asked.
“So, what is it that the elves ultimately want?”“They have already achieved it.”
Serendia looked down the hallway with her hands neatly clasped together.
“The choices you made today have once again drastically changed the world. More than simply planting saplings of life in the silent desert to revive dead nature.”“You mean influence.”“Yes, starting from this World Conference, many things will begin. And many things will change. Like the primordial world where nothing was predetermined.”
She slowed her pace.
“Prepare for everything, Verden. Fate is everywhere.”“……Can’t you hear me clearly?”“Taboos are everywhere, too.”
Serendia stopped, smiled, and bowed her head slightly.
“I will wait for you in the ownerless land. Karans is looking forward to our reunion, so I would be grateful if you could return as soon as possible.”“I will do my best.”
Verden ruminated on the sentence as he watched Serendia’s retreating figure.
Fate is everywhere… …
It was somewhat meaningful.
Verden cleared his mind for a moment and stood in front of the waiting room. The moment he placed his hand on the doorknob without hesitation, a sense of determination was conveyed to him.
I look forward to seeing how the Academy will teach the Hierarchical Wizards.
It belonged to the Provider, Deus Wieden.
Thinking once again that there were more than one or two people waiting for him, Verden opened the waiting room door with a small sigh.
[Your Majesty Verden.]
[Confirmed the return of His Majesty Verden.]
Alpha and Beta jumped in and settled on Verden’s shoulders. His distinctive single eye, composed of a blue ring, seemed to sparkle.
Thank you for waiting.
[trouble.]
It had only been two days, but for some reason, it felt like it had been a long time since I last saw it.
* * *
“…….”
The Provider, having sent his intention to Verden in the distance, let out a breath. Then, he asked Meia, the Executor who was gazing at the world.
“So, why did you go out of your way to uncover the second servant’s identity?”“The threads of fate for those at the World Council were practically severed anyway. A minor intervention would never again have any influence on future events. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands.”
Meia placed her hands on her hips.
“Why? Is what you did justified, and what I did unfair?”“I was just asking. I’m not arguing.”“I know that.”
Seeing Meia openly showing her annoyance brought back old memories. The Provider gazed at the fleeting recollection and smiled inwardly.As silence fell, Meia quietly opened her mouth.
“……He must have sensed the changes that occurred within the remnants of fate, too. Seeing that he still hasn’t reacted in any particular way, it seems he has accepted this situation.”“That is one way to interpret it.”“So, speaking of which…… where is the Primordial Mage right now?”
Oldarc Ruin Akenad.
The body of the primordial wizard lies within the power source of the Lefragium Magic Tower, but his recently awakened mind has fallen somewhere on the continent.Only one being was permitted to sense its location.
The Provider turned his head.To the east.
So you are in the Eastern Continent right now.
