Episode 851 New Year (1)
‘The
Looking back, it was a completely unexpected and surreal sight. It was an experience like a preposterous dream I had one day.
There is no way to know exactly what gift the Gray Dragon gave to [Einber].
anyway…….
The price for violating a taboo cannot be light.
Since it is a being directly sealed by none other than ‘you,’ the punishment will be severe. Even if, as he said, it does not die.
I owe you a debt in many ways.
The Gray Dragon realized something in the Way of Destruction, and using that as an opportunity, he conveyed new information, even going so far as to bear the taboo alone.
Apostle of Destiny.Source of Destiny in the Fifth World.
The former are, without a doubt, the beings in Molgarn’s future murals. And as for the latter… I have a strong feeling that it might be the most important secret, the very nerve that acts as ‘your’ Achilles’ heel.
Complete consciousness.The true meaning of gray.The primordial dragon.The resistors who submitted to ‘you’ in the Battle of Destiny.
In reality, it was truly a fleeting moment, to the point where the passage of time was meaningless, but the conversation I had with the gray dragon during that time left a deep impression.
It amounts to saying that Verden, who merely tried to make fate incomplete by causing contradictions in causality, has been given a direction with at least some clear substance.
That is not all.
Even if not immortal like the Gray Dragon, if one’s stature is high, one can endure taboos.
I found out how to break the taboo.
Even though it was a truly crude method, the fact that it was possible was very encouraging. Overwhelming strength is not shaken by miscellaneous techniques.This adds one more reason to pursue explosive growth going forward.
The conceptual expansion of destruction.
In the silent desert, Verden’s short-term goal was already set. He firmly believed that the union of the realization regarding
“… … Anyway, no matter how much I think about it, I don’t feel any hostility.”
When I first saw the Gray Dragon, I was wary, but I felt no hostility whatsoever. It was the same even while being pressured by the presence of the Elevated One.Was it perhaps because we essentially share the concept of gray?
Verden needlessly ran his hand through his ash-colored hair.
“Gaju… isn’t something going right?”“Hmm?”
Verden focused on reality again.
The Lore Wolf subspecies summoned by the magic circle dispenser had already scattered.This was due to a loss of concentration.Seeing this, Isabella looked at him with concern, while Theodore wore a despondent expression, as if he had instinctively sensed the failure of the summoning magic.
“Is consciousness isolation too difficult a method…? If so, it needs to be improved, but since that is the foundation of summoning magic, I’m not sure how to proceed… Maybe I should just announce it later…”“The summoning magic was successful.”“What?”
Theodore looked up in surprise. He had a look of complete bewilderment. The magic circle dispenser was deactivated and disappeared.
Verden approached and patted Theodor’s head as if to comfort him.
“The announcement of summoning magic will take place at the Magic Festival.”“Huh?”“Eon will cover all expenses. So make sure you are fully prepared so you have no regrets. Well, I’ll see you again soon when I officially visit the Academy. Or perhaps we could meet at the Ark.”
In fact, it was thanks to Theodor that Verden was able to meet the Gray Dragon. He could provide as much research funding as needed.Of course, Theodor, unaware of the full story, just blinked blankly.
Alpha asked.
[return?]
That’s all for my external schedule.
The spatial magic cast by Verden gently enveloped the party. The purple light characteristic of the spatial attribute shone from the center of nature.
Give my regards to Iris.
A sensation of being transported to a different location enveloped Theodore’s senses. When he opened his eyes again, he was in an alley near the Academy.Verden, Isabella, Alpha, and Beta had vanished without a trace.
“Hoo-oop,” Theodor took a deep breath and shouted in the middle of the street.It was a belated answer directed at Verden.
“Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”“Ah, you startled me!!!”
A descendant of Elder Sheorn who happened to be passing by was startled and dropped the bread bag.
* * *
Despite various significant variables, the schedule in Gargant was concluded by recruiting Tilber Spengear and testing Theodor’s summoning magic.Now, after handling a simple internal schedule, we plan to return to the territory.
Afternoon tea time.
I have never felt the phrase “feeling deeply moved” this deeply.
A smile filled with sincere emotion spread across the face of the Duke of Liviant.Although there had been no direct contact since Verden left the Principality of Liviant and moved to the Kingdom of Estiria, he was a figure with whom he shared a deep bond.
Memories of winning the match held at the Duchy’s agency, and the memory of annihilating the Marquis of Labishurn who possessed Gluttony’s fifth fang, come to mind.
The Duke of Liviant still did not know about Gluttony, but the Marquis Gardran, who was seated right next to him, did not.
The 2nd Prince of the Duchy and Marquis Gardran killed Gluttony, who had infiltrated the Duchy of Liviant along with Verden as a member of the Ark.
Verden said.
“I agree, Prince Libyan.”
Unlike in the past, social status has been reversed.
No one could have imagined that a mercenary active in Gray would become the absolute ruler reigning over the continent in just about four years.
The Duke of Liviant will never forget this World Conference.
“Even though our connection was fleeting, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude for Lord Verden’s concern for the Principality of Liviant. I agonized over whether I could dare to convey my greetings in writing, so I am truly relieved to have this opportunity to meet you in person.”“It may have been brief, but it was no trivial connection. I still remember the memories you gave me.”
The black gem of the [Center of the Three Primary Colors] hanging around Isabella’s neck glows with rainbow light. An artifact once owned by the Principality of Liviant.
I told you I couldn’t give it to you because it was dangerous. You were right, but that wasn’t the real reason. In fact, this is an item filled with memories, which I acquired with Lavishurn and Gardran at the Kingdom’s auction house back in my youth.
It seems it is time to let go of the memories.
“If you are an elemental mage like yourself, you will surely be able to handle this artifact. Not now, but whenever that may be. Indeed. For a fourth-tier mage unprecedented in history who defeated a nation’s Marquisate, it would be a simple matter.”
Thanks.
I recall the conversation we had on a small hill near Lidron, the capital of the principality. It was there that the Duke of Liviant buried his memories.
“……That would be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life.”“Thank you for thinking so.”
Verden turned his gaze.
“I have not forgotten the Kingdom of Estiria and the Republic of Beldirn, either. I am still making good use of the artifacts I received from you. As you can see.”
In the Kingdom of Estiria, Verden, who eliminated Leonil and saved the royal family, received the national treasure [Reindia].In the Republic of Beldirn, as a reward for defeating the Bone Dragon, Adrian obtained the dark blue robe [Shadow Spider] worn over his current armor.
For reference, Adrian is not here and is with Enette. This was the result of Isabella adopting Beta’s suggestion to hide the schedule.
anyway.
Brillan Keirans, the Republic’s supreme council member who had cooperated with the Luas religion and provided various assistance during the Bone Dragon incident, waved his hand dismissively.
“Considering how much help we have received from you all this time, if you speak like that, we have no face to show Your Majesty. Isn’t that so?”“Haha, of course.”
Silis smiled benevolently.
Before the World Conference, the identity of Estiria’s true king was conveyed to the Republic and the Principality, but the reaction was simply one of surprise.
This was understandable, as the previous King of Estiria was the cause of the war on the Eastern Continent, so there was no reason not to welcome Silis, who was taking a path opposite to his, both nationally and personally.
Currently, the Republic of Beldirn, the Principality of Liviant, and the Kingdom of Estiria have formed an alliance within a large group called Eon.
Of course, the fact that Silis was a close associate of Verden could not be ignored.Even… … .
“You guys are so friendly. I came to watch how Verden puts the kids in his place with authority. It’s so boring.”“Haha…….”
Ignacia, who had suddenly butted into the tea time without prior arrangement, munched on a cookie with her arm around Silis’s shoulder.Silis, who felt as if she were being held like a doll, broke out in a cold sweat while still maintaining her smile.
Verden said.
“What is it now?”“Oh my, look how heartless you are. I even let you teleport around Gargant. Don’t you know using unauthorized magic in the city is illegal?”“It wouldn’t even apply to a Transcendent.”“That’s my business. Gargant is my territory, and it belongs to me.” “Go ahead and fine me.”“Hahahahahahaha, fines! How fun! Isn’t it?”
Ignacia looked serious.
“Laugh.”“Hahahaha.”“Don’t threaten me.”“Ahaha, this is authority. Guys, it’s just a joke, so don’t be scared.”
Most people smiled awkwardly and nodded. The scene of her offending the Saint at the World Council and unleashing magic upon the attendees flickered before their eyes.They realized once again that the bond between the mortal and the divine was quite deep.
“But saying this now, I was truly surprised to see the Lucky Melodyist I invited for my auction end up like this.”“Saying this now, I am grateful to you. Thanks to you, I was able to meet the Head of the House.”
Ignacia gazed at Isabella’s golden eyes for a moment, then, confirming the sense of strangeness he had felt for some time, curled the corners of his mouth.
“You really are different. You don’t look like just any high-ranking mage. I guess you didn’t become Verden’s left-hand man just because of that pretty face of yours?”“It’s not that my looks didn’t help.”“Aha, you’re so bold, it’s amusing. I told you Verden really does have a good eye for people.”
Ignacia suddenly tilted his head toward Kalia.
“Here is a female knight with a charmingly sharp gaze. And that red-haired woman on top of that. You certainly have diverse tastes.”“Shut up. What do you want?”“I came to see my disciple. And I have one last thing to ask you.”“Speak.”“The way I’ve seen it, it looks like a war is going to break out soon, you know? With those guys called the Glory of the Dead. Not just bickering, but fighting for supremacy over the continent.”
When Ignacia mentioned war, the leaders of the three nations listened attentively. She, too, wore a serious expression, as if to say that it was not a joke.
“What do you think?”“That’s the reason I created this place.”
Verden tightened his voice as he looked at the Republic of Beldirn, the Principality of Liviant, and the Kingdom of Estiria, which could be considered his forces.
“Upon returning to your homeland, immediately reorganize national power and prepare for war. Of course, while doing so, prepare the agenda agreed upon at the World Conference.”“……!”“Strengthen military training, but focus particularly on seaplanes, siege weapons, and strategic magic items. So that the power of numbers can be maximized.”
Verden asserted.
“This year might just be the toughest year of our time.”“Late last year was a continent-scale epidemic, and this year is a continent-scale war crisis. Hahaha. Verden, I haven’t been bored at all since I met you.”
Peace has faded, and the shadow of war has begun to fall over the world. However, this chaos is not caused by the madness of transcendent beings. It isan era where one can run wild as one pleases without violating one’s own standards.
Crunch.
Ignacia took an apple out of the basket and took a big bite.
That’s nice, right from the New Year.
* * *
Paaaat!
A fleet led by the Arnark Empire’s super-giant airship—the Attorium—transcended space and arrived in the skies above the Western Continent.
Inside the most secure Atorium, Emperor Xeracle unfolded the document.
“The Master of the Helion Magic Tower, the Frontline War, and Triton Martus formally invited the Empire to the Magic Tower, citing the agenda of the World Conference and various contracts. This has created an opportunity to access the depths of the Helion Magic Tower.”
[at las!]
The Sky Dragon Aerodon quickly scanned the official document and roared. Of course, given its palm-sized size, it could hardly be called a roar.
“I will say it again and again: accessing the Magic Tower’s power source is your responsibility. If you act arrogantly and are discovered, it will be difficult to turn back, so be sure to keep this in mind.”
[I am a Sky Dragon. I am not some lowly, inferior species; do you think I would make such a mistake? I have said it many times: all you have to do is take me to the Magic Tower.]
“I have kept my promise. So, stop making a fuss about the Magic Tower matter.”
[Hmph. Fine. I will show great generosity and do as you please. Hahaha! Just you wait, Oldarc! I will uncover all your secrets!]
Aerodon hopped around, flapping its small wings, then suddenly turned its head.
[Oh, right. More importantly, what on earth was discussed at the World Conference? I am especially curious about what Verden did, so tell me right away.]
You want a lot.
Emperor Geracle settled into a luxurious chair.
You speak first.
[Again? You emperor who can’t even live a mere 100 years is quite interested in ancient history. You won’t even be able to retain it in your head for long. So, what do you want to hear?]
Continuing from the last story.
[Ah, you mean the most dangerous beings in all of history? Hmm. It is certainly an interesting topic for anyone. Let’s see.]
Aerodon rested its chin on its hand and slowly rolled its characteristic eyes.
This would be good for today.
The guy spread his two claws.
[The worst dwarf on earth and the prisoner of carnage. Are you ready to hear?]
