Episode 855 Rapid Progress (1)
You smell like the sea.
I am reminded of what was said when the Black Sea suddenly appeared before the World Conference.
Gring Arcanum.
The three great legends obtained from the First Magic Tower flashed through his mind.The sea.The surging sea.The ‘Apostle of Destiny’ mentioned by the Gray Dragon… … A clue to the being presumed to be one of them was already in his hands.
The Black Sea was the first to mention the smell of the sea. Next was Linus, and then Dumal.
Transcendents, humans, vampires.
As such, they have surprisingly little in common. Then why cannot Verden, the owner of the Gring Arcanum, feel the sea?
I guess I’ll have to look into this properly.
He intended to wait until the Banquet of Knowledge began, but even though he didn’t know what was going on, it wouldn’t have been polite to try and ignore it.Leaving such a source of anxiety unchecked didn’t suit Verden’s character.
“The Representative System for Coexistence of Alien Species was officially revised at the World Conference. Species restrictions on Alien Species, excluding Demons, have been lifted. Details will be conveyed via an official document soon.”“……!”
Dumal opened his eyes wide.
“We also plan to pilot Dalehin as a residential zone for heteromorphic races. Ultimately, we intend to expand the scope to include demi-humans and demons. It amounts to creating a paradise for sentient beings regardless of race.”
Verden placed his hand on Dumal’s shoulder.
“First, achieving harmony between humans and the various异种 (heterogeneous) species will not be easy, but I am confident that it is possible. Because I will make it possible. I entrust the initial administrative design of the city entirely to you. Use Eon’s power and resources as your means.”“To me…….”“Since this will not be merely the operation of a single city, a considerable workforce will be required. Therefore, feel free to call in异种 (heterogeneous) species from outside your jurisdiction. Other vampires are, of course, welcome, and selecting humans is also welcome. Literally, do not discriminate by race; form the cabinet based on ability.”
He passed by Dumal’s side.
I look forward to seeing if your city can truly become a bridgehead for world integration.
Verden, having moved away from Dumal, lightly patted the head of the maid Pine, who greeted him energetically, and headed toward the area where the mutants stayed.
“Hehehe, I saw your face, Verden… Huh? Why are you standing there like that? Are you feeling unwell?”
Dumal repeatedly washed his face as if he were washing it, then turned his body around.
“It seems the population will increase in the future.”“What? How much?”“I haven’t calculated it yet, so I don’t know, but it will be much more than it is now. Enough to expand the Lord’s Castle and broaden the city. In other words… the roles of me, who is in charge of the city’s administration, and yours, who is responsible for the overall management of the Lord’s Castle, will become very important.”“Ah…”
Dumal grabbed Pine’s shoulders.
I look forward to working with you in the future, Head Maid Pine.
Pine was promoted to head maid of Lord Dalehin’s castle at the tender age of 17.It was a super-fast promotion made possible because she was the first to volunteer as a maid after the Lord of Dalehin changed to Verden two years ago.
* * *
[I heard about the proceedings of the World Conference, aside from that oath of truth. They committed shockingly enormous acts.]
The first necromancer, Andes Necrail, shook his head while stroking his jawbone.
Squirming
The shadow demon entrusted to Andes carefully brought a steaming cup of tea and placed it in front of Verden.
“You have incredible information. It hasn’t even been two days yet.”
[Isn’t the rapid and accurate transmission of information important, both then and now? 800 years ago, we suffered great damage because there was no large-scale communication network. In fact, establishing such a system at that time was nearly impossible. We cannot let that situation repeat itself. I believe it is the right of the living to continue progressing through the past.]
I agree.
[Ah, of course, I’ve been dead for a long time.]
Andes laughed, his jaw clicking. Where else would you find an undead who cracks jokes so nonchalantly?Come to think of it, there was the Golden Sinner who acted playfully.
Verden brought the corner of his mouth to the teacup.
“How about the Shadow Devil?”
[He is so tame it is hard to believe he is a devil. Look over there. How could anyone think he is a devil after seeing him like that?]
The Shadow Demon stared at Verden with the tray practically pressed against its body. Two eyes rising from the darkness were wide open.As Verden quietly met its gaze, the Shadow Demon began to whimper again.
“Stop.”
The shadow demon stopped crying abruptly.It wasn’t like he was an obedient child, either.
[I don’t know why, but it seems to cherish only you. I have never heard of a demon having such a habit. Is there perhaps a connection between your bloodline and the demon?]
I don’t know because I’m from an orphanage.
I’m sorry.
Andes cleared his throat loudly.
Upon contemplation, I find no nature similar to the devil in my blood and flesh. If there is any connection, it must be an immaterial element.
[Immutability… … As expected, it is profound. Your existence.]
Verden is a transcendent being of a different caliber. He was peculiar not only in strength but also in his very nature. This was an impression he had personally witnessed and felt in the Silent Desert.It was a conclusion that Andes could reach because he understood the concept of the soul to some extent.
[Anyway. I have something to ask about the Pledge of Truth. Did the Theocracy of Luas really bring up the erased history of the old king?]
The fact that he specifically asked about the glory of the corpse, despite likely being curious about the entire process of the Pledge of Truth, meant that while Andes was clearly aware of his sense of purpose, he was also being very careful about his relationship with Verden.Not unilaterally demanding that information be shared was one example of this.
“I have revealed the general flow.”
[I’ve been completely caught off guard by the King of Water.]
Verden explained not only the response from the Ruas Church but also a brief summary of how the Pledge of Truth unfolded.
Andes put his hands together.
[The more forces there are that directly guard against the Glory of the Dead, the more advantageous it will certainly be for us. However, it is questionable from whom exactly the Water King heard the secrets of the Luas religion.]
King Su mentioned that the source of the information was a figure whose appearance had been thoroughly concealed. Since this was an answer given in the oath of truth, it was not a lie.
[Perhaps the Glory of the Dead has intervened to incite discord between the Ruas Theocracy and other forces. However, my intuition tells me otherwise.]
In what way is that so?
[The glory of the corpse… … I feel a malice that surpasses it.]
Andes bent his fingers and made a cracking sound.
[As you know, we suspect a ‘third force’ aiding the Glory of the Corpse. It is highly likely that they orchestrated this. Just as they informed the servants of the whereabouts of the former king’s body parts. Of course, everything is merely speculation. But if they actually exist… … .]
The fact that the purpose is unclear is threatening.
[If we don’t know our opponent, we have no choice but to move at a disadvantage. However, since we obtained at least a minimal clue at the World Conference, we must not let him slip away.]
The two of them spoke at the same time.
Hiaremar Inland Sea.
[Hiaremar Inland Sea.]
The place where the dragon sword Magras, last used by the ancient king, is revealed to be located.
“This is information released by the Iderat Confederation. Do you believe the Confederation is deeply connected to that third force?”
[I don’t know. So I’ll have to investigate.]
Andes stared out the window.
[Immediately after realizing the whereabouts of the Dragon Sword had been revealed, I began investigating the Iderat Alliance Leader and Lennon Bernard. So, you have nothing to worry about regarding this. If I suspect they are plotting anything, I will contact you immediately.]
The power that the Andes had prepared over hundreds of years is barely visible on the surface. The proposition that if we do not know our opponent, we are bound to face a disadvantage was also valid for them.
Preemptively respond to various variables.
Andes’s swift action pleased Verden. He knew that failing to anticipate the worst was the very recipe for disaster.
Verden said.
Still, the claim that Magras appears during an annular solar eclipse is likely not a lie.
[That makes sense. Speaking lies from the start wouldn’t have any effect. Mixing truth and lies is the most effective way to deceive an opponent. In any case, the conflict surrounding the Dragon Sword was inevitable.]
Andes added.
[If anyone obtains the Dragon Sword, be sure to avoid physical confrontation. It is a sword that shatters everything.]
I heard that from the manager.
The Five Great Legends. The Dragon Sword that Conquers All Things – Magras.
A sword that is the complete opposite of anything with a tangible physical form.Given that it was crafted by a single dwarf using a massive amount of dragon bone, its danger needs no further explanation.
So, I have a favor to ask.
[A request? Oh, of course. I’d actually welcome it. Go ahead and tell me.]
Can you share your memory?
Verden spoke in a low voice.
Of the Transcendent War.
[… … .]
Revealing one’s memories clearly to others presupposes at least a minimum level of trust.For this reason, I did not speak of it when I first encountered the Andes in the Desert of Silence, but now that the World Conference is over, things were different.
The fact that I have already heard about the various agenda items decided at the World Conference means that someone among the attendees is an Andean force.
Andes told me the truth from 800 years ago, but he did not reveal the identities of the sinners yet, saying that the time would come soon.He added that there was much for both sides to prepare.
Verden got the impression that Andes wanted stronger conviction.It was probably not a misconception.
You must keep this in mind.
Cooperation based solely on alignment of interests does not last long. Moreover, it creaks and is unstable whenever a strong wind blows.
Because trust lies in a realm beyond understanding.
From that perspective, the way Verden led the world conference, exceeding his promises, must have broken down the walls in Andes’s heart to some extent.
Andes replied to this.
[What is the method?]
It is the magic called
[It’s unique magic… … gladly.]
Andes pulled his chin.
[It would be perfect if I could actually show you, of all people, every scene I saw. Feel free to look.]
“thank you.”
Verden gently extended his arm. He placed his hand on Andes’s skull.
You just need to recall the memories you want to show you in chronological order. And in return, the memories I want to show you will flow in the opposite direction.
[So you are sharing memories sequentially. And placing your memories on a scale to balance them. It is gentle magic.]
That’s right.
Because
[Ah, the Golden Sinner’s memories will begin to slowly return now. The fact that the Second Servant is on the move in earnest means that the resurrection of the Old King is just around the corner. He will probably be 70 to 80 percent back in about 18 days.]
Andes whispered.
[In 18 days. Two criminals will come looking for you. To open the Golden Vault.]
“If it’s the Golden Vigo…….”
[Haha, you’d better check that for yourself later.]
Andes calmed his magical powers as much as possible and became immersed in old memories.
I’m ready.
Verden briefly thought of the Golden Sinner, then nodded. The Shadow Demon still looked at Verden with bright, alert eyes.
“Before that, I have a question. Do I happen to smell like the sea?”
[ocean?]
Andes magically formed a sense of smell and focused for a moment.
[No. Not at all. Is there a problem?]
“no.”
Verden returned to the main point.
Then, I will begin.
───!
The history of the war that burned half the continent, actually experienced by the first Necromancer, flashed rapidly through Verden’s mind.
A mountain of corpses.The monarch upon it.
That is how Verden saw the old king.
* * *
Robert of Wintert, who manages Eon’s finances, is learning how to manage funds by taking the Golden Sinner as his mentor.
Although only a few months had passed since she formed a priestess relationship with the ancient undead… … she was able to accumulate deeper knowledge than she had ever experienced before.
Was learning from someone always this important?
Robert was consumed by passion at the thought that if things continued this way, she could seize absolute financial power within Eon.For her, coming from the bottom of society, the pursuit of power was a natural and pure desire.
“Master, as the epidemic begins to subside, orders for Rikentia’s jewelry and accessories have increased severalfold. Although it has been delayed beyond schedule, it appears we will soon be able to dominate the continent’s social circles. We have also secured the funds we anticipated. Now, this…”
Robert paused for a moment, then cautiously raised his gaze. It was because the usually talkative Golden Sinner was too quiet.
The Golden Sinner was stroking the pendant hanging around his neck.
“Master?”
[… … .]
The olivine of Varonas—that gem symbolizing marital happiness—repeatedly appeared and disappeared behind the golden finger bone.
Couple, husband, wife, children, family. Couple, wife. Couple, wife, couple, wife, couple, wife, wife. Wife, wife, wife, wife, wife, wife, wife, wife, wife──
Some of the Golden Sinner’s old memories flashed.
[Dai… … Enia… … .]
Dienia.And her nickname.
[Dyna.]
“What? Do you have business at Dyna Bank…?”
[Hohoho. Hohohohohoho!!]
The Golden Sinner clutched the pendant tightly and let out his characteristic laugh. To Robert, it was a laugh that sounded like a scream.
Bang!
The Golden Sinner slammed his fist on the desk.
“S-Master?”
[Arkhand Lineage Tain Xerion.]
Drip… … drip… … .
Tears of blood slowly flowed from the golden sinner’s empty eyes. Clutching his skull, he spat out resentment and despair.
[I’ll make you lose everything, too… …!]
* * *
After concluding his meeting with the first Necromancer, Verden canceled his original schedule and returned to the Great Hall of Black Hour, rather than the ownerless land. Accompaniedonly by Alpha and Beta,he activated [Reindia] in a sealed room where no one else was present.
Whoosh.
[Gring Arcanum] was summoned upon Verden’s hand. An unidentified ancient book, whose creation date was unknown and which remained completely unresponsive, caught everyone’s eyes.
[The Three Great Legends. World Forbidden Book. Gring Arcanum.]
Alpha activated the function of the Memory Golem in the Mini Golem.
[Experiment Start.]
