Episode 864 Talent and Flame (1)
After hearing various speculations and explanations from the Elves about Blue, who had suddenly been reborn as a powerful being,Adrian returned to the Great Hall with official and unofficial communications sent from the Arkenad Magic Kingdom and the Bohemirn Magic Tower, respectively.
Just as I was about to turn around and head to another location because I couldn’t sense the Lord’s presence… the Lord’s magical power was detected again from the depths.
It looks like he went out and has just returned.
It is a very common occurrence when living with a lord skilled in spatial teleportation.And so, I headed straight to the deep research lab.
“You happened to be here. I have something to deliver to my lord…….”
Adrian paused.
It was only then that the outsider, who had been overshadowed by the lord’s presence, came into view.
The sight of a humanoid creature with its back exposed twitching, and a soaking wet Thearel quietly touching the wall of the Grand Hall… …
“What is the situation?”
Adrian simply couldn’t help but ask.
* * *
He combined glass reinforced with a magic circle with a fairly high-density stone wall, and filled the interior with water matched to the concentration of seawater. Hethen threw Ruzak into this makeshift aquarium.
with a plop!
“I think I can live now. After all, I am a body that cannot die from such things.”
After struggling like a fish just moments ago, he is now trying to save face again.
Verden increased his insight.
Well, still, it certainly seems like a body that doesn’t die easily.
The cross-section of the arm torn off by the specters of knowledge had already healed. No, to say it had healed would be an understatement, as there was no scar at all.The shape of the crippled arm looked very natural, as if the forearm had never been there in the first place.
Verden opened his mouth.
“The host said he would make you compensate me. It seems that compensation is your very existence. Am I understanding that correctly?”“To be precise, it is knowledge.”
Luzak approached from across the window.
“During the time my body is entrusted to the Guest, I bear the obligation to provide the knowledge I have accumulated to the Guest without receiving any compensation. You can consider it a form of advisory. It is one of the heaviest and most cruel punishments in the Arcadium.”“You look bright for that.”“Well, the Guest is someone capable of engaging in conversation with the Host on an equal footing.”
Luzak revealed his teeth.
“What is there to fear or regret in sharing what I know with a great intellectual? If things go well, I might even gain a piece of the guest’s knowledge. It is a very great reward compared to the effort.”“…….”“Ah, of course I remember that you pulled me up from a cliff. An intellectual never repays kindness with enmity. Ask me anything. I will answer with the utmost sincerity.”
The Arcadium was a place that defied the boundaries of common sense—in other words, it was completely insane. To think that one could gain knowledge by actually eating beings?Even Gluttony, who sought evolution through eating, wasn’t that extreme.
‘… … Is it similar?’
anyway.
I don’t even want to imagine what the banquet of knowledge might look like.
“Then, first of all, what is your origin?”“Origin, huh.”
Luzak shrugged his shoulders slightly.
“I suppose you mean my mysterious body. Indeed, you are the guest of honor. To point out one of the deep secrets of the Arcadium so immediately.”
He stroked his nose, which resembled a walrus.
“I do not know either. Regrettably.”“You do not know?”“Nothing is known about the background of Arcadium, nor where its inhabitants originated. Only the Host, who founded Arcadium, knows the truth. You, the Guest, must have already seen through my honest answer and realized there is no falsehood in it. It is quite shameful for me, as someone who prides themselves on being an intellectual, to be unable to answer the very first question.”“Are you saying the Host controls the information?”“Because knowledge is meant to be monopolized.”
Luzak let out a low laugh.
“I am treated as a VIP in the Arcadium, but as you can see, no matter how skilled I am, to the Host, I am nothing more than a mere toy. I am no different from a piece in a game of intellectual clashes. Perhaps no one other than the main guest is qualified to uncover the Host’s secrets.”“Are you satisfied with such treatment?”“For I—for us—our heads are about to explode just from the fraction of knowledge the Host possesses. Hahaha, how exhilarating that dizzying sensation is…”
An irreplaceable sense of ecstasy flickered in my eyes and then vanished.
“Of course, I am being careful in my own way, as getting a little too greedy here might lead me to become a specter of knowledge. To be honest, it seems like it is only a matter of time, though. It is the fate of an intellectual, I suppose.”
A creature satisfied with the food scattered by its master.A species that does not stop, even knowing it will meet a terrible end.
There are ambiguous aspects that make it difficult to view this as a violation of the dignity of sentient beings as defined by Verden.
It is precisely because the subject of the choice is different.
Luzak possesses sufficient intelligence, yet he willingly treats himself like livestock. He is different from test subjects who are passively forced into sacrifice and suffering.
Can one restrict the sincere acceptance of my situation without any external pressure?
There probably isn’t.
This is because even if slavery is abolished, sanctions are meaningless if someone arbitrarily decides to live like a slave and acts accordingly.
This is a problem that requires deep investigation.
It is still too early to judge dignity.
Since there are more than a few things to find out first, such as what kind of fate the host has and what the inhabitants of Arcadium are.
My Lord.
[Situation explanation. Done.]
Alpha and Beta completed their information-sharing mission for the Aspects of Eon. The targets included not only Adrian and Isabella but also people.However, the executives immediately dispatched outside had no choice but to be excluded.
It is premature to reveal all the secrets of the world discovered so far, but some are fine.
Since [Gring Arcanum] and Arcadium alone won’t violate any taboos, the conversation with the host just needs a little tweaking.
Cain looked at Luzak, who had an appearance he had never seen before.
“This being is part of your secret, Senior… Nice to meet you. I am Cain, the ninth Aspect of Eon.”“Thank you for the introduction. I am Luzak Paltein, the sixteenth Distinguished Guest of Arcadium.”“So you’re saying the Three Great Legends of the World Forbidden Books are connected to the deep sea? But I can see a brain in the back of this guy’s head? It’s disgusting!”“Speaking of disgust, he’s actually on the decent side in Arcadium.”
Junia recoiled in horror upon witnessing Luzak’s grayish-white brain.To someone unfamiliar with such bizarre mutants, Luzak’s appearance was bound to seem extremely unfamiliar from a human perspective.
“To think such an intelligent being exists in the deep sea… It is truly divine.”“The world is indeed vast.”“Ooh…!”
However, with the exception of Adrian and Rateon, most of the Aspects are mages. They actually showed great interest in Luzak out of curiosity.
Verden said.
“I entrust Luzak’s treatment to Melad.”“Will you be alright, Holy One?”“You are no less knowledgeable. Have Luzak record answers to various matters of knowledge through question-and-answer, including the procedures of the Arcadium. You may resolve any personal curiosities in the process.”
There was much to find out from Luzak, but Verden did not have the luxury of leisurely conversing and acquiring knowledge right now.
The advantage of power is division of labor.
The Sage of Wisdom, the organizer of Black Hour and the founder of the Society, would be sufficient to take Verden’s role.
Melad smiled faintly.
“As the Fourth Aspect, I cannot refuse such a crucial mission. Please leave it to me.”“Mr. Melard is indeed the right person for the job. But, Head of the Family.”
Isabella pointed to the right.
So, what are you going to do about that customer?
Tearel, who had been poking at Beta’s frame, raised her head.While listening to the explanation along with Eon’s phases, she revealed ‘to some extent’ the circumstances of how she had come to Arcadium.
Verden crossed his arms.
“There’s nothing to do. Just send them straight back to the Adventurer’s Guild Headquarters—”“Can’t I stay here too?”
Tearel expressed to him that he wanted to stay in Eon’s territory.
“What is the reason?”“I want to hear about the arcadium.”
Actually, there was also the reason that it would be awkward to reunite too soon after exchanging greetings with the Head of the Adventurer’s Guild, but… Tearel did not bother to mention it.
“I may not be the guest of honor like you, but I have been invited as the nineteenth distinguished guest of Arcadium. I believe I am worthy of sharing in Luzak’s knowledge.”“I will make sure to properly organize and convey the procedures for the Banquet of Knowledge.”“You’re curious, too, aren’t you? How I know of that host. I may not know about other things, but I am more knowledgeable about the sea than you are.”
Tearel tucked her deep-sea-colored hair behind her ears. Her beautiful, expressionless face, reminiscent of the ocean, was clearly revealed.
“Information. Want to trade?”
The blue eyes and eyes close to indigo intersected.
“If you entrust your life to Eon.”“Do as you please.”“Then I accept.”
Verden shifted his gaze.
“Melad, take Tearel with you when you speak with Luzak later. I leave the entire questioning process entirely to your discretion.”“To think I am now accompanied by a Transcendent of the Adventurer’s Guild. Hoho, it is a series of surprises.”“Adrian. I ask that you keep an eye on Tearel only when he is staying in the Great Hall.”“Understood, my lord.”
Adrian placed his wrist menacingly on the hilt of the light sword. The most stable way to deal with a transcendent element is to respond to a transcendent element.Regardless, Tearel nodded without showing any sign of displeasure.
“So, where should I live?”“I’ll get you an annex outside.”“But I want to live in the notorious Black Hour’s grand hall. Can’t I?”“No.”
The Great Hall is filled with Eon’s technology and secrets that have not been revealed to the public.
Allowing a transcendent being to stay at Eon’s base entails many dangers in itself. Verden had absolutely no intention of taking on that burden.
“You’re sensitive. And cautious. Understood.”“Aldeban, guide them.”“I obey your command.”
The Twelfth Aspect, Aldevan, took the lead, showing due respect. Tearel, who was about to follow him, muttered, “Oh, right.”
“I’m going to send a letter to the Adventurer’s Guild later. Could you pass it on? I don’t want to reveal my whereabouts, so please be careful not to let your route be discovered.”“May I ask what’s in it?”“Time remaining until the annular eclipse. About 26 days.”
She also heard the information the host told her as a special gift.
“Leaving aside whether it’s real or fake, it’s wise to be prepared. If it’s too much trouble, I’ll take care of sending it myself.”“Once the letter is finished, I’ll deliver it to the Adventurer’s Guild headquarters. Through an unclear channel.”“That’s all.”
Despite entering the center of another transcendent force alone, Tearel left the place with an attitude as comfortable as if it were his own living room, far from showing any wariness.
Isabella placed her hands on her hips.
“She is a unique transcendent being in many ways. Well, that is true of all transcendent beings. Is it a relief that she isn’t dangerous in terms of personality?”“She is an uncontrollable variable, but there is no reason to refuse a hand extended by the other side. As Tearel said, she possesses the most extensive knowledge of the sea. It is the perfect offer for us.”
Tearel, having landed in the middle of the Knowledge Landfill, was clearly in battle; given the circumstances, it is highly likely that the Host was the opponent.
The connection between the Apostle of Destiny and the Transcendent…
Just before leaving the Arcadium, I recalled the monster presumed to be the host’s main body.
A tremendous being.
I assert that abolishing the fate of the surging sea will require Verden to be prepared to tolerate no mistakes.
Perhaps Tearel could become an unexpected key in that regard.Even if not, it is advantageous in all situations to secure a transcendent-level ally in Arcadium, which can practically be considered enemy territory.
Just then, Luzak intervened.
“What shall I do?”“Keep quiet. I’ll put a book in there for you later.”
thud!
Verden completely spatially isolated the area around the aquarium. He also added a triple layer of security magic circles to block off the inside and outside.
You have heard quite a lot of information today, so you will need time to process it. Organize the details, including the annular solar eclipse, and I will deliver your individual missions later, so go about your daily tasks.
Although there were many questions, no one interfered with Verden’s decision.
In this journey of slowly melting the truth for each other… Verden is striving, and those by his side are waiting.
“I will take my leave now. Adrian, please finish your report.”“Yes, my lord.”
Adrian sorted out the situation.
“Then do it—”
[dissolution.]
Instead, Alpha sorted out the situation.
* * *
Dismissal. Dismissal.
Blue slowly floats through the air, emitting a dark red lightning bolt. It was clear to anyone that it was not merely the same in color and form.The magical power of destruction originating from Verden had dwelled in Blue.
“Our Blue is seriously super cool! Don’t you think so, Verden? Hehe.”
Ferne hugged Blue tightly, a broad smile on her face. The spirit, having returned to its blue color, sparkled in response to her.
It is of a higher rank than the primordial spirit, and there are no significant aspects of its magical properties that match those of the spirits of past generations.
Karans, a Guardian Elf who protects the World Tree’s manager and is also Serendia’s younger brother by blood, confirmed this.
“A completely new spirit has been born, brother.”
Blue flew over and spun around above Karans’s head.
Foret, the forest spirit who once embarked on a long journey alone to rescue Karans, who had been kidnapped by the Kingdom of Estiria, became Blue.He was reborn as a new spirit through Verden’s transcendent magic, but… his ego was no different from when he was Foret.
Serendia smiled.
“It is birth and evolution. Although they have not yet realized how to make a contract on their own, before long they will be able to instinctively wield the full power of a spirit.”
Alpha, sitting on Beta’s shoulder frame, leaned forward.
[Your Majesty Verden. Spirit. Contract?]
“Blue is derived from Verden. In other words, a created being. Since a spirit contract involves the intersection of entities with fundamentally different natures, a contract between Blue and Verden is conceptually impossible. The day will come when Blue will choose for herself who her contractor will be. I do not know when that will be, though.”
Verden leaned his back against the tree.
“I can’t quite grasp it now that the World Tree Administrator says it.”“It is natural for you to think that way, as elves are insensitive to time. However, the concept of time is both relative and absolute. Ultimately, whether it comes sooner or later, we cannot know.”
Serendia stroked the leaf with the back of her white, soft hand.
“For the primeval world, where nothing is predetermined, has almost arrived. All thanks to you.”“Thanks to, huh…?”
Verden let magic flow through his fingertips. Blue’s magic resonated. As the pure magic spread, it stirred the nature of the New Year.
Karans nodded vigorously.
“As expected. Seeing you together like that, you look just like parent and child.”“Hehe, from an elf’s perspective, that is true.”“Is that so?”
Verden repeated the unfamiliar word “child” to himself a few times. It was a concept he had never really thought about, so it didn’t quite resonate with him.Meanwhile, just like in the Kingdom of Estiria, Blue and Alpha assimilated using magic as a medium.
[ruin.]
Dismissed, bang!
The thunderbolt extending from Alpha’s hand pierced through the clouds in the sky. The adorable single eye was momentarily stained crimson.Fragments of the destroyed clouds were reflected in the gaping eyes of Ferne.
[Alpha. The Strongest Golem.]
[congratulations.]
Sparkle!
Alpha, who had become a powerful mage through Blue, showed off his magic, and Beta clapped his hands heavily, cheering in his own way.They were undeniably brothers.Then Ferne joined in as well. Watching the boys playing happily, Verden asked Serendia, who was standing beside him.
“Arkadium. The primordial dragon. Have you ever heard of it?”“Yes, I have. However, it is not significant to you. Especially the latter.”
Even though the story was brought up without much thought, Serendia showed no signs of being flustered.
Verden narrowed his eyes.
“How much do the elves know?”“Our knowledge is merely one side. The Great Mother knows the secrets, but she is surrounded by numerous constraints. Therefore, it is impossible to satisfy your curiosity. Not now.”
Serendia whispered softly.
“Conquer them one by one through choices, just as you have done until now. As you believe is right. Because that might be the fastest way.”“That would also be the path for the elves.”“And it is also the path for my brother.”
thud!
Karans patted his chest.
There is a saying among the Elves: “We live together, and we die together.” Wherever a brother chooses to walk, an Elf will always be with him.
Magical power surged more powerfully than when he was in the Kingdom of Estiria and the Great Forest.Although the process he underwent was unknown, his rapidly growing power and level were in no way insufficient to guard the World Tree’s guardian.
“So tell me anything, brother. I will help you with anything. I assure you it will be different from when you were kidnapped by those pieces of trash.”
Karans’s eyes blazed.Swoosh!The blades of the two curved daggers strapped to his sides were half-exposed.
“Looking at the World Conference, I see quite a few filthy vermin who harbor grudges against you, brother. Now, what is your next move, brother? If you intend to deal with those bastards, leave it to me. I will lead the charge immediately and bring back their heads!”“My next move, huh….
Although Verden had a mountain of work to do, he intended to take care of his extremely personal business first, as there was no longer any reason to postpone it.
I plan to meet someone from my hometown first.
Director of the Lascavelle Orphanage.
The person who looked after Verden and Lobelyn during their childhood is now in Arrain. Karance became sullen, as he was unable to play an active role for his brothers.
* * *
Carriages bearing the symbol of the Bohemian Tower sped down the road. Passing through land where crops could not grow, the destination soon came into view.
“I’ve arrived in Arrain, Lady Lobelyn.”“Right.”
After the World Conference───Lobelin, having finished speaking with the Lefragium Magic Tower regarding the Academy lecture matter, arrived in Eon’s territory.
