Chapter 26 Spot where fog has lifted(3)

Translator: BaeBae Editor: BaeBae

The fog started to dissipate.

As the moisty air that held the entire tower prisoner dispersed, giant dark clouds formed over head.

The Gray towers true appearance revealed itself, as the fog that once covered it disappeared.

Only thing left was the Golem which was holding the tower up from total collapse.

Huksels crew held their breath as they watched Juan walk down the Golems arms.

As if it was attending its owner, the Golem carefully dropped his palm, in which held Juan and gently let him onto the ground. By now, Juans body had mostly recovered, a new layer of white skin had grown.

How did he do that?

Hes an outsider. Maybe he knows some strange magic we dont know about.

The scene where Juan was relentlessly stabbing the Golem on the head was firmly entrenched on their minds.

While he looked calm for now, that scene was enough to have them stiff frozen in place.

Soon after, another thing caught the attention of their eyes.

The Gray towers treasure.

When Juan returned from the top of the tower, he had a cloak draped over his shoulder.

Made of material that seemed not of this world, it looked silky smooth and light. Rather than silk, it almost looked as if it was made from condensed fog.

Grunvaldes Gray cloak..

Beside Huksel, Anya mumbled something. Huksel quickly grabbed her arm.

What does it do? It doesnt look like any ordinary item.

..Its the cloak of the demon that had once devoured the old city in fog. The only relic that endured, after the emperor burned Grunvalde to death. Its not too far-fetched to say, that item is Grunvalde himself.

My god.

And it seems he possesses Talteres sacrificial dagger as well. As it absorbs more blood its said it sharpens.so much that it can cut through steel. If the church found out about it, theyd lose their mind and would chase after the demonic weapon. By golly, how did I only notice it now

Huksel wanted to ask who Anya really was to be this knowledgeable.

It was possible she was after Grunvaldes grey cloak from the beginning.

It was common to see antique merchants and magic product merchants make their way to forbidden historical sites.

Huksel swallowed his saliva.

If Anyas words were true, they were looking at an imperial weapon far greater than ordinary magic products, that had been used to kill gods.

Unlike in the past, presently the churchs work made it difficult to attain excellent magical products. A demons weapon that was used to subjugate an entire city would be immeasurable in worth.

Boss, that item in his possession..

Bensons pupil was also filled with greed. If theyd got hold and sold even one of his weapons, their whole lives would be turned.

But after looking into Bensons eyes, Huksel decided to give on his greed.

Dont even think about it. Know your place. Even if youd somehow got it, you would be killed by a paladin if the word got out. Maybe youd have a chance if you were strong enough to bash a Golem into submission.but thats not you.

Only then, Benson thought back to when Juan had brute forced the Golem under his control. But even so, the niggling thought of greed didnt go away completely inside him.

Yeah, but shouldnt we get something at least. We went through a lot of trouble and he suddenly showed up and took the treasure away.

Huksel gave a slight nod at Bensons grumbling. Their thought process was beyond shameless as theyd been the one to ask and had coerced Juan into the tower in the first place.

It was a lie if Huksel didnt feel any unjusticement.

Huksel looked at Anya. Shed been the expedition sponsorer and he had promised her compensation from the trip, so he decided that it was up to her.

But her expression was bland and showed no reaction to all this. Frustrated, Huksel walked up to Juan.

UmSo uh, good job. Youre unbelievably strong. Forgive me for doubting you.

I dont care.

Ah. I see. Thats a relief. So..how much treasure is up there?

Treasure?

Juans oblivious reply ticked Huksel off. Just before, he saw Juan going up the tower while riding the Golem.

Without the Golem, it was impossible to get to the top as the tower was a hairs breadth away from collapse.

You promised. That youll select the first item and give the rest of the share to us.

Ah, yeah that.

Juan smiled.

Theres nothing up there, except this.

What?

Grunvalde and his treasure all but disappeared within the fire that burned the city to dust. The story of hidden treasure in the tower is nothing but a rumour. If the treasure existed, the emperor would have used it already, why would he keep it stored here needlessly?

No, this cannot be. I saw it with my own eyes!

Werent they adventurers? Its not strange to find them carrying items found from previous expeditions. And anyways..

Juan walked past Huksel.

Didnt we already split before entering the tower?

Huksel couldnt say in reply. Then, Benson came over to him. He whispered something into his ears and Huksels eyes were glimmered.

*****

Dusk was fast approaching and Huksel and his crew decided to sleep near the Gray tower for the night.

While the tower had disappeared, many attracted monsters still roamed nearby. It was dangerous to travel through the night.

Laying on top of the Golem, Juan was looking up into the sky. The trapped fog from the tower had all been released, filling the sky above.

It seemed heavy rain was on the way as distant sounds of thunder could be heard. A wet musty smell had already travelled ahead through the breeze.

All of that is Grunvaldes mana.

As he retrieved Grunvaldes Grey cloak, most of the mana contained within had flowed out. Maybe a by product of being sealed for all those years.

For a while he could only display one tenth of his actual power. Good news was that Juan was now able to control fog.

Even if it took a long time, he needed to regain his power.

Then suddenly, Juan smelt fresh blood.

It was upsetting to have his good mood interrupted. Someone was stealthily approaching him. The Golem slowly started to move as it noticed its presence. The person in hiding came to a stop and opened their mouth.

Child, theres something I want to say.

A female voice. It was the woman with the mysterious identity from Huksels party, Anya.

Juan turned his body to the side and peered down the Golem.

Anya was looking up at him with a tired expression and blood over her face and body.

Juan realised the smell of blood coming from her belonged to several people.

To be exact, Huksels crew.

Killed them all, did you?

Yes. They were talking about killing you during your sleep. Bastards would have all been killed by the Golem if it wasnt for you. I slipped a sleeping powder into their dinner. I dont know if this is enough to gain your trust.. But anyways, its a small present for you.

Anya dropped something beside the Golems feet. It was Huksels head. Then she proceeded to drop all her weapons and equipment to the ground, trying to show she wasnt a threat.

While I admire your courage for doing this, it looks like you need to work on your beheading skills.

I thought it would end quietly.I dont know if he was immune to the drug but the thief suddenly woke.. I must say, beheading all of them was quite a task. I hope my struggle is worth your time.

Juan instructed the Golem to kick Huksels head away. Huksels head rolled away, only stopping once it hit the tower.

This head doesnt mean much to me. I could have had their heads from the moment they pleaded for me to stay the night. Rather, Im more interested in your motives.

Juan knew from the beginning that Anya was the most skilled individual from Huksels team. Thats why on their first meeting, he ambushed and held her prisoner instead of anyone else.

Furthermore, as he got to travel together, he soon understood she didnt join for the simple reason of treasure.

Whats your purpose? Were you also going for the Grey cloak as well?

No. But in a roundabout way, you could say yes.

Anya sheepishly looked on as she pointed below Juan.

The Golem?

The mighty arms that pillared the throne, built for when the gods would eventually return, its a distinct symbol, proof that our emperor hasnt given up on us. Yes, I came here to find a way to control the Golem.

Juan stroked his chin. Resurrected with a childs body, one of the things he found strange was his non-existent beard.

It was a weird sensation, stroking his smooth chin.

Most of the Golems were put to sleep, when the emperor began his reign of peace. By now, they would be covered in moss and erosion. However, according to our sources, there were a few Golems left that could be operable. One at the Gray tower. I came, wanting to find out how to activate and control these Golems.

Juan made a quick observation at Anyas level of skill. It looked as if she was more skilled in assasination rather than normal swordsmanship.

A little familiar in magic but not at a high level. Even if she had found out how to defeat the Golem, retrieving the Grey cloak would have been beyond her capabilities.

What would have happened if she did manage to control the Golem.. Juan recalled the many Golems hed hidden away throughout the empire. When he was emperor, hed constructed a myriad of Golems.

Especially in the northern lands to face humanitys arch enemy, he placed countless Golems, so many they formed great walls to deal with the cracks. But right now, they were all asleep.

Control the Golem? Why?

So I can topple the empire.

Anyas reply was not what hed anticipated. Juan laughed heartily. He welcomed this kind of unexpectedness.

If one could control the Golems they would have an enormous power at their disposal. Topping the empire wouldnt be impossible.

You were gibbering this and that about the emperor, so Id thought you were one of those lunatics. You dont seem like one.

Dont misunderstand. Were faithful towards the emperor. But we feel the current empire is not what the emperor had envisioned. Rather, it feels like a group opposing his will.

So still a group of lunatics but with a noble purpose?

I dont mind what you think of us.

Anya stretched out her hand.

Arent you also discontent with the current empire? If so, could you please tell me how to operate this Golem. Do you need Grunvaldes power to do so? For a while now, it seemed you had control of it.

Easy. I just did it.

Child, please.

If you cant just do it, then give up.

Anya bit her lips. He could see that her eyes were in conflict but luckily for her, she didnt do anything foolish.

Cant help it then. Therell be another chance one day. Well never stop trying So then, what are you going to do with the Golem? Take it around with you? Its going to attract many eyes.

Mind your own business.

Anya picked up her dropped weapon and restrapped it on her waist.

Alright. But I cant be but curious about your next destination. From Tantils colosseum to the Gray tower..whats next? Rambells underground labyrinth? Manannan mac-lirs Sanctum? The emperors throne?

Anya didnt realise she had unintentionally spat out the correct destination.

Juan simply smiled back, making sure not to react to any places she named.

If you want to continue on this journey, you will find it difficult with just luck and skill. When its time, well meet again.

Anya disappeared into the Gray towers shadow. Juan felt Anyas presence quickly fading away. Soon he found himself alone with just the Golem. He slowly patted it.

Did he really stay around here to listen to her and that story?

No. Juan stuck around to say goodbye to his friend that hed met in a long time.

Soon, the Gray tower would disappear.

And this meant Golems work was done. It had nothing to guard anymore.

But more than that, once Juan retrieved the grey cloak, the Golem lost the ability to operate on its own.

Anya was right in saying he shouldnt bring it on his journey. It attracted too many eyes but more than that he lacked sufficient mana to utilise the grey cloaks power and operate the Golem at the same time.

Juan approached the Golems head where the blue rune was located. He patted the area with care.

Job well done.

Juan pulled it closer to him and whispered.

He stabbed his dagger into the blue rune then pulled it out. The Golem shuttered then like a candle fading, slowly sat down.

Simultaneously, the uneven Gray tower started to finally collapse. With a roaring sound, dust of stones spanned out and rushed towards him.

Looking at the fallen ruin, Juan uttered a whisper as he tightly grasped the rune.

Farewell. Ill take care of the rest.

Juan walked in the opposite direction, leaving behind the ruins of Gray tower.

But then he suddenly realised inside the nearby forest, instead of beasts and monsters, there were people.

Before hed even figured out who their identities were, all of a sudden, his body felt heavy.

Juan stuttered and lost his balance. Everything turned red before his eyes.

Surprised at the sudden development, Juan tried to stand. However, it felt like a thousand blocks of steel were weighing him down.

Some peculiar energy was jolting around in his body.

It was Talteres blood.

Juan suspected if Talteres ego had awoken, but quickly denied such thoughts. Wherever he looked, he couldnt feel Talteres consciousness.

As one drop of Talteres blood was consumed unwillingly, mana inside him jerked. Subsequently, another drop of blood was consumed.

Keu-uk!

It was Talteres blood. There was a lot of power behind it. Juan was using his entire strength trying to subdue the uncontrollable mana brewing inside him.

He felt like his whole body was boiling.

Juan fell to the ground. Then, he heard someones voice.

Wow, I thought this wouldve been enough to instantly subjugate you. I applaud your mental fortitude.

Juan weakly brought up his head and looked up.

A man hed hadnt never seen before.

And Sina Solbein of the Blue rose order.