News (2)

In a corridor leading to the Grand Temple, Veras expression hardened as he listened to Norns report.

You mean they found it?

Yes, we havent confirmed it yet, but we think theyve found a promising clue related to Alaysia.

Where are they?

Theyre in the conference hall.

Vera quickened his pace.

He was anxious to hear what the explorers, who were now in the conference hall, had found.

Soon enough, he passed through the hallway quickly, arrived at the conference hall door, and abruptly opened it.

Thud

The scenery of the conference hall came into Veras view.

A round table.

All of the Apostles were seated around it, excluding himself.

In the middle were three guests.

There was a blonde woman and a middle-aged man. Between them, a young man with brown hair who had no legs was sitting in a wheelchair and gazing at him.

Oh, youre here.

Are these the people?

Yes, sit down.

Upon Vargos command, Vera took his seat.

The young man with brown hair who had been silent until then, the explorer named Derek, breathed deeply.

May I speak now?

His tone was heavy with fatigue.

Vargo nodded, and Derek slowly began to speak.

We were in Lake Grance. We were discussing something on the boat.

The story began with seemingly unimportant details, but as the story progressed, the atmosphere in the conference hall started to sink heavily.

It was undoubtedly a castle. What lay beneath the surface was a castle whose size far surpassed that of the Imperial Palace. I wanted to take a closer look, but I couldnt. The open windows were pitch-black that I couldnt see anything inside, and the outer walls of the castle were constructed in a shape I couldnt understand.

Dereks hand trembled.

He swept his face once, and Minnie and Garrick, who were watching him from the side, put their arms around his shoulders.

I come from the Archaeology Department of Tellon, so I could tell. The castle was built in a style that doesnt exist in this world. No, that structure couldnt even be called a castle.

Dereks expression crumpled.

He closed his eyes as if recalling that moment was horrifying, then he took a deep breath and continued.

Do you know what I saw at the seams of the stones surrounding the outer walls?

Crack. Dereks teeth ground against each other.

It was the flesh of a living creature. I definitely saw it. That structure is alive.

Renee shuddered.

She was not the only one to react that way.

All the Apostles around the table were equally shocked, focused on Dereks words.

The moment I saw it, I only had one thought That I needed to get out of there right away. It was not something I could handle. I fell off the outer wall. And at that moment, I heard laughter.

Laughter?

Yes, laughter. A sound like a childs giggle echoed in my ears. Isnt that bizarre?

Derek lifted his head.

His gaze was fixed intently on Vera.

There was horror reflected in his dark brown eyes.

What he said was something Vera hadnt even considered.

I was definitely underwater, but the voice reached me in a way that felt as if there was no resistance at all.

Jennys shoulders shrank.

Her eyes, fixed on Derek, were filled with an indescribable tremor.

She felt a fear caused by the unexplained phenomenon.

The moment I heard the laughter, the moment I realized something was off, I kicked my feet. I flailed my arms to get to the surface, and when I emerged in a frantic state, I realized

Dereks hand gestured towards where his legs had been.

They no longer existed below the knee.

My legs were missing below the knees. My blood was rising to the surface of the lake. I passed out there, and I am still alive thanks to my comrades who took care of me.

A heavy atmosphere engulfed the room.

Then, Vargo asked.

Did something eat it?

I dont know. I had no idea my legs were gone until I surfaced.

You didnt feel any pain?

No, I dont know whether it was phantom pain or if my leg was actually fine until then, but there is one thing that Im certain of.

Derek paused.

He took another deep breath before continuing.

Whatever the case, if youre looking for anything on this continent that could be a trace of Alaysia, the most likely thing is that castle beneath that lake.

Dereks story came to an end.

When no one could offer an immediate response to his words, Minnie, the blonde woman who had been patting Dereks shoulder, stepped forward.

Wed like to ask you for a favor.

There was tension and resolve on her face.

Thats the reason we came all the way here instead of the Empire with this information. I hope you understand that.

Minnie felt the weight of the eyes of the Apostles on her.

It was natural.

These were transcendental beings who were considered demigods in this world.

They could get rid of her with a flick of a finger.

However, Minnie could not back down.

Please heal Dereks leg. And if there is a curse affecting Dereks body, please remove it. Were not asking for anything else. Please, just that.

Minnie couldnt bear to see her precious comrade being reduced to this state.

She bowed her head.

Following her motion, Garrick, the middle-aged man, also bowed his head.

Please

The words were filled with desperation.

However, the answer that came back was devastating.

Im sorry. We cant create something that doesnt exist. If you had the severed leg, that might be different, but in this situation, its impossible.

Minnies expression crumbled at Renees response.

It might sound cruel, but there was nothing Renee could do.

The power of fate was the power of possibility.

It was the power to turn even the slightest chance into a 100% certainty.

In other words, it was a power that couldnt help with something that had no possibility at all.

Renee knew this.

It was better to offer the harsh reality rather than false consolation.

Moreover, instead of giving up in such a situation, it was better to offer whatever help was possible.

But if there is a curse, we can help you with that. We can also alleviate the pain in your leg. If the wound festers, it will rot, so let me treat that part.

Dereks head lifted.

While the expressions of the other two werent particularly good, Derek had a bright expression.

Why not? One of the things tormenting him the most right now was the pain.

To him, Renees words were the happiest news.

Th-thank you

Dereks expression relaxed, appearing as if a weight had been lifted.

Seeing this, Vargo spoke.

Dont worry about the curse. There isnt one.

What?

I dont see anything attached to you. I am able to see those things.

Vargo tapped his eye with his finger when he spoke.

Derek blinked for a while, then finally realized what he meant and smiled even brighter.

It was one of Vargos well-known abilities, Gods Eye.

It proved that he was safe.

But Vargo was not finished speaking.

Furthermore, whether or not that castle is a clue about Alaysia, there will be a reward in Elia. If your story is true, that castle will undoubtedly be a threat to the continent.

Despite the increasing gravity of the conversation, a small smile appeared on his lips.

You all are heroes. You didnt back down in the face of danger, and you came here to share this information. I will send you my heartfelt praise.

Drrrk

Vargo rose from his seat and approached Derek.

The odd sight of a frail young man sitting in a wheelchair and an old giant towering over two meters tall unfolded.

Reaching out, Vargo placed his hand on Dereks forehead.

May the blessing of the Lord be with you.

A crimson divinity flared up.

It seeped into Dereks head.

Derek felt warmth enveloping his body. As the strange energy receded once again, he tilted his head.

This is

You are able to bring out this divinity just once, when you find yourself in great danger. It has the power to fend off any moderately skilled persecutors. Think of it as an extra life.

Vargo chuckled.

Then, he turned around.

Well, Ill be going then. Elia is a quiet place, so it should be a good spot for your recovery. Take some rest.

As Vargo left the room, the Apostles began to stand up one by one.

They were heading back to their tasks to quickly analyze and disseminate the information they had just heard.

Among them, only Renee remained seated. Then, she turned to the three adventurers and spoke.

Shall we start your treatment, then?

A gentle smile adorned the face of the extraordinarily beautiful woman.

The three adventurers blushed at her stunning beauty.

It was a dizzying beauty that evoked more awe rather than a favorable impression toward the opposite sex.

It would have been strange for anyone to have any other reaction.

***

I never knew you had a talent for business.

In the hallways of the Grand Temple, Vera spoke as he walked with Vargo.

Then, Vargo snorted and answered.

Do you see it as business? Thats your problem. You look at everything calculatively.

Isnt that what you intended?

Sly one, arent you?

Vargo chuckled.

Then, he added in a slower tone.

The impression a nation gives is important, especially to the commoners who arent leaders. If you ever have to attend an official event, remember what happened today. Those who live in the name of God should exude righteousness.

Youre not one to talk about righteousness.

You always have a retort, dont you? Clearly, you need more spanking.

A stifled laugh escaped Veras lips.

That aside, what will we do about the war?

Now, youre changing the topic For now, we need to request support from the Empire. We must finalize the exact cause and effect. If it turns out to be traces of Alaysia, then

His voice trailed off.

Vargo looked into the distance before continuing.

Well have to mobilize all the Apostles.

An intense look appeared in Vargos eyes.

There was a clear sign of hostility and anger.

A pure killing intent seemed to be aimed at some far-off place, making Vera feel as if the hairs on his body were standing on end.

But it also instilled a sense of confidence in him, causing Vera to look forward to Vargos exploit, and he smiled.

Isnt this the first time well be fighting together?

Dont fall behind.

Ill keep that in mind.

***

In the Grand Temples underground laboratory, Trevor looked bitterly at Jenny and Annalise, who was in her arms.

Master

[Stop the chit-chat and just do as I say. You cant even go to Lake Granice if youre tied to the evil-sealing circle, can you?]

True, but even so, this is

[Why are you making it so complicated? You know very well that the farther an artificial body is from the main body, the harder it gets to manifest spells. This is a matter of efficiency. You seem to have forgotten everything youve learned from me.]

He hadnt forgotten.

Annalises teachings were the soil that formed the present Trevor. They were his roots.

How could he forget them?

Still, there was one reason Trevor looked so bitter right now.

Do you really have no ulterior motives?

Trevors gaze shifted toward the small doll Jenny held out with great anticipation.

It was a custom-made rag doll made by Norn.

The doll that would serve as Trevors artificial body for the upcoming war was unmistakably a young boy.

In other words, it was meant to pair with the doll currently containing Annalise.

[Its for efficiency.]

Annalises head wobbled in the air.

Trevor glared at her for a moment, then sighed deeply before answering.

I guess theres no other way.

[A smart guy like you shouldnt be complaining.]

Annalise snorted.

Jenny was simply delighted that she could now control Trevor. Because of that, Trevor felt a shiver run down his spine.

And so, preparations for the war were slowly taking shape.