Chapter 106
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 106
Chapter Title: Sudden Change (2)
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Celine felt it was sudden.
Anonymous 2, prepare.
That short one-liner.
But since the speaker was '(0)', the weight in that single line was never light.
Celine fell deep into thought, pondering its intent.
What to prepare?
As always, she'd never thought she fully grasped the true meaning of '(0)'s words.
She often only realized afterward, "Ah, so that's what it meant."
Was this one of those times too?
After agonizing for a long time, she decided to ask honestly.
He wasn't one to scold her ignorance.
What should I prepare?
The currents outside are heading toward you.
This is not the time to scatter your strength elsewhere.
Guard more firmly.
The currents outside heading toward them...
That had to be other factions checking them since they stepped forward openly.
It was public knowledge.
But '(0)' leaving this warning himself meant something beyond simple checks.
And it wasn't the time to scatter strength elsewhere.
'How did he know?'
She—more precisely, her entire race—was roaming the entire north right now, searching for something.
The other sacred tree spoken of by the Great Mother: the Tree of Life that would be newly born.
And Celine herself was leading that mission.
She'd been assigned it for a reason. On the journey to find the Tree of Life, she could also seek the oracle's stele '(0)' had mentioned.
'Does he know about that and say this?'
Of course. The one who pierced through the world's flows wouldn't be blind to their movements.
So it meant it wasn't yet time to exert strength externally.
Something ominous was brewing.
Celine hurriedly inscribed words on the black stele.
Could I know a bit more in detail?
As for compensation, nothing's ready right now, but since I'm searching for the oracle's stele...
No, you have separate tasks.
Celine paused the moment she was about to ask what that was.
He'd said "you all."
Not singling out Anonymous (2), but using a plural.
Referring to her entire race...?
This was a first.
But simultaneously, Celine had known a moment like this would come someday.
Ever since '(0)' handed over info on the Followers of Evil without demanding compensation.
She'd seen it as goodwill back then, but time revealed more.
The Followers of Evil were scheming to infiltrate the entire north, and '(0)'s advance warning let her race respond swiftly.
In the end, that alert became the spark uniting her race and pushing them to the forefront.
Only after it all unfolded did she vaguely sense it was '(0)'s design.
She'd wondered if that's why he'd united them afterward... Was it now?
How far back the meticulous planning went, how far ahead he'd foreseen... She couldn't know.
No, this too was just one step toward some goal.
She merely didn't know where it fit.
But even if all was planned, Celine was already deeply swayed by '(0)'.
That was why she hadn't resisted when he dubbed them apostles.
She already viewed him as her group's leader.
Their paths were already aligned.
And now, '(0)' fell silent.
Waiting for Celine's reply, no doubt. He always showed the direction but left choices to free will. All under the guise of "trades," acceptance one's own call.
Of course, the terror was how those choices inevitably bent to his desires.
So, did he foresee her grasping and accepting it this time too?
In truth, Celine's answer was already fixed in her heart.
She would embrace this flow.
Mobilizing her entire race posed no great dilemma.
She'd risen to govern Evanveil, a northern region.
Blood of the clan head and hailed as the most talented High Elf were factors, sure.
But reaching such heights at an age meant for forest guardianship? That came from her pivotal role thwarting the Followers of Evil.
What should we do?
Asking that was acceptance in itself.
She'd decided. '(0)' recognized it.
First, those borrowing the Covenant’s name will soon reach you.
Prepare.
Indeed, them.
Recently listless after realizing they couldn't handle them—turns out they'd been hiding their claws.
Elves claiming northern lands, tangled in various affairs; they were striking the gap.
Thank you for telling me.
What you do comes after that.
Understood.
Feels like something big kicking off again.
Looking forward to it?
Anonymous (1) chimed in late.
Usually first to react, but with '(0)' still posting, he'd just watched.
Something happening...
Can Anonymous (3) even surface from the deep sea?
Speaking of which, I have something to ask Anonymous (4).
Heard you're deep in training.
Willing to trade with me?
Anonymous (4) and (5) too busy with their own stuff.
Thought a fun new guy's joined, but same old.
I can answer.
Roselin had just survived a Transcendent's ambush, so she likely lacked even the spare moment to check her Manaphone.
Meanwhile, with Maron's aid, I'd escaped danger and reached his hideout.
I put off Anonymous (3)'s proposal once more.
He meant the Arcana Bloom.
A legendary elixir: mix it with heart essence from the deep sea merfolk, and you could elevate your realm a step.
But now wasn't the time. Urgent matters were stacking up.
Once the chat wrapped, I detoured to a nearby city and sent letters first.
To family, Oz, those close—letting them know I was safe. And that I couldn't reveal myself yet.
Simple content, but I struggled with the closing. I knew full well their worry.
Still, I couldn't go to them.
For the emperor, Maron would explain personally. That should suffice within the empire.
Another letter, as Cedric, went to Jenjen and Lina.
Requesting they investigate Collio, my sister's fiancé.
They'd say with Transcendent aftermath chaos, who cares about a betrothal? But must-do was must-do.
No major casualties, Transcendent slain—imperial life would soon normalize.
Letters sent, I was reborn entirely anew.
Short build, gentle-eyed youth. Bland face, easy to forget.
The mirror showed no trace of Ivan Vieirn.
In that guise, I left the city.
My goal was clear: Magical Integration. And if possible, uncover the oracle's stele along the way.
Grasp more primordial runes, draw nearer their essence.
This battle let me glimpse that power's edge.
It'd aid greatly until I could wield true primal mana.
A force to treat each element like primal mana.
'Ultimately, must know it all to touch the origin.'
I headed south.
Beyond the empire's south, crossing borders further.
To the volcanic zone, for real.
Then a faint voice leaked from the orb in my pocket.
- Ahh. You safe?
Maron's voice.
"Yes. No sense of pursuit."
Maron checked in via orb now and then. Often, actually.
I quizzed family statuses just as frequently, so our motives aligned.
Whatever his real reason for such constant contact, though.
- Safe's good. But how far can we swap voices like this?
"...Specially made, so pretty far, I bet."
- Empire edge to edge?
"Yeah... should be."
- Wild... World's come so far. If we had these, it'd help tons.
"...Yeah. Thanks. Anyway, crowds around—hit you up later."
- Sure. No rush.
I pocketed the orb again.
Thoughts of Maron didn't linger.
I refocused. This time, I'd achieve Magical Integration for sure.
First time as Ivan I'd craved growth this fiercely.
But familiarity with each element? That'd take ages.
Years at least, probably.
No rushing.
I settled my mind calm.