Chapter 120
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 120
Chapter Title: The Emerging Truth (3)
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Why was I trying to recover the essence of evil from the Root of Understanding?
The trigger came when I gained the ability to control the surrounding natural mana more precisely. It started after I personally confirmed that I could manifest an almost perfect clone within that range.
The first goal was simple. I could use the perfectly crafted clone to experiment and find out exactly what function the essence of evil performed.
There was no need to risk my own body, making this one of the safest methods available.
The second reason was something I'd thought of over the year while pondering various ideas.
I'd given a lot of thought to the forces of evil.
They'd been quiet for the past year, but had they really given up on me?
Even if they knew their previous attempt had failed and were lying low for a while, I doubted it was over.
So, what I came up with was creating a clone of myself.
A clone of Ivan Vieirn.
The idea was to use that clone as bait and see what they planned to do if they captured me.
Of course, since it wouldn't be made within my natural mana range, I didn't think it could fool them perfectly.
But uncovering their hideout would be achievement enough.
There was a risk, of course. It would reveal that I could use clones. No matter how many precautions I took to leave no traces on the clone... even if they couldn't definitively conclude it was a 'clone,' they'd be wary of similar tactics in the future.
Naturally, it was a calculated decision. The forces of evil could strike at any moment.
[Root of Understanding: Why do you need that?]
[Root of Understanding: We've looked into it ourselves, but got nothing concrete.]
I sensed a subtle nuance in the Root of Understanding's words.
[Secret Scales: For now, I'll just say there's a way to investigate the essence of evil.]
[Root of Understanding: If you're willing to share that info, we're open to just handing over the essence of evil.]
My instincts had been right.
And this offer was a deal with no downsides for me.
Information on the essence of evil would need to be shared at some point anyway, when we eventually clashed with the forces of evil.
The elves were bound to be curious about it themselves, so their eagerness made sense.
[Secret Scales: Let's do that.]
[Root of Understanding: Great.]
[Root of Understanding: How should we handle the transfer?]
As the long-accumulated preparations that Asma had layered over time finally came to an end, he couldn't suppress his surging emotions.
"I am... the savior."
In a place where no one else was, he muttered those words aloud with utter conviction.
If the Lord was his savior, then he would be theirs.
To the ignorant masses rotting away through endless eons in the hell of the abyss, he would be the pioneer, the divine messenger descending to pierce the darkness.
The fifth banner heralding destruction, leading to cruelty and despair.
Clifford's fifth apostle, Asma.
He closed his eyes and recited his fated role like a prayer.
"I am the one who awakens their suffering. The one who drags up forgotten souls and makes them scream once more."
To receive the essence of evil, I finished preparations to head north where the elves were staying.
I wouldn't meet the Root of Understanding in person, but this time I planned to move under the identity of Cedric.
Come to think of it, Jenjen had relayed a message not long ago that Rosellin was looking for Cedric.
It seemed she'd informed him right after becoming a Transcendent.
She'd said there was something we needed to do together once she became a Transcendent.
That must be of utmost importance to her. To the point of seeing it as her mission.
So, I first sought out Jenjen near the capital.
"You've finally come, sir."
Jenjen's face lit up the moment she saw me, greeting me warmly.
I wondered if it was really worth such enthusiasm after I hadn't shown up for a while, but there was a reason.
"That blonde woman hounded me relentlessly. 'When's he coming? Why no word?' Every single day."
Rosellin had only sent one message through Jenjen about looking for me, but apparently she'd been applying real pressure behind the scenes.
She'd been silent in the chat room, but her focus must have been entirely here.
Well, talk of heroes and Demon Kings in the chat probably didn't resonate with her right now.
In truth, it was closer to her actual destiny... but she didn't know that yet.
"Tell her I'm coming to see her in person."
"Yes, understood."
Jenjen nodded eagerly, then suddenly turned back to me as if remembering something.
"Oh, and I finished investigating that Collio fellow you mentioned last time."
"Collio..."
Collio Breton.
Right, I'd asked about my sister's fiancé.
"Whew, he's quite the big name around here."
"Famous?"
"Yes. Even more so lately... Anyone even dipping their toes in this world knows Count Breton—er, Collio—wields influence here. They just keep quiet about it. He uses another name, of course."
"What kind of influence?"
"Practically every dirty business. Drugs, gambling, human trafficking. All of it. Word is, he's even starting to clash with the Bakerta side. With Bakerta gripping the capital tight, rumors say he's reaching into the capital now."
Bakerta—the family of Lina, a major player in the underworld.
"What's the other name he uses?"
"Palto. Sometimes he shows up masked at his own gambling dens, plays a few rounds, and vanishes."
"Where's that?"
I committed the location Jenjen gave me to memory.
Then asked again.
"What made him surge in fame recently?"
"I don't know the full details... But from what I heard, things changed after a bunch of mines popped up near the county. I'm not the sharpest, so I can't say for sure."
Mines discovered en masse near Breton County, leading to some deal with the imperial family... I knew that much from Oz.
And that sparked him to go full throttle even in the underworld...?
"One thing's clear: he's expanding his forces aggressively. No signs of slowing down—in fact, he's getting more reckless. Like he has no backing to worry about."
My worst suspicions were confirmed. Ties to the underworld.
He wasn't just some noble from a count's family; he harbored ambitions and wouldn't hesitate to use ruthless methods to achieve them.
And he hid it all behind a very polite, skilled facade.
'...Or maybe he's not even bothering to hide anymore.'
The engagement between my sister and Collio was currently on hold.
After the Transcendent's attack at the banquet hall and my disappearance, it was only natural.
Though we had exchanged letters checking on each other.
Perfect timing.
While operating as Cedric, I should meet Collio—disguised as Palto.
It wasn't my top priority, though.
First, Rosellin.
The reply from Rosellin came quickly.
I headed to the inn where she was staying.
The moment I knocked, she jumped up and approached, her face a mix of relief... and perhaps a hint of disappointment? Or exhaustion?
Our eyes met, and she caught her breath for a brief moment before speaking in an awkward tone.
"You've been busy, I take it. I thought you'd forgotten about me."
...To that extent? And she'd only become a Transcendent recently?
"I wondered if... the person you need to work with had changed, or if you no longer needed me..."
Ah, that kind of worry.
"It's something that requires your power."
"I see. That's a relief."
"But you became a Transcendent quickly."
When I feigned ignorance and asked, she hesitated for a moment before murmuring.
"Thanks to you. Because you left those things from the hidden spot back then..."
I waited a bit longer for her response.
Even as I stared at her plainly, she didn't add anything more.
She wasn't mentioning the manaphone.
Good.