Chapter 120: The Power to Erase the World, The Power to Sustain the World (4)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 120: The Power to Erase the World, The Power to Sustain the World (4)
It took an hour for everyone to evacuate to the sailing ship waiting for them.
The vessel soon began to cut through the waves, heading straight for Tikan. The thirty or so remaining Colon natives sat with dazed expressions.
It had been over ten thousand years since the ancient god, Klam, had bestowed upon them the mission to protect the mirror. During that time, the once-proud guardians had been reduced to a powerless minority, enslaved by the Zipple.
In the long history of oppression and exploitation that followed, it was impossible to even estimate how many of the Colon people had died, their hearts filled with resentment.
"…If we hadn't met you, Young Master Jin, we likely would have ended our meaningless lives without ever fulfilling our mission. I am glad the mirror finally reached your hands."
Tika approached Jin and bowed deeply.
"No. If the people of Colon hadn't endured until now, this would have eventually fallen into the hands of the Zipple. It’s obvious how those madmen would have used it."
Jin had personally experienced what happened in his past life when the Zipple obtained the mirror.
Back then, I thought they were just mass-producing 7-star mages, but if what Klam said is true… the Zipple of my past life nearly brought about the end of the world.
The more humans who gained mana through the mirror, the weaker Solderet’s seal became. The breaking of Klam’s seal, in turn, meant the potential destruction of the world.
"Ultimately, the only reason I was able to meet you and fulfill the mission is because the people of Colon held out. So do not blame yourselves, Tika. Think of the lives you have ahead of you. I will arrange a home for you all within the Huphester Alliance."
"Young Master Jin, aren't you currently a reserve flagbearer? I understand that Runcandel reserve flagbearers cannot receive help from the family," Dino, who had followed them, spoke up with a troubled look.
Jin simply smiled.
"Journalist Dino, don't worry about that. I have my ways. You just focus on writing articles to help the Colon people."
Jin drafted a letter.
The recipient was Luna Runcandel. Jin intended to send the Colon natives to the lands she personally managed. Only there could their future safety be guaranteed.
Of course, writing a letter to Luna was a violation of the rules for a reserve flagbearer. However, it was a rule Jin had stopped caring about a long time ago.
"Once we arrive in Tikan, the Seven-Colored Bird will arrange a smuggling route. When you reach Sister Luna’s lands, show her this letter. Understood, Dino?"
"…Thank you, Young Master Jin."
"If you're thankful, then work hard on your articles. Expose every last bit of the bullshit the Zipple have pulled in Colon."
"I have several pieces of solid evidence and circumstantial proof, so publishing the articles won't be difficult. I am, however, worried about their media control."
Jin flashed a mysterious smile.
"Do you think you're the only person in the world who hates the Zipple? Once you break the ice, the pens of Runcandel and its allies will tear into them like rabid dogs. Since the evidence is solid, they’ll willingly join the public opinion war."
If he wrote an article based only on suspicion, no one in the world would care. But with clear evidence and circumstances included, the Zipple’s enemies would protect Dino at all costs while waging a media war.
In that case, even the Zipple couldn't easily harm Dino. It was unthinkable for them—a clan that publicly championed 'justice and goodness'—to assassinate a brave journalist.
"Ah… that’s true. I hadn't thought of that."
"You’re going to become a legendary journalist. Let me offer my congratulations in advance, Dino Jagrun. Once the articles are out, many factions will surely try to recruit you. Choose wisely where you belong."
Dino becoming a legendary journalist was practically a foregone conclusion. A journalist capable of exposing the Zipple’s atrocities was a rare and valuable existence indeed.
"You haven't forgotten to leave my name and my companions' names out of the articles, right?"
"Of course. The ones who saved Colon were 'passersby'… anonymous experts. That is how I will write it. Naturally, no one will believe it, but the same would be true even if I said it was Young Master Jin and your party."
Jin nodded.
"Once the articles start pouring out, they’ll likely release a statement claiming all the evil deeds were the individual transgressions of Myuron Zipple."
"Yes, I expect as much."
"That’s when you drop the evidence of the Kozec parts we salvaged. Ask them how they can deny it when the very ship that symbolizes their absolute power was destroyed."
Even so, the public's loyalty toward the Zipple would not vanish easily. The moment people turned their eyes from the uncomfortable truth, the Zipple would simply throw more money around, fattening the pockets of the citizens of the Lutero Magic Federation.
Dino, anticipating all these outcomes, gave a bitter smile. Jin patted him lightly on the shoulder.
"Even that much is a significant triumph. If we keep landing blows like this, we’ll eventually see the day they finally sink."
"Until then, I will fulfill my mission as a journalist and a friend to Colon. In the future… if Young Master Jin takes command of Runcandel, please do not forget to use my services."
"I’ll look forward to it."
As Tika and Dino stepped back, Jin sought out Talaris. She was waiting for him on the deck, for some reason chatting and giggling with Murakan.
"I haven't had the chance to greet you properly due to the chaos, Lady Talaris."
"Save the formalities, youngest Runcandel babe. You’ve pulled off something far more incredible than what I heard from Casimir."
"I didn't expect them to send the White Night and the Kozec. I’m worried the Secret Palace might become a target for the Zipple because of me."
"Hmph, no. If anything, Kelliark will treat the Secret Palace with more caution, thinking I’ve grown even stronger. It’ll be hard for them to tell if it was me or some mysterious ancient god who suppressed the White Night and crushed the Kozec."
The Kozec had been half-destroyed by Klam’s authority to 'govern all mana in the world.' The same applied to the mages of the White Night, who had all fainted from mana backflow.
"The White Night mages passed out the moment the ancient god descended. They have no choice but to mistakenly believe it was my power."
"I’m glad to hear that."
"And I was just doing a job I was commissioned for, wasn't I? Thanks to that, I got to chat with this handsome oppa after such a long time."
Talaris laughed, pointing at Murakan.
"Originally, I was planning to rip you off for a massive amount of extra compensation… but since I’ve learned that the youngest Runcandel is Solderet’s contractor and a magic swordsman, I’ll let it slide."
It was hard to read the true intentions behind Talaris’s smile.
Fortunately, she’s showing me goodwill, but the Secret Palace found out my identity too early.
One day, the whole world would know of Jin’s abilities, but for now, he had to hide them as much as possible. If Talaris used this secret to force him into an unfavorable deal, Jin would have no choice but to accept it.
It’ll be troublesome if she starts blackmailing me before I become the Patriarch.
She was being friendly now, but Talaris’s attitude could change at any moment. Runcandel and the Secret Palace were by no means allies.
However, while Jin was hiding his tension, Talaris was thinking something entirely different.
He really seems like the perfect husband for my Siris. Hmmm, since he’s the youngest, there’s almost no chance this kid will become the Patriarch… Should I meet Cyron and casually bring up a marriage proposal?
Rather than wasting his best years failing to become the Patriarch in that cold and fierce Runcandel, it would be better for him to become the master of the Secret Palace and rule the West Sea. That was what Talaris thought.
Grin.
As Talaris smiled, Jin felt a strange chill.
"Well then, we’ll be heading back now. Come visit the Secret Palace sometime soon with this handsome oppa."
Vwooom!
A white portal opened, and the Snow Toad Mort was summoned onto the deck. His large eyes had heavy lids, looking a bit tired from the frequent dimensional shifts.
As Talaris and Siris climbed onto Mort, Jin gave a polite nod.
"I’ll send Casimir to Tikan once I get back. I had him locked in a dungeon because I thought he might be trying to pull something against the Secret Palace."
"Ah, please do."
"Jin Runcandel."
Jin and Siris’s eyes met.
"I hope we can settle our score properly next time we meet. Don't you dare think of going easy on me just because of today."
"Sorry, sorry. My daughter’s puberty hasn't ended yet. See you later!"
Mort entered the portal, and the Seven-Colored Bird’s sailing ship moved leisurely toward Tikan.
*
It took a full ten days to return to Tikan. To avoid any pursuit by the Zipple, they steered clear of teleport gates and intentionally used various trade routes, even picking up trade goods along the way.
"Young Master Jin!"
Casimir ran out to greet Jin, his eyes brimming with tears.
"I was so worried about what would happen to you after I was pulled away. I heard through Lucas that you safely escaped Colon… but seeing you in person finally puts my mind at ease."
"Sir Casimir, you’ve been through a lot in the Secret Palace’s dungeon."
"This nanny feels like she’s walking a tightrope every time. I’m glad you returned safely again, but I can't help but feel a bit hurt. Why did you keep it a secret even from me?"
"Huh? Gilly. What secret?"
"The fact that you were dating the Young Lady of the Secret Palace. You have no idea how disappointed I was when I heard that from Sir Casimir."
As Jin tilted his head at the sudden news, everyone else tilted their heads as well.
"Uh… you aren't?"
"Me, dating Lady Siris? What on earth are you talking about?"
"Sir Casimir definitely said… he heard it from the Palace Master herself."
Everyone’s gaze turned toward Casimir.
"Ah, well, here’s what happened. At first, Lady Talaris flatly refused to help Young Master Jin, even after seeing the Secret Palace Snow Flower. But then, when Miss Siris expressed her opinion that they should go save him…"
— Daughter, do you like that Jin Runcandel boy?
— It’s not like that, Mother.
— Then why should I risk fighting the Zipple to go save that brat? It doesn't matter if we just let him die. Or are you perhaps dating him behind my back?
— I told you, no! Can't we just go help him?
— No, I don't want to. Let’s just let him die.
— Tch, Mother. I’m the one who has to defeat that guy.
— Then admit it. Admit that you like that boy.
— Hah! Fine! I’ll admit it! Happy? Now let’s go!
That was the conversation between Talaris and Siris that Casimir had overheard just before being locked in the dungeon. Because of that exchange, Casimir had completely misunderstood the relationship between Jin and Siris.
At the time, Talaris had only said that to tease her daughter.
However, everyone—including Jin—was completely unaware that Talaris was now seriously considering proposing a marriage alliance to Runcandel.