Chapter 135: A Plan That Isn't Reckless for Jin
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 135: A Plan That Isn't Reckless for Jin
April 20, 1796. Two weeks had passed since Taimun’s death.
Jin had explained the full story of the incident to his companions, albeit with a slight fabrication. He omitted the fact that he had been aware of the curse since he was a year old, framing it as information he had learned from Taimun’s confession.
Casimir, for his part, hadn't reported the incident to Cyron. His fingers were itching to tell the patriarch how Jin had fought an 8-star knight and two mages on equal footing, but the issues involved were far too sensitive.
“This nanny’s shock still hasn’t faded, Young Master. Just why would Joshua, that son of a… Oh, I’m sorry. Using such foul language in front of you. Anyway, for what possible reason would the 2nd Flagbearer try to harm a child so young…?”
“Strawberry Pie, feel free to curse all you want. Something like this would have been unimaginable when Temar was alive! That insect Joshua, or whatever his name is—I’ll personally chew him up, bones and all.”
“Ha! I’m just so angry!”
“Hey, I told you it’s fine. Just swear. Go on, let it all out! If you hold it in, you’ll get sick. Here, repeat after me. That son of a…”
As Gilly glanced at Jin and cautiously began to let out a few curses, Murakan chimed in to egg her on. It wasn't long before the room was filled with profanities that would be difficult to describe in writing.
They really do get along well, no matter when I see them…
Jin let out a small chuckle as he watched the two.
“It’s actually quite refreshing to hear. Do you feel a bit better now, Gilly?”
“Phew! A little. I still don’t understand why that man did such a thing, though. He’s practically guaranteed to be the next patriarch, so what kind of grudge could he possibly have against a Young Master who had only just finished his Selection Ceremony?”
“It could be because I chose Barisada. Or maybe he saw me as a competitor and wanted to nip me in the bud. But the reason isn't that important.”
“It isn’t?”
“What we need to think about is why he’s remained quiet until now, even after his assassination attempt failed and he learned about my contract.”
“Ah, that’s true. Fifteen years ago, he went so far as to break the taboos of the Storm Castle to commission a curse, yet he has never once attacked you at the Garden of Swords.”
“I agree,” Murakan added. “Even Myu and Anne, who have far less power than Joshua, sent assassins after the kid. He could have done much worse.”
“Moreover, the Young Master has shown incredible promise since entering the main house. Since the 2nd Flagbearer knows the Young Master is a contractor, he would have had every reason to openly pressure you.”
“Exactly. I’ve come up with a few theories about that. First: he was afraid of Sister Luna and couldn't touch me.”
“Lady Luna did show a great deal of affection for you, Young Master.”
“It makes sense. Even a dragon would fear your sister’s strength. But that alone doesn’t explain everything.”
“Right. So, here’s my second theory—a bit of a stretch, but hear me out. After hearing from Kidad Hall that the curse was blocked by Solderet’s authority, he decided to keep me alive.”
“Because you were a human chosen by Solderet at the age of one, he decided to try and recruit you as an ally?”
“Hmm, the 2nd Flagbearer didn’t look out for the Young Master at all while he was at the main house. I don’t think that’s it.”
“Then why on earth keep the kid alive?”
“Do you remember the day we fought Andrei Zipple?”
“Of course.”
“Andrei said something back then.”
—I shall praise this ambush. However, you and your god will become the most important materials for the Demon God Stone, Jin Runcandel…!
—Twelve gods are now submerged within me! Luna Runcandel, what do you have? Even if your father were here, he could not oppose me.
At the time, Andrei spoke as if the Demon God Stone was an object that used gods’ contractors as ‘materials.’
“At first, Andrei targeted Enya and Yuria. Since both were contractors of gods, he clearly intended to devour them with the Demon God Stone.”
“Hmm.”
“This is what I think. Zipple uses the Demon God Stone to devour contractors and forcibly terminate their contracts. Then, they force that god to form a new contract with someone of their choosing.”
He presented it as a theory, but for him, it was a conviction. In his previous life, Zipple had already stolen Enya’s contract.
“Oh, I remember you mentioning something like that when we were leaving the deserted island. Are you saying Joshua already knew about that method fifteen years ago and planned to steal your contract?”
“It’s very similar. I don’t know if the Demon God Stone existed back then, and I doubt Joshua would have colluded that closely with Zipple. However…”
Tap, tap. Jin lightly tapped the table with his index finger as he continued.
“He might have known it’s possible to transfer a contract. Is the Demon God Stone really the only object or method in the world that can steal a god’s contract?”
Gilly and Murakan’s eyes widened.
“Ah! So the reason the 2nd Flagbearer didn't touch you at the main house was to steal your contract?”
“It’s still just an assumption, but I think the probability is quite high. After Sister Luna stepped down from the race for the throne, Joshua solidified his position within the family with Mother’s full support.”
“But the Patriarch still seems dissatisfied with the 2nd Flagbearer even now.”
“That’s because his martial prowess is lacking. Reaching the beginning of 9-star at thirty-four is a great achievement, but as long as Sister Luna exists, it’s not enough to become the patriarch of Runcandel. What he needs is transcendent martial power, like Father or Sister Luna.”
Jin formed a sphere of spiritual energy in his palm.
“Joshua must have been desperate for this power, right? He just hadn't found a definitive method yet, or his preparations weren't complete, so he couldn't make his move.”
“Certainly… that could be it. Your mother would have told him the secret that Solderet is closer to a god of the sword than a god of magic.”
“I can’t say for sure, but if this theory is correct, Joshua’s inaction after the failed curse makes a fair amount of sense. Well, the only way to know the truth is to beat it out of Joshua and his lackeys.”
Knock, knock.
Just as they were in the middle of their conversation, Casimir arrived at Jin’s room.
“Lord Jin, I’ve found him.”
Him.
Kidad Hall. The very man who had crippled Jin Runcandel in his previous life. Jin’s gaze sharpened as he looked at Casimir. He had, of course, deployed the Seven-Colored Bird to find Kidad the moment he returned to Tikan.
“Where is he?”
“He’s living in seclusion in the Meltador Principality on the Eastern Continent. It seems he has been conducting research there ever since he resigned as a high-level magic instructor for Zipple.”
Casimir handed Jin the Seven-Colored Bird’s report. It was densely packed with Kidad Hall’s personal details and all traceable past activities, categorized by year.
“…February 1765, appointed as the head of the training center at Viment Academy. Expelled fifteen students in his first year. Clashed significantly with the nobles of Viment in the process. Wow, even records from thirty years ago… This is incredible, Sir Casimir.”
“It’s not me, but my subordinates who are incredible, haha. It details his current residence, as well as the restaurants he’s been frequenting lately.”
Reading through it was almost chilling. The Seven-Colored Bird had completely dissected the life of the man named Kidad. No matter how famous the 9-star mage Kidad Hall was, uncovering every detail of his actions from decades ago was no easy feat.
“This will be a great help, Sir Casimir.”
He meant it.
However, the report was missing the most important story about Kidad—the one only Jin, a regressor, knew. The key to killing him.
“Jet was also deployed for this information search. That fellow is doing a really good job, even though his probationary period isn’t over yet. I’ve gained a talented individual thanks to you, Lord Jin.”
“I’m glad to hear he’s earning his keep. Now then, the Meltador Principality… It’s quite far. Since I can’t use a transfer gate to go directly, I should prepare immediately and leave tomorrow.”
“Pardon? Tomorrow?”
“Young Master, tomorrow?”
“Kid, you’re going to go find him and kill him tomorrow?”
As his companions asked in bewildered voices, Jin nodded.
“And I’m going alone this time.”
“Alone? Did you forget you almost died fighting two 8-star warriors just recently?”
“You’re joking, right, Young Master?”
“Lord Jin, do you have a plan?”
“Hey, insignificant human,” Murakan growled, turning to Casimir. “Didn’t you say that Kidad person is a 9-star mage?”
“That is correct, Lord Murakan. Until he went into seclusion, he was one of the most famous mages in the world, not counting those from Zipple. Even now, there is no one who doesn’t know ‘Kidad of the Reverse Flow.’”
“So how is the kid supposed to go alone tomorrow and kill a guy like that? Shouldn’t you form a proper party, set a meticulous plan, and then seize the right opportunity? Well? Say something, insignificant human. My head is starting to heat up.”
“I agree… but… Lord Murakan. May I ask why you are getting angry at me?”
“This crazy kid thinks he’s a moth drawn to a flame again! And Kidad is that flame. Since I’m his guardian dragon, who else am I supposed to take my anger out on besides an insignificant human like you? Should I yell at poor Strawberry Pie?”
“Ah, I see. Yes, I suppose I have no choice. But Lord Murakan, seeing how confident Lord Jin is, he must have a reason, right?”
The three of them looked at Jin simultaneously.
“Um… first of all, Murakan, stop bullying Sir Casimir. All three of you, don’t panic. Just listen to what I have to say. I have a plan, and even if it fails, the risk isn’t that high.”
Soon, as Jin began to explain his method for eliminating Kidad, Gilly and Murakan blinked in disbelief. Casimir, on the other hand, clapped his hands in understanding.
“Insignificant human, do you think this is possible?” Murakan asked.
“Lord Jin’s method might actually be much cleaner and safer than forming a party for an ambush, Lord Murakan. As he said, there’s a high probability of returning safely even if it fails. In my opinion, it’s a brilliant insight.”
“What do you think, Strawberry Pie?”
“If the Young Master is safe, it seems worth a try. But I’m sad that I won’t be able to see him for a while.”
“Then I have to agree as well. While that damn kid is gone, I’ll take extra good care of you, so there’s no need to be upset, Strawberry Pie.”
In the end, all three gave their consent.
And Casimir was already feeling his fingers itch again.
I was so disappointed that I couldn't report how Lord Jin fought two 8-star warriors to a standstill. But perhaps… I’ll soon have even greater news to deliver. Lord Cyron!