Chapter 762: People to Find, Unexpected Clues (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 762: People to Find, Unexpected Clues (3)
So the one who came here was Lokia Ganesto? If that’s the case, was he really the traitor?
Vail focused solely on the fact that Lokia had visited Luntia, but the information that followed was far more important.
The youngest will eventually have to face Father? What on earth does that mean?
As Luntia spoke, Jin suddenly recalled the news the Evil God had dispatched immediately after his return from Laprarosa.
—(Rosa Runcandel, Acting Patriarch of the Runcandel Clan, announces that Cyron Runcandel has fallen in battle in the Black Sea. The entity that slew the demigod is the King of the Black Sea, and it is implied that several more beings like Gliek of the Sword Emperor Holy War remain…)
—(The Black Panther, as the new master of Runcandel, declares she will carry out the former Patriarch’s will and subjugate the Kings of the Black Sea. However, she emphasizes that unifying the world is the first priority.)
The King of the Black Sea.
Jin had suspected that Cyron’s expedition to the Black Sea was related to these Kings.
“…It’s likely about the King of the Black Sea. It seems Lokia Ganesto is anticipating a scenario where Father either fights them in the Black Sea or succumbs to the Demonization of Creation.”
The chaos wielded by the King of the Black Sea and the unique demonization inherent to the Realm of Creation.
Jin had already experienced Ron, who had been corrupted by both.
“What?!”
“Valeria, is this the end of the record? Are there any records of where Lokia came from or where he went after leaving the subspace?”
“Those records aren't being collected. Given how unstable the records are, it’s likely an issue caused by the history manipulation applied to Lokia Ganesto.”
As time passed, the sentences appearing on the record windows were growing faint.
“Any other possibilities? Could the instability be the result of Lokia’s intentional interference rather than history manipulation?”
Anxiety had spiked the moment he confirmed Lokia’s words, but thinking calmly, something felt off.
Not a single record of Lokia's movements remained, yet the ominous message regarding Cyron was perfectly clear.
“A power that surpasses record magic… Lokia Ganesto is someone who has been operating in the shadows without even the Evil God’s knowledge, so he might possess such an authority. There are also signs that Lokia used Zipple’s history manipulation specifically to hide himself. Besides, my record magic isn't in a perfect state right now.”
“Assuming Lokia hid the records of his movements, then this is a very deliberate message.”
“Youngest, explain it so I can understand,” Luntia urged.
“It means it’s a trap, Sister. I believe Lokia ensured only the part about Father was revealed through record magic because he wants us to leave for the Black Sea.”
“To find Father?”
“Yes. And as Valeria said, Lokia is someone who operated without the knowledge of even the Evil God back when the god was still a sharp-witted human. Doesn't it seem strange that such a person would leave clues about himself so sloppily? He couldn't possibly be unaware that there’s a record mage among my companions. In fact, he likely did this precisely because he knows of her existence.”
“Then why on earth would he?”
“Lokia Ganesto’s goal is to resurrect the Sun God. He probably judged that I, the clan, or the Barmul Alliance would be obstacles to that goal. If the Barmul Alliance were to begin a full-scale search of the Black Sea because of this message, it would create a massive vacuum in our forces.”
“I don't think Lokia would take you for a fool who would commit all your strength to the Black Sea over a single message like this,” Luntia said.
“No, he wouldn't. However, we might invest a few days, and a few of our key members—myself included—might venture into the early or mid-regions of the Black Sea. We even have Sir Hedo, who is practically a native of that place. If I were Lokia, that’s what I would be aiming for. He’d be waiting there with a trap prepared.”
Of course, these were all just assumptions.
However, Jin was overwhelmed by an intuition that he had seen through Lokia’s true intentions.
“Furthermore, seeing as he’s playing these kinds of games, it seems Lokia’s situation isn't all that great. That’s likely because the battle against the Evil God didn't end the way he wanted.”
“Phew, still, it’s quite unsettling. To think such a thing could happen so soon after you finished off the Evil God.”
“Sister, that won't happen. I met Father not too long ago.”
“You met Father?!”
“It was during the skirmish with the Evil God in the Inner World. The Father I met then was standing on the path of remaining human, not becoming a monster.”
He couldn't even imagine a father like that turning into a monster like the Evil God.
Furthermore, Ron had ultimately overcome his demonization and protected the world during the battle against Gliek.
Though Jin’s help had played a part, Cyron now had Luna and the expedition at his side.
Just as Cyron hadn't worried about Jin after their meeting in the Inner World, Jin also believed in his father.
“So, don't worry too much. Even before Lokia, the Prophet was already spouting these ominous predictions. You know well enough how those turned out. Depending on how you choose to accept it, a message like this has no power at all.”
What mattered wasn't prophecies or foresight, but the strength and will to stand tall and overcome a great destiny or fate when it arrived before one's eyes.
Having endured the war against the Evil God, Jin had realized that truth more poignantly than anyone.
“Anyway, since Lokia’s existence has been confirmed as Sir Padler said, I’ll have to pay a bit more attention to finding him from now on.”
Listening to Jin’s words, Luntia felt her uneasy heart calm down surprisingly quickly.
Even if it was all just a hypothesis, she trusted it because it came from Jin.
“I’m glad you’re here, Youngest. Now, you should head back. As I said before, only come to see me next time when you’re certain you can get me out. Your time is that precious.”
“I understand, Sister. I expect you’ll be much stronger the next time we meet.”
“There is no place in the world better suited for closed-door training than here. In fact, I’ve already crossed one wall since your last visit.”
“I’ll look forward to it, Sister. But surely you won't be requesting a duel every three months like Sister Mary used to?”
“Who knows? It’s always a pleasure to face a knight stronger than myself. I suspect there won't be many people like that left, including you, by the time my training is over.”
“Oh… your confidence is quite something.”
“If I hadn't lost interest in the sword and life in the past, you’d be competing with me right now. Haha, give my regards to Mary and the Tona brats when you get back.”
“I will, Sister.”
There was no longer any sadness or bitterness in this parting.
Just as there was no need to worry about Cyron, there was no reason they wouldn't meet again.
After exchanging farewells, they opened the door leading out of the subspace.
Luntia waved with a bright smile at her departing brother and his party.
“Jin. Your sister has incredible mental strength. It can't be easy to overcome the loneliness in that terrible space.”
“Her body is just as tough, which surprised me before. Anyway, thanks, Valeria. I thought you might still have some bad feelings toward her.”
“It wasn't her own will that stabbed me. Enough with the sappy talk, let’s go.”
Their next destination was Kinzelo’s new headquarters.
They intended to stop by briefly before going to see Ruet.
Originally, the visit was only meant to mislead the enemy regarding the steel trade (which Casimir had already intentionally sabotaged), but Jin figured he might as well ask them openly about Lokia while he was at it.
“I think this was about where we parked the ship,” Jin said, looking ahead.
Only the scenery of the pure white snowy plains was visible, but in reality, the Red Owl was hidden somewhere there.
— Arrival. I’ve set the return coordinates to Ghost Song Castle and Tikan. Once the launch bay opens, just press the button in the center of the cabin. You’ll be in front of Ghost Song Castle in the blink of an eye. Also, the cloaking is still under development, so worry about external exposure first once you arrive.
— Cloaking?
— I don't know when it’ll be fully finished. Anyway, keep in mind that if the Red Owl is ever damaged, Valeria and I will kill you by any means necessary.
The new technology Quaul had mentioned in the past, ‘Cloaking,’ had finally been applied to the Red Owl just the day before yesterday.
The group wandered around for a bit, looking for the Red Owl.
Unfortunately, it wasn't snowing, which made it even harder to find.
In the end, it was only after Valeria sighed and activated her record magic that they located the ship.
The two of them burst into chuckles at the absurdity of the situation, while Vail cursed under his breath in annoyance.
Even after finding the Red Owl, it was so transparent that they struggled to find the boarding hatch, leading to more frustration.
The group finally managed to board after Vail bumped his head a few times, and only then did the cloaking automatically deactivate.
“Hmm, it definitely needs some refinement.”
“Dr. Quaul and I are working on it, so don't nag. I don't know if you realize just how busy I am.”
“That’s how it is with people sitting in high places. Just be understanding, Valeria,” Luntia’s voice echoed from the subspace.
Once the coordinates were set, the Red Owl instantly teleported the group to the main gate of Kinzelo’s new headquarters.
“Wh-wh-what! That, that… what is that? Those guys!”
“It’s the Barmul Alliance bastards!”
Bubar and Ainas Caligo, who happened to be sitting in front of the main gate watching ants, greeted them.
“How dare you just barge in here like this? You arrogant prick! Do you still think we’re allies? Is this a raid?!”
“It’s a raid! Sister! Leader! Grand Duke! Jin Runcandel is attacking!”
The group ignored them and walked steadily toward the main gate.
Despite their loud shouting, Bubar and Ainas curled up and squeezed their eyes shut as Jin actually drew near.
The Red Tiger Tribe members standing guard briefly leveled their weapons, but their legs were all trembling.
“Move.”
At Jin’s single word, the Red Tigers eventually lowered their eyes and withdrew their weapons.
“And someone go fetch your Leader. I’ll be in the guest parlor.”
Bubar and Ainas could only watch Jin’s party head toward the guest parlor as if they owned the place, whispering petty insults under their breath.