Chapter 80: Each Person's Circumstances
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 80: Each Person's Circumstances
The deserted island where they had fought was gone, wiped clean from the map.
Between the Meteor Shower, the Heart Sword: Red Moon, and the explosion from the shattering Demon God Stone, there had been more than enough power to obliterate a small island.
Viment dispatched an investigation team the moment the disturbance was detected. Maritime sentries on duty in the nearby waters had immediately reported the anomaly to their superiors.
The team consisted of Imperial Mages and the 3rd Squad of the Viment Special Task Force.
They could only stare in horror at the scene.
Not only was the island gone, but the bizarre, lingering mana had formed a massive, churning whirlpool. The vortex made it impossible for even large sailing vessels to approach.
‘What in the world happened here?’
The Special Task Force members, who had been searching for Quicantel and Enya only moments before, felt their hearts sink.
They knew instinctively: this incident was undoubtedly related to their disappearance.
As if on cue, an Imperial Mage observing the scene called out to the task force.
“Section Leader Latz, it appears the Silver Dragon Quicantel engaged in battle here. We’ve detected traces of Silver Dragon mana and… a significant amount of Wind Dragon mana.”
“A Wind Dragon? Are you certain?”
“Yes. I believe it was Zipple’s Buretta. He is the only Wind Dragon to have visited this area recently. I also sense human mana… but I cannot identify whose it is.”
Latz pressed a hand to his forehead.
Why had they fought? No obvious reason came to mind.
‘The human mana is likely Enya’s, the Contractor of Olta. Could this be related to "that thing" Zipple is creating? Damn it, I should have placed a proper watch on that cottage…!’
"That thing" was the Demon God Stone.
Currently, only a handful of people in Viment knew of its existence: the Emperor, the Special Task Force section leaders, and a few high-ranking ministers.
However, they did not know what the Demon God Stone did, nor did they even know its proper name. They only knew that Zipple was creating an artifact related to "God's Contractees."
“Section Leader! The Navy reports finding what appear to be dragon remains on the other side of the whirlpool!”
The Navy had discovered flesh and scales clinging to wooden debris floating on the sea.
“…It’s confirmed. They belong to the Silver and Wind Dragons. Likely parts of a wing and a tail,” the Imperial Mage said after examining the remains.
“Collect all floating debris! Be careful not to get pulled into the whirlpool!”
The investigation team eventually recovered numerous pieces of flesh, bone, and scales.
The Imperial Mages tentatively concluded that both dragons had perished after a violent struggle. It fell to Latz to report this directly to the Emperor.
“I see. As you suspect, it may be directly related to the artifact they are building. And the cause of the whirlpool where the island used to be is still unknown?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Your reports have been quite full of uncertainties lately. We still haven't identified Quicantel’s guests, either.”
“I have no excuse, Your Majesty.”
“Well, I’m sure it wasn't intentional. If even you can’t find them, they weren't ordinary to begin with. But I trust you will eventually track them down.”
Latz bowed his head.
“Anyway… from our perspective, it’s better if both dragons are dead. Otherwise, it just gives them an excuse to interfere. Let’s wait for Zipple’s official announcement.”
“What should we tell our local news outlets?”
“Tell them to bury it. If Enya isn't found by tonight, process her as missing. She likely died with Quicantel. The academy nobles will be the only ones celebrating.”
After Latz left, the Emperor sat alone in his dark office, lost in thought.
‘I need to deploy more Special Task Force members toward Zipple. Too much is happening behind my back.’
*
On the top floor of Zipple’s Magic Tower.
“Andrei… is dead.”
A man spoke, his gaze fixed on a crystal ball.
Kelliark Zipple, the absolute ruler of Zipple.
His expression remained calm, even as he registered the death of his younger brother, the Vice Patriarch.
Contrary to public perception, he possessed the face of a young man. Those who didn't know him in his youth would never recognize Kelliark, even if he walked past them on the street.
[What? Your brother is dead? What are you talking about? That crystal ball is just a decoration; it shows nothing. Is this another one of your dull jokes, Kelliark?]
There was only one being in the world who spoke to Kelliark Zipple so casually.
The Fire Dragon Kadun—guardian dragon of Kelliark and contractee of the Fire God Shinu. He was currently using his fiery breath to slowly roast a five-meter-long skewer.
“I can’t see it through the crystal ball, but I can feel it. My brother just died. It’s no joke.”
The skewer rotating in Kadun’s claws came to a halt.
[Hmm, so it’s true. Did Quicantel get him? He took the Demon God Stone with him, didn't he? And Buretta was there too. Ah, if Andrei is dead, does that mean Buretta is gone as well? Regardless, Quicantel should have been nothing against the power of the Demon God Stone.]
“Perhaps the Silver Dragon was much stronger than we anticipated, or someone intervened.”
[Quicantel? She’s strong, but not strong enough to handle both of them. And certainly not enough to withstand the power of the Demon God Stone!]
Chomp!
Kadun took a massive bite out of the skewer. Kelliark looked at him and smiled faintly.
“Then it means a third party was involved. Who do you think it was?”
[How should I know, you brat?]
Kelliark’s expression immediately turned sulky.
[…It was probably a dragon! Didn't Kinzelo say a ‘dragon that manipulates shadows’ killed the Grave Giants recently? In that case, it might be Misha. It's highly likely.]
“Misha? Black Dragon Murakan’s sister?”
[Yeah, Murakan’s sister, Misha. She wouldn't feel fear even against the energy of the Demon God Stone. She’s not quite at Murakan’s peak level, but she’s incredibly powerful.]
“I’ve just decided on your next task, Kadun.”
[You want me to find Misha? It’s always the annoying chores for me. I’ll look, but… don't get your hopes up. If a Black Dragon decides to hide, even the God of Searching would have a hard time finding them.]
“I’m counting on you, Kadun. Still, this is troublesome. Losing the Demon God Stone is a painful blow.”
[Do you not care at all that your brother is dead?]
“I knew he’d end up like that eventually. My heart nearly stopped when he recklessly showed up at the banquet Cyron hosted. I just didn't expect it to happen while he was holding the Demon God Stone.”
[You’ll have to call that sculptor and make another one. Without it, you can’t touch Runcandel until Cyron dies. And the Kings of the Black Sea…]
“I know, I know. Phew, what a mess. First, I need to eliminate all evidence related to the Demon God Stone, just in case. It seems I have more annoying chores than you do, Kadun.”
[That’s the price you pay if you want to become the only god of this world.]
*
The Kurano Duchy, in Bubar Gaston’s sculpting workshop.
“Ah, you’re here, Lord Vishkel! I was just craving those sweet potato croquettes you brought last time. Perfect timing! Hehe.”
Vishkel suppressed his disgust and took a seat.
“The croquettes…? You didn't bring any today?”
“Listen carefully, Bubar. I just received word from our spies in Viment. It seems Zipple used the Demon God Stone behind our backs.”
“Eh? They used the Demon God Stone?”
“Yes. A massive battle broke out between the Silver and Wind Dragons in Viment’s waters, and an island vanished. They say a whirlpool in the middle of the sea won't dissipate because of the lingering mana… The Demon God Stone must have shattered.”
Bubar jumped to his feet and screamed.
“Wha—! The Demon God Stone is my masterpiece! I clearly warned them not to use it recklessly until it was complete! If this is true, I will never forgive them!”
As Bubar ranted and raved, Vishkel’s expression darkened.
‘The day I can finally kill this stupid pig has drifted further away. We’ll have to craft the Demon God Stone all over again.’
The idea belonged to Zipple, but Bubar was the one who had actually crafted the stone. Consequently, ownership of the Demon God Stone was split fifty-fifty between Zipple and Kinzelo.
“The Leader is also extremely furious. Our alliance with Zipple might break over this, so do not accept any communications from them for the time being.”
*
Two days later, at Casimir’s mansion in Tikan.
“Young Master Jin, you’ve returned!”
Casimir and the leaders of the Seven-Colored Bird came out to the garden to greet them personally. Gilly and Enya, who had been waiting anxiously, also came running out.
“Young Master! Are you hurt anywhere?”
“Strawberry Pie! Haha, I’m fine.”
Gilly had heard the general situation from Enya and had been worrying about Jin without a wink of sleep.
After checking on Jin, Gilly’s eyes fell on Luna, and she immediately bowed deeply.
“Lady Luna, please forgive my late greeting.”
“It’s alright, Gilly. I heard on the way here that the youngest treasures you dearly. Please continue to serve him well.”
“Luna…? Wait, the White Whale? Sir Luna Runcandel?”
“Ah, you must be Sir Casimir. A pleasure. I am Luna Runcandel.”
“I never thought the day would come when I would host Sir Luna in my home. It is an honor. Everyone, please, come inside. You’ve all worked so hard.”
As they entered the mansion and Jin was about to explain what had happened, Casimir spoke first.
“Young Master Jin, there is something I must tell you first. About three hours ago, my daughter’s guardian dragon returned.”
Jin’s eyes widened.
“Latri is back?”
“Yes, but there is something strange. He seems to have no memory of the time he was missing. He’s currently by my daughter’s side, but he seems confused himself. Was it not a kidnapping?”
“No, it definitely was. Lady Quicantel got a confession directly from Buretta.”
A hypothesis flashed through Jin’s mind.
‘Are they erasing any evidence that could lead back to the Demon God Stone? If so, it’s highly likely Latri’s memory was intentionally removed.’
When Jin explained this along with the events on the deserted island, Casimir nodded.
“You’ve been through so much… It sickens me that my incompetence forced you to handle such things alone. An artifact that devours God’s Contractees… what on earth is Zipple planning?”
“There is only one reason to create an imitation of the Origin Stone, mortal.”
As Murakan spoke, Jin, Quicantel, and Luna all nodded. They had already received an explanation of what the "Origin Stone" was on their way back.
“They want to become a god. To rule this world… though we’ll have to wait and see if things actually go according to their plan.”