Chapter 232: Change (6)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 232: Change (6)
I stepped out of the church. High above, the moon hung in the sky, casting a brilliant glow over the world.
I fell into deep thought as I looked down at the ancient book illuminated by the moonlight.
Carly Hall, the secret library…
That was the answer Saintess Bianca Anturaze had given when I asked where she’d found the book.
She explained that it had been tucked away among other old texts she deemed useless. If Bianca hadn’t discovered it for me, I would never have known of its existence.
Bianca claimed the book was not of this world—that even space and time were meaningless before it. The fact that it was written in Hangul already suggested it was no ordinary artifact.
Then, Bianca had asked for something in return for the book.
– Ice Sovereign, would you consider allowing me to join your crusade against the demons?
Make me your ally.
She had dressed up her request with the noble intention of fulfilling her mission as a Saintess. But I could sense her darker desires—the urge to slaughter demons and the twisted pleasure she derived from taking lives.
Bianca wasn't someone I had originally considered as an ally. She had significant personality flaws, and her combat abilities weren’t particularly impressive. Still, she was better than having no one, so I told her we would discuss it another time.
– Ice Sovereign, you seem a bit perplexed… Very well, let’s talk again later.
Bianca had sent me on my way with a satisfied smile.
As I headed toward a secluded corner of the Butterfly Garden, the Frost Dragon, Hilde—currently summoned in the size of a hatchling—flew toward me.
Although my status window still showed that my mana was depleted, maintaining the Frost Dragon at this size wasn’t too much of a strain.
[Master, I’ve looked into the matter.]
“Where is Teacher Aria?”
[She had business at the Imperial Tower.]
“Business?”
What awful timing.
But then again, Aria often went on trips, so perhaps this was to be expected.
“When is she coming back?”
[They weren't sure. Even if she hurries, it will take at least a month.]
I bit my lower lip, lost in thought.
I had used [Clairvoyance] earlier to confirm that Aria Lilias was not at Hegel Tower. That was why I had sent Hilde to ask the mages there where she had gone.
Now that my identity as the Ice Sovereign was public, people accepted the sight of Hilde as the “Ice Sovereign’s Familiar.” Moreover, it was well-known among the tower’s mages that I had a connection with Aria.
Nevertheless, activating [Clairvoyance] to reach all the way to the Imperial Tower would be too taxing in my current state. The distance and mana consumption were simply too high.
Besides, the Imperial Tower was practically a city unto itself; finding Aria there would be like looking for a needle in a haystack. There was also the risk that the tower’s high-level magical defenses might detect my [Clairvoyance].
The Imperial Tower was notorious for its secrecy and strict information security. Even the Emperor only received reports on its activities without direct involvement. I didn’t want to cause unnecessary friction by snooping around or asking the Imperial Court to contact her.
An uninvited guest wouldn’t be allowed in regardless, so sending a minion would be pointless. It was equally impossible to send a letter to the Imperial Court.
If that’s the case…
“Hilde, can you go get Dorothy for me?”
[Leave it to me, Master.]
I transformed Hilde into a small ball of mana, and she zipped off toward the living quarters.
*
“What’s this about? It’s creeping me out…!”
The Disciplinary Committee’s sanction for Dorothy had been very mild—just a week of confinement. Since the punishment didn't officially start until tomorrow, I was able to call her out tonight.
Under the cover of darkness, I met Dorothy in a secluded corner of the Butterfly Garden.
Concerned that Alice and I would be living together for a while, Dorothy tried to start a conversation with, “Isaac, about Alice…” but I immediately cut her off by presenting the old book and asking if she recognized it.
Dorothy claimed she had no clue what it was.
We sat together and examined the ancient text. With the help of a portable lamp, we were able to inspect the contents clearly. As expected, Dorothy couldn't read a word of Hangul.
When I told her that the last line on the first page read, “From Dorothy Gale,” she looked utterly shocked.
“You really have no idea?”
“Yeah… I swear, I’m seeing this for the first time today. It’s definitely not a book I wrote. I don’t even know the language from your previous world.”
Dorothy confirmed this as she flipped through the pages.
“And if I had written it, I would have signed it ‘From Dorothy Heartnova.’ That’s my name now.”
“There’s a part that mentions a loss of memories. Maybe you wrote it under your old name back then?”
“I’ve never lost my memory. Not even on the nights I drank too much.”
“Is that so…?”
My mind raced with various hypotheses, but I couldn't definitively prove any of them yet.
“Hmm…”
Suddenly, I remembered Dorothy’s recent rampage.
Is the Star Fairy involved?
“Senior, do you remember what the Star Fairy looks like?”
“She doesn’t look like anything.”
“What?”
What does that mean?
Dorothy spoke seriously, the usual mischief gone from her face.
“Exactly what I said. She has no physical form.”
“Didn’t you say that Stella dragged you away a long time ago?”
“That’s just how I described it. She doesn’t really have a ‘look.’ She just exists, adorned with starlight… Sorry, that’s the best I can explain it.”
“…”
I’ve always despised metaphysical explanations. I had imagined the Star Fairy, Stella, as something akin to a person made of glowing starlight, but apparently, it wasn't that simple.
Dorothy and I continued to speculate about the book. We came up with a few plausible guesses, but none provided a clear answer without concrete evidence.
“Sigh.”
I let out a deep breath, gazing up at the sky. It seemed that deciphering the contents of this book would have to be put on hold for now.
“What are you thinking about?” Dorothy asked, watching me.
“Just thinking that, in the end, the task remains the same.”
Regardless of how things turned out, I ultimately needed to defeat the Evil God. My purpose remained unchanged.
“That’s refreshingly straightforward.”
“Heh, right?”
Together, Dorothy and I looked up at the starry sky. The dark heavens were brilliantly speckled with light.
[ 1 ]
Greetings, Ceremonial Aide.
Regrettably, I hold no memories of you.
However, I hope you can hold on to your memories of me.
I clearly remember the depths of your love for me.
I know all too well the pain and grief of losing someone you love.
But I have become a being who cannot return.
Time has become meaningless before me.
I am… at the very bottom, in an icy lake, unreachable.
[ 2 ]
I saw the old you who lived in the world above.
I learned the language of the place you once called home.
I often think about the songs you liked and hummed. They are splendid.
[ 3 ]
Recently, it has been raining nonstop.
They say it is because the clouds are made from the blood shed by someone who fell, continuously pouring down.
They want to be purified.
They hope to be cleansed from this bottom one day.
But now, they are sealed by the Evil God and can do nothing.
[ 4 ]
Those who sent you to that world remain in the world above.
I am sorry, but I do not know why you were chosen as the Ceremonial Aide.
But one thing is certain.
A tremendous responsibility has been placed upon you.
The fate of everyone depends on you.
That includes mine as well.
And even… the fate of those who sent you to that world.
[ 5 ]
They are unable to assist you because of the Evil God.
If they intervene in your world, they would inevitably be consumed by the Evil God, which would guarantee its victory.
All they can do is observe.
I am in a similar situation.
Which is why I have sent this book to a secret place in your world.
Hoping it reaches you.
[ 6 ]
Do not seek out the secrets of that world.
There is nothing good to gain from it.
[ 7 ]
While the specifics are unclear, there is someone in the most direct form assisting you.
You must ensure that this person is never discovered by the Evil God.
But do not blindly trust her.
[ 8 ]
You may share the contents of this book with your allies.
However, please keep this information to yourself.
Kaya Astrea is…
*
On the outskirts of the Zelver Empire, the Barony of Ropenheim was stirred by ominous rumors.
It started with a man. He was heavily intoxicated and claimed to have seen a walking corpse while wandering the streets at night. Subsequently, there were two more sightings of the undead.
Then, a series of child disappearances followed.
Deep into the night at the Grand Manor of the Ropenheim Barony, Baron Adrian Ropenheim watched as two carts loaded with goods passed through the garden and into an underground passage.
Adrian smirked and took a sip of red wine. It was an offering to Calgart the Necromancer.
Calgart was wary of the newly emerged Ice Sovereign. Although it was unclear who the Ice Sovereign actually was, news of his appearance in Imperial territory had spread far and wide. To avoid detection, Adrian had to discreetly gather children; after all, that was the reason Calgart had sought him out.
Calgart’s special magic circle was expected to be completed within the next couple of months. By then, Adrian planned to have gathered enough children, topping the sacrifices off with a human of high mana quality as a final offering.
The moonlight shimmered in his wine glass, casting a reflection of his silver-blue-haired daughter.
“She’ll do.”
Eve Ropenheim.
She was a child he had already disowned once. He had only brought her back for her magical talent to benefit the Ropenheim name; he felt no emotional connection to her whatsoever. She planned to leave the family after graduating from the academy, but he wouldn't let her. To him, she was simply unutilized potential.
Such a child would be the perfect final sacrifice.
“Come to think of it…”
Eve had a half-brother.
The world was full of useless people, like Eve’s frail half-brother, Isaac. He was just another unremarkable child who had lived in the manor. After their mother died, Isaac had mysteriously disappeared without a trace and had been missing ever since.
The thought of sacrificing Isaac suddenly seemed appealing. Eve might know his whereabouts.
If they’re disposable, I might as well use them as kindling for the fire.
Adrian finished his wine, contemplating the thought. Not much time was left. God had chosen him and blessed him. Adrian Ropenheim looked forward to “the day.”
It was all for the revival of the Ropenheim family and his own rise to power.
*
A few days later, in a corner of the Butterfly Garden under the twilight sky.
A thought crossed my mind as I performed one-armed handstand pushups. Mephisto the Contractor had noticed my presence and was prepared.
But what about the others?
It can’t hurt to be cautious.
If Thanatos the Ruination were to awaken, the whole world would take notice. That meant he hadn’t risen yet. But Calgart the Necromancer was different. He could rise any day without being noticed.
My [Clairvoyance] couldn’t reach the church where Calgart was supposed to appear. So…
“Cheshire.”
[Meow.]
As if on cue, surrounded by a swirl of purple smoke, the Phantom Cat Cheshire appeared beside me. I landed on my feet and crouched down to look at the magic beast.
“You appeared like a ghost.”
[Why did you call? Is it work?]
I nodded. “I need a favor.”
Excitement flickered across the Phantom Cat’s face.
[Meow!Absolutely! No one’s been playing with me lately; I’ve been dying of boredom. What do you need?]
“I need you to stop by somewhere for me.”