Chapter 199
Chapter 199
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 68
Chapter Title: Wrapping Up (2)
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"The Eye of Omniscience has vanished..."
King Friedmoor smiled faintly as he listened to the urgent report from his subordinate.
"So, he really uncovered the secret."
He headed to the archive permitted only to the king.
Upon arriving, the king walked to the deepest part of the archive.
Before him was a small safe tightly secured with all sorts of magical devices.
When the king placed his index finger on the safe, the engravings began to scan his fingerprint.
Click-
Soon, the sound of the lock disengaging echoed from within.
As he pulled his finger away, the safe door opened on its own, revealing a single book preserved inside.
Though well-preserved, the book looked as if considerable time had passed.
King Friedmoor carefully removed the book and opened it.
The first page read:
[A demon who cannot hide its greed came to me.]
This book was the record of a man who existed 500 years ago.
He was the founding king of this nation and an excellent sorcerer.
That's right.
The author of the book was the first King Friedmoor.
And this book was his diary-like essay, 'Records with the Demon'.
A secret document passed down only to kings, piercing through the entire history of the Seldam Kingdom.
[At that time, I wandered the world. I was curious about what the world truly was. In the process, I learned various secrets. Secrets too grave to share with others, ones that could shake the entire world.]
[However, the more secrets I uncovered, the more unbearable rage consumed me. At the same time, a massive fear kept me from sleeping. It was around then that I began gathering forces.]
[Fortunately, I built a considerable power. They were companions far beyond what I deserved. It was then that the demon came to me.]
[The demon had heard rumors that my influence was the greatest in the area and sought me out. Not knowing its true nature at the time, I joined hands with it.]
[The demon possessed a special power. It was terrifying, allowing my forces to expand at an astonishing rate.]
[There was a nation called Sodom. A small kingdom, but its king and nobles were tyrannical beyond measure. The demon suggested we conquer it. It was a good opportunity, so I rallied nearby forces and attacked Sodom.]
[Sodom was a poorly defended nation, so conquering it wasn't difficult. I built the present Seldam Kingdom on its ruins.]
[Though I became the king of a nation, I wasn't particularly joyful. Knowing some of the world's secrets meant that much. I believed a single nation couldn't stand against the immense power that would eventually come.]
[It was then that the demon whispered to me. Somehow knowing it, the demon was aware that I had learned some of the world's secrets.]
[It proposed: This isn't enough. The darkness of the world is far deeper than you imagine, so let's make a deal.]
[The demon said to me:]
'There is no answer anyway. Then bet on the future. Your lifespan is short, but I can live for ages. I'll enter your crown. From there, I'll pass the information I know to humans selected by you and your descendants. But the true purpose of this isn't just spreading my knowledge. It's waiting for a human with high synchronization with me. A human highly compatible with me would surely be one born with the talent to dispel the world's darkness. How about it? Do you accept my proposal, King Friedmoor?'
[It was a tempting proposal. I didn't know the demon's lifespan, but I knew it lived several times longer than a normal human.]
[On the other hand, I realized there was nothing in it for the demon. Unless infinite selflessness existed, being trapped in the crown for at least decades, or centuries, would be hellish.]
[And the demon I had seen was not the type to endure that. It was then I realized it was a 'demon'.]
[But I couldn't refuse its proposal. I knew it was hiding its power. So I devised this book, 'Records with the Demon'.]
[I declare that this book shall be revealed only to my successors on the throne. The kings who read this must swear by this edict. Never let the contents leak outside. Violating the edict will result in death on the spot.]
[And kings, if one with high synchronization to the demon appears, you must trust him without fail.]
[A fact the demon doesn't know. That its power is a fragment of someone who existed long ago. And the one with high synchronization who will appear someday is a figure even the demon cannot handle.]
[Kings must protect him with all their might until he grows. That will be the key to protecting Seldam, and ultimately the world.]
There was more content after that, but it wasn't necessary to examine it now.
King Friedmoor returned 'Records with the Demon' to the safe and sealed it.
"In the end, things went your way."
The Eye of Omniscience.
The crown containing the demon, belonging to the first king, had vanished.
And Jamie Welton had appeared with new power.
"But you were also wrong."
King Friedmoor thought of the first King Friedmoor, whom he had only seen in portraits, and spoke.
"He doesn't seem like someone who needs protection."
The Jamie Welton he had seen was already a complete being.
And he would become even more complete in the future.
He was personally curious.
How far he would grow.
What form he would take.
The important thing was that he would greatly influence the kingdom's interests going forward.
"The future looks promising."
The king smiled quietly and stepped out of the archive.
"I never thought His Majesty would let it slide just like that."
Linmel let out a sigh of relief.
No matter that Jamie had been appointed a master, the Eye of Omniscience was the most valuable national treasure of Seldam.
For it to vanish without consequence meant there was good reason.
"As expected, even the Friedmoor dynasty had something just as we suspected."
Raymond said as he sipped his tea.
Siegfried, sitting beside him, nodded and looked at the child—no, now too grown to call a child—Jamie in the head seat.
"I never imagined the true nature of the Eye of Omniscience was the first king, Gab."
"The fact that such a thing hid while deceiving the entire Seldam Kingdom is shocking, but on the other hand, it feels like our own failure for not uncovering it."
Simon spoke next with a slightly ashamed expression following Siegfried's words.
Linmel nodded gravely as well.
"It's fortunate it's wrapped up now. Jamie's contribution was great."
"It's not that big a deal. I just returned what they aimed at me."
Jamie said as he surveyed the gathered people.
2nd Elder Linmel, 4th Elder Raymond, 7th Elder Siegfried, 8th Elder Simon.
Elders of the magic world, united by shared will.
And those who knew Jamie's secret.
"Still, you've grown to quite an intimidating degree."
Raymond looked at Jamie with the face of someone seeing something wondrous.
"I'm still not quite used to it myself."
Jamie observed his own body as he spoke.
The sudden growth made movements awkward, but it was improving.
And he was constantly amazed by his body's performance.
The holy light born at the pinnacle of black mana.
Fully absorbing it, Jamie underwent physical evolution right there.
Impurities flushed from his body, reconstructing his skeleton and muscles. His mana cores strengthened, holding more pure mana.
His channels thickened, making mana circulation smoother than before—comparable even to his prime.
Considering growth potential, surpassing his prime would be effortless.
The main reason for this evolution was resorbing the holy light into darkness, synergizing with the Orb of Life.
Just entering growth spurt, his progress would explode yearly.
'The foundation is perfectly prepared.'
His pre-evolution body was excellent, but this one would surpass even his past life's limits.
Swordsmanship would improve beyond compare.
All circumstances raced toward the best.
"So, what are your plans now?"
At Linmel's question, Jamie rested his hands on the desk and replied.
"I'll devote the next few years to training."
"Seclusion?"
"Not full seclusion, but I need focused time."
What was most urgent now?
Swordsmanship mattered, but magic took priority.
"Five years. I'll reach 9th class within five years."
Despite the bold declaration, the four sorcerers only widened their eyes, none denying it.
Not because they knew his past life.
"Five years..."
"Five years means I need to step up too."
"Same here. Can't let him catch up easily."
"Heh heh, this old man is already overtaken, so I'll just watch happily."
The sorcerers chimed in one by one, and Jamie smiled before them.
Five years ahead.
'Only then can I stand at the true starting line.'
The Zenith Church was beginning to stir.
Recent news: Nations on the eastern continent, home to Zenith's head temple, started protecting it.
Simultaneously, claiming the Abton incident was Seldam's fabrication and slander.
Due to the conflict, skirmishes occurred several times along the overlapping northern continent border.
Not full war yet, but Jamie saw it as a matter of time.
'Zenith.'
No matter what, the first god to kill was none other than Zenith.
Jamie clenched his fist as if to crush it immediately.
Time for revenge on that day drew near.
Starting with Zenith, he would topple them one by one.
'In this life, without fail. I'll end you fakes.'
Jamie's eyes turned purple.
Ding- Ding- Ding-
With the bell tolls, sunlight poured through the open window cracks.
There, a boy in priestly robes prayed toward the Pyro goddess symbol.
The vast main hall held only the boy.
He raised his bowed head and slowly stood.
Then, someone knocked on the hall door.
"Apostle. It's Ras."
"Come in."
The door opened, and the familiar face of Ras entered.
Boy Riki looked at him, confirmed the door closed, and smiled brightly.
"What's up, Big Brother Ras?"
"Before the goddess."
"What's wrong with that? The goddess will understand. Right, Goddess?"
"Oh man."
As Riki waved at Pyro's symbol, Ras shook his head as if he couldn't stop him.
It would be blasphemy from anyone else, but Riki was Pyro's sole apostle.
Closest to the divine, even the faithful would overlook his antics.
"Praying today as well?"
"As always. What brings you here, brother? Got some fun news?"
"Of course."
Riki's eyes widened at that.
Ras rarely came personally; one key thing was news of his best friend.
"News about Jamie!"
Ras nodded with a smile.
"What is it? What crazy thing did that guy do this time?"
The last Riki heard was Jamie defeating a demon count invading the magic world.
Shivers ran through him hearing that.
Ras smirked at the excited Riki and explained.
"Riki. We need to step up our game."
"What suddenly?"
"Jamie. He's been appointed a master of Seldam Kingdom."
"...Master?"
Not knowing exactly what a Seldam master was, Ras explained in detail.
Listening, Riki's eyes grew rounder until his face bloomed in a grin.
"That rascal Jamie! I thought I'd caught up with hard work, but he's pulled ahead again!"
He thought he'd narrowed the gap, but his friend widened it once more.
Yet Riki wasn't disappointed.
Motivation surged.
"Like you said, brother, I need to push harder."
"Yeah. With your talent, you'll surely have a great matchup with Jamie."
"I can't just keep being protected by him like before. Don't know when we'll meet next, but then I'll stand beside him and fight together."
Riki raised his right hand as he said it.
Pyro's divinity emanated from his palm.
Ras's eyes trembled slightly seeing it.
'Already at this level...'
Less than a year at the head temple, yet Riki wielded bishop-level divine power.
Training daily in swordsmanship under the leader of the sacred executors—Pyro's top force—it wasn't far to full paladin qualification.
Riki toiled daily to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with his friend.
"No time to slack. Gotta loosen up."
"Already training time, huh."
"Yeah. Feels recharged. That Jamie. Next time, I'll shock him flat."
Riki steeled himself and left the hall.
Alone, Ras scratched his head, then gazed at the goddess symbol.
Clasping hands, he prayed to her.
"Keep both boys safe."
Thus, five years passed.
Side Story: Meeting and Farewell
"Nervous, nya?"
Behemoth asked, perched on Vena's head, peering down.
As he said, Vena's face was stiff with tension.
"Yeah. Heart's pounding a bit."
About a month since leaving Saint-Dermang.
Han, Azad, and Alex headed to Frontier HQ, parting midway.
Braha guided to Ariazad Great Forest, Valkyrie territory, joining the journey.
Behemoth, at Jamie's request, stayed until Vena settled.
Braha said,
"Seeing kin after ten years, it'd be weird not to be tense."
"Apple, nya?"
"Hehe. Thanks."
Behemoth offered his apple, saying it eased tension. Vena took it.
Braha chuckled wryly at the simplistic duo.
Chewing, Vena asked Braha,
"How much longer?"
"About an hour."
"But I heard Ariazad Great Forest is super dangerous... Safe to go unprepared?"
Vena asked worriedly; Braha laughed, looking at her fondly.
"You really know nothing, do you?"
"Huh?"
"Well, raised by humans for ten years, barely remembering childhood. Can't be helped."
"What do you mean?"
"You're right, Ariazad is dangerous. But not to us."
One of the six forbidden zones, Ariazad Great Forest.
Normally impassable.
Full of powerful monsters and lethal threats everywhere.
Even a Sword Master-led expedition left only the master surviving.
But that was only for humans.
"To forest kin like us, the forest is just home."
"Home?"
"Never been in a forest?"
"Uh... Once, I think."
"How was it?"
"Power surged through me. Condition was great."
"That's the basics. Elves and Valkyries aren't called 'forest fairies' for nothing. We're strongest in nature, beloved by it."
"...Beloved."
"Yes. You spent more time in human arms than forest, so adaptation needed, but I'm here. Humans fear the great forest; we don't."
"She's right, nya! Don't fear, Vena. I got you!"
Behemoth hopped to Vena's lap, puffing proudly.
"Yeah!"
Vena replied energetically.
An hour later, the great forest loomed.
Trees densely overlapped, entrance shrouded in gloom.
Ghostly vibe made Vena swallow dryly.
Yet her condition revived bit by bit.
"That it, nya?"
"Yes. The forest's entrance."
"Hoong. Impressive."
Behemoth eyed it approvingly.
The forest's aura was potent; he understood human fear.
Dangerous creatures dwelled within.
"Let's go."
Unlike tense Vena, Braha casually extended her hand.
Vena nodded, grasping it.
Wind spirit enveloped them.
Bodies lifted; scenery blurred past rapidly.
"F-Fast!"
"Wahaha! This speed! Been too long, nya!"
"Gotta adapt to this? We'll fly faster ahead!"
They pierced the entrance instantly, hurtling to the core at immense speed.
Vena's vision spun.
Spirit-carried far outpaced self-flight.
"Waaah!"
"Hahaha! Faster! Faster!"
"Thrilling!"
Vena screaming, Behemoth cheering, speed-loving Braha.
They crossed the vast entrance to core in a flash.
"Ugh!"
"Y-You okay?"
"I'm fi... Ugh!"
Braha patted Vena's back apologetically.
Vena waved it off, but nausea hit; she clamped her mouth, dashed to a tree, retching.
"Thought since you can fly, higher speed was fine..."
Too exhilarating.
Her usual speed overwhelmed Vena.
"Tsk tsk. That weak, nya?"
Behemoth circled her, clicking tongue.
Vena, crouched blankly at ground.
Time eased the nausea.
"Drink some water."
Braha summoned water spirit, trickling pure water to her lips.
"Haa~"
Vena exhaled deeply, color returning.
Braha apologized again.
"Sorry... Can't control when speeding up."
"It's fine. We arrived quick."
Vena smiled strainedly, surveying.
Unlike dense entrance, core sparser.
Rare trees and plants abounded.
Among them, glowing white flowers; Vena reached unconsciously for one pretty bloom.
"No."
Braha snatched her wrist.
"Poisonous. Even we melt on touch."
"P-Poison?"
"Yes. Many lure and devour with beauty and scent. More deeper in; be careful."
"...Then why's he fine?"
"Hm?"
Vena pointed behind.
Behemoth stared blankly, munching something.
The poison plant Braha warned of.
"Behemoth's okay?"
"Whatcha seein', nya?"
"..."
The beast casually chewed the skin-melting acidic poison.
Braha forehead-slapped, told Vena,
"He's the exception. Ignore him."
"Okay."
"Ridiculous. Eats that too?"
Braha grumbled ahead, baffled.
Soon, an open plain appeared.
Odd in the vast forest expanse.
Braha said,
"Only you can enter from here."
"Me?"
"Yes."
"Can't I go, nya?"
"You wait here with me. Valkyrie territory ahead."
Empty plain as Valkyrie domain?
Vena recalled Valkyries lived at 'Spring of Passing Time'.
No spring visible.
"You'll see. They're calling you."
Braha listened, eyes closed.
"Go."
"...I'll be back."
Vena stepped forward tensely. Behemoth cheered behind.
"No worries! I'm here, so go bravely, nya!"
"Yeah!"
Encouraged, Vena breathed steady, advanced boldly.
Space rippled; pastel hues like fairy tale flowed over the plain.
Dreamy backdrop with white trees; grass waved welcoming.
Nearby, small spring.
Slender tree at center; colorful tiny birds sang on branches.
"This is..."
Vena walked entranced to spring.
Pink hair gradually reddened; fairy wings slowly unfurled from back.
[It's been truly long since here.]
Silent Phillion opened mouth as if from deep sleep.
Giggling laughter echoed.
Vena closed eyes, listening.
-You're back.
-The princess has returned.
-Tell the queen.
-Hurry, inform the queen!
Eyes open: Beautiful women like elves fluttered winged around.
Strangers, yet familiar.
-Follow, princess.
One extended hand.
Vena took it unhesitatingly.
-The queen awaits.
Led to massive coiled tree piercing sky.
Hole at base, flower-adorned.
Seeing it, tears welled uncontrollably.
Forgotten memories resurfaced.
-Vena. My dear daughter.
-Mother prepared a flower crown for you.
-My daughter. Come to mother's arms.
-Even succeeding as queen, you're always my daughter.
-My beloved daughter. Grow well.
Face blurry, but slept in someone's arms in that hole.
Touch so warm, always peaceful sleep.
One who loved her most.
Tears now streamed down cheeks.
Vena covered mouth, shoulders trembling faintly.
"...Mom."
"My daughter."
Hearing the voice, the hazy face sharpened.
Vena cried out to the beautiful red-haired Valkyrie descending slowly.
"Mom!!"
"Vena. My precious daughter."
Vena ran straight to her.
How could she forget cherished childhood memories?
Unable to hold tears, she buried into Queen Hifen's arms.
Hifen gently stroked her hair.
"Like this... We've met again like this..."
She too shed a tear, hugging tightly.
Forcibly separated ten years, mother and daughter clung as if never parting.
"My daughter, you've grown so much?"
Calmed Hifen wiped Vena's puffy eyes.
Vena sniffled, nodding.
"Y-Yes... A lot."
"Yes. Ten years. Ten years."
"Forgot everything for ten years. You, other Valkyries too."
Valkyries fluttered around, blessing queen-princess reunion.
Memories returning, many faces familiar.
"No injuries? No pain? Really okay?"
Valkyries famed warlike, but warmest to blood kin.
Vena had horrific past, but no intent to share.
"No pain. All fine."
"Thank goodness. Truly. How much I searched for you..."
Hifen gritted teeth recalling past, bowed head to hide from daughter.
Vena hugged her shoulders, teary.
"All fine now. I'm back."
"Yes... Never separate again."
"More than that, people to introduce."
"The ones outside, right."
Already reported.
Elf and ox-like beast with Vena.
Couldn't ignore benefactors guiding precious daughter.
"Bring them."
-Yes, Queen.
One Valkyrie fetched Braha and Behemoth.
Soon, guided Braha bowed deeply to Hifen.
"I see the Valkyrie Queen."
"Which forest's elf?"
"Braha of Sepid Forest."
"Sepid... Mulan's child."
"Yes."
Mulan was Sepid's high elf.
"Thank you. Thanks to you, I meet my daughter again."
"It was natural. Forest fairies return to forest; nature's law."
"Well said. And who are you?"
"Behemoth, nya."
Unlike polite Braha, Behemoth introduced boldly.
Casual before queen, other Valkyries glared fiercely.
Hifen raised hand.
"Daughter's benefactor."
-Sorry.
They relaxed.
Queen's absolute power; Valkyries like marionettes.
"You're a peculiar being."
"You look just like Netis, nya."
Netis mention stunned Hifen and all Valkyries.
Hifen asked,
"...How do you know Lady Netis?"
"Who's Netis?"
Vena, surprised by reactions, asked Hifen.
Hifen furrowed brow slightly.
"...First queen. Our ancestor."
Braha shocked now.
Valkyrie history as long as elves; first queen from 'forgotten history' era.
Knew Behemoth ancient, but not that ancient.
Hifen eyed warily.
"What are you?"
"No duty to say that far. But one word for my master."
Behemoth rarely serious.
"Queen. Time to fight again comes. Will you be brave like Netis, or coward hiding? Your choice, nya."
Hifen speechless at loaded words.
Behemoth shrugged to Vena.
"And Vena."
"Yes, Behemoth."
"Stay healthy. Don't slack. Born with duty to guard his back someday, nya."
"Don't worry."
"Then we're off, nya."
Behemoth eyed Braha, left without looking back.
Vena desperately called the quick-leaving Behemoth.
"J-Just leaving? Behemoth! Behemoth!"
But gone.
Braha bowed to Hifen, farewelled Vena.
"Vena. Be happy."
"Braha!"
"If fate allows, meet again."
Braha vanished too.
Vena ran to spot, but couldn't catch.
Teary, mumbling,
"Such a sudden farewell..."
Hifen approached, patted back.
"You'll meet them again. No need regret."
"Still..."
Behemoth, Braha felt cruel.
Could've stayed longer.
Suppressing tears, yelled at empty air.
"Next time, I'll be stronger! Promise!"
"Sure just leaving okay?"
"Not okay? Meetings have farewells, nya. Won't be forever."
"True, but."
Braha watched ox waddling ahead, droopier than usual.
Despite words, clearly reluctant.
Made sense; a month bonded with Vena...
She felt it too.
"Hurry. To that Frontier place."
"Yeah. Let's go quick."
Braha smirked, summoned wind spirit.
Two vanished with wind.