Chapter 42
Chapter 42
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 42
Chapter Title: Chapter 16: Diary (2)
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How Ganon had learned of Diablo Volpir's existence and why he had sought to uncover the truth of the world.
'So he got his hands on my bracelet.'
One of Diablo Volpir's three great divine artifacts.
Complete Immunity [Perfect Cell].
It consumed an enormous amount of mana, but back then, mana supply knew no bounds or limits, so it wasn't all that difficult.
'To discover it here.'
Should he call it good fortune?
Jamie squinted one eye as he looked at Mayatray.
She was walking toward the tombstone with sad eyes.
'Ugh.'
To her, the Perfect Cell was Ganon's legacy.
Asking for it might earn him a real scolding this time. Stealing it? Impossible with a Blue Dragon as its guardian.
At his current level, even attempting theft was out of the question.
Jamie feigned ignorance for now and approached the tombstone.
"This is it, right?"
"Yes. Ganon sleeps beneath this."
Mayatray caressed the tombstone.
It was spotless, without a speck of dust, as if maintained every day. The flowers placed around it looked freshly arranged.
'Why the minerals, though?'
Pretty glowing minerals surrounded the tombstone, seemingly placed to beautify the area.
'Dragon aesthetics are still beyond me.'
Better not point it out and risk a lecture.
Jamie gauged Mayatray's mood before cautiously inquiring about the Perfect Cell.
"What's that bracelet?"
"It's Ganon's legacy. He'd worn it since the day we first met—an artifact of tremendous power. It saved his life time and again."
"Is that all he left behind?"
"Why do you ask?"
Mayatray's eyes narrowed sharply.
Jamie waved his hands in flustered denial.
"No other meaning behind it. You said he reached the truth of the world, so I wondered if there was anything related to that. Honestly, it's just curiosity."
Mayatray glared at him in silence before snorting derisively.
"Sharp-eyed little brat."
"Hehe."
"There's a diary."
"A diary?"
"Ganon's occasional diary. This place is too humid, so I stored it separately."
"Could I... perhaps see it?"
"I don't feel like indulging you that much."
At Mayatray's firm refusal, Jamie countered.
"Then will you tell me? The truth of the world. You know it, don't you?"
"Why should I? Push too hard on my goodwill, and you'll regret it."
"Isn't it obvious that you should?"
Mayatray bristled at the casual assertion. Her pupils elongated vertically as she replied.
"Why would it be obvious? Human, everything has its limits. Don't you realize I've already granted you far more than most?"
"You're wrong."
"Wrong?"
"Ganon sought the truth of the world as a human. He braved dangers for humanity's sake. Even if he ultimately failed, his legacy endures here. As someone living in this era, I believe I have every right to know."
"Your kind of humans did nothing!"
"Did Ganon seek help from others?"
"That's...!"
"I figured as much."
If Ganon had sought aid from other humans only to be rejected, would Mayatray have stayed silent?
And would she treat him as she did now if she'd been disillusioned by humanity?
"I can infer plenty from how you treat me. Whatever thoughts Ganon harbored, he didn't seek help from anyone else."
"......"
"Humans didn't do nothing—they simply couldn't. And when they finally could have, your dragonkin applied pressure."
That was how the truth became buried.
Mayatray unclenched her tightly balled fist.
She brushed her blue hair back halfway and looked at Jamie.
"Clever little human brat."
"You're awfully emotional for a dragon."
"Don't pretend to know dragons, human."
Jamie merely shrugged.
Mayatray turned away, finding him utterly infuriating.
"Follow me."
Trailing after her led to a smaller cavern than the one with the tombstone.
A single book floated in midair there, enveloped and protected by swirling mana.
"Ganon's diary."
"Can I go take a look?"
"Look all you want. It won't mean anything, though."
Meaningless?
Jamie shot her a questioning glance.
"Nothing's written in it."
"......Pardon?"
"It's sealed somehow. No matter what I tried, the text wouldn't appear."
"Er... maybe you mistook it for a blank notebook."
"You think I'd make a mistake like that? Who do you take me for?"
A dragon committing such an error was unthinkable.
Jamie walked awkwardly toward the diary.
"Just pick it up."
Under Mayatray's watchful gaze, Jamie took hold of the diary.
The brown cover bore clear signs of great age.
Opening the first page twisted Jamie's expression.
As she'd said, there was absolutely nothing written there.
Infusing it with mana yielded no hidden text over the blanks. Various unlocking spells produced the same result.
"If even I couldn't crack it, a human won't have much luck."
Mayatray's magical prowess had naturally reached the 9th Class. Moreover, she'd spent ages researching sealing magic specifically to unlock this diary—her expertise must be immense.
"Put it back and come out. I'll send you outside."
A seal unbreakable even by a dragon.
But Jamie had one final card to play.
He turned and said.
"Don't be shocked by anything you see from here on."
"Shocked?"
Whatever antics a human pulled were mere child's play to a dragon.
Unless that human had transcended the Master level.
Yet the spectacle that followed left Mayatray utterly stunned.
"You......"
Ominous dark purple energy poured from Jamie's body.
陰 energy began to blanket the cavern.
Ruuuuumble—!!
The cavern trembled.
Mayatray couldn't close her slightly agape mouth.
She was simply dumbfounded by the sinister power emanating from such a small body.
"Black Sorcerer."
'Is he really a Black Sorcerer?'
Even witnessing it firsthand, she couldn't be sure.
This alien aura was something she'd never sensed in over two thousand years of life.
Ganon's black mana, distinct from other Black Sorcerers', felt insignificant compared to the darkness Jamie exuded.
That was when it happened.
"Got it."
The corner of Jamie's mouth curved upward.
Purple flames blazed in his eyes as he hoisted the diary high.
Sizzle—
Sparks flew as letters seared into the blank pages.
A storm whipped up.
Countless words began to float in the air.
[Imperial Calendar Year 22, March 16]
Today, I encountered a Blue Dragon. She called me a filthy Black Sorcerer and attacked me like a madwoman to kill me. I really thought I was done for, but luckily she wasn't a full adult dragon yet—my magic proved stronger. But what now? Did I go too far? Her wounds are deep.
[Imperial Calendar Year 22, March 17]
I nursed the unconscious Blue Dragon back to health. A dragon's regenerative power defies imagination. She recovered quickly and asked why I didn't kill her. Who knows. I just didn't feel like it?
[Imperial Calendar Year 22, March 18]
She introduced herself as Mayatray. She attacked because as a Black Sorcerer, I had to be evil, she said. But now she sees I'm a good guy, and since I helped her, she'll assist me. I told her it's fine, but she insists since she's on her leisure period anyway. It's awkward for me...
[Imperial Calendar Year 22, March 30]
Traveling with Mayatray is more enjoyable than expected. She's cheerful with an un-dragonlike sensitivity. Today, she pitied a rabbit eaten by a fox. Is this girl really a dragon?
[Imperial Calendar Year 22, April 19]
Another failed expedition. Found an ancient ruin, but nothing special. When will I reach the truth of the world? As I moped, Mayatray cheered me up with a dance. She was so adorable. Hoping for better tomorrow.
[Imperial Calendar Year 22, October 8]
Finally found traces of an ancient kingdom. A major breakthrough this time. Mayatray was so excited she was jumping around. We head there tomorrow. Can't wait. Bracelet's owner. What were you trying to do?
[Imperial Calendar Year 23, January 10]
Arrived at the ancient kingdom ruins. Deeply hidden. Likely the capital. Want to write more, but Mayatray's nagging me to eat. That's all for today.
[Imperial Calendar Year 23, January 12]
The ancient kingdom's name seems to be Amon, based on ancient script—uncertain. Traces suggest a massive war. What kind? Fortunately found a map. Weathered by time, but magic's for times like this.
[Imperial Calendar Year 23, April 26]
Rode Mayatray to the mapped region. Land brimming with potent mana. Astonishing it's remained hidden. Humans couldn't reach here anyway. Mayatray's thrilled—first time for her too. Her joy makes me happy.
For now, I'll call this place the 'Land of Potent Mana'.
[Imperial Calendar Year 23, July 17]
Found a ruin, but tragically, only one being could enter. After deliberation, we decided against it for now. Mana here was exceptionally intense even for the Land of Potent Mana. Needed full preparation for unknown dangers.
[Imperial Calendar Year 23, September 22]
Mayatray says Dragon Lord summoned me. She was excited for her chance at clan recognition, but I felt uneasy. Couldn't pinpoint why. Still, a golden opportunity. Dragons live longest—might know the world's truth.
[Imperial Calendar Year 23, December 24]
I was wrong in the end. Dragon Lord branded me a sin and marked me for extermination. Now back in Land of Potent Mana with Mayatray. She told me to hide in the ruin till safe. Better than facing dragons, she said. Don't worry for her, but how can I not? I love her.
[Imperial Calendar Year 41, March 8]
Reached a measure of the world's truth. Utterly shameful. What battle have you fought? The 'tombstone' dates to 65,966 years ago. He struggled alone against the 12 Gods in unfathomable antiquity. Must have been hellish. I'll spread your will to the world somehow. Spent too long in the ruin. Hope Mayatray's alright. Dragons probably spared her, but still worried. Must rescue her soon.
[Imperial Calendar Year 41, March 16]
Told the dragons why they'd abandoned the world. Why they'd submitted. They ignored me. Rescued Mayatray and left together. She cried in relief that I was safe. Truth is, I'm relieved she's unharmed.
[Imperial Calendar Year 41, May 1]
Settled in some mountain. Dragons won't find us here. Next destination: 'Garmon,' northwest of here. Clearly marked at the tombstone's base. Doesn't exist now, but something must be there.
The diary ended there.
Afterward, Ganon perished in battle against the Black Dragon Igos, unable to write more.
"Hic... Ganon. My love... my love......"
Mayatray collapsed to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably.
After 700 years, seeing Ganon's long-sealed diary unlocked was bound to overwhelm her with emotion.
Jamie watched her briefly before reviewing the diary's contents again.
'The Land of Potent Mana must be that place.'
He could even guess which tombstone Ganon had seen.
Before stepping into the final war, he—Diablo Volpir—had inscribed his resolve on that stone: the tragedy of the distant past and hope for the future.
That was 65,966 years before Ganon wrote his diary.
'And 700 years have passed since.'
Jamie let out an incredulous chuckle.
'My reincarnation happened 66,666 years after that.'
A wry laugh escaped him at the sheer vastness of time.
He'd known it spanned tens of thousands of years, but pinning down the exact figure left him speechless.
'But where's Garmon?'
No memory of it.
Had he written such a name on the tombstone?
No. He hadn't.
'I ended with a vow of certain victory.'
Garmon wasn't mentioned.
Then who...?
'Northwest from here.'
Unclear if from the tombstone or Mayatray's mountains.
'In the end, I headed northwest.'
Abton lay there.
Jamie glanced at the diary once more.
'Impressive, all the same.'
Armed only with the Perfect Cell, he'd toiled ceaselessly to unearth secrets from eons past.
He hadn't managed to spread it to the world, but he'd reached the truth nonetheless.
66,666 years ago.
The truth that humanity had fallen into slavery under the 12 Gods.
'But don't feel regret.'
Jamie’s purple eyes blazed fiercely.
'With this body returned to the land...'
'The 12 Gods shall face annihilation.'
He had no idea how long it would take, but there would be no second failure.
Humanity would bask in freedom once more.