Chapter 93
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 93
Chapter Title: The Guide from the Water King
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A one-time miracle is nothing more than coincidence. But if those coincidences keep piling up, it can no longer be called mere chance.
New spirits are springing up left and right. And it's all because of one person's actions. Could that really be coincidence?
'Is it destiny?'
The Water Spirit King Elraim rose to his feet. He didn't know if it was destiny or not. But one thing was clear: it wasn't just simple coincidence anymore. He couldn't just sit back and watch.
"Nereid. Are you there?"
"Yes. You called for me?"
"Descend to the mortal world. Fulfill your duty as a guide."
"You've finally made your decision, then."
"Yes."
"......Understood."
A peaceful midday. Suddenly, a vortex churned across the vast Azlan Great Lake.
The vortex swelled as if to devour everything in its path, then began shifting into a human form.
It transformed into a woman with long, flowing blue hair. She walked across the rippling surface of the lake onto land, and Liana waved cheerfully in greeting, as if she'd been waiting.
-Hello, Nereid.
-Liana. Still as rude as ever.
-Rude? I don't need to stand on ceremony with you, another top-tier spirit. Right?
-......Tch.
Nereid clicked her tongue at Liana's brazen words. It was true, after all.
Nereid, the top-tier water spirit. She stood at a height where no one but the Water Spirit King Elraim looked up to her. But Liana was also a top-tier spirit. There was no need for formalities.
-Anyway, tell me what you saw. What kind of person is the new king?
-New king? Oh, you mean Ddol Ddoli?
-So that's the new king's name.
-Yeah. But aren't you a bit late? I reported about Ddol Ddoli months ago. It's been a full year by the calendar. And you're only showing up now?
-Insolent. Are you doubting Lord Elraim's judgment?
-Doubting? Nah, just saying.
-The Water King is simply cautious. You know how much our descent impacts the mortal world.
-True enough. So, how's the spirit realm these days? I haven't left home in ages; I'm totally out of the loop.
-No time for idle chatter. Answer the question.
-Tch.
Liana pouted but decided to cooperate with Nereid.
She knew Nereid wasn't here for a casual visit.
Nereid was the guide sent by the Water King to confirm, assess, and escort the new king. No matter that Liana had left the spirit realm to settle in the mortal world, she couldn't ignore a guide bearing the king's command.
-Lord Elraim said you awakened the new king.
-That's right.
-What was the new king like?
-The new king... He was utterly adorable.
-What?
-So pure. I've seen countless souls over a thousand years, but hardly any as innocent as his. Sigh. I miss him already.
Liana let out a wistful sigh.
Ddol Ddoli, the new king by that name. It had been quite some time since they'd met, but the memory was still vivid.
Born through an improper method into the form of a stone golem, yet possessing such a pure soul. Truly remarkable.
-That's what I don't get. Why does someone so adorable resemble the earth element? Water would suit him better.
She imagined Ddol Ddoli as the Water Spirit King. Just the thought made her chuckle.
-No spirit would dislike him. Oh, except maybe you. You're no fun.
-Skip the nonsense and stick to the important parts...... Haa, no. My fault for asking this way.
Nereid sighed deeply and extended her hand.
-Now, hand over a trace. It's been a while, so he's probably not nearby.
-Do I have to? It feels really gross.
-King's orders.
-Fine. There.
Liana took Nereid's hand and channeled her power. Memories of her encounter with Ddol Ddoli flooded into Nereid's mind.
-Hmm, just as you said. He truly embodies the earth—from his appearance to his power. He might even become the next Earth King.
-Maybe?
-Thanks for cooperating. I'll be off.
Nereid vanished in a flash. Liana scratched her head, staring at the empty spot.
She'd forgotten to mention something important.
'I should've told her he rejected being a king.'
But Liana soon shrugged it off.
In the end, it probably wouldn't change anything.
With a new king-level soul appearing, the guide's duty had to be fulfilled no matter what.
-Found you.
Nereid gazed ahead. Across the vast plains, a steady thumping echoed from afar.
The new king's soul was far from Azlan Great Lake. Time had passed, no doubt.
'Still, thanks to Liana, it didn't take long.'
Thud!
Thud!
To the unaware, it might seem like an earthquake. But Nereid knew better.
This vibration came from the footsteps of the massive being walking ahead.
'Impressive.'
Nereid took in the vessel holding a king-level soul.
A bipedal giant made entirely of rock.
'Definitely a king.'
Others might not see it.
But as a top-tier spirit, Nereid could tell.
That was a king's soul.
-Hm? Someone following?
The giant stopped and turned to look back.
-Who are you?
The water wolf carrying Nereid raced to the giant in an instant. Dismounting, Nereid knelt on one knee, showing respect to the king.
-My deepest reverence to the newly born Spirit King. I am Nereid, the king's guide sent by the great Water King Elraim, ruler of all waters in the world. Might I have the honor of knowing your name?
-Name's Ddol Ddoli.
-Lord Ddol Ddoli. Liana was telling the truth.
-Liana?
Ddol Ddoli tilted his head. Who was that again?
-Oh, right. Lake spirit. Ddol Ddoli's friend.
-You remember. Good.
Ddol Ddoli nodded. Of course he remembered.
-Anyway, you don't feel like enemy. Not enemy. So why come to Ddol Ddoli?
-I am the king's guide. I have come to escort you, the newly born king, to the spirit realm.
-Escort Ddol Ddoli?
-Yes. I will ensure your utmost comfort. Please allow me to take your soul.
-Ddoli no understand. Why take Ddol Ddoli?
-As I said, to escort you, the new king, to the spirit realm.
-Ah, got it. That's what you mean.
Ddol Ddoli, who had been frowning in confusion, suddenly nodded as if relieved.
-Ddoli told Liana same thing back then. Not spirit. Not king. So Ddol Ddoli no go spirit realm.
-Pardon?
-Ddoli go beat strong enemies. Also train subordinates. Got new Ddol Ddoli subordinate recently. Burning mini Ddol Ddoli. Look. So cute and gallant.
Proudly showing off the Flame Pebble Guardian, Ddol Ddoli turned away without hesitation.
-Bye then.
And off he went again.
Thud! Thud!
For the first time, Nereid's eyes wavered as she watched his back.
-W-wait! My king!
-What?
-Why refuse the guidance? It's only natural for a king to go to the spirit realm!
Ddol Ddoli's eyes narrowed.
-Already said. Ddol Ddoli not spirit. Not king. Don't know what spirit realm is, but Ddol Ddoli no go.
-N-no, you can't say that! If the king doesn't go to the spirit realm, the world's balance will collapse! Surely you know that?
-World's balance?
-Yes! Besides, becoming a king is the greatest honor. No reason to refuse!
-Ddoli no interest in king. But world's balance... Ddol Ddoli interested.
If the world's balance collapsed, chaos would come to this world.
Ddol Ddoli didn't know exactly what that meant, but it probably meant a ton of bad guys showing up.
Guys with demonic energy.
That in itself was fine. Ddol Ddoli could smash them easily.
The problem was his master.
Unlike Ddol Ddoli, the master had fragile human flesh. He wouldn't last long.
-Master might be in danger. Ddol Ddoli no like that.
-Pardon?
Suddenly, memories of the lake surfaced.
Meeting the spirit named Liana, competing, awakening to power.
Ddol Ddoli had sensed a massive force trying to change him but rejected it.
A power so immense it sent shivers through his current strong self—yet he refused.
No reason. Just a bad feeling. Like he absolutely shouldn't.
That's how it was.
Why think of it now?
Now he got it.
'That power... power to become spirit.'
Maybe.
If he'd accepted it, he might not be himself anymore.
-One question.
-Yes. Ask away.
-If Ddol Ddoli become spirit, what happen to body?
-Naturally, it perishes. You will be reborn in a new vessel befitting a king.
-What?
Ddol Ddoli's face hardened.
Body perishes?
The body his master made?
-That true?
-Yes.
-......
-My king. What does an old vessel matter? A king deserves a fitting one. Come with us to the spirit realm and craft the vessel for your soul. Dwell in the home where you belong.
-No.
-Pardon?
-Said no.
Thud!
Ddol Ddoli stomped. The Flame Pebble Guardian stuck close behind mimicked him perfectly, like a son copying his dad.
-My king! Why......!
-Ddoli like this body. Master made it. Never give up. Not even if sky splits.
-My king! You must enter the realm!
Nereid called desperately, but Ddol Ddoli ignored her, trudging onward silently.
Nereid's expression hardened.
A grim resolve settled in.
'If the king won't enter willingly, I must use force to complete my mission.'
Nereid channeled her power. As mana surged from her body, Ddol Ddoli turned.
He opened his mouth.
-Ddoli no want fight. Spirits not bad guys. But if attack, no mercy. Fight Ddol Ddoli?
Nereid met Ddol Ddoli's eyes. The jewel-like orbs were serene yet seemed to burn fiercely.
She stared for a moment, then withdrew her mana.
-I was rude. Please forgive me.
-Forgiven.
-Until next time.
Nereid mounted the water wolf. It sped back toward the lake. Her face was calm, but her thoughts were not.
'The king's mind seems badly tainted.'
Nereid closed her eyes. Her spirit connected to the spirit realm.
-Nereid. What happened?
-Water King. I am ashamed.
-Ashamed? What do you mean? Don't tell me you failed?
-Yes.
-Let me read your memories. All right?
-Yes. Please.
Nereid felt her mind grow distant, then clear again.
-Hmm, I see what happened. Must've been tough.
-No, it's my failure to fulfill my duty. I apologize.
-It's fine. Not your fault.
-......
-The fault lies with the new king. Born as a king yet shirking his duty.
Nereid trembled. She felt Elraim's anger through the link.
-Oh, sorry. I got a bit worked up.
-No, my lord.
-Return now. The new king will be handled by me and Noas.
-Pardon? You'll both act personally?
-Yes.
Nereid's face fell. The Water King and Earth King moving at once? Was this right?
'Has it escalated this far?'
-We must. A insolent king dodging duty needs discipline.
Nereid trembled again, sensing Elraim's foul mood.
Ddol Ddoli receives 'Elraim's Mark'!
Ddol Ddoli receives 'Noas's Mark'!
"Huh?"
Sudden notifications. Ian, writing up a magic circle inspection log in the imperial palace, blinked in surprise.
'What marks?'
He knew the names.
That's why he was even more flustered.
'Why are the Spirit Kings suddenly marking my Ddol Ddoli?'
Really, why?