[What Is That?]
"What is that?" Kalderet asked.
"A device for kindling Spar."
Adel held a box in his hands as he rested inside the barracks. He had dug it up from the ground before leaving Gold Death Gorge and brought it with him.
[Spar—the flames born from the phoenix, right?]
Adel nodded at Kalderet's words.
"Azal Kingdom's poisoned second prince hid his treasure in Gold Death Gorge."
[Ah... I remember what you said back then. Indeed.]
"He originally planned to hatch the phoenix and collect the Spar, but Garuda devoured the egg's heat, ruining everything."
Adel gazed at the box as he spoke.
"If the phoenix egg was a treasure Mato Azal hid, then this is like his keepsake. Put an unquenchable flame inside this box, and it opens."
[You even know what's inside?]
He shook his head at Kalderet's question.
"No. It was discovered much later. But it's definitely something important. Karon's reaction when he saw it said as much."
[What did he say?]
"If only I'd known about this sooner, I wouldn't have had to kill all my brothers..."
[Hmph. After slaughtering them all, now he regrets it.]
"That's not what he meant."
Adel chuckled at Kalderet's remark and explained its meaning.
"Think about it. Karon definitely killed all his brothers and became king of Azal Kingdom. I don't see that as a bad thing. In the end, the survivor of the competition is the victor..."
It resembled the Ulan tribe's creed.
But his methods were entirely different.
Adel had no intention of blaming Karon's ways. Competition over something meant seizing it by any means necessary—sword or poison, it didn't matter.
"But when this box was found, he regretted it. A guy who killed his brothers in every vile way imaginable felt regret."
That meant whatever was inside this box held the power to grant him the throne without spilling blood.
"This could be the decisive factor in Azal Kingdom's battle for the crown."
[Hmm, I see. Then that box would be tempting to Karon... making it prime leverage for a deal with you.]
"Or a weakness to torment him with. Well, first we need a phoenix to be born... so we'll think about it after the North Sea."
Adel tucked the box into his bosom.
"The central war is still ongoing, after all."
Whoosh—!!
It was then.
The barracks door flew open, and familiar faces came to visit Adel.
"It's been forever!!"
"Heard you didn't even come back from Garam Archipelago—just reported to Hien via magic orb and left?"
"Typical you... or should I say insane?"
Adel looked at Kasla and Harun. Their skin had tanned even more than he remembered, proof of their long hunts in the desert.
"You two doing okay?"
"Of course. You'd be shocked at the variety of monsters I've hunted."
Kasla spoke with confidence.
"How's the shield?"
"Yeah, I'm getting used to it now. Changed up my hunting style a lot thanks to it."
Clank—!!
In response to Adel's question, she extended her wrist shield and retracted it. Kalupan, the shield from the archipelago report, now looked well-worn.
"You?"
"Me? Still struggling. Tougher than I thought."
Harun lifted the large bow on his back. The silver-glowing bow handle's wrappings were frayed, showing he hadn't slacked on training.
"Wind Bow's engraving isn't a God's Blessing—it's a spirit rune. Spirits aren't like gods; you can't just borrow power."
"...Then?"
Harun asked, puzzled. The desert was far from spirits, so his understanding was limited.
"You gotta get friendly with them. Gods and humans are hierarchical, but spirits are different."
"Affinity, huh... Sounds hard."
"No worries. I can help a bit with that. The trip to the North Sea's long—I'll teach you along the way."
"Yeah, got it... Wait, North Sea?"
Harun doubted his ears at Adel's casual mention.
"Hien summons you."
But at the voice from outside, Adel just smiled and patted Harun's shoulder.
"I didn't mishear that, right?"
"North Sea..."
Kasla spoke to the staring Harun.
"Better brace yourself. This journey's gonna top the archipelago."
"Greetings."
Adel opened the barracks door and met the hot gazes directed at him. All of Ulan's captains were gathered inside.
"It's been a while. How was the journey?"
"Fun, but unfinished—so I'm just reporting and heading out."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. I only came to replenish manpower."
His words made the captains' eyes waver.
"Adel, mind your words. That sounded like your business trumps reporting to the chief."
Nazan pointed out Adel's slip, but Adel shook his head.
"Because the missions aren't complete. Reporting uncertainties is admitting incompetence."
"Heh..."
"Hmm..."
The captains nodded at his words.
"Haha, Nazan, don't bother debating Adel. He's as eloquent as he is at hunting."
"Yong-a, taking his side? We'll see if his bark matches his bite."
Hien addressed Adel.
"What did you see?"
"Allied with Zen Kingdom, connected with Leviathan Guild. Helped Gold Death Gorge's Red Dragonkin."
The people inside exchanged baffled looks, but Hien nodded as if he knew.
"Got letters from Lugal and Hul. You tamed a balrog? The Storm King awaits your adulthood—he wants a match then."
"You flatter me."
"Zen ties benefit Ulan greatly. And resolving Red Dragonkin friction? Worth merits and rewards. What do you want?"
"Nothing. Father, don't owe me too much. I haven't claimed what's mine yet."
"Kekeke... Debts, eh."
Hien grasped Adel's intent instantly.
"You seek the Ancestral Tomb."
"Yes."
"I permit entry."
"...!!!!"
Hien's final words stunned everyone present.
Really?
I heard rumors, but...
The Ancestral Tomb to an adopted kid?
The Ulan captains buzzed. They glanced at Yong-a, but he closed his eyes silently, refusing comment.
"No surprise. It was his due reward before. He blocked the Forgotten Ones, but lacked honor for the Tomb then. Garam Archipelago finishes it—he qualifies now."
"Thank you."
Adel clenched his fist unconsciously at the opportunity.
"My permission is for the living only. Earn the rest yourself. You won't grasp my meaning yet."
Ignoring Hien's words, Adel left the barracks.
"Going now?"
"Yes. You already know everything—no need to waste your time."
The captains watched the exchange, hearts tightening.
"Don't die."
Hien waved him off.
"Yong-a, guide him."
"Yes, Hien."
Treatment unimaginable for his other children.
Shaaaah—
As winter's heart overtook the season, icy winds like a frozen sheet swept the desert.
"This is the Ancestral Tomb's entrance."
Surprisingly, snow blanketed the spot Yong-a led him to, despite the desert.
"Cold."
"It's winter."
"You know that's not what I mean."
Standing at the entrance, Adel eyed the endless stairs.
"Legend says the Frost Dragon's corpse is buried here, chilling this place despite the desert."
"Only spot with desert heat and frost cold. Perfect for forging."
"Right. Many tribal treasures were born here. Hope the divine weapons accept you, Adel."
"The clan's weapons are Father's. Wishing they'd choose me isn't disrespectful?"
Yong-a chuckled at Adel's words.
"Or you'd die."
[Arrogant words. Boasting before an ancient god about mere weapons?]
But even with Kalderet's appearance, Yong-a remained calm.
"Greetings, ancient god. Void god. You're great, but not terrifying to humans."
[...What?]
"Ancient gods aren't unique. We know the god of annihilation exists—not so different."
Adel chuckled at Yong-a's reply. They were surprised by his ancient god contractor status but unafraid.
Confidence in their power.
This was the desert might Adel craved. His past life's dream of peace stemmed from such hegemony.
"Ulan's treasures are the same. Not yours just for wanting. Greed brings ruin."
"Sounds like a challenge."
"May the desert's blessing guide you. I stop here."
He bowed farewell and turned.
"While I'm in the Tomb, look into something for me. Tell Father if you want."
"Sounds like you'd prefer I don't."
Yong-a eyed Adel.
"What is it?"
"You investigated demon spirit stones. Any suspects in the tribe?"
"Hard to say definitively. A few, though."
"Won't ask who. If any link to Azal Kingdom, check it. Better if you tell me."
"Azal Kingdom...?"
Yong-a tilted his head slightly.
"Went to Cove—Forbidden Zone—for Zen business. Savages there said demon spirit stones were common in ancient times, not now."
"Cove... You entered the Forbidden Zone. Impressive."
"Just the outskirts."
Adel had omitted Forbidden Zone details in his report. Revealing he'd delved deep—beyond even Hien—would complicate things.
"Savages all carried spirit stone fragments on them. Said demons must be involved to obtain them."
"Even stranger. The demon realm gate's in the desert Forbidden Zone—far from Azal."
"Separate from that, something can open gates."
"...Dragons."
Adel nodded.
"Heard a rumor: Heavenly Dragon Qunzel, called super-ancient dragon, became Azal's guardian."
"Me too."
Tensha's spreading it well.
Before returning, Adel stopped at Cratel and ordered Karono to spread that rumor. Results exceeded expectations—if it reached the desert, central lands full of slaves must be abuzz.
"Intriguing. I'll investigate quietly."
Adel turned.
"Come back alive."
The death qi-choked entrance felt like it would drain life just looking at it.
Woooong...
The Tomb entrance rippled as if awaiting Adel.
"Naturally."
Without hesitation, he stepped into the grave where ancestral weapons slumbered.
Thump—thump—thump—
Adel's heart pounded. Not fear, but anticipation.
Excitement to see a relic even his past life hadn't witnessed.
Ghost CommandAlkan Temir's relic.