Wind Sword, Nazas
[......]
Alarakar stared blankly at him, seemingly at a loss for words in the face of his brazen declaration.
'Even as a contractor of an ancient god... to demand to stand on equal footing with the Spirit King. What a ridiculous deal I've made.'
Sennew felt as if his heart—which had long since stopped beating in death—might seize up again in the tense atmosphere. Yet at the same time, he couldn't help wondering if any other mortal being could act with such audacity.
[The demon realm targeting us... How can you prove it?]
"No need for proof. Or rather, no reason to bother. If you don't want to believe me, that's the end of it, right?"
[......What?]
"If I'm wrong and the spirit realm isn't under threat, then I have no reason to help you anyway."
[I can offer what you desire...]
Kwaaaang—!!
It was then.
Adel drew his bow and unleashed an arrow with all his might straight at Alarakar's head. A deafening roar erupted as the vortex forming the Spirit King's head exploded in a burst of sound.
But the formless king, born of wind, reformed as if nothing had happened.
"Whatever I want is my business. I don't need your help."
Unlike before, Adel's words toward Alarakar carried a predatory edge, as if he might devour him on the spot.
[I have erred.]
"......!!"
The Spirit King slowly descended, coming to stand before Adel. The massive whirlwind sustaining his form gradually calmed, shrinking until he matched Adel's height.
'He... the Spirit King has lowered himself first.'
Sennew gaped in disbelief at the sight.
[When the time axis twisted and the world line rebuilt itself, beings from other realms faintly sensed your will. I thought it would make our conversation smoother.]
The Spirit King blinked slowly—an apology that needed no explanation for Adel to understand.
[Forgive my oversight.]
"If you have a request, speak it. If it's reasonable, I'll help. But if it's personal business, forget it. I'm swamped with my own problems right now."
The moment Alarakar stood before him, the tables had turned.
"I'm not so leisurely that I can solve problems from other realms. And if it's your own issue, handle it yourselves. No matter how many times it takes."
Adel spoke as if addressing himself, and Kalderet chuckled at his unyielding confidence.
[Spirit King, don't bother with clever tricks. Be honest. Hiding from that boy gains you nothing.]
[......As you say, the spirit realm faces a threat from the demons. They covet what we possess.]
"UlDian. The essence of the spirit god and the core sustaining the spirit realm. That's their target, right?"
[......You knew from the start.]
"Not really. Just piecing it together from the situation. In my previous life, the demons did target the spirit realm—but I wiped them out before they could act."
The demons of the demon realm were no weaklings among the realms. They fell silent, stunned by how casually Adel spoke of eradicating them.
"That doesn't mean I killed the demon king or anything. I just took out the ones who crossed into this world through the demon realm's gate."
[Ahem...]
"The demon realm's gate lies within the Forbidden Zone. At the Forgotten Ones' Temple. Storming that place isn't easy."
Adel fixed his gaze on Alarakar.
"Honestly, I was puzzled why the demons would target the spirit realm. Even trash like them don't start wars without reason."
But after coming to the Black Magic Palace and learning spirit magic, Adel had pieced it together.
"They're trying to create a Spirit Axis. Not just linking bloodlines, but a massive one connecting entire realms. And they'd use UlDian as the material for it."
[Those insolent fools... Rolling in hellfire must've burned their brains to ash. What the hell are they thinking?]
Kalderet spat in disbelief.
"It might not be their idea."
[Then?]
"The demon realm has gods too."
[No way...]
Kalderet grimaced at Adel's words. Though exiled, gods did exist in the demon realm, just as he said.
[Rune'r...!!]
The god of death and the only other ancient god besides Kalderet.
[Damn it, that bastard again...]
"Of course, it's just a hunch. We'd need to confirm."
"Adel, this is more serious than you think. If they link the spirit realm as an axis like your bloodline, connecting all realms through it..."
Sennew, who had been listening quietly, spoke in a tense voice.
"It could spark a dimensional war."
"Don't worry. It won't happen for at least the next decade or so."
"How can you be sure?"
"I hunted demons, remember? Why do you think they crossed into the human realm?"
"That's..."
"To link bloodlines with a Spirit Axis, you need more than the axis itself. You need the ability to wield the power within those bloodlines. If the demon realm is one bloodline, they chose the human realm for the rest—no doubt about it."
"Hm... That makes sense."
"In my past life, I caught every demon that came through here. What would change now?"
Adel stated matter-of-factly.
"I'm a hunter. I pick my prey and hunt. That's it. Nothing changes."
Sennew gazed at him with trembling eyes.
"Your confidence alone leaves me defeated. Me, who's lived over three hundred years, shaking like this."
"You've always been a coward."
"Kek... A dead man like me?"
"That's why. You're clinging here because you're truly afraid of death."
"......"
"In the end, attachment is just fear."
Sennew gave a bitter smile at his words.
"Same for me."
"......Huh?"
"Not content with holding on, I came back. So this time, no one ruins my life. Demon scum or gods—it doesn't matter."
Creeeak...
Cracks began to deepen across the Aran leaf pendant.
"Alarakar, I can't summon you anymore with my current power. The spirit realm is threatened, but not imminently. In the meantime, build your strength."
[Remember this: My aid isn't solely because of the demon threat.]
"Then?"
[The spirit realm has long been tied closely to humans. But that bond has faded with time. Now, no one can summon the Spirit King.]
"That's obvious. No artifacts exist to boost spirit affinity."
He showed the crumbling pendant to Alarakar.
"Even an elven treasure holding a thousand years of time only buys a few minutes of talk."
[There is a treasure. What I ask is that you find it.]
"Really? Something like that still exists?"
[Yes.]
Adel narrowed his eyes.
"If I find it, what do you offer in return?"
Unfazed by the Spirit King's request, he boldly demanded payment. Sennew nodded, utterly speechless.
[My essence.]
"......What does that mean?"
Expecting perhaps a mere contract at best, Adel was caught off guard and asked again.
[The Spirit Axis you've built relies on lesser spirits. It smooths divine and mana power better than now, but can't exceed its limits.]
"So rebuilding it with your essence would let me wield stronger divine power?"
[Correct.]
"To what extent?"
[It depends on your capacity... But in terms of raw output, it could reach the pinnacle you seek.]
"Music to my ears."
Adel smirked and raised his hand.
[Be cautious. Alarakar's offer is tempting, but power too great might overwhelm your body. It could even turn to poison.]
Kalderet tried to stop him once more as he reached out.
But Adel shook his head.
"You lot always limit human potential. Kalderet, forgotten who sealed you?"
[......]
"Whether I can handle it is my call."
Kalderet stepped back and bowed his head.
"Alarakar, I accept your proposal."
[Good. You'll receive my essence once you find the spirit realm's treasure.]
"Naturally."
[But its existence has remained hidden for a reason—it's no easy find. By the kings' decree, take this as a token and proof of our pact.]
Alarakar raised his hand toward Adel, and a tiny whirlwind stirred before him.
Clink—
The rippling wind condensed, forming a shape amid the sound of clashing metal—far from mere air.
"......Light as a feather."
A sword rested in Adel's palm. The silver-hilted scabbard felt weightless, as if absent. It was lighter than a feather, defying the very notion.
Shing—
Drawing the blade produced a crisp, refreshing ring.
[Wind Sword, Nazas.]
Alarakar offered only the name—no further explanation needed.
The keen edge playing with blue light had already captivated Adel's eyes.
Whoosh—
Adel swung lightly.
Skaaaang...!!!
Astonishingly, the surrounding vortex split apart like torn paper.
'It cleaved the air?'
Sennew couldn't hide his shock at the blade's sharpness.
[That sword will guide your path.]
"I forge my own."
[Kek... Very well. I await the day you summon me with true power.]
Craaaack...!!
Kang!!!
The Aran leaf pendant shattered into pieces. The raging whirlwind vanished cleanly, as if it had never been.
"Still, this sword will serve well."
Adel sheathed it smoothly. The last lingering breeze brushed his hand like a farewell reply.
"Summoning the Spirit King... Even the top mage associations would faint hearing this."
Sennew muttered, still buzzing even after the vortex faded.
"Sennew."
"......Yes?"
Startled from his daze, he replied to Adel's question.
"Tell me Sea Wave Island's location."
It was time to leave the Black Magic Palace.