Chapter 118
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 118
What is magic?
From the grand capitals of the great families to the world’s most remote reaches—like Hisaril Hill, where Turan once lived—the answer would likely be the same no matter who you asked.
Magic is a power derived from the bloodlines of the great Frea Divine Clan.
Yet, the book Turan held flatly denied that fact.
It claimed that the magic passed down through divine bloodlines was merely a facade, and that humanity originally possessed a different, "true" magic.
The text even used the expression "those who call themselves gods"—a phrase so incredibly blasphemous it was hard to believe it came from someone living in a land that worshipped the Frea Divine Clan.
Turan was so shocked by the contents that he stared at the book, momentarily forgetting to breathe.
Solif, who was resting nearby, asked curiously, "What’s wrong? Did you find something?"
"Just a second."
Turan took a deep, sharp breath to steady himself and looked back down at the page.
[Originally, mana was a power possessed by monstrous entities; humans were never meant to handle it. The power of true magic that humans once wielded comes from the manipulation of the soul.]
...The soul?
Surely, spirit arts—the manipulation of souls—were the specialty of the elves. Was the author of this book suggesting that "humans" were actually elves?
Turan steadied his racing heart and turned the page.
[For those who have yet to realize: soul magic is fundamentally different from the spirit-calling of the White Elves. While spirit-calling is a technique to extract and manipulate living souls at will—much like how Dark Elves control the dead—soul magic is a technique to awaken the True Self, achieve Spiritual Awareness, and exert influence over the spiritual world.]
Fortunately, the "humans" the author referred to were the same humans Turan knew.
Realizing this made his heart pound even faster. A technique to manipulate the soul—an area that was practically a mystery to humanity! Just imagining the possibilities was staggering.
For instance, one could seize a god's soul while their vessel was dead, or perhaps, if used alongside a Lavitas relic, uncover the secret to immortality...
No, that’s probably not it.
This book hadn't been hidden in some remote wilderness; it was in the library of the Baraha Family Head. If it contained the secret to immortality, they would have surely made use of it long ago. They certainly had more than enough time to master such things.
[True magic holds infinite possibilities, but unfortunately, the gap between the spiritual and physical worlds is so vast that it cannot effect much change in reality. Of what use is speaking with the dead or peering into the future against powerful magical beasts and other races? At best, the most practical application was donning the bodies of animals to fight. Thus, it was only natural that humans, enslaved since before the appearance of the Frea Divine Clan, began to lose the art of true magic...]
The technique of donning the bodies of animals to fight.
The moment he read that, Turan felt as if he had been struck by lightning.
Could it be?
Until now, Turan and his companions had assumed the Frea Divine Clan were kidnapping White Elves and using spirit-calling to switch bodies. Based on common knowledge and the information gained through Lida, they believed the White Elves' spirit-calling was the only secret art capable of interfering with the soul.
But what if that wasn't it? What if they were using this "true magic" to enter human bodies, just as one might enter the body of an animal?
By mastering this technique, he might be able to take a step—no, dozens of steps—closer to the secrets of the gods.
Turan continued reading for a while before clearing his throat and calling out to the Librarian, who was idling nearby.
"Elder."
"What is it?"
"Could you help me interpret this?"
He could more or less understand the introductory parts explaining the background, but the subsequent pages were filled with terms like "True Self" and "Spiritual Awareness." He could read the words, but the meaning failed to register. Turan’s reading habits were extensive compared to other youths his age, but he was no match for a true scholar.
"This is why I told you to study more," the Librarian grumbled.
As the Librarian began to read the book, Solif approached, wondering what was going on.
"What is it? What’s the matter?"
"It’s something called 'true magic.' Have you ever heard of it in your family?"
"True magic? Never."
"Then let’s read it together for now. We might learn something."
Since the book was from Baraha, Turan had wondered if it was widespread knowledge in these parts, but Solif’s ignorance suggested otherwise. Solif wasn't exactly unlearned himself, even if his scope of knowledge was somewhat limited.
Just then, the Librarian gestured for Turan’s attention.
"Come here. I shall explain it from the beginning."
"I’m listening."
"First, the concept of the 'True Self' was proposed about 1,900 years ago by Esol, a scholar of the Garba family. It began with the question of whether what defines 'me' is simply the physical body or the memories of a lifetime..."
What followed was essentially a philosophy lecture. It covered metaphysical topics like the ego and personality—subjects Turan usually avoided. But now, he listened with fervor, etching every word into his mind. Solif, listening beside him, eventually frowned and shook his head as if his brain were starting to ache.
For several dozen minutes, the two of them pored over the "Introduction to True Magic" with the Librarian’s interpretation.
After reading the final page, Solif let out a low sigh.
"We’ve stumbled upon something truly incredible..."
As the author had stated, it was nearly impossible for this "soul magic" to exert any significant influence on the physical world. This was because the spiritual world, where the soul primarily resides, is strictly separated from the physical world, connected only through the medium of the physical body.
However, conversely, one could do an immense number of things as long as they didn't require physical influence. Beyond the aforementioned speaking with the dead and precognition, there were even techniques for reincarnation while retaining one's memories.
Thanks to this, Turan could now guess how the fallen gods preserved and transferred their souls. The book mentioned a technique more advanced than donning an animal's body: a method of devouring another's spirit to possess them. It even included a helpful explanation that the more the vessel's background, personality, and mental state matched the caster's, the higher the synchronization rate, making the body easier to control.
Furthermore, there were secrets regarding the lifespan of the soul. Turan realized that while the Lavitas family's knowledge was crude, they had come quite close to the truth. They might have obtained a fragment of the soul magic tradition that had been severed elsewhere.
The gods had likely used this magic to maintain their immortality while systematically eliminating any practitioners among ordinary humans and erasing all records. If they hadn't been so thorough in their purge, the Librarian would have at least known something about it.
"But the most important thing is this," Turan said.
"Soul Imprint?"
"Exactly."
A Soul Imprint. It involved turning oneself into a semi-spiritual entity, much like a spirit, and then binding that spirit to a specific location. It was similar to how the Librarian was bound to the library in the past, and now to the jewelry box.
In that state, one could act freely by inhabiting another's body, but upon leaving that body—through death or other means—the soul would immediately return to its bound location.
In the case of the Baraha nobles, that anchor point likely existed beneath the Sun Temple. If they could destroy the medium there, kill the vessel, and then seize and destroy the soul, they could grant those "gods" a perfect, final death.
"If we can just learn this, we can hunt them down one by one...!"
"Yeah. The problem is how we learn it."
"Ah."
Solif, who had been getting excited at Turan's words, froze.
As Turan pointed out, the introduction to soul magic required incredibly difficult rituals. One had to enter a hallucinatory state by consuming drugs made through complex processes, or undergo a near-death experience through meditation...
The book gave a chilling warning: not only was innate talent crucial, but without a master who had already achieved enlightenment to guide the way, there was a high probability of the soul being shattered.
Once they finished their discussion, Turan closed the book, tucked it into his pocket, and stood up.
"Let's leave it at that for now. My mana is recharged, so let's get moving. This isn't a problem we can solve by worrying about it right this second."
"Alright, let's go regroup."
*
"They're inspecting people here, too."
"It's intense."
The Land of the Five Lakes had a fairly high population density compared to the territories of other great families. Perhaps only the Dakein Plains of Arabion could compare. This meant that no matter how hard they tried, they couldn't avoid people entirely.
Moving along the main road while blending in with the crowds, Turan and Solif saw knights and nobles—people they usually wouldn't even catch a glimpse of—patrolling the area. Since Turan had given his mask to Solif, he couldn't see their status, but they were likely from vassal families rather than the main Baraha line. Over a hundred guards were blocking the roads and controlling the crowds under their command.
"They must have used light signals, right?"
"Of course. How else could they have spread the word this far in just a few hours?"
The Baraha family had established a signaling system called the Light Watchtowers within their territory. It involved placing mages at regular intervals to relay signals through the flickering and color of light. The core of this technology was the presence of Baraha nobles stationed at these intervals. Because they possessed the Illusion Bloodline, which allowed them to manipulate light, they could emit and perceive signals from much further away than others.
Naturally, no matter how fast Turan and Solif ran, they couldn't outrun light.
"Detain any group with young men in their twenties or thirties with short silver or brown hair! Also, detain any man traveling alone, regardless of his appearance!"
The noble was clearly shouting descriptions of Solif and Turan. The order to detain any lone man regardless of appearance was undoubtedly a precaution against transformation masks. Judging by the fact that they weren't looking for someone with gray hair, it seemed Turan's true identity hadn't been discovered, or those who knew were keeping it quiet.
"W-what is the meaning of this? I haven't done anything wrong..."
"Please, let me through! If I don't deliver these goods to Seto by today, I'm ruined!"
Brown hair was common in any region, and silver hair was relatively frequent here in Baraha lands, so many people were being detained by the roadside. As the young men looked on with terrified faces, the noble frowned and gave an order.
"Check them."
"Yes, sir!"
The mobilized guards drew short swords and began making shallow cuts on various parts of the detainees' bodies. The young men screamed that they were being killed, but none dared to resist. How could they, with high-ranking nobles and knights standing right before them, eyes blazing?
Fortunately, those who were confirmed to bleed from the cuts were allowed to pass. The released men hurriedly fled, wrapping their bleeding wounds with clean cloth to stop the flow.
I wondered how they'd tell us apart... that's actually quite clever.
It was common knowledge that even a low-ranking noble's body couldn't be pierced by an ordinary blade unless they were forced to exhaust their mana. It wouldn't be easy to pass that test without intentionally draining one's mana—and if they did that, they would look visibly exhausted. Since the guards didn't have the ability to read mana like Turan, this was the most reliable method.
Of course, if they actually found the real targets, everyone in the vicinity would be as good as dead.
Impressed despite himself, Turan joined the line and bowed his head before the inspecting officer.
"You're working hard, officer."
"Name, old man?"
"This humble one is called Labus. This is my grandson, Rob."
"H-hello."
The officer glanced at Turan and then at Solif, who was stammering behind him, and clicked his tongue. A shabby-looking old man and a boy who looked to be in his mid-to-late teens. Neither fit the description of the fugitives.
"What's your business here?"
"I run a small stall in Senzra City to the north. We're on our way back from praying at the Sun Temple. It was this old man's lifelong wish."
The Sun Temple was a place of great significance for followers of the Silver Sun. As such, it wasn't unusual for even poor commoners to make a "pilgrimage" there at least once. Turan had used similar excuses frequently when he was in Helio City.
As expected, the officer tilted his head for a moment before giving Turan’s shin a sharp kick.
"Ugh!"
"Grandfather!"
"Get lost, quickly. There's a line behind you!"
"Thank you, sir."
Turan and Solif played the roles of a hobbling old man and a worried grandson perfectly, deceiving the guards and passing through the perimeter. They encountered several more such checkpoints as they headed north, but no one saw through their disguises.
The only real crisis came during a luggage inspection. As nobles, they had traveled without several essential items for ordinary travelers, such as flint or blankets, which aroused the officer's suspicion. Fortunately, Solif managed to smooth things over by claiming he had lost his bag.
After three days of traveling north, Turan and Solif finally reunited with Meisa’s group, who were hiding in a mountain cave.
"Turan!"
"Are you hurt?"
"I'm fine, of course... and you?"
"Perfectly fine, obviously."
After a brief hug with Meisa to confirm they were both safe, Turan picked up Bije, who was hopping around impatiently, and ruffled her feathers.
"Have you been well?"
[ I was scared! But I waited patiently! ]
"Right. Thank you all for bringing everyone this far."
At Turan's thanks, Bije let out a huff and pointed toward Solif, who had already walked past them. He was currently embracing his parents, who had been resting inside.
[ Papa and Mama were worried about the dummy too! Just like me! ]
"I'm sure they were. He is their son, after all."
If Turan's mother were still alive, she would have worried about him just as much.
Just then, Bije pecked Turan's head with her beak.
[ I am Turan's Mama! So I worry about my son! ]
"Since when am I your son?"
[ Turan's Mama is Bije, and I am Bije too! ]
Turan was momentarily dumbfounded by the transcendental logic that they were the same person because they shared a name. Feeling the tension drain away, he chuckled and sat down in a corner of the cave.
Dozens of minutes later, Solif returned after sharing his emotions and stories with his parents. His parents followed behind him and bowed deeply to Turan.
"We are truly grateful, Mr. Turan."
"If it weren't for you, we would have lost our son without even knowing why. Truly... I don't know how to express our gratitude."
Overcome with emotion, Solif's mother, Romi, had tears welling in her eyes. It was understandable, given she had just heard her son had almost been replaced by the Family Head's personality without a word. Until now, they might have harbored some resentment toward their son for suddenly abandoning the family. Revealing the full story was necessary to clear away those lingering feelings.
"I accept your gratitude. But... I think we need to discuss a more important topic now."
"An important topic?"
"I'm sorry to say this, but it will be difficult for the two of you to continue traveling with us for many reasons."
The middle-aged couple nodded solemnly at Turan's words. Godis and Romi were skilled enough to hold the position of Family Head in an ordinary family, but in their current situation, they were essentially liabilities. If even one of the high-ranking nobles Turan and Solif had been leading around were to step forward, they could easily kill the couple.
Furthermore, they couldn't simply be used as soldiers; if they were killed or captured, it would cause severe psychological trauma to Solif, just as before. Baraha would likely target the two of them relentlessly as easier marks compared to the three who were harder to catch.
What the couple needed was a refuge where no one could interfere. A place far from Baraha, outside the territory of any great family, and somewhere they wouldn't be easily found even if the Zahar Family Head used a medium to track them.
Everyone harbored the same doubt at Turan's words.
"Does such a place... exist?"
"It seems impossible by conventional means."
Even Turan, who was several levels weaker than the Zahar Family Head, could sense Godis in the east from the Lavitas lands in the southwest. In such a world, was there really a land that could evade the tracking of the Zahar Family Head, who sat at the center of the world in the Enril Desert? Unless they went deep underground or high into the sky, it seemed physically impossible.
"There is one place. Just a bit further west from my hometown."
"Could it be...?"
Turan's hometown was Hisaril Hill, located at the western edge of the world. To its west lay the Boundary of the World—the Sky Mountains, soaring so high that no one had ever crossed them.
The uncharted lands beyond those mountains were the refuge Turan had in mind.