Chapter 171
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 171
Thanks to the intelligence Turan had gathered from Resion and the other half-elves, Solif had a general idea of what kind of man the head of the Ruban family was.
Wasn't he a man obsessed with raw power and hyper-masculinity?
The fact that Kalais’s physical body was so overdeveloped was likely a reflection of the possessor's intent. After all, the more physically and mentally similar a host was to the spirit, the smoother the assimilation would be.
As the raft touched the Baraha riverbank, Kalais signaled his subordinates to stay back with a wave of his hand and approached Solif alone.
The head of a Great Family—and specifically, the one most specialized in physical combat—was closing in. Since he was arguably the most powerful close-quarters fighter in the world, everyone present grew visibly tense.
“What’s with those expressions?” Kalais asked.
“I just found out someone I knew, even if we weren't that close, is dead. You can't expect me to be in a good mood,” Solif replied.
Kalais smirked at the answer.
“Dead? How rude, considering I’m standing right here, breathing and perfectly fine.”
“Only your kind would consider that being alive.”
To have one's soul devoured from the inside, unable to do anything unless the intruder occasionally handed over the reins when they grew bored—how could that be called living?
Knowing that engaging in a moral debate with soul-snatchers who had lived for thousands of years was pointless, Solif shook his head and changed the subject.
“More importantly, I never heard that the head of the Ruban family was at an age where he was about to die.”
“This vessel is in much better condition than the one I used before. Just look at this body... isn't it magnificent? I worked hard on my previous body, too, but the basic skeletal structure was poor. It’s nice that mana prevents muscle loss, but in the end, talent matters for the vessel as well.”
As Kalais grinned and flexed his biceps, his face lacked the peculiar sense of exhaustion found in other soul-snatchers like the heads of the Arabion and Zahar families, who had occupied their bodies for far too long.
This was the period when the chains linking the soul and body were at their freshest, shortly after the binding.
Considering that their spirits were likely half-White Elf, they wouldn't be as proficient as Solif himself, but they would still be able to use skills quite freely. In short, he had swapped from a body used merely for survival to one better suited for the anticipated battle.
“But are you alone? I thought your friend would be with you.”
“You mean Turan? He’s around somewhere. If that guy decides to hide, even I don't have a way to find him, so I wouldn't know.”
“As I expected, he’s not here. The others are going to have quite a headache.”
Kalais spoke with a tone that brooked no argument.
Solif thought he had made a decent excuse, even if he wasn't as skilled an actor as his friend, but perhaps it wasn't enough to deceive an old monster who had lived for millennia.
Then again, the very fact that Kalais had come here alone suggested he already suspected Turan’s absence. If he hadn't—if Baraha’s forces were fully stationed here with Turan providing support—they could have simply caught and killed Kalais right then and there.
Still, perhaps feeling the need for confirmation despite his words, Kalais suddenly pulled out a small, wand-shaped magic tool and activated it.
Solif tensed, wondering what it was, but it was merely a light-based magic tool that brightly illuminated the surroundings.
“Since it’s just the two of us talking like this, there’s something I’d like to propose.”
“What kind of damn proposal?”
“I understand why you and your friends are causing this commotion. You aren't the first ones who learned our identity and tried to drag us down. And you probably won't be the last.”
That was precisely why those fallen gods kept their immortality a secret. In a situation where they held no advantage over human mages except for the privileges of soul magic and skills, there would inevitably be a backlash if it were known they chose talented individuals from among the many mages to snatch their bodies at will.
“But surely you don't want to just grow old and die like this. Three or four hundred years might seem long at first glance, but once you live through it, it’s really nothing. This world might seem boring, but there’s quite a lot to enjoy if you live long enough.”
Kalais, who had been speaking with a smirk, got down to business when Solif remained silent.
“Join our side. If you do, I’ll teach you the secret technique to refine your soul and become an immortal. Just like the Mechanic’s gang did before, you can pick a few close people and rule Baraha together. Once you actually try it, it won't be as hard as you think.”
'The Mechanic' was the nickname the fallen gods used for Resion. Kalais was proposing that Solif replace him—to reign from the shadows of Baraha, just as the fallen ancient gods did.
“You’re telling me to betray Turan?”
“Think carefully. How long do you think this game of 'god-slaying' you’re playing with your friend will last? Once you’ve killed us all, do you think he’ll allow you immortality as well? Once the common enemy is defeated, a comrade of similar standing is nothing more than a rival.”
Seeing how the gods, who had once founded a nation to rule the world as comrades, were now in conflict, it was practically his own testimonial. In the process, he even tried to provoke the inferiority complex Solif might feel toward Turan—a common sentiment toward a more talented companion.
Solif, who had been listening quietly, nodded and stepped closer.
“I’d like to hear more details. Exactly what method are you talking about?”
“Well, first—ugh!”
His smile at the sign of agreement was short-lived. Kalais groaned softly as a flash of light silently shot from Solif’s hand, and he immediately reached out to block it.
When the metal gauntlets covering his hands blocked the mass of light that had risen sharply like an awl, the light soon transformed into the shape of a cloak and draped itself over Solif’s back.
“Tsk.”
Solif, who had attempted the surprise attack, clicked his tongue, realizing his opponent had already been prepared for an ambush. Such a rapid response would have been impossible without having already combined symbols through soul magic in advance.
“Not interested? I thought it was a fairly good offer.”
“How can you teach me a method you don't even know yourself, you bastard who isn't even half-human?”
“My, so there was a survivor from the Mechanic’s gang. I didn't think he would have spilled everything down to that.”
Perhaps not expecting that they had gathered information by imprisoning and interrogating souls in a Soul Prison, Kalais clicked his tongue in disappointment and slammed his two fists together.
The resulting shockwave pushed back the river water directly behind him and swept through the Ruban family’s camp hundreds of meters away.
“Gah—!”
“Fall back!”
Faint sounds of panic could be heard from the distance.
In contrast, there was little reaction from the Baraha side, as Solif, anticipating such an event before arriving, had already ordered his camp to retreat. If the commoners had been watching from nearby, they would have been severely injured or killed by that shockwave alone.
“And... even if that weren't the case, I don't like you. I only work with people I like.”
Solif had only met the real Kalais twice, but he had certainly received kindness from him. And that Kalais had essentially been sacrificed to the monster before him.
Even if Turan’s words—that Kalais seemed to have feelings for him beyond friendship—were true, Solif couldn't reciprocate them. But he could at least offer some measure of revenge.
As Solif’s consciousness turned inward, the three symbols he possessed harmonized.
The Sun, a blend of Illusion and Pyromaniac, and the Guardian of the Shield.
While it didn't reach the level of the 'Silver Sun,' which also included the Healer, the 'Punisher' formed by the combination of those three was far more powerful than a simple mixture of two bloodlines.
As Solif stood enveloped in pure white flames, Kalais licked his lips.
“Fine. Let’s see what you’ve got.”
*
The Temple of the Sun in Helio City, the capital of Baraha.
After finishing the general cleanup and visiting his friend’s house for the first time in days, Turan hurried to Solif’s quarters upon hearing that he had been seriously injured.
Before long, Turan saw Solif lying on a bed, his entire body wrapped in bandages. Seeing Turan, Solif waved a hand that looked like it was wearing a mitten.
“You’re here.”
“Just how badly were you hurt to end up like this?”
“Everyone was making such a fuss, so they did all this. And I wasn't the only one who got hurt. I managed to land a few stabs on that bastard, too.”
Solif spoke boastfully, but soon let out a cry of pain due to the ache in his ribs. Turan looked at him with pity and immediately used a healing spell to check his condition.
“Your right arm is completely crushed, and while the left arm is a relatively clean break, all the fingers are gone. Five ribs, one collarbone broken, and the left ankle and right shin too...”
Beyond that, from his cheekbones to his nose and jaw, it was faster to find parts that were intact than those that weren't.
The terrifying part was that even this state was the result of all of Baraha’s healers putting their heart and soul into treating the returned Solif. Of course, since the power of those with far weaker mana couldn't provide meaningful treatment, it had merely been a slight boost to his natural healing.
In contrast, Turan’s power was undeniably effective.
As he poured power into the recovery magic, the sound of crunching followed as broken bones shifted back into place and fused together. Even the parts where jagged bone had pierced through the flesh retracted and healed perfectly, looking almost like a reversal of time.
“Normally, to be efficient, I’d have to cut you open and perform surgery, but I’ll just use a bit more mana. You’ve already been in enough pain.”
“It’s nice having a good friend.”
“I never imagined you’d actually fight the Ruban head. If I’d known, I would’ve come to fix you up sooner... No, maybe I should have fought with you.”
If Solif hadn't practiced enough to use his skills proficiently in actual combat, it could have been dangerous. Kalais Ruban—or more accurately, the 'Junkie' who occupied that body—would have been a master at using that form, having reigned as the leader of the Ruban gods for ages.
“And the others didn't interfere?”
“Maybe they were wary of you and stationed elsewhere. Or maybe they died before.”
“Perhaps.”
When he had repelled the Ruban invasion of Baraha last time, Turan hadn't harvested the souls of the enemy vessels. He had sniped them from too great a distance to perceive and pull the souls even with his Spiritual Awareness active.
Considering that it generally took time to find and merge with a new suitable vessel, it was possible that some of the Ruban family’s possessed entities had yet to find usable bodies. Or, like Ymir, they might be using temporary shells to be discarded after use.
“And... rise!”
A moment later, a perfectly recovered Solif lightly ignited a fire to burn away the bandages and stood up. Turan, seeing the naked body revealed as a result, looked away in disgust.
“Cover yourself up...”
“Jealous?”
“Don't be ridiculous.”
“Is it over?”
At that moment, Berit opened the door and entered, looking at Solif as he stood with his shoulders squared proudly. Seeing her green eyes scan his naked form, Solif cleared his throat and looked for clothes nearby.
“Ahem, now where did my clothes go...”
A moment later, once the awkward atmosphere had somewhat returned to normal, Berit lightly tapped Solif’s body.
“You really are all healed...”
“I told you. Everything would be solved once Turan arrived. More importantly, Turan, don't you think it’s about time we shared things with Berit? I think she’s proven herself enough.”
If Berit had been able to inform Turan immediately when Solif returned heavily injured, he would have arrived and healed everything in less than half a day.
The reason she couldn't was that she didn't even know of the Jade Mirror’s existence, let alone its location. Because the Jade Mirror’s very existence was tied to Armani, the mermaid royalty, not many in Parsha knew its exact location or nature. At most, it was a few key figures from the old Berk family, like Asiz, his brother Melo, and Haram.
In contrast, on the Baraha side where trust hadn't been fully established, only Solif knew everything. If he were injured like this, it could make resolving situations difficult. Just like what had happened this time.
“Hmm, I suppose so. I also think Berit has become someone trustworthy.”
Even though Berit was a Zahar noble—a potential enemy—her contributions thus far were significant. From leaking internal family information to leaking counter-intelligence this time to lure the enemy’s attack, maintaining the secrecy of the fake army, and even rescuing the injured Solif.
If she were going to betray them, she’d had several opportunities already. Just as Meisa had earned trust in the past when she had seen Turan at his most vulnerable and done nothing.
Since the others had already been dismissed, Turan sat at the table by the bed and laid out several secrets Berit hadn't known. From the identity and location of the Jade Mirror to the hidden gods who ruled this world.
She was initially surprised to hear that the Parsha family was cooperating with merfolk and using their treasures, but by the time the story reached the gods, Berit dropped her demure facade, her jaw hanging open in shock.
“No, that’s just impossible...”
“I know it’s hard to accept, but it’s all true, Berit. This power I use isn't some secret technique of the Baraha family head; it’s truly the power the gods used.”
Though she was shocked, she soon fell silent and nodded after Solif demonstrated a few skills as examples. After a moment, Berit’s gaze turned toward Turan.
“Then... is it the same for Zahar?”
“As far as I know, there are only two: Lord Harun, the head, and my grandfather, Talis. But there are likely more.”
Seeing as there was one among the Zahar nobles who followed Alma, it wasn't necessarily only those with strong mana and high status who became vessels. While a vessel was better if their basic abilities were strong, compatibility with the soul was just as important.
“Then my father will also be possessed someday. Since he’s the successor.”
“Not immediately, but it will happen eventually.”
Harun Zahar’s physical age was around sixty. For a commoner, it wouldn't be strange to die suddenly from various ailments, but the only thing that weakened a powerful noble was the side effects of natural aging over time.
Turan watched Berit as she covered her face with a dizzy expression and said, “You don't have to pretend to be sad. You aren't really that sad.”
“I really hate you.”
Her appearing sad was likely a calculation that Solif would like to see such a side of her. Solif, seeing the two of them, laughed as if it were absurd.
“Honestly, you two are so alike no matter when I see you.”
“That’s not something I particularly want to hear.”
“Me neither.”
After glaring at each other for a moment, Turan shook his head to signal they should drop the subject. Regardless of whether Berit had any affection for her father, it didn't matter as long as she liked Solif.
As they talked, Turan noticed Solif’s eyes beginning to droop.
“Sleepy?”
“Yeah... damn, why all of a sudden?”
“It’s probably because you couldn't sleep properly due to the broken bones. Get some rest for now. Lord Parsha, shall we step out?”
“Let’s do that.”
“Ah, wait.”
Just as Turan was about to nod and stand up at Berit’s words, Solif stopped him and spoke to Berit.
“I’m sorry, but could I talk to him alone for a moment? It’s not exactly a secret, just a personal matter.”
“Of course. I’ll be outside.”
Despite his blatant attitude of wanting to speak privately, Berit didn't seem offended; she smiled brightly, bowed, and left the room.
Turan, watching her leave, said to Solif, “She’s sad, so make sure to comfort her later.”
“I can tell that much even without a nose like yours.”
“So, why did you call me separately?”
“Wait a second...”
Whether his mind wasn't working properly due to fatigue, Solif muttered something non-verbal for a moment before organizing his thoughts.
“Kalais... he proposed that I betray you. To become like the gods and live forever... is that even possible?”
“It is possible.”
There was no significant difference between the souls of the ancient Frea Divine Clan and those of modern mages, except for their size and the types of symbols residing in their spirit bodies. In other words, a human who cultivated a sufficiently powerful spirit body through soul magic was no different from a god.
“Then, after everything is over... what happens to us?”
What Solif was asking was simple. If they drove all the ancient gods from this land and a long time passed—if their physical bodies reached the end of their lifespan. Would they then move to new bodies like those fallen gods, or would they accept death?
Looking at Solif, who was the first to voice a question many might have thought of but couldn't bring themselves to ask, Turan shared his honest thoughts.
“I want to live for a long time. At least until I’ve grown weary of existence.”
To him, the world was fiercely difficult and harsh, but also joyful. The material happiness fulfilled by good clothes, a house, and delicious food. The emotional fulfillment of traveling to new lands, seeing things he hadn't seen, and learning things he hadn't known through books. And even the friendship and love gained through interaction with others, and the joy of protecting those beneath him.
The thought of all this vanishing with death was incredibly sad just to imagine.
“But I won't sacrifice innocent people for that. The way they live now is the way I despise most.”
Unless he found a way to permanently maintain the bond of the Spirit Chain based on a Lavitas relic, he wouldn't rely on magic that involved harvesting souls in bulk to reincarnate.
At Turan’s words, Solif smiled faintly.
“Yeah, that’s the answer I wanted to hear...”
That his life-and-death struggle with that junkie in Kalais’s body hadn't been in vain. Solif murmured softly and fell into a sleep as deep as death.