Chapter 410 – Waiting
The whispers of the World Tree were neither intuitive nor straightforward, they were vague and roundabout, as if stepping onto a line yet unwilling to cross it, ambiguous all the same.
However, it was enough to catch Verden off guard.
For it would have been a lie to say he had no idea what the World Tree was hinting at.
Before he knew it, more than two years had passed since he achieved Defying the Heavens...
The density of those years was so high that, looking back, it did not feel short, yet it was an undeniable fact that, ordinarily, such a span of time was insufficient for a Mage to achieve greatness.
And yet, Verden had pioneered half the way of Mado, surpassed the realm of the 6th tier, and reached the unexplored height known as the Quasi-Transcendent.
Moreover, with that unknown dark crimson magic power, he had even been able, if only temporarily, to break through the wall leading to the 7th tier.
It was something beyond overwhelming talent and growth, something else entirely.
The outcome had completely strayed from Verden's original plan of reconstructing his body to overcome the limit tier that resembled a divine punishment.
Verden asked.
"What is it, exactly, that you know?"
"What I know, and how much I know, is of no importance. It is not my duty to tell you that, either."
The World Tree refused to answer.
He tried to glimpse at her inner thoughts through her expression, but naturally, it was impossible.
Even if he pushed his powers of observation and insight to their fullest, discerning what she thought, or what emotions she revealed, was impossible.
At Verden's gaze, the World Tree stepped back.
At the same time, her hand that had been touching the magic circle of Defying the Heavens beyond [Ainber] withdrew.
"What you need to know here is that I can, in my own small way, give a push to your back where you stand, unmoving."
"And the reason for that is a secret too?"
"I do not ignore your doubts, yet my words need no proof. Whether you seek me out in the Great Forest, or disregard me and walk your own path... that rests entirely upon you, Verden."
The entire forest rippled.
"I am but a being who fulfills her duty as a mere observer."
The elven form she wore gradually crumbled, dissolving into one with great nature.
Though the presence of the World Tree could no longer be felt, he knew at least that she had returned to the Great Forest.
That unexpected meeting ended there.
Verden remained in place for a while, ruminating over the conversation with the World Tree again and again.
***
Gargant's park.
Isabella, wearing a sleek, seamless black robe laced faintly with gold shimmer that Verden had bought for her, leaned back against a chair in front of the fountain.
The time was drawing near for her to leave the grand city. But before she went, there was someone she had to meet.
"I heard you went to see your family."
"You also said you'd rest for a while after this performance, but you didn't do that, did you. We're no different. And..."
The coachman who had led the Melodist of Fortune onto the stage rubbed the back of his neck.
"I've watched you for years, so at least I can tell what expression you wear when you're up there on stage. Seeing that, how could I leave?"
"Was it that obvious?"
"So grim, so solemn, I thought you were going off to die. I even tried to intervene along the way, but missed my chance... when I heard of the commotion during the ban on disputes, I knew at once it was your doing. I went to check and ended up captured."
He had nearly died.
Before meeting his wife, the coachman had been nothing but a common man who drifted through battlefields as a mercenary.
Even brushing against the influence of a Transcendent was enough to make one's heart sink with dread.
"In any case, I'm glad you're alive and well like this. Had you died, my wife, my daughter, they would have grieved deeply."
"Yeah..."
Isabella hesitated, then spoke.
"Look, you know..."
"You needn't say it. I already know. That the opening in Gargant is your final performance... the retirement of the Melodist of Fortune. Too early, too regrettable, but inevitable, is it not. You have your own path to walk."
"..."
"Though I don't know the details, it seems you've met someone. Surely, that person must be good. I can tell from how bright your expression has been."
The coachman smiled.
"By the way, I still don't know your name. My curiosity has been itching, is it still a secret?"
"...For now, yes. It's still too dangerous. But if you keep reading the newspapers as you always do, you might find out before long."
"Newspapers...? Then the one you met can't be any ordinary man. Well, I understand. I'll be sure to read them with my family."
He rose to his feet.
"Then I'll be off. Come visit anytime, whatever the reason, you will be welcome."
"Alright, I will if I can."
Isabella flicked her wrist lightly.
"Before that, take this."
Something flew through the air, glimmering as it caught the sunlight.
The coachman snatched it swiftly, and in his palm shone three golden coins.
"May fortune be with you and your family."
The Coins of Fortune.
The symbol of the Melodist of Fortune, Isabella's parting gift.
"...Coins from your own hand. Wena and Marilyn will be delighted. Thank you."
"It is I who should be thankful. Give them my regards too."
Isabella waved softly.
"Farewell, Clinton."
The coachman, Clinton, nodded and left.
Isabella stayed until he disappeared completely, then carefully set down the past and turned her steps back toward her new bond.
"Patriarch, where do we go now?"
"First, we'll return to the Ownerless Land and reorganize."
Verden turned his head to the south.
"And then, we go to the Great Forest."
***
After the Sovereign's grasp reached for the young lord, Liam Arein, only to be blocked by Merquien, the Ownerless Land had been relatively peaceful.
No, to be precise, it had entered a sort of revival.
Thanks to Adrian's past deeds, the nearby bandits had all been slaughtered, making it easier for outsiders to visit the Arein territory.
Of course, given the overall low level of the city, complaints could be heard here and there, but no one left because of them.
There were less than ten places in the Ownerless Land with public order this secure.
And as rumors spread that a Shinseong from the Eastern Continent was backing Lord Arein, wealthy men and merchants began to take an interest, drawn by the scent of money.
"Hmm, the main road is shabby, but with a little maintenance the look won't be bad at all."
"There's plenty of room to expand the city once the outer lands are put to use."
"Provided, of course, that no territorial war breaks out... but even that Sovereign would not lightly oppose a Shinseong with ties to Merquien, the Eye of the Great Forest. Given time, this is a venture worth pursuing."
Experts who made their living in each field judged the city from their own perspectives.
It was certain, since Arein had been low-grade, that it possessed potential for development, and was a city with charm.
If one secured a position early... once Arein became fully active later, not only would the investment be recouped, but enormous profits surpassing it could be taken.
A battle of sharp wits, like blades clashing, broke out everywhere.
In the midst of this, after roughly a month, Verden returned to Arein.
"So this is the Ownerless Land... barren as it is, it looks far more lively than I expected."
"Before, the whole road was covered in mud. Looks like Lord Arein has fixed it. With more people coming, he must have spent money on maintenance."
Isabella and Adrian walked down the center of the road, looking around Arein.
Verden, walking behind them, shared much the same impression as Adrian.
At that moment, a merchant eating on the terrace of a second-floor restaurant, wearing a silver monocle, happened to glance down.
"Hmm?"
At a glance, Verden's group, dressed in fine garments, looked completely out of place with Arein.
As the merchant studied them intently, he widened his eyes and sprang to his feet.
"A, a Shinseong...!"
The surrounding people who heard his voice all gathered at once.
From every corner of the quickly formed crowd, whispers were heard.
"He's younger than the rumors... truly young. And yet they say he's a Reacher of Mado. No wonder they call him Shinseong."
"Earl Honorary Asher of the Kingdom of Estiria. Then that swordsman in the metal mask must be that escort knight. The one said to have aided Shinseong in subjugating the Bone-Relic Dragon."
"But who are those beside Shinseong and the knight? I've never seen them before."
"Judging by their unusual air, they might have been brought from Roafra. After all, isn't he himself the Tyrant of the underworld? Looks like the rumors of the power balance of the Ownerless Land changing soon are true."
Thanks to the Bone-Relic Dragon subjugation, Verden had become one of the continent's renowned figures.
Such a reaction was only natural.
Unia, seeing the countless gazes, whispered in admiration to Cain.
"Senior Asher, your fame is really no joke. I'm so jealous. When will we ever be treated like this?"
"Well, if we follow senior, it'll happen naturally."
Cain and Unia too, even if they looked young, were undeniably Reachers of Mado.
Though there was a gap with Verden, by the world's standards they were Geniuses among Geniuses. If given the chance, it was only a matter of time before their names spread.
Eventually, when they reached Arein's castle, Liam Arein, the maid, Mires, and Adrian's friend, Keirel, came out to greet them.
The presence of Merquien could be felt from within the building.
Liam looked at Verden's group and bowed politely.
"Welcome... oh?"
Tatadatadatak!
Keirel, charging fiercely, rushed straight at Adrian.
After sticking to him nearly the entire day, watching him so Merquien wouldn't cause trouble, her stress had reached its limit.
"You're way too late!!!"
Needing some venting, Keirel launched a flying kick.
Of course, Adrian didn't let himself get hit, but lowered his head lightly and dodged.
***
Verden, having returned to the Ownerless Land, planned to secure a wider domain and begin exerting true influence on the surroundings.
The Diamoon Magic Tower, which held part of the Ownerless Land, had suffered great upheaval, and the mere existence of Merquien, an Elf and one of the central continent's Four Greats, was already a significant threat.
And now, the World Tree, an unpredictable factor that could not be ignored, had appeared.
"So, Society and Keirel will focus on intelligence gathering. The death of the Diamoon tower master will surely affect the Ownerless Land."
Quick and defensive measures first.
In the meantime, Verden intended to follow Merquien and visit the Great Forest.
It should not take too long.
Isabella raised her hand.
"Then, what about escorts?"
"I'll go alone and return...."
"I'm sorry, my lord, but that is unacceptable."
Even if it was the World Tree, trust was another matter.
There was always the chance of some trap, so at least a minimal safeguard was necessary.
"The Great Forest is the domain of the Elves. To prepare for the slightest possibility, I believe it is right to take both of us."
"I agree. No matter if you are patriarch, it's dangerous to go alone."
The two opposed him.
It was not unreasonable...
'If there are those who intend to attack Arein and Dallehin, then someone must remain to respond.'
Though Cain and Unia of Society were present, leaving behind at least one nation-level power would be ideal.
Since Verden could not personally grasp the state of the territory, it was unavoidable.
Verden pondered.
How should he deploy them to reach a conclusion that everyone could accept.
And then,
"...!"
Fwaaaaaaaaaaah!
The nearby space twisted.
Adrian and Isabella, having long sensed the omen, lowered their stances and gathered their full power.
"What is this, suddenly? Spatial teleportation?"
"My lord, step back."
The two showed extreme vigilance, but Verden quickly calmed his magic power.
He had a guess at what it was.
───[This time, it will not take long.]
───[Go safely, Your Majesty Verden.]
Recalling the promise from last year, Verden opened Subspace. He held in his hand an oval blue sapphire, resembling a relic.
'Truly, it did not take long.'
The Demon King's golem, Alpha, had sent word.
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