Chapter 467 – Premonition
After finishing his conversation with Verden, Beltroa successfully concluded the negotiations and departed from Arein, taking Melconi and the other captives with him.
Their presence quickly faded away.
Along with that, the encirclement of the magic tower surrounding Arein was lifted, and several high-ranking Mages lined up, following behind the tower master.
Soon after, a large-scale spatial teleportation reaction occurred.
The magic tower of the Volcanic Island, having accomplished its original purpose, left the Ownerless Land without the slightest hesitation and returned to the Eastern Continent.
Swoosh.
With the senses of a Transcendent, Verden confirmed from his seat that their presence had completely vanished, and then rose to his feet.
'Now, there's not much left to settle.'
The Dwarves who migrated to the massive mines were busy building the fortress of their dreams, and the desired item had already been acquired from the Volcanic Island's magic tower.
Although matters remained concerning the Eastern rebels seeded by the South, and the ransom for the Mercenary King, there was another more pressing concern.
'The Black Hour Usurpation War is approaching.'
By awakening as a Transcendent, Verden had become an equal to Dahit, and he had even obtained Interis, which could bear such weight.
The power he had consumed during his clash with Arnak's sword not long ago had nearly fully recovered.
There was no reason to hesitate any longer.
From the moment the Sages of the Society agreed to the meeting, detailed plans would be drawn and executed, aiming squarely at the Black Hour.
'...It won't proceed so easily.'
Verden and the Society did not intend merely to subjugate the Black Hour, but rather to reclaim the throne of the Black Hour that had been taken from them in the past.
Thus, they had to employ the pretense of the "proper procedure" that Dahit Wethroel himself had never gone through, to use it as their justification.
But before that, the greatest task was to prepare a stage so meticulously arranged by Verden and the Society that even Dahit himself would be unable to refuse.
'In the process of solving this, a clash with the Black Hour will be inevitable.'
As they were currently regarded as a Transcendent force, a collective of death Mages feared throughout the magical world, their power was on a different dimension altogether.
Verden, Adrian, Isabella.
None of them could guarantee survival.
Therefore.
'Alongside restoring Isabella's left eye───granting her a special magical power unlike anything before must be the top priority.'
And if possible, to even commission Gharun to create dragon-material weapons for Adrian and Isabella.
Maximization of their power.
Verden had no intention of allowing the word "sacrifice" to be applied to anyone during the downfall of the Black Hour and the Bohemirn Magic Tower.
And he intended to keep it that way, even after.
Step, step.
As Verden walked down the middle of the corridor, lost in thought, Unia leaned her upper body out through an open window.
"Senior, I've prepared all the alchemical materials you asked me to secure a while back."
"Well done, you've brought them quickly."
"For us, errands like that are nothing. Besides, I even went myself this time."
Unia puffed herself up proudly.
"Oh, right. I heard the tower master of the Volcanic Island was here in Arein just now. Did you already finish your negotiations with him?"
"There was nothing that would take long."
"Aw, I missed him by such a close margin. I wanted to see the tower master's face at least once.... In that sense, can I ask you something?"
"Go ahead."
"If I were to have a one-on-one magic duel with the tower master, how do you think it would go? Do you think I'd have a chance?"
The sight of Unia defeating Melconi in a ranked match to prove her attainment had spread far and wide through word of mouth.
Naturally, the impact was enormous.
Her name had already reached beyond the Ownerless Land, making her debut nothing short of a success.
Cain, who captured the Mercenary King, was the same.
In other words, overnight, Unia had become a celebrity, her self-esteem soaring to the extreme.
So much so that, even in front of the title of tower master, rather than being intimidated, she saw it as an opportunity to prove her skills, which in hindsight was natural.
"Chance, hmm..."
Verden briefly compared and analyzed Beltroa's level, which he had discerned with his insight, against Unia's abilities.
"A little under ten percent."
"What! Only that much?"
"Beltroa Rium Solastel has reigned for decades as the tower master of the Volcanic Island. Unless it were the top Magus of Andranov, the difference is leagues compared to a mere elder like Melconi."
And if the Volcanic Island's magic tower outfitted him in full gear with the numerous artifacts that only a tower master inherits, the gap would widen even further.
For Unia, who had reached the mid-point of the sixth tier, handling a tower master standing at the apex of the sixth tier was beyond her in many ways.
"Of course, if you landed a full-power strike with the Mado you've pioneered, even the tower master wouldn't come out unscathed. That's why I said you had some chance, at least."
"So unless the tower master stood there and let me hit him, it would be hard to even touch him. I guess aiming for a tower master already is just greed."
Unia shrugged, showing no sign of disappointment.
Then she asked.
"Then, if it's purely about talent?"
"You're overwhelmingly superior."
Unia's limit was the eighth tier.
If she could overcome the wall of Transcendence, she might even surpass the highest peak the magical world had ever known.
"That's enough for me."
Hearing Verden's candid evaluation, Unia smiled in satisfaction.
A faint madness glimmered in her eyes.
It was a burning heart, mixed with desire for magic, aspiration toward lofty heights, and pride as a member of the Society.
Verden averted his gaze from her, resumed walking, and said.
"I'll be taking Isabella outside the Ownerless Land for a while. It won't take long, perhaps a few days at most."
"With Isabella? Where are you going?"
Verden replied lightly, as if speaking of a casual outing.
"The Eastern Continent."
***
The industrial city of the Duchy of Riviant, Cohen.
Its bleak streets looked no different from the scenery he had seen two years ago.
"So this is a city of the duchy...."
Isabella, standing beside Verden, looked around curiously. This was her first time in the Eastern Continent.
Her golden eyes reflected the sight of Cohen.
"There's quite a difference in architectural style compared to the Central Continent. But it doesn't seem as dreary as the head of house described, isn't this somewhat exotic? At least compared to the Ownerless Land."
"Anywhere would seem exotic if you used the Ownerless Land as your point of comparison."
No matter how underdeveloped Cohen might have been, it was still far more livable than the typical cities of the Ownerless Land, where lordships were constantly usurped by sword and spear.
"The slums are this way."
Verden stepped slightly ahead, guiding Isabella along.
They didn't attract attention.
Verden had cloaked himself in [Ainber]'s
Meanwhile, Isabella, her face hidden under a black robe, gave off such an abnormal aura that she looked more like a dangerous individual, so the slum residents busied themselves bowing their heads and averting their eyes.
Verden asked.
"How is the research on Lysandro's fruit progressing?"
"I haven't quite found the direction yet, but it's fascinating. I peeled off just a tiny bit of the skin for testing, and its mechanism of action was completely different from any healing process we know."
"Something never published in the magical world?"
"At least as far as I know. So, in short... I've seen the possibility of creating something that surpasses the current potions in use. That's why I always carry a sample with the tools I need, so I can test it anywhere, anytime. Look."
Isabella produced a transparent cubic alchemical container, showing the nail-sized fragment of the fruit preserved within.
Her eyes, her voice, were filled with passion.
The fruit of Lysandro, which they had received as a gift from the Great Forest, clearly delighted her.
'I did well to entrust it to Isabella.'
While they spoke, they arrived at their destination.
Pale Arrowhead.
Passing through the bell-tolling entrance, they entered the shop.
An old man wearing round spectacles, buried in a newspaper, spoke curtly.
"If you want custom work, wait five minutes, otherwise pick from the display. Prices are marked, so don't bother asking."
It was no different from before.
Other than that he still accepted custom orders.
Verden lifted his
"Is Pale inside?"
"Mm?"
The old man looked up.
Frowning and tilting his head, his eyes soon widened.
He had recognized who it was.
"He happens to be downstairs right now, Your Excellency."
A Courteous Attitude, as Toward Nobility
The old man, who enjoyed reading newspapers and was also a subordinate of the information broker, naturally recognized Verden's outward status.
"And the person beside you is...."
"My companion. I vouch for her identity."
"Understood. Please proceed. I'll signal for all procedures to be omitted, so you may go straight down to the tavern."
"My thanks."
"Think nothing of it."
Passing the old man, they headed deeper into the building. They descended the stairs tucked in a corner and stepped into an old storeroom.
The hidden passage was already open.
Swoosh.
Isabella examined the entrance of the passage, brushing it lightly with her hand.
"No magical elements at all, it's purely mechanical. Even precautions against
"He has that side to him, yes."
Descending the aged staircase, Verden and Isabella arrived at a quiet corridor deep underground. Proceeding straight ahead, they came into an open space.
An underground tavern.
The bar was empty.
The bartender was gone, and there were no clients either seeking or receiving the broker's services.
Instead.
"Welcome."
Only a gaunt man remained.
"It has truly been a long time, Lord Asher."
The man───the information broker, Pale, sincerely welcomed them.
***
Information broker Pale.
Introduced by the butcher, Galliark, he was the informant of Grey who had greatly aided Verden during his activities in the duchy.
He was the very one who had told Verden about Roafra, and also the former senior of Perne, the information broker of the Kingdom of Estiria.
"You're looking much better than before, Pale."
"Haha, I've put on some weight, thanks to good fortune."
Pale answered with a smile, then turned his head toward Isabella.
"My apologies for the late introduction. Pale, information broker of Grey in the southern and northern Duchy of Riviant."
Isabella pulled back her robe.
"Pleased to meet you, Pale. For certain reasons I can't tell you my name... but you may understand me as someone inseparable from Asher."
"Oh, is that so...! No wonder I felt so strongly that you two look so well suited together. Truly a fine sight."
Whatever misunderstanding Pale had, neither corrected it. Isabella smiled playfully at Verden.
Following Pale's guidance, the two sat side by side at the center of the bar, while Pale played the role of bartender from the opposite side.
"Would you care for any particular drink?"
"Whichever you're confident in."
"Same for me."
"Understood, please wait just a moment."
Pale brought out several liquors and fruits, skillfully beginning to mix cocktails.
Verden asked.
"If I recall, last time you were an information broker of the South. Your territory has grown since."
"As you know, after the downfall of the Marquisate of Gardran thanks to Lord Asher and the Marquis Ravishrun, the duchy fell into turmoil. In the process of settling matters, I stretched out my hand and managed to seize it. Now, there's no competitor in the duchy who can threaten me."
"For all that, this underground tavern seems rather empty."
"Ah, that's because in the course of taking the North, I relocated my base. This place I keep as my personal hideout. There's no better place to indulge this hobby."
Pale poured the well-blended liquor into two glasses, garnished them with fruit, and handed them over.
The taste was rich.
The alcohol was strong, but neither Isabella nor Verden had any trouble.
"How is it?"
Isabella took another sip, showing she was pleased.
Verden set his glass down.
"Not bad. You could work as a bartender at Perne's tavern."
"Hahaha, recently the Kingdom of Estiria and the Duchy of Riviant have begun diplomatic exchanges. If I ever visit the kingdom, a few days' work might indeed be a fine experience."
While preparing another drink, Pale continued speaking.
"…Since two years ago, I've followed your path from afar, Lord Asher. The Kingdom of Estiria, the City Union of Kailiens, the Republic of Beldirn, and most recently the Ownerless Land.... Events unfolded that I wouldn't even dare speak of. Yet, if I may be so bold."
He nodded slightly.
"Those unimaginable experiences, I believe, have truly worked positively in your life, Lord Asher."
"Does it seem so?"
"You've changed greatly. I cannot say exactly how, but you have."
Two years ago, Verden had pursued strength through the talent he gained from Defying the Heavens.
He had taken many requests, earning the money he needed.
'That was when I was at the fourth tier.'
Indeed, compared to now as a Transcendent, the difference was enormous.
So much that even Pale could faintly sense it.
Clink.
The second drink was set before them.
"But I never imagined you would come all the way here, from the Central Continent. What brings you suddenly?"
"I'll answer that."
Isabella spoke up with the purpose.
"We came to be introduced to Lito Varslan."
Lito Varslan.
An eccentric old man connected to Pale.
If given the materials, he had the knowledge and skill to craft mana cores alone... and in the end, it was through him that Verden gained the "Mystic Eye" the finest alchemist of the duchy.
***
The Society's island, its silver citadel.
Melard, having received reports from Cain and Unia about their activities in the Ownerless Land, summoned Osgar.
"What is it?"
"The Divinity wishes to meet with us."
The Sage of Wisdom and the Sage of Power.
The two read the reports repeatedly as they conversed.
"To request a meeting all of a sudden. Could it be another matter regarding the Bohemirn magic tower?"
"Who knows. Perhaps the time has come to turn the blade toward the Black Hour."
"Already? No, that seems... far too soon. Still, regardless, it is true we need to see him again."
During the process of dealing with Rayshen Tailrod of the Bohemirn magic tower, they had obtained fragments of hidden information, deliberately revealed by the Divinity.
Through analysis and judgment, the sages had reached their own conclusions.
"When is the Sage of Protection arriving?"
"A message has been sent."
"No reply yet? Then it will take some time. These days the magical world never knows a quiet day, the tasks and responses must be piled high..."
But the Sage of Protection could not be excluded.
Unless circumstances forced the absence of one, the Society's critical affairs could only be decided when all three sages gathered.
"The current is fast. Too fast."
The Sage of Power, Osgar, felt a premonition that they would soon face something great.
Perhaps, even sooner than expected.
You can read more chapters in organised way on my website:- https://revengernovel.com