◈Episode 119 If I could leave (1)
“If there is a sea dragon in the West Sea, there are six ghosts in the Grand Forest of Chiria.”
After reminding me that I might need to visit Bigabol’s territory, the Archmage had a few more words with the Chief of Bigabol.
And then what I did now was the explanation.
“It’s one of the ancient beasts. According to literature, it looks like a turtle tied to a snake. Of course, I can’t just disappear somewhere now.”
When I heard that it was an abbreviation for land ghost, I thought it meant land turtle. If it looks like a turtle tied to a snake, it looks like Hyeonmu.
“But even if there are no six ghosts, there are beings who carry on the blood of the six ghosts. It’s Sangun. “It is also a being that the people of the Great Forest revere and respect.”
I had a strange feeling around that time. The sea dragon—since it is blue, it can be called a blue dragon—and the ancient beast of Hyeonmu-myeon must be a motif of the four directions.
The problem is that this is the south.
No. If it’s Hyeonmu, shouldn’t it be in the north? The settings were messed up. It wasn’t something that was added later, so why did they place Hyeonmu in the south?
If you put it that way, the blue dragon, or sea dragon, was also in the wrong direction.
“Sangun lays eggs and dies every 50 years, and after emerging from the egg, the next Sangun is known to eat the flesh of its parents and inherit its power.”
Separately, this is a breeding method I heard about somewhere. Do all ancient beasts pass down generations like that?
It’s a really good raw food method to cut off the line.
“As a result, the power of the mountain group does not become particularly strong or weak for each individual… but this mountain group is said to have unusually developed the ‘ability to eat magical power.’”
I was thinking about all sorts of things like that, but stopped thinking after hearing the last sentence.
I was wondering why he suddenly changed his opinion and this is what happened.
“Even the appearance of the Great Sangun when he was born… was similar to the request we took on this time.”
In the meantime, the Archmage passed it around without the words ‘magic’ or ‘demon’.
Although they moved back into the building to talk – the chiefs are working to sort out the rebellion – it seems that they took into account the risk of word leaking out and the fact that the residents worship the mountain army.
“I have to verify whether that is true, but if this is true, I can never back down.
But I’m not the type of person who can’t understand you even if you say something differently.
“Of course, since there was a traitor in the delegation, I think there has already been a rebellion in Bigabol’s territory… but for now, the legitimacy lies on this side. Even considering that I have to help suppress the rebellion, it is a sufficient benefit to be able to meet the Sangun for a just cause by using the chief of one tribe as a bridge.”
As the Archmage said, there is no benefit in missing this opportunity.
Should I contact the Magic Tower again? Should I help suppress the rebellion? Should I meet the military and investigate various things? Even though returning to Hudelen becomes more and more difficult.
The Mage Tower will take care of the party’s suspicions, and it is definitely more efficient for us to do what only we can do. Of course, regardless of efficiency, there is a feeling that the scale of the request is increasing again… but this side still gives fair compensation.
“The cause of the rebellion.”
However, no matter how good the opportunity is, this must be done clearly.
It’s true that the rebels attacked me first, but how do I know if it was their own mistake or the tone of the entire group?
Based on my life experience, in cases like this, it is better to quickly figure out whether the person who treated me or the entire group is crazy rather than going on a rampage and saying, ‘That guy hit me.’
That way, you can avoid wasting valuable opportunities or learn in advance which places to avoid later.
“hmm? iced coffee. “Did I just say there was justification and not tell you the cause?”
yep. So please tell me quickly.
“It’s no big deal. “The existing forces who opposed the idea that the country should be separated and have exchanges with the outside world simply tried to kill the young chief before that idea spreads further.”
Ah, the battle of ideologies.
“In that respect, even if we exclude the confrontation with Sangun, it is something worth supporting. Daesimlim has maintained a closed attitude for too long. Out of respect for them, we were considerate of the Great Forest’s isolation… but no one knows what the future holds, right? I understand their desire to preserve tradition, but there is nothing wrong with at least a minimum exchange of technology and knowledge. “Traditions can only be preserved if you have strength.”
It’s true that you need to know for sure so you can prepare. There are countries that maintained isolation and ended up suffering without realizing that foreign countries had developed so much.
However, it is also true that once change begins, it becomes easy for the tradition to be broken…
But even so, it is a bit much to try to persuade people with a sword instead of arguments and evidence. I feel like there is nothing we can do since this is a world where human rights are underdeveloped, but…
ugh. hmm.
Oh, I don’t know. Maybe it’s because I’m young. I think openness would be better, but I don’t know if that will be the case in the future.
In that respect, I wonder if a third party, that is, an outsider, should not intervene in these ideological issues?
However, it is definitely a problem that damage is caused by neglecting it like this…
and I am already involved in it. Conflict between ideologies is an essential trend in all history.
“That’s none of my business.”
Aside from that, I’m really pissed that I’m in the middle of it and that I don’t have a choice.
“Well, it’s not your business.”
“What are you going to do when Sangun is a devil?”
In the end, I ignored the discomfort of being involved in an ideological fight and turned my attention to other areas.
This was also an important part.
Not only did he consume magical power, but he also went through an almost identical birth process as the demon hatched from the Magic Tower? That means this Sangun could be the devil.
Even if it is a local faith, it will never tolerate a corrupted ideal concept. I glared at her softly, trying to make the Archmage’s efforts to divert her words come to nothing.
“…Wouldn’t the response vary depending on the situation?”
The concept did not receive a satisfactory response. ‘Let’s kill him’ and ‘Let’s decide based on the situation’ definitely have different meanings, don’t they?
“Are you kidding me?”
“No, I’m serious.”
“I’m going to tolerate the devil now—!”
“Isn’t it so grievous to use that as an excuse to conclude that someone should die when they just wanted to be born?”
Oh moral words.
“…Ha, have you suddenly wanted to become a saint? “Have pity on the devil?”
However, this is a statement that goes against the worldview.
If you were going to say something like that, you should have done it right away. Until now, the devil was of the mindset that death was worth it, so why now…
“I must have been—.”
“If you were born with demonic energy, you deserve to be killed. Should I kill you too?”
“…!”
I was reflexively speechless. These words completely attack the setting of the Demon Knight, so how can you make fun of your mouth?
“The devil must be killed. Yes, that is correct. However, if everything that possesses demonic energy is a devil, then not only Sangun but you also become a devil.”
The Archmage even looked at my right arm while saying that. I reflexively put my right shoulder back.
“But neither we nor anyone who has been through it so far regards you as a devil. “It is because you are not swayed by demonic energy and are walking the right path.”
Sure… that’s true. Then, looking at the situation….
“That’s exactly what I want to say. If the mountain army loses its temper and is causing damage to those around it, it will be a problem that needs to be solved just like the sea dragon. However, from what I heard, this mountain army, far from causing any damage to the surrounding area, rules the land with reason like the previous mountain army.”
That’s right. The idea was to check the possibility of coexistence and make a decision.
“Well, wouldn’t it be a good idea to find out if coexistence is possible?”
This is a concept, but the body itself was also not taken into consideration. Could it be said that I was unconsciously prejudiced because the children who showed up with demonic energy so far were sinful?
Of course, I thought this Sangun would also be a boss mob.
But… hmmm. If this happens, there is a clear possibility that this is not the case. Or is it more likely that they are allies?
In any case, it is an opinion that has no choice but to be acknowledged.
“Do you know anything? Maybe there is a way to get rid of it… that the mountain army has? And it might be helpful to you.”
It’s just a matter of concept.
If I say, ‘But I still have to kill him,’ I have to die first, and if I say, ‘I understand,’ my character will collapse.
“…I know it’s hard to admit. However, please know that it was you who first made us aware of the possibility of coexistence… “Don’t be too hostile to the mountains.”
Oh, we’re in real trouble. What should I do with this?
“How dare you…”
I huffed as if I was drenched in anger, unable to easily decide what response I should take. It was a dilemma.
smart.
【The chief invited me to dinner…】
Fortunately, the god of timing helped me. Help came down so that I could crush it without an answer.
I don’t know what it means.
【I’m going out.】
The Archmage responded lightly to the voice he heard and looked back at me.
“So much time has already passed. “I guess it’s time for dinner.”
In her light blue eyes, I see myself gritting my teeth.
“…The chieftains have invited you, but you can eat here if you wish. “I can go instead.”
Oh that. I don’t like being alone.
I took a deep breath, saying what clearly meant ‘I’ll give you time to think’. If I answered, I was a kaebung, so I didn’t have the right to decide.
“I will do it if you do it.”
Eh, I don’t know. I should just eat quickly and sleep.
The Archmage left the building alone.
* * *
White Wind sighed after hearing the message from the Archmage.
Since we are unable to return to the city and deliver the magic-eating snake, I have no complaints when I tell you to come and receive it.
How could I be dissatisfied if I couldn’t return to the city because additional elements were discovered and I was busy investigating them? The additional money requested for this is also something that must be paid.
However, beyond consuming magical power, they discovered an entity whose birth process matches that of a hatched demon.
“Bring me information about the Great Forest. “Especially the information about the mountains.”
After all, it is a mountain range. Of course, Sangun.
“Sangun?”
“okay.”
As the Archmage said, it would be perfect if it had a positive direction – like the Demon Knight, it knows how to discern between right and wrong based on reason and does the right thing. Mountain forces can communicate with humans, and if they can communicate with each other, it becomes easier to investigate.
But what if not? If not, what happens?
“It looks like all the business partners we managed to open up are gone.”
There are so many ingredients that can only be found in the Great Forest, but misfortune strikes all at once.
The materials are materials, but there is a possibility of conflict with the temple, and it is not good to cause discord with the residents of the forest.
“There is no limit to being around the hero anymore.”
It takes a day or two to do this, claiming it will help analyze divine power and develop technology.
The warrior and his party are also slowly feeling a sense of discomfort at the sight of the two invisible faces. Even if I can’t, I will come tomorrow morning to inquire about their whereabouts.
“What do we do now?”
She spoke while turning on the contact that had been turned off for a while.
─…What can I do? I have to say it.
─Are you saying that while the temple is already trying to interfere in everything, let’s give them an excuse first? I’m against it!
─There are no eternal secrets. Right now, there are people taking advantage of this phenomenon, but is there anywhere else? This problem cannot be solved by hiding it.
─I agree with the breaking hoe. It’s better to say it now and prove your innocence.
Is that so? The fierce white wind narrowed the snow.
They must have cleaned up the grass surrounding the magic tower and dealt with the nest and the demons that hatched from the nest. There is room to ask about the mistakes made by the Hudelen Magic Tower branch—whether it is okay to blame the result of time as their mistake.
If you bring up the story of the mountains of the Great Forest, the temple will not even know what the Hudelen branch covered. If you’re an Archmage or a Demon Knight, you can just pretend that you sent them to collect precious materials.
So there’s no problem with hiding it anymore…
─Hey… I don’t mind telling it to the temple… but I don’t think I should leave it as information inside the Magic Tower…?
─Why? You have to announce it so you can prepare.
─Oh, I admit it. Do you trust our kids?
─Ah.
“Everyone is worried about the same thing.”
That was the problem.
The moment this fact becomes known, someone inside the Magic Tower will try their hand at experimenting. Not in the name of preparation, but to solve his own interests or desires.
-Taking that into consideration in the first place, they only summoned some of us instead of the entire group.
─Was that something like that?
─…Atoning Fairy You need to think more deeply about people’s actions. Even after getting so old, can you still make causal inferences at the level of a toddler?
─Do you want to die? Me and you bastard.
─You come.
─That #@$#@#-
“When you two fight, you do it on a private line.”
Is that it? There is a possibility that there is a devil’s ganja inside the magic tower. No, it is 100%.
I don’t know if the devils know this, but if they don’t, it will be known the moment they make it public. It’s already scary to think that demons are taking advantage of this.
─Damn. If magic power is concentrated for a long time, a devil is born? How is it different from Demon World Flower? It’s already difficult to explore the ocean.
─Demonization. That’s a good idea. Isn’t it possible to create demons using the same principle as Demon World?
─If that is true, then the principle of demonization can be revealed.
─Oh?
Moreover, there is one fact that they were not told about.
“I have something to tell you in advance. “I’m not sure, so I put it off for a while, but it seems like things born from concentrated magical energy have the ability to consume magical energy.”
─Crazy?
I can’t be sure as I don’t know how the magic-eating snake was born and I don’t know what the place where Sangun was born looks like.
However, there is a high probability that…things born from magic power will be able to eat magic power.
“Also, the ability to hide by converting demonic energy into magical energy.”
─Damn you. There are no options from the beginning!
haha. We’re screwed.
The White Wind laughed and listened to the screams of the Great Sages. It was a stage he had gone through once after hearing the news from the Archmage, so now he was just laughing.
“That great sage. The Inquisitor has requested a conversation. “He’s asking me if I know the whereabouts of the Archmage and the Demon Knight… What should I do?”
I couldn’t even laugh at the news of this visit.
“…It’s coming.”
─What are you doing? You’ve already paid the price for making fun of us?
“I’m going to leave for a moment. “Please come up with a solution for me.”
─That bastard-.
Pop.
The fierce white wind broke off the contact and rose up.
Whether you tell the temple or not, it is time to confess the truth to the warrior.
Since I told the Archmage and them and asked them to bring me back, I couldn’t hide it anymore anyway.
* * *
Immediately after I was 100% full, I placed the completely empty or slightly empty dishes next to the entrance. I told you that you can eat everything with your hands and feet and leave it here, so this will do. maybe.
After that, well.
I sat down against the wall, thinking about going to sleep. They say it’s not good to sleep right after eating, but that’s none of my business. In that sense, sitting and sleeping is not good for your health.
「 ▲ Sleep for 1 hour 00 minutes ▼ 」
But I desperately need sleep right now. Of course, like last time, I’m not so tired that I can’t sleep just by closing my eyes because of the beasts coming at me.
Still, apart from being tired, there are moments in life when you want to sleep. In that respect, I reassured myself that I was really lucky that the system that knocked me out right away didn’t break down.
And the moment you decide what time you want to sleep and press the button.
Jet black flowed down like paint and covered my vision.
‘Why are you looking away?’
The whole world was immersed in darkness.
‘Already knowing that the time when the system crashed and the time when the seal was put on coincided perfectly.’
immersed in darkness
In the darkness that covers all the random thoughts that come to mind.
‘It’s slowly reaching its limit.’
Ah, but I can’t help but miss the bed I shared in my 30s. Right?