Chapter 1268: The Fourth Thesis (1)
District 5 of the mega-city Vulcan.
The Central Council’s main building, located in the heart of the downtown area.
A wide, open boulevard stretched out before the main council building, carved from pristine white marble like a majestic temple.
Crowds, thick as clouds, stood packed along the path leading to the carpeted council building.
Lights and cameras densely covered every direction. Agent operatives were visible, stationed on the rooftops of nearby buildings.
Special forces dispatched from the Maintenance Force and the black-ops agency’s elite superhumans simultaneously monitored the entire District 5 area.
City Council members, high-ranking officials of the city government, and reporters and broadcasting teams from various news outlets.
And tens of thousands of citizens, who had come from all corners of the mega-city to witness this moment firsthand.
“What a sight…”
“How long has it been since so many people gathered at the Central Council?”
Everywhere one looked, people were gathered, watching the central road leading to the council building.
Beyond the street stretching to the horizon, figures of people were visible everywhere it was possible to stand.
“It’s Dean Saiolus Garteanon. The head of Rebatenon Magic University, in person…”
“The Carlyle Research Institute Director is by his side. Have all research institutions directly under the City Council been mobilized?”
“Generals from the Maintenance Force and the Defense Force are here too. How long has it been since an event of this scale was held in Vulcan?”
Vulcan’s top research institutes and various organizations, operating directly with the city government’s budget.
Renowned professors, authorities, researchers, and scholars from academia were also present.
The splendid and grand sight of high-ranking generals from the Maintenance Force and Defense Force marching with their elite units.
Everyone knew why experts and authorities from all fields across Vulcan had gathered.
“Did they say Evan Vylun’s fourth thesis presentation would coincide with the Victory Ceremony?”
“With such justification, it’s understandable that experts and officials from all over Vulcan would gather… The City Council is clearly determined.”
“Do they intend to raise the prestige of the Victory Ceremony by including Professor Vylun’s thesis presentation as part of the event?”
“Just how much is the City Council pushing Adamant Thunder, really…”
Each scheduled event during today’s Victory Ceremony was a major affair, capable of determining the city’s direction.
The citizens were well aware of what it meant to cram schedules that might occur once every few years into a single Victory Ceremony.
It was clear evidence that the council valued the guest scheduled to attend this Victory Ceremony.
“He’s really coming, right?”
“Definitely. I heard it from a House representative I bribed.”
Reporters, buried in the crowded street with cameras in hand, whispered among themselves.
“Though the bribed representative couldn’t even attend this event.”
“What can you do? If that wizard tells you not to bring too many unnecessary people, you have to follow.”
“I heard a lot of high-ranking officials who were supposed to attend were filtered out. They’re absolutely catering to his demands.”
“And not cater to him? Who do you think this event is even for in the first place?”
While grumbling into their earphones connected to the network, their hands tirelessly pressed camera shutters.
The first official event held under the Central Council’s name after a war that broke out for the first time in decades.
It hadn’t even started, but simply being there provided more than enough material for articles.
Click!
[(Photo) The tense atmosphere at the Central Council before the start of the Victory Ceremony. Citizens silently await the moment.]
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└This trash reporter keeps uploading these kinds of photos as articles.
└So what if it’s empty in front of the Central Council, goddammit. No one cares!
└Upload photos when the event starts, nicely. Don’t make us click for nothing.
└Excited, aren’t you? Going to milk this event for articles all month long?
“Damn it…”
The reporter, seeing the harsh reactions, quietly closed his laptop and grumbled.
“Even if I take pictures, it won’t capture anything properly anyway. They don’t know anything…”
“Wow, how is your tone exactly like our editor-in-chief’s sarcastic one? It’s creepy.”
As other reporters patted his shoulder in comfort, the staff member holding a light grumbled.
“If they’re so curious, they should come and see for themselves.”
“They value their lives, so they just want to watch from afar, I guess.”
“Then what about the people here?”
“They’re the wise ones.”
“Wise?”
“If Adamant Thunder runs wild, everyone will die anyway, whether they watch on broadcast from afar or see it up close. So, if that’s the case, isn’t it better to watch it up close?”
“…”
At the seemingly logical remark, the other reporters were momentarily speechless.
The reporters’ conversation was being transmitted over the active microphone, but getting chewed out by the director was a problem for the distant future.
Before they could even realize that, the murmuring commotion spread like an infection, and the entire street began to stir.
Thud!!
“Wow, he’s here…!!”
The reporters, jumping up, ignored the shouting crowds all around and raised their cameras.
They knew it wouldn’t be properly captured on screen, but even a blurry shot would generate views.
Even a noise-ridden image or a mere shadow was the hottest topic of interest in this city right now.
The moment the reporters frantically turned their cameras and focused, trying to capture the sight that was only truly perceivable by the naked eye.
A colossal shadow, shimmering on the distant horizon, rose and cast itself over the main council building.
Whoosh-!!
“W-whoa…!!!”
A fierce gale swept the ground, knocking over the crowds that had been surging forward from all directions.
Blackened feathers fell onto the heads of citizens rolling on the road.
As the startled people looked up, colossal wings unfurled, dyeing the ground in shadow.
A black, colossal bird, tens of meters in length. A red-eyed crow hovered over the main building, flapping its wings.
Cawww!!
“Th-Three-legged Crow?”
“No way—!!!”
“Slain Onyx, the Phantom Beast himself?!”
An 8-level Transcendent responsible for a corner of the mega-city Vulcan. Among them, Slain Onyx, a Phantom Beast nested in the Spirit World.
Before reporters, realizing the identity of the crow called the Arbitrator Clan, could even turn their cameras, the ground significantly shook.
Boom!!!
Clatter!!!!!
Intricately tangled, bizarre metal components surged like a tidal wave from beyond the horizon, assembling in real-time.
Metal components, winding like water between the buildings and statues in front of the main building, then surging upwards, gathered while scattering harsh roars,
And soon transformed into a colossal metal sphere, tens of meters in size, fiercely slamming down onto the boulevard in front of the main building.
CRASHHH!!!
The Golden Spheres. Wheel of Golden Spheres, Form 0.
An unknown incantation echoed above people’s heads, but few understood its meaning.
They could only vaguely intuit the identity of the being who had arrived, sensing the dense mana beyond the metal sphere.
“Machine Core Palace…!!”
“Their first official activity in decades. I’ve seen them occasionally on the city government’s list of cooperative businesses, but…”
“Was Adamant Thunder not the only one participating in this Victory Ceremony?”
SWISSHHH!!
With flesh-biting cold, one side of the road froze, and a colossal glacier diagonally surged upward.
Kiriya Yuberz, a knight with an icy demeanor, descended onto the glacier and silently looked down at the ground.
Thud!!
Habaek, the blind man, guided by the disciples of the Sword Sect of Demise, slowly moved forward, gripping his sword scabbard.
Marcus Tranquiller, the leader of Mirror Diver, descended in a holographic form onto the top of a building rooftop.
Krod Azlan, the Guardian of Turyeonmun, moved slowly, clad in pure white ceremonial robes and holding a spear.
Some led officials from their affiliated factions, while others arrived alone, without any retinue.
Transcendent beings lined up before the people in the order they arrived, as if by prior arrangement.
Only then did those who realized the purpose of the already-present Transcendent beings whisper with surprised expressions…
“Giants of the Sunlit World…!!”
“Have all of Vulcan’s Transcendent beings attended this event?!”
High-tier Transcendent beings who accepted the Prohibition Edict following the City Council’s proposal after the civil war ended.
Superhumans who had reached the pinnacle in a mega-city of tens of millions appeared before the Central Council in various ways.
A giant with the appearance of a mountain god, leaning on a wooden club. A colossal mole adorned with spiral armor shaped like a drill.
A woman riding a house-sized white tiger, leaping between buildings, and a middle-aged man walking with a shotgun slung over his shoulder.
The moment not only the Giants of the Sunlit World who attended the summit, but also hermits who hadn’t appeared since the civil war ended, gathered in front of the main building.
RUMBLE!!!!
In sync with the flapping movements of the monstrous bird, the Machine Core Palace’s metal sphere and the frozen glacier moved simultaneously.
Warriors from the Sword Sect of Demise and Turyeonmun lined both sides of the road, carving a wide path through the surging crowds.
People watching the Transcendent beings gathering from all over the mega-city in real-time murmured in awe.
“A Phantom Beast, a real Phantom Beast… Could such a creature truly live and roam the present world?”
“Arthur Mason. Was the hero of the civil war still alive? Why is he only appearing now…?”
“Kiriya Yuberz. A former Commander of the Kabahim Knights. He’s still in Vulcan.”
Decades had passed since the civil war for Vulcan’s hegemony ended, and Kaiser died with the project’s failure.
Among the citizens, there were many who knew of Vulcan’s affiliated Transcendent beings but had never actually seen them in person.
It was only natural that people were shocked to see such superhumans appear en masse here.
Especially if they had all stopped en masse in front of the Central Council’s main building, where tens of thousands were gathered, waiting for someone.
Conversely, there were many who weren’t pleased with the Transcendent beings’ attendance.
“Giants of the Sunlit World… Sounds impressive, but weren’t they the ones who didn’t show their faces at all during this war?”
“Did they only crawl out for a victory celebration after everything was over? Even the heroes of the civil war are pretty cunning.”
“They’re superhumans who officially allied with the City Council. Where were they and what were they doing throughout the subjugation campaign?”
“Why did they remain silent when Vulcan was in danger, only to appear now? Were they afraid of The Legion?”
As Deadrise’s airstrikes had been broadcast across the entire city, no citizen was unaware of how dangerous this war had been.
It was only natural that the attitude of the Transcendent beings, who only appeared after the war with The Legion had ended, was not viewed favorably.
However, those with quick wits could guess why they were drawing attention first.
“These Transcendent beings were bound by the Prohibition Edict for a long time after the civil war. There must be a reason they didn’t participate in the subjugation campaign.”
“If the Transcendent beings cooperating with the City Council didn’t move, it’s correct to see that decision itself as the council’s judgment.”
“Rather, the fact that they arrived first is more concerning. That those bound by the Prohibition Edict appeared as if by arrangement…”
It was a strange sight, as if Vulcan’s Transcendent beings had come out to greet someone who was yet to arrive.
Wasn’t that itself the clearest evidence of who held the superior position at this very moment?
At this moment, as the Transcendent beings ignored even the people’s reactions, seemingly ‘waiting’ for someone in front of the main council building.
“Wow, this is something.”
Thud!!
A house-sized white tiger, having leaped along the wall of a skyscraper, landed in front of the main building and turned its body.
In terms of size, its overwhelming physique was comparable to Slain Onyx, the Phantom Beast who served as a main body.
Behind the white tiger, which passed by the Maintenance Force making way, sat a woman with a playful smile.
“How long has it been since we appeared before so many people? I don’t even remember if there was an event like this after the civil war ended.”
[Euphy.]
“Hello, Singular Mind. You were still alive?”
Euphy, the woman who waved her hand in response to Olinic’s greeting, said.
“It’s also strange that the reason we gather after decades is specifically for a victory celebration. I guess we’re just destined to meet only for such occasions.”
[Your companion also seems well, despite the long time that has passed.]
Olinic, with his arms crossed, rotated the metal sphere slowly as he looked down at the white tiger.
[I heard it suffered severe injuries, difficult to recover with taming. Is it alright now?]
“Yeah. Major activities are still out of the question, but it’s fine for getting around outside. Today’s a good opportunity, anyway.”
As Euphy stroked the white tiger she was riding, the colossal beast purred like a cat.
Euphy, following the white tiger’s movements as it rubbed its paws to clear its eye gunk, spoke with an intrigued expression.
“But there really are a lot of familiar faces. Even setting aside those who cooperated with the Prohibition Edict like you, I didn’t expect the Mountain God and the Gunslinger to be here.”
Not all Transcendent beings who accepted the Prohibition Edict maintained official cooperative relations with the City Council.
Among them, there were also those hostile to the City Council or those who had lost interest in worldly affairs after the civil war.
However, among the Transcendent beings participating in today’s Victory Ceremony, some who had not previously answered the council’s call were also present.
Urji, the Mountain God giant, boasting the largest physique among the Transcendent beings gathered here.
Arthur Mason, the Gunslinger who had killed the most superhumans on Kaiser’s side during the civil war.
“Among those who survived, the only one likely to come is… perhaps Vista? Sakia would never come.”
“A demon would hardly be interested in human ceremonies or events like this.”
Kiriya, who had been listening to their conversation, replied with a chilling expression.
“I reached out to Vista, but there was no reply. He won’t be attending.”
“Is that so? Well, it’s impressive that so many have gathered. Or rather, should I say that Adamant Thunder, the wizard, is that impressive?”
Euphy shrugged and turned her gaze.
“I heard he’s a powerful wizard, but I never expected the City Council to treat him with such deference. Even during the civil war, the only superhuman who received this level of protocol was Gagameon, wasn’t he?”
“…”
No answer came.
Instead, only the Transcendent beings who had participated in the summit looked at Euphy with strange expressions.
Noticing their reactions, Euphy frowned slightly.
“What’s wrong with the atmosphere? Don’t tell me Adamant Thunder is really that level of Transcendent being?”
“Euphy. As a Tamer, you might have been too busy healing your Spiritual Beast to properly observe the subjugation campaign.”
Habaek said with an empty smile.
“But the Central Council’s exceptional treatment of him isn’t solely due to his power. You still haven’t realized, have you?”
“…They say he killed Anathema. And brought down Deadrise. I don’t understand why they’re so favorable toward that wizard.”
Most of the Transcendent beings gathered here were those who had fought to the death on opposing sides during the Vulcan civil war.
As there were those who sided with Anathema and those who sided with Kaiser, it would be normal not to be favorable towards a wizard who killed both sides.
As she spoke, Euphy’s gaze turned towards the elf seated right next to her.
“Mistra, don’t you think so too?”
“…”
Rage Mistra, the elf wearing a motorcycle helmet, did not reply to Euphy’s words.
Instead, she simply leaned back on the saddle of her parked motorcycle, arms crossed, with a subtly withdrawn air.
Rage Mistra, an 8-level acceleration ability user and a member of Systema Aurum.
The elf, who had been escorted to the Elder Council for siding with Anathema during the summit, was also present here.
Euphy, tilting her head at Mistra’s reaction, was about to ask again, sensing an odd feeling, when suddenly.
“He’s here.”
Slain, who had been silent until now, spoke.
“Everyone needs to be ready.”
“Ready? Do we need to show such deference to Adamant Thunder—”
Euphy’s words, as she turned her gaze while speaking, abruptly cut off.
“…Huh?”
Instantly, the street, which had been chaotic from the Transcendent beings’ arrival, quickly began to quiet down.
As people one by one fell silent and turned their gaze, the person next to them also turned their head.
A strange unease that even the people moving couldn’t understand, unsure why they were acting that way.
But Euphy, realizing the true nature of that unease, instantly turned pale.
“What in… How can a human…”
RUMBLEEE…!!!!!
An immense presence was approaching them from beyond the unseen horizon.
An overwhelming mass that easily surpassed the consciousness and spiritual presence of all Transcendent beings gathered here.
The moment a pressure so intense it felt as if the entire city were folding in half from the far end of the street, crushed the assembled crowd.
VROOOOM—
From the far end of the street, where tens of thousands of gazes were fixed, a black vehicle appeared.
It drove over the carpeted road at a moderate speed, passing by the people.
The vehicle stopped amid a silence whose cause no one understood,
Click.
The door opened, and a young man with a poker face emerged, leaning on a staff.
“…Ah.”
A calm and cold aura, devoid of any presence or mana.
A presence so faint it wouldn’t even be a handful of candlelight compared to the Transcendent beings gathered here.
But the moment they saw his face and figure, all the Transcendent beings lined up in front of the main council building reacted.
Click!
Rumble!!!!
The colossal bird, folding its wings, dipped its beak and bowed its head in place.
The Wheel of Golden Spheres’ orb rotated, emitting a resonant hum, and the frozen glacier that had surged onto the street tilted.
The Head of the Sword Sect of Demise bowed silently, gripping his sword, and the Guardian of Turyeonmun respectfully knelt, holding his spear.
The Transcendent beings gathered here, as if by prior arrangement, showed their respect towards the approaching vehicle from afar.
The sight of the Transcendent beings, including the tens-of-meters-large orb, glacier, and colossal bird, bowing simultaneously, seemed majestic.
“A-Adamant Thunder…!!”
The moment someone, realizing without being told, uttered his name as if possessed.
Reporters, turning their cameras, simultaneously fired flashes, and an enormous roar of cheers erupted.
WOOOOOOW!!!!!
The sound of tens of thousands erupting simultaneously fiercely shook the entire street, echoing like an earthquake.
As he walked, leaning on his staff, the sound grew louder with each step, following the endlessly shaking road.
The joy of winning the war. The relief that their city was safe. The shared excitement of being at the celebration.
Amidst the pouring gazes, cheers, lights, and fireworks, at the distorting center where all kinds of emotions and motives intertwined, Lennok stood.
The wizard, gazing with an expressionless face at the fireworks and confetti scattering in the sky, at the waving banners and flags, moved forward.
Steel giants saluted Lennok in various places along the street, and Turyeonmun warriors bowed their heads.
The overwhelming sight of the Giants of the Sunlit World, lined up in front of the main council building, paying their respects to Lennok alone.
Just as Lennok stopped, as if only then recognizing their presence, Olinic opened his mouth.
[Adamant Thunder. It’s been a while.]
“Olinic.”
Under the young man’s chilling gaze, the immense presence seemed to slowly shift and incline towards them.
That alone made it feel as if all will-thoughts existing in this space were pouring entirely onto the Transcendent beings.
Olinic, placing a hand on his chest atop the orb, replied.
[Welcome to today’s Victory Ceremony. Everyone here has been awaiting your arrival.]
“…”
[I intend to escort you at the Central Council’s request. May we begin the ceremony?]
Lennok, looking at the Transcendent beings who had been waiting for him with an expressionless face, said.
“They’ve prepared an unnecessarily grand event. Did the council directly mobilize you all?”
[Unnecessary? That statement contains a fallacy.]
Olinic rotated the orb and chuckled.
[There likely isn’t anyone who didn’t witness this war across the entire continent, so how can you say that greeting you is meaningless?]
“…”
[Most of those gathered here are participating in the Victory Ceremony to meet you. I’d say they are individuals who do not wish to be your enemies.]
“It doesn’t matter. I didn’t come here today for that reason.”
Lennok said that, and turned his gaze.
“With so many people gathered, it will be a good place to watch the presentation of the fourth thesis.”
[…]
“Let’s skip the meaningless procedures and get straight to the point. Where is the Mayor?”
[While many procedures have been omitted, not all of them are meaningless.]
Olinic said leisurely.
[Because we are here to make you the master of this city today.]