Chapter 1376: Variation (15)

The crimson Flame Flower, floating in the azure sky, illuminated the ground warmly like a sun.

Vast grasslands stretched to the horizon. A mega-city so enormous it couldn’t be taken in at a single glance.

Newly constructed modern buildings filled every visible space, bustling with people.

Trucks and cranes moved busily, transporting materials. Crowds gathered everywhere on the streets, leaving no room to step.

Gateway City, filled with people from across the continent, had developed to an extent that Lennok could no longer recognize the landscape he remembered.

“We are seeking archaeologists to explore the remaining mausoleum after the collapse of the Four Archangel Demonic Mirrors. The distribution of profits would be approximately…”

“I’d like to exchange three Essences of Blood for a Dream Gem. If a guarantee is needed, just mention my name at Mercenary.”

“I’m planning to open a workshop in the commercial district of Gateway City. I’m looking for a second-grade artifact appraiser, please contact me.”

The streets were so packed with people that it was difficult to walk properly, and a diverse array of topics and conversations could be heard.

Even standing at the entrance to the city, the place was abuzz with the energy of a marketplace.

“…”

Lennok, leaning on his staff, silently stood in the center of the street, observing the scenery of Gateway City.

Merchants selling goods. Mercenaries seeking commissions. High-level Superhumans, as well as Beastkin and Long-lived Beings, could occasionally be seen.

As a gateway city located at the entrance to the Central Front, most of those who visited this city were high-level mercenaries or explorers.

Some were engaged in intense real-time discussions about how to clear the Demonic Realm, or even forming teams on the spot to venture into ruins.

Even in a mega-city, such a diverse gathering of people actively interacting was a sight rarely seen outside of each district’s bustling commercial areas.

Could the work Lennok had done in this city long ago have influenced the current scene to some extent?

As Lennok was lost in peculiar thought at the vastly different scene compared to his previous visit to Gateway City.

A flippant voice from beside him broke his reverie.

“There are truly a trash-load of people, aren’t there? I agree.”

“…”

“What’s so exciting that they’re all squawking so loudly? People these days have no dignity, in so many ways, wouldn’t you say?”

“Dignity?”

Lennok glanced sideways at Ermont.

“It seems you’re the most excited one here, not them.”

“Huh? What’s wrong with how I look?”

“Is that even a question?”

A flamboyant floral-patterned T-shirt and sunglasses, God knows where he picked them up. A large flower necklace made of interwoven red lotuses.

Lennok shook his head, watching Ermont sip a cocktail mixed with whiskey and fruit through a straw.

“Anyone would think we’re on vacation. Do you think we came here for a beach trip?”

“Oh, come on, why the fuss? This is the most popular specialty in Gateway City these days, you know.”

Ermont said, excitedly shaking the red flower necklace around his neck and his floral T-shirt.

“They’re merchandising the Flame Flower, which has now become a symbol of Gateway City, and selling it as merchandise. Business in this area is booming these days. Isn’t that interesting?”

“…What?”

“After Cheonbeon rampaged through Gateway City, his followers increased dramatically. He’s the great hero who stopped the Nether King’s Gabihaeng, after all.”

“…”

“Recently, his fame has soared to the heavens by conquering the Four Archangel Demonic Mirrors. Because of that, merchandise related to the Flame Flower, Cheonbeon’s symbol, seems to be gaining popularity.”

“You don’t need to personally demonstrate it with your attire to explain it.”

Lennok also easily understood what Ermont was saying.

The red flower drawn on the T-shirt, the large flower necklace made of interwoven red lotuses around Ermont’s neck.

It was clear they were all objects imitating the Flame Flower still floating in the sky of Gateway City.

Had interest in Cheonbeon continued to grow even as Gateway City expanded in scale and prosperity, and its population increased?

Ermont, who had been subtly watching Lennok, cautiously asked.

“By the way, are you really okay right now? Your… appearance…”

“It’s not a major issue, so don’t worry about it.”

Oooooh…!!!

Lennok gave a bitter smile, seeing the darkness that settled around him.

Since arriving in Gateway City, dense Black Magic had been seeping from Lennok’s body.

It would be hard to notice unless one looked closely, but a sensitive superhuman would easily pick up on it.

“It’s been acting up ever since I contained Maleon’s star. It seems power is leaking during the process of using the summoned entity’s abilities.”

The unbound left arm of the Demonic Giant was currently connected to an unknown, vast darkness.

By storing a fragment of the star left by Maleon within it, the darkness that should have been there was now spilling out.

A peculiar sight, as if only the spacetime around Lennok was stained dark and losing its light.

“It looks so ominous that I’m worried about my mental health…”

“It won’t harm living beings, so it’ll be fine. I’ll take care of it soon.”

Ermont looked terrified, but Lennok remained composed.

“More importantly, this feeling isn’t so bad right now. If I apply it well, it could be useful in combat.”

“How exactly do you plan to use that appearance in combat?”

Ermont cleared his throat and asked.

“Well, it’s a bit late to ask now, but you’re not angry, are you? You’re the one who said it was okay to come to Gateway City.”

“Why would I be angry? I was just curious about the city’s scenery.”

Lennok gazed at the countless people bustling around even at this very moment.

“To think a city could develop so much in such a short time… It’s comparable to any major city.”

“Because it’s the first gateway city that allows entry beyond the Veil. In fact, its location and environment were more than enough for it to prosper.”

Ermont shrugged.

“Isn’t it only natural that money started pouring into this city after the Conjunction Spell Master died and the ‘problem’ of the First Gate was resolved?”

“…Indeed. Perhaps so.”

The First Gate was a ‘dead’ gate, created from the corpses of dead magical beasts.

But in his decisive battle with the Conjunction Spell Master, Lennok had burned the original gate, leaving no possibility of its revival.

Now, the Flame Flower of the Hundred-Thousand-Mile Heavenly Flower served as the gateway to the Demonic Realm beyond the Veil.

Although it nominally operated under Cheonbeon’s name, it was a city ruled by a Transcendent who had conquered the Demonic Realm.

It was not surprising that investments began to pour in, judging that Gateway City had become safe.

Nevertheless, Lennok felt a strange sense of incongruity as he observed Gateway City after a long absence.

“But even with Cheonbeon’s name, doesn’t the city seem too peaceful?”

“Excuse me? What do you mean?”

“Considering Gateway City’s location, many would covet it. Among them, there would be plenty who wouldn’t care about Cheonbeon’s reputation.”

Lennok murmured.

“I don’t think this city prospered this much simply because of his name recognition. There must be some other reason…”

“Well, perhaps it’s because Cheonbeon hasn’t completely gone into hiding and has been intermittently active?”

Ermont said, leading Lennok further into Gateway City.

“According to Hylaea, the investment scale multiplied several times after the Four Archangel Demonic Mirrors were conquered. There are also rumors that conquest organizations like the Reconnaissance Agency have started cooperating with Gateway City.”

“…”

“They’re attracting explorers by providing information about the Demonic Realms scattered across the Central Front. It seems they intend to use this entire city as a forward base for Demonic Realm exploration and conquest.”

Ermont shrugged.

“That’s why, as you saw earlier, explorers eager to conquer the Demonic Realm are flocking to this city. It’s annoying that there are so many people, but in many ways, Gateway City is experiencing a positive cycle.”

“Well, that might be part of it, but…”

Lennok looked up at the flickering form of the Flame Flower, silhouetted against the azure sky.

Its seven petals gently swayed, as if recognizing the owner who had returned to Gateway City after a long time.

Hundred-Tousand-Mile Heavenly Flower, Time-Released Incandescence, Crimson Apex.

The flames that bloomed at the cost of the shackles of time still burned in Gateway City’s sky.

To think he would see the evidence of the battle that concluded against the Conjunction Spell Master so long ago, in such circumstances.

Suppressing his complex emotions, Lennok turned his gaze to Ermont, who was walking ahead.

“Have you been to Gateway City before? You seem to navigate quite well.”

“No? This is my first time in this city too.”

“Then did you pre-arrange a meeting spot with the others?”

“Huh? No, not really.”

Ermont said, pointing to a flamboyant placard hanging over the main street.

“A structure sculpted after the Flame Flower has been completed in the center of the plaza. They say it took over half a year and they hired the continent’s best sculptor, doesn’t it sound magnificent?”

“…”

“I know you’re excited to be out for once, but wouldn’t it be a shame to come all this way just to work? Shall we take a commemorative photo together?”

“Stop talking nonsense and take me to Pandemonium right now. Who are you calling excited?”

“Welcome to Red Dragon Hotel. May I have your reservation name?”

The lobby of a magnificent skyscraper hotel, seemingly enveloped in crimson flames.

Ermont waved brightly at the welcoming hotel staff at the desk.

“Yep, hello. I heard the reservation was under the name Hylaea Odinsen? Can you check that?”

“Certainly. Please wait a moment.”

The staff member, who had been smiling while checking the reservation list, paused slightly.

“Um, Ms. Odinsen has reserved the entire top floor of the hotel… would it be alright if I confirm that you are her companion?”

“Yep. Please tell her Ermont is here. Or should I say, Deimus?”

Ermont fell into momentary thought.

“If it’s the strict Hylaea, she might have used the name of this body, not mine… No, maybe she’s not that rigid.”

“…”

“Deimus, Ermont, Deimus, Ermont… Ah, I don’t know! Could you just say Ermont, please?”

“…I’ll contact them immediately.”

Perhaps finding Ermont’s drug-like demeanor utterly untrustworthy, the staff member’s expression clouded as he picked up the receiver.

The staff member, who had been looking as if he would call the police any moment, bowed with extreme deference the moment the call connected.

“My apologies. I will prepare your elevator card to the top floor immediately.”

Walking behind the guiding staff member, Ermont grumbled openly.

“This hotel seems to filter people right from the elevator. How can those of humble birth even live here?”

“Why is someone from a noble family pretending to be poor? Well, it’s a necessary measure if you need to filter out a lunatic who confuses his own name.”

“Why are you talking as if it’s someone else’s business? Aren’t Tower Lords supposed to live in much better facilities than this hotel, eating and living well? You filthy capitalist!”

“I’m sorry, but my Magic Tower was completely destroyed because of you bastards and only recently finished reconstruction. I was practically living paycheck to paycheck until recently, let alone owning a hotel.”

“Wow, look at this shameless person.”

Ermont’s jaw dropped.

“You’re the one who went on a rampage and broke the Magic Tower yourself. How is that our fault?”

“Watch your mouth. Anyone hearing you would think I started the war.”

“We were just assisting in the war, and we didn’t lay a hand on the Magic Tower. We just followed Deimus in and got thoroughly beaten.”

“So, wasn’t that your doing?”

“No, you can’t put Deimus on the same level as us! He was clearly a soldier on a different side from us!”

“Whatever you say with that body you currently occupy won’t be very convincing.”

“…Deimus, watching from heaven, will surely forgive you generously.”

“Was your bar for heaven really that low? Enough, let’s stop here.”

Saying that, Lennok glanced at the hotel staff member walking ahead.

“If we talk any more, the staff guiding us will probably faint standing up.”

“Oh, no, sir… Pl-please feel free to, to talk…”

So peculiar was the conversation between Ermont and Lennok that the hotel staff member was dripping with cold sweat.

To an outsider, it wouldn’t be strange for them to seem like two completely unhinged lunatics.

The trembling staff member struggled to maintain a professional smile.

“Any conversation had at R-Red Dragon Hotel will ab-absolutely not leak outside, sir. P-please rest assured…”

“You know, you’re really quite different from Victor in this regard.”

But Ermont paid no mind to the trembling staff, looking at Lennok instead.

“Are you really concerned about the feelings of a mere creature whom a Transcendent like you could kill with a flick of your hand? Let’s stop with the out-of-character acting.”

“Who am I acting for? And I don’t even know what’s so different.”

As Victor, he merely hid miscellaneous words or emotions behind a mask; he didn’t act excessively cruel or disregard civilians more than necessary.

He roughly knew what Ermont was thinking, but there were too many strange remarks in the process to bother answering each one.

“I know you’re constantly comparing me to other spellcasters before this plan, but cut it out.”

Lennok said, walking down the lavishly carpeted hotel corridor.

“I only cooperated because of the Nether King. I have no intention of joining Pandemonium. Wouldn’t it be tiring to constantly measure someone who won’t become a comrade?”

“Heheheh… I’m sorry, but that’s exactly where you are so, so different.”

Ermont’s eyes gleamed eerily.

“You are completely different from the Demon King of Vulcan rumored throughout the continent. You’re honest with your emotions, strangely human, and easy to converse with.”

“…”

“I didn’t know that fact until now, having only been beaten like a dog whenever I met you. I just thought, ‘Oh, another Transcendent who talks too much for no reason’.”

“So you were thinking that while groveling at my feet? Anyway, who are you to say such things to whom?”

“To think that a wizard who seems more normal than any ordinary person holds a notoriety that will go down in Eastern Continent history, what does that mean?”

In the suddenly quiet corridor, Ermont spoke.

His gaze was now fixed on the darkness rising behind Lennok.

“You are probably more broken than anyone else I know.”

“…”

“That’s why I’m afraid of you.”

“Thanks for the honest feedback.”

Lennok replied calmly.

“You’re taking me to Pandemonium right now, even though you think that?”

“Yes. Well, wouldn’t it be unfair if I was the only one feeling this way?”

Ermont grinned.

“The other members who pushed the Vulcan matter onto me should experience it too. That’s what justice is.”

“Both your body and mind are rotten.”

Ding!

As they arrived at the top floor of the hotel by elevator, all the room doors were wide open.

Had they rented all the rooms on the top floor and opened them up to use the entire space?

“Hey, Black Wizard!!!!”

Freya, who had been tapping on her phone in the largest, most luxurious suite, sharply turned her head.

“How long were you dawdling before finally crawling out, you lazy bum!!!”

“Ermont, you’re a little late. I told you to be on time for the meeting.”

Hylaea, who was tying Freya’s hair, said with a troubled expression.

“It would be troublesome if there were hostilities from the start, especially with how sensitive the members participating in this operation are.”

“I don’t know who you brought along that took so long.”

Soryu, leaning against the balcony with a frozen scabbard slung over his shoulder, said in a chilling voice.

“You’d better have a convincing reason.”

“I didn’t detect any presence until they entered the hotel…”

Agneta, hanging from the suite wall, tilted her head.

“It seems the Black Wizard brought someone strange…”

“Oh, I don’t really care about being late. It’s normal for Vampires not to keep appointments.”

Sarin, perched on a lavish chandelier hanging from the ceiling, waved with a smile.

“Let’s just do our jobs properly, like in the subjugation battle. Back then, I almost died against Adamant Thunder…”

At that moment, Sarin’s expression froze as he saw Lennok standing next to Ermont.

Sarin’s abrupt silence caused everyone else to turn their gaze almost simultaneously.

Ermont, in his flashy floral T-shirt and sunglasses, as pathetic as ever.

Right next to him, leaning on his staff, was the eerie new form of the wizard, scattering hellish darkness.

At that moment, the other members who had encountered Adamant Thunder or recognized his face gaped.

“I see some familiar faces.”

Lennok said with a smile.

“Still alive?”

No answer came.

CRASH!

Soryu, his face coldly hardened, drew his frozen sword and lunged like lightning.

Sarin, pale-faced, spun and dropped, drawing the short sword from his waist.

In the instantly tense room, Lennok tilted his head with a puzzled expression.

“I asked how they were doing with good intentions, but the response is less than satisfactory. Was that a sensitive question for them?”

Ermont asked, looking dumbfounded.

“…Do you seriously think that was a proper greeting?”