Chapter 1467: Hunting the First Apostle (1)

The Glass Garden, where a night sky so beautiful it could take one’s breath away unfolded.

Countless flowers bloomed beneath the garden, holding the falling starlight like dew.

I scooped the starlight flowing between the glass-like petals into a goblet and swirled it gently.

Within the distant consciousness space, Lennok gazed at the figure in the shadows.

“You’ve come.”

The Order Alliance Leader, goblet in hand, sat in the shadows with his legs crossed.

“Care for a drink? The Thorben Tower Lord was quite fond of this.”

“…”

Lennok simply stared at him without a word.

The Order Alliance Leader.

An unprecedented Transcendent who leads the largest group of spellcasters on the Central Front.

And, according to a few inferences, an individual with a very close connection to Kundara.

This was because, long after the events in Kundara had concluded, the Leader himself had expressed his gratitude through the Fairy Conjunction Master.

Even now, the Leader was a difficult being to grasp, with Lennok only vaguely aware that he might be a Level 9 Ascendant.

An ordinariness that was unbecoming of a Transcendent leading the Order Alliance.

That presence, too ordinary yet transcendent, was blocking Lennok’s senses.

The Leader’s Glass Garden was the spacetime in this world physically closest to the Outer Sea.

It was impossible to read the essence of a Transcendent who sat on that boundary, concealing himself with shadows.

But Lennok’s intuition, honed by the events of Paradise Lost, could faintly perceive what the Leader was hiding.

Beyond the shadows, what he felt from the Leader who was masquerading in ordinariness was—

“Your condition is much worse than before.”

Instability.

“You look like you’re struggling just to support yourself. Am I wrong?”

“…”

The Leader did not answer.

Instead, he sat beyond the shadow and simply gazed at Lennok with an unreadable expression.

Silently swirling the goblet in his hand, the Leader spoke softly.

“It would be best not to speak that way in front of the other Ascendants.”

“…”

“Your intuition already surpasses Ascendants in some ways… and they are extremely wary of anyone seeing through them.”

“That sounds as if you are different.”

“Correct. Because ‘I’ no longer exist within me.”

The Leader tilted his head back.

“I believe I have told you this before. Among the great failures, only chance and inevitability could sublimate their answers into truth…”

“…”

“But that method is no longer permitted to me now. Therefore, I attempt to transcend by not keeping myself within me.”

“Is that the essence of the Great Connection you pursue?”

“It is also the source of the instability you have perceived in me.”

The Leader agreed.

“Because I have emptied the ‘I’ from within, that imbalance is eating away at my soul. I have been able to endure this long thanks to the [Talent for Duality] I possess, but that too has its limits.”

“…”

“Ultimately, it is a problem that cannot be solved without completing the Great Connection. Let’s get to the point.”

The Great Connection, which links all the world’s spellcraft and incantations, was the core and origin of the Order Alliance itself.

Did he mean that if the Great Connection was rebuilt and restored to its complete form, his imbalance could be healed?

However, it was uncertain whether the restoration and rebuilding of the Great Connection could be called its true completion.

“As proposed before, the time has come to hunt the Second Apostle. Along with the restoration of the Great Connection, I intend to pull him down from his seat as the First Apostle.”

Unconcerned by Lennok’s pensive state, the Leader leaned back in his chair and asked.

“During the reconstruction of the Great Connection, I will personally descend upon reality and face him. You haven’t forgotten, have you?”

“I remember the proposal. But there were a few prerequisites for it.”

Lennok nodded.

“I believe you said you needed Celestial Spellcraft for your descent. Did you finally succeed in finding it?”

The Order Alliance Leader was a Transcendent who currently resided in his Glass Garden and did not directly intervene in reality.

For him to descend into reality, he needed Celestial Spellcraft, which could rewrite the physical laws of a specific space.

Since they intended to kill and extract it from a wielder of Celestial Spellcraft, Lennok had hidden its existence from the Alliance until now.

For him to bring it up at this point, did it not mean the Alliance had acquired Celestial Spellcraft through other means?

But the Leader’s answer was completely beyond Lennok’s expectations.

“You must have heard the news that the Ascendants of the Old World are making moves on the outer continent.”

The Leader replied.

“We contacted one of them and succeeded in obtaining the original grimoire of the spellcraft.”

“The original grimoire of the spellcraft…?”

Just as Lennok paused, realizing the meaning of that answer, the Leader spoke calmly.

“All the necessary spellcraft and conditions are met, and now only execution remains. But it is also true that I need a collaborator to buy time for the ritual to proceed until I can descend.”

“…”

“The other Grand Spell Masters must participate in the reconstruction of the Great Connection, so they cannot move during that time. Therefore, we must entrust this role to an outsider of the Alliance. Originally, I planned to ask the Thorben Tower Lord, but—”

“You said the Tower Lord refused. There’s no need to repeat the explanation you gave last time.”

Lennok had met with the Order Alliance Leader and heard about the hunt for the Second Apostle around the time he departed for the Outer Tribulation City, Kundara.

In terms of time, it happened before he had even met Maleon, so it went without saying how old this plan was.

But despite being such an old plan, the idea of hunting the Second Apostle was so shocking that Lennok remembered the details clearly.

The First Apostle of the Guido Cult.

A being called the most perfect among the rampaging Apostles who had received the power of the end.

The only one among all the Apostles free from madness, and an Apostle whose god was unknown.

Lennok had also faced the Second Apostle directly, but he couldn’t read anything from him.

When he came into existence, what abilities he possessed, which god he served, and for what reason he followed the Pontiff.

Among the many mysteries, if there was one certain truth, it was that he was a monster of such caliber that the Leader himself had to descend to face him.

There was no doubt that he was an Apostle of such immense power that the head of the Order Alliance had to personally intervene in reality.

In a way, they were discussing how to defeat what was currently the strongest force in the Guido Cult.

It went without saying how crucial and dangerous this plan was within the Alliance.

“Let’s cut the trivial introductions and get to it. What I want to confirm hasn’t changed, then or now.”

Lennok, standing in the middle of the silent Glass Garden, stared intently at the Leader beyond the shadows.

“More important than anything else is ‘why’ the Second Apostle would show himself for this.”

“…”

“Just how do you plan to lure the Second Apostle to the site where the Great Connection is being restored? I didn’t get an answer to this question last time.”

Lennok, with his hands in his coat pockets, tilted his head.

“A Transcendent of that caliber wouldn’t be unaware that the place you’ve prepared could be a trap. Do you think he would still respond, knowing that?”

The plan was for the Leader to personally descend and face the Second Apostle, because the Second Apostle would certainly appear at the restoration ritual for the Great Connection.

But that plan was only valid if there was certainty that the Second Apostle would intervene in the ritual.

For what reason was he so certain that the Second Apostle would appear at that location? He hadn’t heard an explanation from the Leader back then either.

“As I said before, if I don’t get a clear answer on this, there’s no reason to participate in the plan. There must be a reason I can accept.”

“Indeed. This plan wasn’t built on vague speculation or intuition. I believe I can answer you now.”

The Leader shook his head.

“The Great Connection constructed by the Alliance is very closely related to the authority the Second Apostle wields. In a sense, it is partially intertwined with his ‘origin’.”

“…The authority the Second Apostle wields?”

Lennok frowned at the completely unexpected answer, but the Leader replied without heed.

“As the power of the Great Connection grows, he too is affected, so the Second Apostle will not simply stand by and watch its restoration. He will intervene in some way to control the process.”

“I don’t see how it’s possible for the Second Apostle and the Great Connection to be closely related. The powers of the Alliance and the Cult should be of a kind that can’t be mixed in the first place.”

The Order Alliance, which weaves all incantations into one, and the Guido Cult, which serves Outer Gods, were beings of different origins from the very beginning.

And yet, how could the Second Apostle’s authority be related to the concept of the Great Connection?

Since it was coming from the Leader himself, it wasn’t a lie, but it was also difficult to believe.

Frowning, Lennok asked.

“Are you saying he was a Spell Master of the Alliance before he became an Apostle?”

“Hmph… It’s nothing like that. Like a true Grand Mage, you are dangerously unbiased in these matters.”

From within the shadows, Lennok could feel the Leader’s faint smile.

“It’s not as if there have been no such cases in our long history, but he has been by the Pontiff’s side for much longer than that. He’s too old to have been a Spell Master.”

“…”

“The reason the First Apostle is affected by the Great Connection is completely different. To put it simply… it’s because his authority is of such a high class.”

“His authority is of a high class…”

“The authority he wields is an incredibly powerful concept among all the powers of this world. It is a superior power, one that is unbelievable for a single individual to possess.”

The Leader spoke calmly, leaning back in his chair.

“By obtaining such an origin as an Apostle, he has embraced a ‘contradiction’ so great that he is one of the strongest in this world. That is also why I must step forward to face him myself.”

A power so transcendent that its mere existence affects the Great Connection.

A concept so immense that for an Apostle to possess it makes him a contradiction in himself.

“What authority does he wield to hold such power? Does that mean the Second Apostle’s Apostle spellcraft is that superior in performance?”

“This is information you will naturally come to know if you participate in the plan. However… for that very reason, I cannot tell you more at this time.”

The Leader, leaning back in his chair beyond the shadow, replied.

“The moment I tell you of the First Apostle’s abilities, the Second Apostle will also become aware of this moment simultaneously.”

“…”

“It is no coincidence that the First Apostle, unlike other Apostles, has not fallen to madness. He is an exceptionally special being, which is why the Alliance must exercise extreme caution when dealing with him.”

“It sounds like you judge the Second Apostle to be as strong as an Ascendant.”

“Perhaps… Reaching the ninth hierarchy is not a symbol of strength or martial prowess.”

The Leader said.

“It is merely proof that one has earned the qualification. If one were to fight with their life on the line, even an Ascendant could be defeated. Isn’t the proof of that standing right before my eyes?”

“…”

It went without saying that he was alluding to the events of Paradise Lost.

“I would like to wait until all preparations are perfect, but I do not have much time left. The restoration of the Great Connection must be finished before it becomes irreversible.”

The Transcendent whispered in a fading voice from within the shadows.

“As promised before, if you cooperate, I will give you any one spellcraft of your choosing that exists within the Great Connection. If you desire even the spellcraft I used in my lifetime—”

“Even the Corpse Ghost Spellcraft?”

“…”

For a moment, the Leader fell silent.

In the quiet Glass Garden, the gazes of the two Transcendent beings crossed with the shadow between them.

In the silence, the Leader replied in a calm tone that betrayed no hint of wavering.

“I heard you do not favor forbidden arts, but if you still desire it, then of course it is possible.”

“…”

“However, to extract the Corpse Ghost Spellcraft, it will only be possible after everything is over. Since the Spell Master himself is in your Magic Tower, I will have to make my way to Vulcan personally.”

“Extraction of spellcraft… I see what you’re saying.”

Lennok let out a cold laugh.

“I understand the plan. I will return and give her my answer.”

Fwwwwip…!!!

At the same time, the petals of the endlessly unfolding Glass Garden began to scatter in all directions.

The shadow that concealed the Leader expanded above the night sky where the Milky Way poured down, dyeing the surroundings dark.

The scenery of the consciousness space vanished in an instant. The Leader spoke.

“I hope you will give your answer as quickly as possible. If you do not participate, we will have to call a replacement.”

“…”

“As this is a grand plan that has been discussed for a long time, I trust you have already come to a conclusion of your own.”

With the Leader’s whisper as the final word, the scenery of the Glass Garden scattered and vanished before Lennok’s eyes as if it were a lie.

“If you hadn’t, you would have already perished in Paradise Lost.”

Kwoooaaaaaaah!!!!!

As his consciousness receded into the distance, Lennok slowly closed and opened his eyes.

Through his blurry vision, the dark scenery of a hospital corridor came into view.

Looking at the empty corridor, Lennok quietly took out his phone from his pocket.

[Victor. Based on the information you gave me, I’ve investigated the movements within the Central Front.]

A message from Hylaea had arrived through the Demonic Conflux’s channel.

[It seems to be true that Pyeonram was defeated in the Great Forest. Unsettling rumors have begun to circulate from the central command.]

[The Eyes of Blue are approaching the Second Gate, and it seems they are recruiting explorers to participate in the conquest, giving a deadline of a few weeks. It’s scheduled to be announced soon, so we were able to get the information.]

[We couldn’t confirm whether Pyeonram is being held at the Second Gate, but the Eyes of Blue seem to have determined they have at least a month’s time.]

[If you need the Doctor’s advice, please reply. I would like to hear your judgment on what to do.]

“…”

Lapis already knew about Pyeonram’s whereabouts when she met with Lennok.

The reason she didn’t tell him directly was because there was enough time that she didn’t need to force the issue and reveal Pyeonram’s location on the spot.

Was it because she was confident that the Ascendant being held at the Second Gate would not die within at least a month?

Lost in thought, Lennok silently walked down the dark corridor and into a hospital room.

A spacious private room where the Corpse Ghost Spell Master was lying down and whining. A window with white light pouring down.

On it, a familiar girl sat barefoot, smiling brightly at Lennok.

“So?”

The Fairy Conjunction Master asked.

“I came thinking a decision would have been made by now, but was I too hasty?”

“…”

It was the first time he had seen her face since the Ascension Ritual’s banquet, but Lennok wasn’t surprised to see the Fairy Conjunction Master.

Even after the events in Kundara, she had a habit of appearing before him so suddenly.

After meeting the Leader with the help of the Corpse Ghost Spell Master, he had thought things might turn out this way.

“Since you’ve just come from meeting the Leader through our Corpse Ghost Spell Master, I’ll be brief. After all, that’s why we left this guy here in the first place.”

The Fairy Conjunction Master, with her arms crossed, gestured with her eyes toward the Corpse Ghost Spell Master, who was hiding under the bed covers and peering at them.

“If you’re willing, we can leave right now. What will you do?”

“…”

Instead of answering, Lennok silently raised his gaze.

The restoration of the Great Connection. The hunting of the Second Apostle. The descent of the Order Alliance Leader.

Undoubtedly, through this event, the long-standing war between the Alliance and the Cult would enter a new phase.

He knew well what it would mean for him to take one side at this juncture.

And also that the Alliance and the Cult were organizations far from good, to the point where there was no need to judge which was superior.

Was it right to participate in an operation of this scale so soon after the events of Paradise Lost?

The deliberation was long, but he reached a conclusion before long.

“…It seems I can’t leave right from here.”

Lennok replied softly.

“I have a few things to prepare. Wait until then.”

“Does that mean?”

“The heads of the Order Alliance and the Guido Cult are about to clash. I don’t think I can miss an opportunity like this.”

Lennok, slowly straightening himself, said.

“I will participate in the restoration of the Great Connection. We will move to the Central Front in two days.”