Chapter 831: Knot (18)
“…The Marshal will step forward to confront the Nether King?”
Daymus’s assertion that the Marshal of Deadrise, who never appeared in public, might be moving. Whether others sensed something in his words, the consciousness space fell into a profound silence.
“…”
Were they contemplating the sheer scale of repercussions if the Marshal, widely regarded as the legion’s paramount leader, were to step forward personally?
However, instead of immediately responding to Daymus’s words, Lennok focused on observing the reactions of the others.
“I don’t know if it’s a bluff, or if he has something up his sleeve…”
Chebyen gave a gloomy chuckle.
“To confront that black wizard head-on, merely reaching the same rank wouldn’t suffice…”
“I understand the Marshal of Deadrise is an anomaly, having built the continent’s largest warlord faction without even a military background,” Vernon muttered, his expression slackened by what seemed like vague intoxication. “It’s natural he’d be an exceptional commander, but was he truly a superhuman powerful enough to rival the Nether King?”
“It seems the Marshal’s martial prowess is far more formidable than imagined. Yet, I’ve heard almost nothing of his battle records or exploits…”
The members of Pandemonium seemed unaware of the Marshal’s exact identity, yet their questions precisely struck at the core issue: to what level had Ethan Bajour, Deadrise’s leader and Marshal, truly ascended in his martial prowess.
Lennok himself had immediately pondered this the moment he understood Daymus’s words.
Though he had only met Daymus twice, he was clearly a cold, realistic military man at first glance. Especially as a commander leading a legion, his discerning eye for the ebb and flow of battle must be formidable.
If such a Daymus did not even consider Ethan’s defeat against Myeong, then it wouldn’t be an unfounded belief.
Lennok wasn’t entirely without his own conjectures either.
‘The Art of Resurrection and the magic of Regressive Power. Did he achieve something by utilizing those two means…?’
Ethan’s journey, which Lennok had encountered through the travelogue in Yorta. The fate of a resurrected one, who could only grasp a new life after dying once.
If the regressive talent inherited from Kaiser grew even stronger after death, becoming powerful enough to even reverse his own demise.
And if, in that process, he had even unbound the innate curse that shackled him, completely releasing its restrictions.
Perhaps, due to that talent capable of reversing and rectifying even his own destiny, he might have transformed into something utterly distinct from conventional superhumans.
“You, you have no idea what Myeong has been doing recently. If you did, you wouldn’t be able to utter such nonsense so casually.”
But Maiya didn’t hesitate to scoff at Daymus.
“He’s a monster who abandoned his humanity the moment he began accumulating ranks. He’s qualitatively different from mortals like you and me, who are swept along by grand currents…”
“…”
“Alright, fine. There’s no reason to chatter about something that hasn’t happened. Just don’t try any pointless schemes to escalate the situation.”
The cold gaze of the Enforcer seemed to pierce through Daymus’s brow.
“If you interfere with what I’m doing, I’ll kill you first.”
Just as Daymus used Pandemonium, Maiya Lonsdale was also an exile who prioritized her own objectives above all else. Was that why she empirically understood and was wary of the high probability that his actions would conflict with her own objectives?
[Master, that’s great news!]
Davi, who had been listening to the conversation from inside Lennok’s robes, squirmed and whispered.
[I’ll proactively leak some information on the deep web instead, to test which side will win.]
“…”
What exactly was so great about that? No, he understood, but he didn’t want to think about it. As Lennok remained silent, Davi muttered in a sinister tone from inside his robe.
[Heheheh, if I gather some plausible video footage and generate buzz, it’s not impossible to temporarily paralyze the central network, bub-bub-buh!]
Just as Lennok gripped the Cybernetic Spirit’s mouth, unsure if she wanted information or just to cause chaos on the deep web, Freya, who had been tilting her head, unable to join the conversation, looked around and asked, “Marshal…? Is that like a military rank or something?”
“If it refers to the one who commands all legions under Deadrise, then it’s probably accurate,” the Doctor replied in a relaxed tone. “But Daymus, is it alright to casually bring up such a topic in a place like this?”
“…”
“As far as I know, the generals of that warlord faction… are not in very good health.”
A faint, undisguised sneer mingled in the Doctor’s voice. Indeed, the Doctor must surely know that Ethan Bajour is Deadrise’s leader, including Gileon. He must also suspect that their current condition isn’t good enough for them to be on the front lines.
Perhaps realizing his legion’s vulnerability was being openly exposed, Daymus’s expression soured for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure.
“…You’re right. It was nothing I could hide from someone like you.”
“Hmm.”
“However, the recent efforts to restrict the generals’ activities and enforce internal discipline have yielded significant results.”
Daymus’s eyes gleamed intensely for a moment.
“The events in Yorta, and various pieces are coming together in different places. It won’t be long now.”
The replica of the travelogue he had handed over to Song-ha in Yorta. Were various measures to revive Ethan’s memories, including that, actively circulating within the legion?
Although nothing was explicitly explained, Lennok felt he could understand what Daymus was trying to say. He was hinting that the legion might soon begin to move in earnest.
“The reason I’m revealing such sensitive information is to inform you that the matter of Adamant Thunder won’t conclude with a single incident.”
“So what does that have to do with us–”
“That individual continues to impress his influence upon the mega-cities without belonging to any faction. Among the monsters who have reached Level 8, he possesses a uniquely dangerous and aggressive disposition, and his capabilities are formidable, befitting his twisted nature.”
Daymus said, turning behind his chair.
“The central authorities already treat and regard that wizard as the most formidable challenger of the next generation.”
“…”
“When I first brought this up in the meeting, you dismissed it as absurd. But what about Adamant Thunder now? What about next time?”
Daymus’s nonchalant voice questioned the silent members.
“When we gather again, can you be certain that blood-crazed wizard won’t have become more dangerous than the Nether King?”
“…”
“Only people are needed. The rest can be replenished anywhere, anytime, in any quantity. The other members are the same.”
Daymus slowly rotated the ring on his finger, exchanging glances with Chebyen, Vernon, and Raphael.
“If the demand is reasonable, we can meet the conditions. I hope you’ll seriously consider it and contact us.”
As the ring rotated, Daymus’s form slowly blurred.
“I’ll be waiting.”
“What was that?”
Leaving Freya’s bored reply behind, Daymus vanished.
Whoosh!!
The others also glanced at the empty space where Daymus had disappeared, then one by one, they rose from their seats.
“The time to maintain the consciousness space is over. I’ll take my leave now…”
Chebyen, moving his gloomy mannequin to face this way.
He seemed to give Lennok a subtle smile, then twisted the mannequin’s head in a strange direction.
“Today, I’ll count it as a gain that the consciousness space wasn’t destroyed by one arrogant spellcaster…”
“Doll Spellcrafter.”
Lennok chuckled, speaking.
“You were the one who first brought up the Magic Tower, watching for reactions, weren’t you?”
“…”
“You pretend not to, but weren’t you trying to probe if Daymus shared the same thoughts?”
Lennok gave the silent mannequin a cold look.
“Daymus knew your true intentions and let you use him, but he won’t be so accommodating next time… You should watch your mouth from now on.”
“Heheh, still annoyingly sharp, aren’t you…”
Chebyen continued to let out gloomy chuckles, then abruptly stopped and said, “I’ll bear it in mind.”
“I’m off~! Oh, and if you see that Clown bastard, please tell him to contact me in Torquepaz!! I need illusions to leave my tour, but he’s not reading my messages!”
Freya kicked Chebyen aside and vanished with a noisy commotion.
Vernon tried to entice him for a drink, and Professor Raphael cast glances, wanting to discuss common magic with the Doctor. As the meeting concluded, with the new members silent and Maiya not even looking his way, the moment Lennok prepared to withdraw his will-thought.
“Ah, Victor.”
Whoosh!!
From the depths of the sinking simulated consciousness space, the Doctor called out to Lennok. Immediately after, the consciousness space began to isolate and reorganize itself around Lennok and the Doctor.
Thump, thump-thump!!
A peculiar situation, left alone in the quiet darkness.
Lennok tilted his head amidst the remnants of the consciousness, even Hylaea having departed.
“…What is it?”
“There’s one thing I wanted to confirm before we finish.”
Thump, thump-thump!!
The pure white furball, representing the Doctor’s will, crumbled on the spot. Flesh tore away, muscle and sinew disintegrated, even bones crumbling in a death. To fully transmit his own intellect across vast distances, he always employs a technique that imitates human sacrifice.
It wasn’t something Lennok saw every time he met the Doctor, only occasionally. Yet, seeing the sacrifice die like this was never a pleasant experience.
As Lennok thought this, he crossed his arms and waited for the Doctor’s reply.
The Doctor then asked, “A moment ago, you said to Daymus, ‘if Myeong still maintains his consciousness’…”
“…”
“Can I assume you also know Myeong’s current state?”
As expected, the Doctor hadn’t missed even that fleeting remark. Lennok had thought someone among the members might understand, but the Doctor was indeed the quickest.
The Doctor didn’t wait for Lennok’s reply and spoke again. “We don’t have much time. I’ll proceed as if you know.”
“Go on.”
“Myeong is currently halted before a very grand challenge. You know why, don’t you?”
“…”
“Through his Provisional Ascent, he obtained a destiny beyond what was given to him, reaching the threshold of transcendence at an unrealistically fast pace,” the Doctor explained. “The problem lies in Myeong’s abilities being excessively outstanding, such that he became ready even before completing his Provisional Ascent.”
“I think I need an explanation of what Provisional Ascent actually is first,” Lennok replied. “I only know that Myeong focused on destroying civilizations as he traveled the continent. What exactly does that mean?”
The Doctor chuckled. “No, I won’t explain it. There’s no need to.”
“What do you mean by–”
“You already know what Provisional Ascent is. You’re just trying not to show it. Or perhaps you haven’t realized it yourself.”
“…”
“Myeong holds very strict and ruthless standards, but he is extremely generous to those who surpass them,” the Doctor said. “That’s why you, of all people, must have observed what Myeong pursues at some point… and understood why Myeong became that way.”
A conviction asserted with a chilling calmness. An intuition that finds answers within vague impressions and judgments that offer no clear basis. But what was most astonishing was that such vague judgments and answers lay incredibly close to the truth.
The reason Lennok found the Doctor most dangerous was because, despite being an exceptionally brilliant researcher, he possessed a nature unconstrained by numbers and data. It must be because he understood the importance of abstract values and will-thought more clearly than anyone else.
“What are you trying to say?”
“It’s simple.”
The Doctor slowly nodded. “After Myeong completes all his preparations and makes his decision… he might attempt to finish the Provisional Ascent he couldn’t complete.”
“…”
“Because it’s a journey that, once started, must be seen through to the end. Even if it’s not Myeong’s own will.”
“That’s…”
“If Myeong becomes even stronger than he is now, even more broken, and proceeds to ‘harvest’ the continent, what will happen?”
The Doctor’s hypothesis felt like a suffocating thought. As Lennok hesitated, unable to answer, the Doctor chuckled softly.
“A bloodbath incomparable to the World-Cleaving Calamity would unfold there.”
“…”
“That’s all I have to tell you. I thought it was necessary to give you a warning, just once.”
Thump-thump…
Amidst the slowly crumbling furball, the Doctor’s voice subtly changed.
“I, on the other hand, am rather looking forward to it. If Myeong breaks down like that, how will the Director react…?”
“…”
“He seems to have let go of everything, but the Director certainly holds onto one last piece.”
The consciousness space distorted and sank before his eyes. Simultaneously, Lennok’s mind surged rapidly, attempting to escape the space.
Only the Doctor’s voice resonated as a faint echo.
“What would be the best way to describe it…? Perhaps ‘humanity’ comes closest?”
Flash!!
The dazzling sunlight streaming into the chapel. Early dawn had just passed, morning had arrived, and it was time for people to awaken.
He could feel the increasing presence of people outside the cathedral, bringing vitality to the streets.
Conversely, Lennok’s body, slumped in the chair, was limp like waterlogged cotton, barely drawing breath. Immediately upon returning from the consciousness space, his body, completely depleted from Yorta, suppressed his mind.
“Oh, you’re awake?” Hylaea, who had been leaning slightly over the chapel organ, glanced back at Lennok and said, “You don’t look too good. It’s the first time I’ve seen you wake up so late.”
“…”
He had simply been delayed by his conversation with the Doctor, but he didn’t feel the need to explain. As Lennok remained silent, Hylaea lightly stirred her magic, tapping the organ keys.
With the soft sound of the organ resonating, her magic vibrated and spread wide before her like a screen.
“I was just organizing the news from Yorta before you woke up. Want to check it out?”
“What do you mean?”
“Most of it is about you. Video footage was leaked on the deep web, and it’s causing quite a stir.”
Hylaea said, pushing the magic-infused screen, which she had opened using the organ’s vibrations, toward Lennok.