Chapter 80

Chapter 27: Each One's Circumstances

The uninhabited island where they fought had completely vanished from the map.

Following the meteor shower, the explosion caused by the Heart of the Moon and the shattering of the Demon Stone was more than enough to erase a small island.

As soon as the incident was detected, Viment sent an investigation team. The maritime guards who were on duty nearby immediately reported to their superiors.

The investigation team consisted of royal mages and Viment's Special Task Force 3rd Squad.

Upon seeing the scene, they were left in shock.

Not only had the island disappeared, but a strange magical power was continuously forming a vortex.

The vortex made it impossible to approach even with a large sailing ship.

'What on earth is going on here?'

Moreover, the task force members, who had been searching for Quikantel and Enya, felt a sinking feeling in their hearts.

They instinctively felt that this incident was related to the disappearance of Quikantel and Enya.

Sure enough, one of the royal mages who was observing the scene approached the task force.

"Leader Rats, it seems the Silver Dragon Quikantel fought here. The magic of the Silver Dragon and... the magic of the Wind Dragon is detected in large quantities."

"Wind Dragon. Are you sure?"

"Yes, I believe it's Zephir's Viretta. Since the recent Wind Dragon in this area was only Viretta. And I can also sense human magic... but I can't tell whose it is."

Rats rubbed his forehead.

Why did they fight? Of course, there was no obvious reason that came to mind.

'The human magic is likely Enya's, the contractor of Olta. Could this be related to what Zephir is creating? Damn, we should have placed proper surveillance on the log cabin...'

The Demon Stone.

Currently, only a few people in Viment knew about the existence of the Demon Stone. The emperor, the leaders of the special task forces, and some ministers.

However, they did not know what specific functions the Demon Stone had, or even its name.

They only knew that Zephir was creating an artifact related to the 'God's Contractor.'

"Leader! The navy has found what appears to be parts of dragon corpses on the opposite side of the vortex!"

What the navy found were pieces of flesh and scales. They were attached to debris floating on the sea.

"...It's definitely from the Silver Dragon and the Wind Dragon. They are believed to be parts of the wings and tails."

A royal mage who observed the debris said.

"Collect all the floating debris, but be careful not to get caught in the vortex!"

The investigation team later found numerous pieces of flesh, bones, and scales.

The royal mages concluded that both dragons had died after a fierce battle, and Rats was responsible for reporting directly to the emperor.

"So, it might be directly related to the artifact they are creating. The vortex that formed where the uninhabited island used to be hasn't been identified yet, right?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Recently, there have been quite a few uncertainties in your reports. The identities of Quikantel's guests haven't been confirmed yet."

"I apologize, Your Majesty."

"Well, I don't think you're doing it on purpose. If you can't find them, they must not be ordinary. But I believe you will eventually find them."

Rats bowed his head.

"Anyway... from our perspective, we should hope that both dragons are dead. Otherwise, it would give them an excuse. Let's wait for Zephir's official statement."

"What should we tell our side's news outlets?"

"Cover it up. If Enya isn't found by tonight, declare him missing. He probably died with Quikantel. The nobles at the academy will be thrilled."

After Rats left, the emperor sat in his dark office, lost in thought.

'I need to send more of the special task force to Zephir. Too many things are happening without my knowledge.'

* * *

Zephir's Magic Tower, Top Floor.

"Andrei... is dead."

A man watching a crystal ball spoke.

Kelliac Zephir, the absolute ruler of Zephir.

He remained calm despite just learning that his brother and deputy had died.

And he looked nothing like the public image. Those who didn't know him in his youth wouldn't recognize him if he walked down the street.

[What? Your brother is dead? What are you talking about? That crystal ball is just a decorative item. Are you joking again, Kelliac?]

There is only one being in the world who can address Kelliac Zephir so casually.

Fire Dragon Kadun, the Fire Dragon of the God of Fire Shinu, and Kelliac's guardian dragon. He was currently roasting a 5-meter skewer with a gentle breeze from his nose.

"I can't see it in the crystal ball, but I can feel it. My brother just died. I'm not joking."

The skewer Kadun was rotating stopped.

[Hmm, really? Could it be Quikantel? That guy had the Demon Stone, and Viretta was there too. If Andrei is dead, did Viretta also fall? Anyway, with the power of the Demon Stone, Quikantel shouldn't have been a problem.]

"Perhaps the Silver Dragon was stronger than we expected, or someone else was involved."

[Quikantel? He's strong, but not strong enough to take on both of them. And he certainly couldn't handle the power of the Demon Stone!]

Kadun took a large bite of the skewer. Kelliac smiled at him.

"Then there must be a third party. Who do you think it could be?"

[How would I know, you idiot.]

Kelliac's expression suddenly turned gloomy.

[...Probably a dragon! Last time, Kinsel said a 'dragon that manipulates shadows' killed the tomb giants. It could be 'Misha.' The possibility is very high.]

"Misha, the sister of the Black Dragon Murakan?"

[Yes, Murakan's sister, Misha. She wouldn't be afraid of the Demon Stone's aura. She's incredibly strong, though not as strong as Murakan in his prime.]

"Then you have a new task, Kadun."

[Find Misha? I always get the annoying jobs. I'll look, but don't get your hopes up. If a Black Dragon decides to hide, even the God of Detection would have trouble finding her.]

"I'll only trust you, Kadun. Anyway, what should we do about the Demon Stone? Losing it is quite a blow."

[You don't even care that your brother is dead?]

"I knew that would happen someday. When he fearlessly went to the banquet hosted by Siron, my heart sank. I just didn't expect it to happen like this while he had the Demon Stone."

[We need to call the sculptor to make it again. Without it, we can't challenge Runcandel until Siron dies. And the kings of the Black Sea...]

"I know, I know. Sigh, things are getting too complicated. First, we need to remove all evidence related to the Demon Stone. I have more to do than you, Kadun."

[We have to bear it. If we want to become the only god in this world.]

* * *

The Principality of Kurano, Bubar Gaston's Sculpture Workshop.

"Oh, you're here, Bisquel! I was just craving the sweet potato croquettes you brought last time. This is perfect. Hehe."

Bisquel sat down, suppressing his disgust.

"The croquettes...? Don't you have any today?"

"Listen, Bubar. I just heard from Viment's spies. It seems Zephir used the Demon Stone without our knowledge."

"Eh? Used the Demon Stone?"

"Yes. A large battle between a Silver Dragon and a Wind Dragon occurred in Viment's waters, and an island disappeared. The remaining magic is causing a vortex in the middle of the sea... The Demon Stone must have shattered."

Bubar stood up and shouted.

"Wha-! The Demon Stone is my work! I clearly warned them not to use it until it was complete! If it's true, it's unforgivable!"

While Bubar was raging, Bisquel looked frustrated.

'This stupid pig is going to live longer. We'll have to remake the Demon Stone.'

The idea was Zephir's, but Bubar was the one who made the Demon Stone.

Therefore, ownership of the Demon Stone was split between Zephir and Kinsel.

"This incident has greatly angered the leader. Our alliance with Zephir might break, so for now, don't communicate with Zephir."

* * *

Two days later, Tikan Kasmir's mansion.

"Master Jin, you're back!"

Kasmir and the leaders of the Seven-Colored Birds came to greet him in the garden. Gilli and Enya, who had been waiting, also rushed out.

"Master! Are you hurt anywhere?"

"Strawberry pie. Haha, I'm fine."

Gilli, who had heard a rough account from Enya and hadn't slept a wink, was worried about Jin.

After checking Jin, Gilli immediately bowed to Luna.

"Miss Luna, I'm sorry for the late greeting."

"It's fine, Gilli. I heard on the way that the youngest one cares for you deeply. Please continue to serve him well."

"Luna...? Could it be, Bakkyung. Luna Runcandel?"

"Yes, you must be Sir Kasmir. Nice to meet you. I am Luna Runcandel."

"To have Lady Luna in my mansion, it's an honor. Everyone, please come in. You've all worked hard."

As Jin was about to explain what had happened, Kasmir spoke first.

"Master Jin, I have something to tell you. About three hours ago, my daughter's guardian dragon returned."

Jin's eyes widened.

"Latry returned?"

"Yes, but there's something strange. She seems to have no memory of the time she was missing. She's with my daughter now, but she doesn't understand what happened. Was she not kidnapped?"

"No, Quikantel made Viretta confess."

A hypothesis flashed through Jin's mind.

'Are they removing elements that could serve as evidence to prevent the Demon Stone's existence from being known? If so, Latry's memory was likely erased intentionally.'

When Jin explained this along with what happened on the uninhabited island, Kasmir nodded.

"You've been through a lot... I feel ashamed that my incompetence put you through such an ordeal. An artifact that consumes God's Contractors, what is Zephir up to...'

"There is only one reason to create a counterfeit Origin Stone, insignificant one."

When Murakan spoke, Jin, Quikantel, and Luna nodded.

They had already heard about the 'Origin Stone' on the way.

"To become a god. To rule this world... We'll see if they can achieve their goals."

* * *