Chapter 90

Chapter 32. The Arena of Cosmos (1)

There is still much that the world does not know about the "Other World."

So far, the existence of other dimensions has only been vaguely proven through phenomena like the creation of monsters in areas such as the Black Sea, which are "unprotected zones," and through various mythical creatures like the phoenix.

Even Jin, who knew as much about magic as any of the professors at the academy in his previous life, had never heard of the term "Flame Realm" before.

"Flame Realm. This is quite advanced knowledge, something that insignificant creatures don't need to know. Even among dragons, few know exactly what the Flame Realm is, and those who have actually been there can be counted on one hand."

"The fact that phoenixes are mythical creatures from the Other World is common knowledge, but I've never heard that the Other World has a specific name like the Flame Realm."

Jin propped his chin and spoke, and Murakan shook his head.

"The name 'Flame Realm' is just a term we use for convenience in our dimension. It's a dimension filled with nothing but fire and phoenixes. No one, not even the highest gods, knows the true name of that world."

Everyone listened to Murakan's explanation with rapt attention, especially Enya, the aspiring mage, who seemed even more excited than Jin himself.

"Even the gods don't know? Does that mean the Flame Realm is outside the gods' jurisdiction?"

"Ding dong, correct. Even the God of Fire, Shinu, can't control the flames of the Flame Realm. In turn, Tes, the master of the Flame Realm, can't control Shinu's flames."

"Wow... So you're saying that such a powerful being has become your summon, young master? Mr. Murakan, isn't this a cause for celebration?"

"Strawberry pie is also correct. But a cause for celebration... it's actually the opposite. It's a bad thing."

Murakan's expression darkened sharply, and he clicked his tongue. Quikantel, standing beside him, still seemed to be in shock from meeting Tes, with a somewhat stiff face.

One second, two seconds, three seconds...

As Murakan's silence stretched on, people began to swallow nervously. His companions even wondered if some special curse had been placed on Tes's summoner.

"Ah, stop stalling and just tell me. Why is it a bad thing?"

Unable to hold back any longer, Jin snapped, and Murakan bowed his head deeply.

"For you... it's a cause for celebration. Damn it, I find that guy inconvenient! Why did it have to be Tes? There are plenty of other good phoenixes, like Maniere or Sankishi!"

Murakan then punched the air, venting his frustration, and sighs of relief could be heard from all around. Jin thought that this black dragon would never grow up.

"Well, I'm annoyed, but I'll still give you a lukewarm congratulations, kid. Your magic power is still insufficient to fully utilize his strength, but he's still better than any other mediocre phoenix."

"How strong will I become when I can fully unlock Tes's power?"

"You can't fully unlock it, absolutely. If you did, your summon could wipe out a mid-tier god with a single breath."

Quikantel flinched and shuddered for a moment.

He was reminded of the nightmare he experienced when he went to the Flame Realm with Olta in the past. Quikantel had witnessed five gods being instantly annihilated right before his eyes.

Of course, Murakan was also there, along with the two dragon gods, Soladeret and Olta.

"What... that powerful?"

Jin asked, noticing Quikantel's uneasy reaction.

"Outside the Flame Realm, he can't use his full power. From my perspective, that's a stroke of luck. It's why I can still act up. Similarly, the gods of our world can't fully use their powers if they enter the Flame Realm... it's a kind of penalty."

"Ah, I understand."

Even if it wasn't at that level of power,

The combat strength of Tes, as recorded in the literature, was satisfactory. What he liked most was that Tes's flames were completely unaffected by Shinu.

A full-scale war with Runkandel and Zephi was inevitable someday.

If Jin had to face Kelliac, Tes's power would be a great help. Ordinary fire magic, no matter how high the level, would never work on Kelliac, who was a contractor of Shinu.

"By the way, what was the message Tes wanted me to pass on? And how do you communicate with Tes? Can't I do it?"

"You can't. It's a spiritual conversation. The message he wanted you to pass on... it's nothing much... he just really likes you. He says you're the first person to summon him so casually. Anyway, he's a unique character. When you grow up, he says you can visit the Flame Realm."

"Really? Can I go there?"

"Only if you can naturally breathe in a flame with the power of about 10 stars. That place is a bit... intense."

After Murakan's explanation, his companions stayed up all night discussing Jin's victory and Tes until the party ended.

As soon as the party was over, Kasimir abstained from bathing and sat in his office, writing a letter.

* * *

January 1, 1796.

The new year had arrived.

Ideally, the first day of the new year should be spent with the whole family, wishing each other a safe and prosperous year, renewing family bonds, or hoping for a beautiful future with loved ones and friends...

Unfortunately, this man, the guardian knight Kan, was drenched in the black blood and entrails of a monster in the middle of the Black Sea.

Once again, a neatly sealed letter was in his possession. His first task of the new year was to deliver the mail.

'This time, it's been three months. Could young master have defeated Alisa Batzer? I seem to be looking forward to these letters a bit more now...'

Kan was curious about the contents. That's why he arrived at the center of the Black Sea, where Siron was, faster than usual.

"Lord of the House, Guardian Knight Kan here..."

"Bring it here."

"Yes, sir!"

Siron, with a stern face, took the letter and quickly broke the seal, looking like any father who had sent his child off to study abroad.

(To the greatly respected and revered knight, Sir Siron Runkandel.

Ah, this is the second letter. I am writing this letter with a particularly clean heart, facing the rising sun...)

"Be brief."

"Excuse me?"

"Tell Kasimir to write as briefly as possible in the future."

"...Understood, Lord of the House."

Once again, more than 70% of the thick letter paper was filled with unnecessary flowery language.

But by the fourth page, the corners of Siron's mouth began to curve into a smile.

"It seems Young Master Jin has defeated Alisa Batzer."

Kan, who had been watching for a reaction, spoke first. Siron then smiled and looked down at Kan.

"He won by grabbing her from behind. And it seems he has obtained a phoenix named Tes. You know what that is, right?"

"I apologize, Lord of the House. I am not familiar with it."

"A phoenix that emits blue flames. Those who summon it always become the greatest mage of their time."

"Congratulations!"

"But I'm not interested in phoenixes. The letter is all about the phoenix. There's only one line about how his sword skills have improved."

(His sword skills have greatly improved. He is growing at an excellent pace.)

Siron was displeased with this.

He had allowed Jin to use both sword and magic, but as a Runkandel, he naturally hoped Jin would focus more on the sword.

Kan nodded silently.

"That's a problem. I'm worried that Young Master might be too engrossed in magic."

"You're right. He seems to be handling it well, but it's still a concern... hmm."

A long silence followed.

While Kan bowed his head, Siron suddenly spoke as if he had just thought of something.

"Rone Hailan, his grandson. Find out what he's up to these days."

Rone Hailan.

The head of the Hailan family, a renowned swordsmanship lineage in Viment, and once a rival to Siron.

However, the gap became clear after Siron ascended to the rank of founder, and the prevailing opinion was that even the second generation of the Hailan family was being outshone by the Runkandels' children.

In such a situation, a child with the greatest talent in the family's history was born. He was Rone's grandson.

A rising star, already designated as the next head of the Hailan family, despite being a grandson.

"Do you mean Dante Hailan? I happen to have some information on his recent activities."

"Really?"

"Yes, a request related to the Arena of Cosmos came in recently. The list of assassinations requested included Dante Hailan, who had registered for the arena under a pseudonym."

Siron's eyes sparkled.

"The Arena of Cosmos... I remember a pirate hosting a martial arts tournament there about ten years ago. I recall Meri bursting with anger after coming in second place."

"Yes, Lord of the House. As far as I know, that was Meri's first defeat. She avenged it two months later."

One of the family's secrets, known to only a few.

"Send Jin there. Arrange for him to face Dante Hailan. It will be interesting. There, the youngest can't use magic or spirit energy, right? He'll have to fight with only his sword."

Jin could use magic, spirit energy, and sword skills simultaneously only when there were no witnesses or when he could kill all the witnesses.

Naturally, in a martial arts tournament, he couldn't use all three powers at once. He would have to participate as a mage, using only magic, or as a warrior, using only sword skills.

And Dante was still a formidable opponent for Jin to face with just sword skills.

Siron wanted Jin to be stimulated by such an opponent. Phoenixes and magic were good, but the sword should always be the primary focus.

"Yes, I will convey the Lord of the House's wishes to Kasimir."

* * *

However, to the extent that Siron's concerns were unfounded, sixteen-year-old Jin was dedicating the most time to sword skills.

'Swing ten thousand times, and the beginning and end should be the same...'

Since his duel with Alisa, he had been focusing solely on sword training from morning till night.

However, he no longer showed the same impatience as before. This was due to the enlightenment he gained after defeating Alisa.

"Are you not getting bored, Young Master Jin?"

"No, it's only interesting..."

"Getting bored? I prepared this for you! Ta-da!"

Kasimir pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and waved it in front of Jin.

"What is this?"

"It's an application for the Arena of Cosmos. According to recent information from the Seven-Colored Birds, a very interesting person is participating. Someone Young Master Jin might be interested in. Dante Hailan! The next head of the Hailan family!"

"Dante Hailan? Why would someone of his caliber...?"

In Jin's mind, the Arena of Cosmos was just a playground for pirates. In reality, most participants were only at the 2 or 3-star level, making it a rather mediocre tournament.

"You don't know much. This is a more dangerous martial arts tournament than you think."

Kasimir widened his eyes and continued.