C779
The magical abilities demonstrated by Mary and Haytona slightly surpassed the basic level.
However, what was important was that the Flagbearers had only been training for about a month.
Jin couldn't comprehend the growth rate of his siblings and blinked in surprise.
This was because achieving such feats was impossible without talents at the level of Jin and Valeria.
[Since the young patriarch-nim knows the growth process of Magicians well, the achievements of the Flagbearers will be even more astonishing.]
“Could it be that my siblings have an amazing talent for magic?”
[Surprisingly, the Flagbearers have a strong sense when it comes to magic. However, they are not geniuses like you, young patriarch-nim.]
“Then...?”
[I have been transferring the memories of my own experiences learning magic to the Flagbearers. You could call it a form of inheritance.]The succession temple left behind by the Histors, the Record Magicians, not only contained memories but also transmitted magical abilities and knowledge to their descendants.
“I thought that was only possible among the Record Magicians.”
Jin had believed that this benefit was only available to those with a full mana body like Valeria, among the Histors.
[When I learned about the Histor clan's inheritance through Valeria, I thought I might be able to do something similar or equivalent. So, I conducted several experiments and discovered that it’s possible to transfer my memories to pure-blooded Runcandels.]
The reason it was only possible for pure-blooded Runcandels was no different.
The “memory transfer” that Lueth discovered was possible thanks to her powers and the bond she had created with Temar a thousand years ago. If the target had no connection to Temar, the transfer could not be carried out by any means.
Although the Runcandels had never met Temar, they shared the same blood.
Only those who possessed the blessed bodies of the Runcandels, like them, could inherit Lueth’s memories. Just as when Jin achieved the God of Battle Fusion and received the senses of Vahn.
As Lueth explained these details, Jin's eyes continued to shine.
“This is an incredible discovery, chief butler. However, it seems there are some limitations or costs involved.”
[You’ve observed correctly. First, when I perform the memory transfer, I become mentally exhausted. Additionally, the Flagbearers cannot fully grasp the sensation of handling magic through my memories of learning magic. They can understand it intellectually, but their bodies don’t cooperate. There are also significant gaps in my memories.]
The same thing happened with the Fusion.
When synchronization was at its peak, Jin could directly use Vahn's senses, but that was not always the case.
If the synchronization was too high, as during the Demon God War, it could be lost.
[From now on, whenever I have time, I plan to continue enhancing the magical abilities of all the Flagbearers except yours, young patriarch. With the sudden revelation of suppressed mana due to the manipulation of history, they will soon be able to use rather destructive magic... ugh.]
Lueth staggered forward as if about to collapse.
“Chief butler-nim!”
“Chief butler, are you alright?”
Though she appeared fine on the surface, Lueth was suffering from the most severe fatigue among the Runcandels.
Managing the duties of a chief butler alone was already challenging enough, and now she was performing memory transfers on top of that. Her body couldn't handle it.
[I’m fine. As you said, young patriarch-nim, rest and recovery are necessary. Please excuse me for a moment.]
Lueth opened the window wide and spoke. She then stuck her head outside and took several deep breaths.
[Whew! It’s fortunate that the air is refreshing. My whole body feels clearer now. I’m done.]
“Wait, you call this resting?”
[Originally, fairies could recover their energy anytime they had wind and dew. That’s why they could carry out their duties of recording day and night. Anyway, now the Flagbearers are also becoming magical swordsmen. Even though we don’t know when we’ll face the enemy, we must become stronger until then.]
No one could know when the war would begin.
Although there was a non-aggression treaty for one year, it was just an illusion.
The reason the major factions didn’t attack each other was that none of them had overwhelming superiority.
Except for Cyron, it was now clear that Jin was the strongest in the world, but the balance of power was far from settled.
In other words, the world was in a state of unstable equilibrium.
Once one side made a move, war was bound to break out.
Why couldn’t they avoid war and maintain this peaceful era as it was?
There were many who had such thoughts.
Jin himself might have seriously considered the question if the desires of other major factions were simply to cultivate and peacefully govern their own lands.
However, they wanted to become the sole conquerors of the world.
Jin only seeks to reach the pinnacle of his clan, but they aim to reshape the world according to their desires, with all humanity under their feet.
From Jin's perspective, whether Zipple or Kinzelo, both would turn the world into hell once they ascend to the throne of the Earth.
That’s why Jin is in a position to stop them.
To end a thousand years of war and eliminate all those strange things like the Demon God Orb, the Sun God, or Chaos.
To restore a normal world and enjoy a peaceful life with loved ones.
That’s what Jin desires most.
[Now, should we discuss the recent state of affairs? Based solely on the available information, it's clear we are making the fastest progress. The young patriarch has practically taken the position of the Best Sword in the World, and talented individuals are flocking to us, bringing several new technologies.]
“However, our enemies remain unusually silent.”
[I agree, young patriarch-nim. Even if they fear the young patriarch, there should have been attempts to hinder our progress at least once. Additionally, the young patriarch has consistently shown provocative and unconventional moves against our enemies.]
Clearly, the presence of the former patriarchs who seemingly existed through chaos, and the public disclosure of the records of the Demon God War without the consent of the temporary alliance and making known the relationship between Valeria and Zipple, among other actions, were things that would undoubtedly unsettle Zipple.
Even though managing Jin was burdensome, their passive response was worrisome.
[In my opinion, there must be something more at play here beyond the young patriarch-nim. Let’s take a closer look at these reports.]
Lueth spread the reports across the desk.
They contained information about recent developments related to Kinzelo and Zipple.
“It seems both are primarily focusing on internal stability.”
Both factions had minimal contact with the outside world. They hadn’t met with any neutral forces, similar to when the Holy Kingdom declared its isolation.
This contrasted with Runcandel's continuous assimilation of neutral forces.
Given the ongoing war between the major factions, it would be difficult for the remaining neutral forces to maintain significant territories. The strongest neutral forces, such as the Hidden Palace, Nameless, the Black King Mercenaries, and the Phantom Mercenaries, had already been absorbed by Jin in the past.
[There’s no reason to leave neutral forces unattended like this. The right course would be to take steps to prevent their absorption into our ranks. However, despite that, they remain inactive, which suggests they are preparing something.]
“Preparations... It’s likely that Kinzelo is focused on recruiting demons and finding Lokia.”
At the mention of Lokia’s name, Lueth’s expression darkened.
[The possible betrayal of Lokia is still a shocking revelation to me. I need to recover my memories from that time to fully understand her motivations. Although the circumstances suggest her betrayal, they are still just speculations.]
“If any relevant clues emerge, Orgal will share them, so let’s wait and see.”
[Yes, young patriarch-nim. As you feared, Kinzelo has been continuously replenishing their demonic forces since your last visit to their New Headquarters. It’s true they have created a passage leading to the Demon World, but the exact location has yet to be identified. Should we allocate more resources?]
It’s not the Mitra Desert, which Ranke referred to as the “playground.”
However, Runcandel continued to gather information about the desert.
“No, there’s no need to rush and find it immediately. Continue investigating cautiously, as you have been doing. When I went to the New Headquarters and Orgal challenged me, it was partly because he was in a bad mood for some reason... But it was also to warn me not to come recklessly. It’s not a good time to provoke them without cause.”
[I understand. It makes sense that they wouldn’t want to show us how they’re replenishing the demonic forces. Concealing their true strength is a natural course of action.]
“However, their attempt to hide their entire force even at the risk of a battle with us might also mean they are still unsure of themselves. Let’s analyze their forces and the combat capabilities of the demons carefully and consistently while building our own strength.”
[Understood. I’ll look into information regarding Shagal Bachma, whom the young patriarch subdued at the New Headquarters. He belongs to the Phantom Demon Family.]
“Zipple has yet to contact us since we ignored their request to use the purification device. It must be because Kelliark’s condition is beyond the treatment of the purification device.”
[Yes, and Zipple has been continuously publishing articles claiming we are provoking a new war after the Demon God War. However, that’s all they are doing, only focusing on investigating our main transportation methods. They haven’t noticed anything about the Blacksmith's Island.]
“Has the steel trade with Kinzelo shown any signs of success?”
[Yes, Zipple is currently purchasing steel from Kinzelo at a higher price than what the young patriarch proposed to Orgal. They are paying more than expected.]
“Instruct our informants in the Lutero Magical Federation's black market to keep pretending that we need steel. Some of them should offer part of the goods at exorbitant prices while secretly buying another portion to mislead others.”
[Understood. And here, in the latest report, there’s an intriguing passage.]
Jin’s gaze fell on the report.
“Has Kadun been showing signs of unrest frequently?”
[Yes, for some reason, there have been frequent incidents of internal unrest in the Federation, to the point where even our spies who haven’t infiltrated too deeply have noticed.]
“While it’s true that Kadun has a rough and unpredictable nature, if those reports are coming to light, it seems some grievances have been building up. Could it be because Zipple isn’t actively requesting the use of the Purification Device on Kelliark?”
Just as Jin was speaking to that point, an informant unexpectedly rushed into the office.
“Young patriarch-nim and chief butler-nim! We’ve received a report from the Federation’s spies.”
[Tell me.]
“Three days ago, near Zipple’s First Magic Tower, there was a massive explosion, and tremors were felt! It’s suspected to be the result of a battle!”
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KO-FI:
https://tinyurl.com/SHADOWK
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( Up to '120' more ch4pt3rs)