Chapter 56: The Rainy Night’s Predicament

Amidst the thunderous roar of countless machines and gears in motion,

And Mera’s fervent, almost frantic cries,

Ewan was utterly dumbfounded.

‘What person, what creation, what authority, what dominion?’

Could such a thing as ‘dominion’ truly be man-made?

What was this terrifying device, seemingly pulled out of a grand finale to let the protagonist fight the final boss, doing here now? According to the original plot, they hadn’t even finished the academy arc yet!

“Initially, based on my calculations, I was meant to awaken five years from now to re-implement this plan.”

A trace of wistfulness flickered in Mera’s amber eyes. “But since I’ve awakened early, and the course of fate has become so chaotic that even I cannot foresee it, I have no choice but to proceed with this step ahead of schedule.”

‘So this thing was genuinely supposed to be a late-game reveal?’

“Then… Mera, why exactly did you call me here?”

Ewan’s knees felt weak, and his words stumbled out.

“I don’t think I can be of any help.”

Ewan had initially assumed Mera intended to use him to research some terrifying forbidden magic, and he had mentally prepared himself to either succeed or die trying. He never expected her to pull out something like this.

‘How am I supposed to help with this? I can’t even understand the principle behind those gears floating and moving on their own. What can I do besides hide and wave a small flag, shouting ‘You’re awesome!’ at a powerful figure?’

“Regarding that…”

Mera suddenly turned, flashing Ewan a meaningful smile.

The gaze sent a shiver down Ewan’s spine. He clutched at his collar, slowly backing away. “Wh-what do you want?”

“Well, although I shouted quite loudly just now, this is actually just a proto-authority, far from being a true dominion.”

Mera spoke with an innocent expression. “After all, how could a dead object created through alchemy and magic ever become a true authority on par with a deity?”

“Is… is that so? So?”

“So…”

Mera waved her small hand, as if encompassing everything around them within her grasp.

“They require a vessel. A living vessel.”

“A vessel?”

Ewan’s mind went blank for a moment.

Then, like a Tsar Bomba detonating in his brain, the news sent shivers down his scalp.

“A vessel? Who?”

“Who else?”

Mera asked, looking puzzled. “Is there a third person here?”

“Me?”

Ewan glanced at the mechanical construct, whose full scope remained unclear and whose size was unfathomable. He then looked down at his own small arms and legs, shaking his head frantically. “No, no, it’s too big! I won’t fit!”

“You will!”

“I definitely won’t! I’ll be ripped apart!”

“If I say you will, then you will!”

Mera declared unequivocally. “And, of course, it’s impossible to directly shove something so massive into your body. I’ll certainly make some modifications.”

“Modifications?”

Ewan gestured. “Will you make this thing really small, small enough to fit in my pocket?”

“No, I’ll modify you so that anything can be inserted into you,” Mera said seriously.

….After a brief moment of contemplation, Ewan finally seemed to grasp the situation. He looked up, his face grim. “So, is it too late for me to get off this ride?”

“You want to leave?”

Mera sneered.

Then, she snapped her fingers.

With the whirring of mechanisms, the colossal door slammed shut.

Immediately after, countless consecutive locking sounds echoed from within the door, sealing it tight.

“You took my knife and still want to leave? I’ve welded the door shut!”

From behind Mera, various drills, chainsaws, axes, screwdrivers, and mechanical arms emerged, fanning out like a peacock’s tail. Their cold glint illuminated Ewan’s ashen face.

“Are you ready to receive your teacher’s tender care, my dear disciple?” Mera asked, a benevolent smile gracing her lips.

****

That night.

In the lower district of Bellrand.

Rainwater washed over the muddy ground, leaving behind twisted patterns like an abstract painter’s masterpiece.

Beneath the dim sky, a girl with a bun hairstyle held a large umbrella tightly, shielding the silver-clad figure in front of her from the rain.

However, the silver figure seemed to find the umbrella an annoyance. They pushed it away and stepped into the pouring rain, their uniform instantly drenched.

In front of them, an area cordoned off with bright yellow caution tape was brightly lit.

Many figures in black raincoats were busy on the flat ground near the river, meticulously collecting something. Every so often, they would insert a small, numbered marker into the ground.

At the center of their encirclement, faint white lines outlined the silhouette of a deceased person.

It was clearly a murder scene.

Celicia lifted the caution tape and walked into the very center. Gazing at the body on the ground, clad in a familiar uniform, her usually aloof face showed no emotion. Yet, her hands unconsciously clenched, her knuckles turning white.

“Your Highness.”

The bald middle-aged man appeared beside Celicia at some point, constantly wiping his face with a handkerchief, whether from sweat or rain, it was unclear.

“The victim’s identity has been confirmed.”

“Speak.”

“Tyke Rhode. Indeed, a second-year student from St. Mary’s Academy.”

“Rhode?”

“He is the fourth son of Count Rhode. Although he has three older brothers, his talent is quite exceptional, and he was highly regarded by Count Rhode.”

Before his words had even faded,

The edge of the caution tape suddenly erupted in a commotion.

Horses neighed.

A stern-faced man emerged from a carriage emblazoned with the Rhode family crest, shouting at the guards blocking his path, “Let me pass! Do you know who I am? I am Count Rhode! I want to see my son!”

The scene descended into chaos.

Count Rhode’s escorts clashed with the guards, creating a tumultuous din that almost drowned out the sound of the rain.

“Tell him to get lost!”

Celicia suddenly said, her voice cold.

“Eh?”

The bald middle-aged man was stunned. “Verbatim?”

“Verbatim.”

Celicia paused.

“Also, tell him I will give him an explanation.”

Thus, with Celicia’s assurance, Count Rhode, though furious, could only reluctantly depart. The area grew quiet once more, and the black-clad guards continued their silent information gathering, with only the pervasive sound of rain filling the world.

Celicia lowered her gaze to the body.

The bloodstains around the corpse had been washed clean by the heavy rain. However, the victim’s chest remained stained crimson with blood.

Through the torn uniform over the left breast, it was faintly visible that the body seemed to be missing a crucial component.

“Cause of death?”

Celicia silently averted her gaze.

“Just… as Your Highness can see.”

The bald middle-aged man vigorously wiped his perpetually damp forehead, stating, “The victim died from evisceration.”