Chapter 57: The Whisper of the Past and the Dark Path Ahead

At the southernmost end, known as the Savage Lands of Greenfall, it turned out there was nothing to be found.

While I discovered a shocking secret about this world in the Valley of Storms, the Storm Wall I was searching for did not exist.

So, I set out on the road once again.

In the past, I would have wandered this world without much thought, letting my feet guide me wherever they pleased.

After all, that’s what I considered an adventure.

However, this time was different.

Bound by the contract with the Grimoire, I had to head north—to the edge of the world.

“Skasha.”

I opened the Grimoire and called out its name once again.

The owner of the Grimoire appeared, just as before, revealing a form that was a mix of human and beast.

[Do you require power?]

The same words as the first time I summoned it.

I shook my head and replied.

“No. I called because I wanted to ask something.”

[Speak.]

“You told me to head north. Is that place the so-called Grimshade Kingdom?”

[Correct.]

“When do I need to arrive? Is there a set deadline?”

[When the time comes, you will find your way there on your own.]

I tilted my head at Skasha’s answer.

At first, I thought it wanted my body in exchange for granting me power and calling me north, but it didn’t seem to be the case.

“So there’s no need to hurry…?”

Skasha stared at me in silence, as if even responding was unnecessary. Seeing that, I sighed in relief.

“Then I won’t go, how about that?”

Again, there was no response. I cast a suspicious glance at it before closing the book.

Wrapping the Grimoire tightly in chains, I checked my body’s condition.

I had assumed that accepting the evil mana used by dark sorcerers would have negative effects on me.

However, after monitoring my condition for about a month, I noticed no significant changes.

The mana circle revolving around my heart was functioning normally, and my mana remained pure and untainted.

Still, it was too early to let my guard down.

Grimoires that lent their power to dark sorcerers inevitably led their users to ruin.

The only noticeable change was in the peculiar marking etched on my right hand.

It was the warrior’s insignia, carved into my hand when I accepted the orcs’ ritual.

The blood-carved insignia had naturally faded over time, but whenever I used mana, the faint outline of the marking would reappear on the back of my right hand.

Fortunately, it wasn’t a negative change.

On the contrary, this marking had greatly increased my combat abilities.

When I closed my eyes and focused mana into the back of my right hand, I felt the blood coursing through my veins heat up.

This unique technique was akin to doping, artificially stimulating my body to greatly enhance my physical strength.

“Hmm…”

I pulled on Nightmare’s reins and changed direction.

If there was no need to rush to Grimshade Kingdom, I decided to visit other places first.

My next destination was Monster Island, a place described as being constantly battered by wild mana storms and only accessible to the most formidable adventurers.

To reach Monster Island, I needed to return to the Karma Empire first.

From there, I would have to board a ship that came around only once every six months.

I hoped the timing worked out.

With Nightmare, I began retracing the path I had taken.

Exiting the Savage Lands, I soon arrived at the Holy Kingdom of Obrein.

“Hmm…”

I looked up at the grand Obrein Castle, a faint sigh escaping my lips.

My conscience pricked at the memory of stealing swordsmanship from a young boy, though I could no longer even remember his name.

Had the monster subjugation he mentioned back then ended safely?

If I were worried, I could simply go into the castle and confirm whether the subjugation team had returned unscathed.

Yet, for some reason, I felt an inexplicable reluctance to step inside.

How could I describe this feeling?

Instinctive aversion?

Snort—

As I stared blankly at the Obrein Castle, Nightmare nudged me to move forward.

Obeying its urging, I turned my gaze away.

Leaving Obrein behind, I soon reached the border area where the Karma Empire and Obrein’s borders met.

As before, the place was bustling with people, and fights broke out frequently.

While I was idly observing the chaos, a female cleric on horseback approached me.

Her face seemed familiar, and upon closer inspection, I realized she was the same nameless cleric who had bestowed a blessing upon me when I entered the Holy Kingdom of Obrein.

“It’s been a while, adventurer. Did you enjoy your travels?”

Just as I recognized her, she seemed to recognize me as well. I nodded and replied.

“It was an enjoyable journey, thanks to Elune’s blessing.”

The female cleric smiled faintly at my response and said, “For the departing adventurer, I’d like to offer a small prayer. May I?”

“Of course.”

The cleric approached me as I waited in line for departure inspection and began reciting a prayer.

Though short and simple, her voice was reverent and sacred.

As her prayer neared its end, I had to cover my mouth.

A wave of nausea suddenly overcame me, as if experiencing a hangover after a night of heavy drinking.

“Adventurer?”

“Yes?”

“You don’t look well. Is there something wrong?”

“No, it’s just… I suddenly feel unwell. Maybe it’s because of the meat the orcs shared with me…”

“Oh! You’ve been to Greenfall. It seems your digestive system is struggling with their diet, as it differs from ours.”

The cleric looked at me with concern and began reciting another prayer, this one wishing for my health and well-being.

However, the longer she prayed, the worse I felt.

Just as I was about to vomit everything inside me, the inspector’s voice called out.

“Next!”

“Ah, it’s my turn. I’ll be off now. Thank you for the prayer!”

“Oh, yes! Please visit again!”

Waving to the cleric, I quickly entered the archway. As the distance between us grew, my nausea began to subside.

“Hmm… Pass!”

The inspector allowed me through without issue.

Grasping Nightmare’s reins, I wiped the sweat from my forehead with a serious expression.

Small beads of sweat had formed there.

Surely not.

I shook my head, refusing to accept the possibility.

The idea of feeling ill just from a prayer made no sense.

I wanted to summon Skasha immediately to ask about this phenomenon, but this was the border area near Obrein.

There was a risk that clerics might sense the Grimoire’s energy, so I needed to remain cautious.

Entering the Karma Empire was not difficult.

Showing the grade badge issued by the Guild of Examiners in the capital allowed me to pass with ease.

Once I crossed the border, I spurred Nightmare into a gallop.

As far away as possible, to a place where no clerics’ energy could reach.

I arrived at a quiet plain, cautiously looking around before carefully pulling out the magic book.

As I unraveled the iron chain wrapped around it, Skasha revealed itself.

[Do you need power?]

“What… what’s going on?”

[What do you mean?]

“I almost threw up after hearing the priest’s prayer. What’s happening here?”

[This is strange…]

“Strange? Well, I suppose it is strange…”

[You heard the priest’s prayer? How could you be fine?]

“What…?”

As I dumbly asked, Skasha’s eyes glinted as it scanned my body.

I furrowed my brow at the uncomfortable gaze, and Skasha continued, almost muttering to itself.

[There’s a faint holy energy… the aura of Elrun. Even after receiving the mana of a dead being, you were able to accept Elrun’s blessing without issue? No, I don’t even sense the remnants of death.]

At that moment, while muttering to itself, Skasha began to move.

Its arms, which had only been a head, stretched out, as though it was trying to crawl out of the book.

Once outside, Skasha’s arm reached toward me, seemingly trying to grab me.

[Wait, I need to examine this…]

I was startled and quickly shut the book.

The arm that had protruded from the book was severed, leaving only a faint trace of mana before it disappeared.

“Phew…”

I exhaled deeply and wrapped the iron chain back around the book.

Although I didn’t fully understand what had just happened, I could roughly deduce the situation based on Skasha’s mutterings.

Skasha had asked me how I could be fine and whether I really had heard the priest’s prayer.

According to it, those who accepted the mana of the dead shouldn’t have been fine after hearing the priest’s prayer.

But I was fine, aside from feeling a bit nauseous.

“Is this going to be okay…?”

Whoosh—

The answer came from Nightmare.

It seemed to nudge me with its tail as if urging me to leave quickly.

“Wait… this is a bit of a serious issue.”

Heehee—

But Nightmare didn’t wait for me.

As if it was going to walk the path itself, it started walking with me still on its back.

I stared at the magic book, bound with the iron chain, as we swayed atop Nightmare.

However, staring at it wouldn’t reveal anything. I sighed and shoved the book into my bag.

It seemed I’d need to gather more information about dark mages.

The vast plains and the cool breeze ruffled my hair, and ahead of me was a field of flowers in full bloom.

We had passed the border and returned to the windmill city of Tallen.

I decided to rest my weary body by heading into the city.

The guards at the entrance recognized my face and allowed me entry with ease.

Considering they likely saw dozens of faces each day, it was impressive that they remembered mine.

Walking through the city with Nightmare, I ran into a familiar figure.

A man with an exotic appearance, wearing a thick robe and turban.

It was Kasim.

“Oh…”

Kasim seemed to recognize me, though he couldn’t recall my name.

Raising his hand and mumbling, he awkwardly smiled and greeted me.

“Your name is…?”

“Seris.”

“Oh, sorry. I’m not good at remembering women’s names.”

“It’s been a while. Were you traveling too, Kasim?”

“Well, sort of. Where are you heading?”

“I’m thinking about going to Monster Island.”

“Monster Island… come to think of it, it’s about time the ships return.”

“Have you been to Monster Island?”

“I’ve been there briefly, just looked around.”

“Oh…?”

Kasim naturally followed me, as though we were companions.

Nightmare showed an uncomfortable expression toward Kasim, but Kasim just laughed it off.

“Still good with words…”

It seemed Kasim needed someone to talk to for a moment. He stuck with me, chatting until I found a suitable inn.

“I should be going now. It was a short time, but it was enjoyable.”

“Same here. Oh, thanks for the brooch. It really helped me rest.”

“Still have it? I thought you’d have sold it by now…”

It was a memento from the desert. How could I sell it? I gave Kasim a light wave and smiled.

That evening, I slipped out of the inn alone and headed toward the large bridge—the place where I had bought the storybook.

The vendor who sold the storybooks was still there, selling the same books.

“Hello?”

“Hm…?”

At my greeting, the vendor looked up and seemed to recognize me.

After briefly frowning, he smiled brightly and spoke.

“Ah, it’s you. So, how did you like that book?”

“It was a good story.”

“You came back, so I guess you’re looking for a new one?”

“Yes. Do you have any books about dark mages?”

“Ah, yes, I have one.”

The vendor handed me an old fairy tale book.

It was a short, illustrated storybook.

[The Archmage Haven]

“The Archmage Haven…?”

“Do you like it?”

I quickly skimmed through the book’s contents.

It was an adventure story for children, and while it did feature a dark mage, it wasn’t the kind of detailed information I had been expecting.

“Do you have anything else? A book with more accurate information…?”

“Hmm… sorry, but that’s the only book with dark mages in it. And due to the Mage Tower, I can’t carry any books with more detailed information.”

“Oh…”

“So, are you going to buy it?”

After a moment of hesitation, I nodded and paid the price.

Returning to the inn with the book, I opened the old fairy tale book under the soft glow of a candle.

[The Archmage Haven]

One day, a young girl went to the Mage Tower. She needed the help of the wizards.

She said, “Please help, my village is dying…”

But no wizard paid her any attention, for they were all busy with their own tasks.

Then, one wizard approached her.

“If I help you, what will you give me in return?”

The wizard asked.

“I’ll give you my treasure.”

The girl took out a pretty pebble from her pocket. It was the most precious treasure she had.

The other wizards laughed at the sight. But one wizard, who approached the girl, didn’t laugh.

He noticed that the pebble contained the girl’s magic.

Archmage Haven blew a small mystery into the stone. And soon, it became the magic that granted the girl’s wish.