After putting down the fountain pen in his hand, Klein removed the spirit pendulum from his left wrist, holding it in one hand and letting it hang down over the paper in close proximity.
"Edwina is in the story of this book," Klein closed his eyes and silently repeated the divination statement.
After he recited the statement, he opened his eyes and saw the topaz pendant spinning clockwise.
This meant that Vice Admiral Iceberg Edwina was inside Groselle's Travels!
It really is a world inside a book... Furthermore, the situation inside is very special. Without new characters, the story isn't able to continue... Klein indiscernibly nodded. Wounding the silver chain and the topaz pendant around his wrist again, he picked up a dark red fountain pen and wrote a new divination statement: "The method to entering Groselle's Travels."
This time, he used dream divination. In the gray, hazy world, he saw indistinct figures.
The figures were of varying sizes, some huge, others slender. The thing all of them had in common was that they held a book with pages of yellowish-brown goatskin.
The following developments branched off into two scenarios. A number of them vanished silently with Groselle's Travels on them. The others would accidentally or deliberately drip their blood on the cover while carrying Groselle's Travels with them before suddenly vanishing!
The scene shattered and Klein opened his eyes to see the mottled table in front of him. He frowned as he made an interpretation.
To enter or activate Groselle's Travels, it either needs prolonged contact with it to a certain extent, or you would need to drip one's blood onto the cover?
Isn't that too simple? Perhaps... it's really that simple. In the story, the Loen soldier's first appearance was as an ordinary person who didn't know mysticism. With the help of his companions, he slowly became a Disciplinary Paladin... Therefore, the activation method isn't too complicated. An ordinary person is able to accomplish it.
A small number of researchers before this, including Vice Admiral Iceberg Edwina, were Beyonders with sufficient amounts of mysticism knowledge. They knew not to rashly drip their blood; otherwise, death might occur without them even knowing it. This is akin to ordinary people using the correct form of magic mirror divination. It's very easy to provoke a powerful existence or secret existence. It's why no problems happened to them...
Furthermore, Edwina keeps Groselle's Travels in the collector's room most of the time and only interacts with it occasionally. As such, it was only when she recently had a new research concept that she had prolonged contact with it, completing the condition required to activate the book?
Yes, even Arrodes only knew that there's something strange with the book. Many of the past owners had vanished, and it's suspected to have something to do with the dragons and City of Miracles, Liveseyd. This means that Groselle's Travels will interfere with its surroundings when being activated; therefore, most of the collectors in the past do not know of its problem and had no thoughts of studying it.
The owners who disappeared likely aren't limited to the ones in the story. The others might've died for all kinds of reasons, failing to leave their names in the book.
Klein focused again and made another divination, hoping to obtain the method to leave Groselle's Travels.
This time, he saw a more tempestuous blizzard in the gray, hazy dreamscape. He saw a gigantic figure at the top of an ice peak.
It was a translucent dragon who remained nearly five meters tall while standing on all fours. It resembled a lizard's cousin and had an ugly face with eerie blue eyes. It had a thick, powerful tail and a pair of gigantic wings covered in a skin membrane on its back. It seemed to blot out the sky simply by spreading its wings.
Its scales resembled ice crystals as they swirled with a crystalline glow. It was the most beautiful and dreamy part of its entire body.
Suddenly, the dragon which resembled an ice sculpture raised its neck and body, and it let out a terrifying roar that penetrated through the blizzard.
At that moment, it reached ten meters tall by standing up on its hind legs.
King of the North... That frost dragon... Klein left the dream and tapped the armrest of the high-back chair.
His interpretation of the divination revelation was that the key to leaving Groselle's Travels lay with the King of the North!
Klein's initial guess was that only by helping the main lead, Groselle, accomplish his goal—slaying the frost dragon—would the story come to a complete "end," opening a passageway to exit the book.
However, I can also attempt to see if I can forcibly break open the barrier between the world in the book and the real world... Klein relied on his rich experience to quickly come up with an attempt.
He first picked up the Black Emperor card which was facing down, and he infused it into his Spirit Body.
Suddenly, Klein's body was covered in black full-body armor. On his head was a heavy crown as his aura became majestic and dignified. It exuded an awe-inspiring vibe.
Following that, he stirred the powers of the mysterious space above the gray fog to the limit, making them surge over like a tidal wave.
Upon seeing this scene, Klein didn't hesitate to summon the Sea God Scepter from the junk pile before he infused his spirituality within.
The blue gems on the end of the bone scepter lit up one after another, emitting a blinding luster.
Countless silver bolts of lightning surfaced as they zapped about the grand palace as though they were forming a sea of lightning.
Finally, Klein used the suppressive power and balance from the Black Emperor's loftiness to infuse the stirred powers into the Lightning Storm.
Rumble!
Thunder resonated above the gray fog and into the distance as thick bolts of lightning smote down, striking Groselle's Travels.
Blinding light enveloped the entire palace for a full twenty seconds. @@novelbin@@
After everything was over, Klein looked at the target again and discovered the mottled table was in shambles. As for the dark-brown leather book, it was completely unharmed. Only its ends curled up a little.
It's far more impressive than I imagined... That's right, how can an item which can create a whole new book world be simple... Heh, I wouldn't have made a loss buying it for 8,000 pounds back then. It can be used as a shield. It can definitely defend against attacks from Saints. The only problem is its tiny size. It won't be able to shield much... Klein's thoughts raced as the bronze table was quickly restored to normal.
Since there was no way to forcibly tear open the barrier between the world inside the book and the real world, he could only consider how to enter it according to the normal procedures.
Get some blood, bring it up here and smear it across the cover, and then enter as a Spirit Body with the Blood Emperor card and Sea God Scepter? This way, I don't have to worry about encountering King of the Five Seas, Nast, as there's no way he can sense it. He won't be able to enter the world inside the book either. But the problem lies in the fact that rescuing Vice Admiral Iceberg this way will allow her to determine that Gehrman Sparrow is Hero Bandit Black Emperor.
Yes, there's a more important problem. Entering with a Spirit Body means that the body is still in the outside world—the captain's cabin of the Golden Dream. I have no idea how time flows in the world inside the book. It might easily be a few days. That way, my body might meet with an accident since it lacks protection. I'm in unfamiliar territory as well. When the time comes, I might rescue Edwina, but I would find "myself" gone. That would be fun. Klein quickly rejected the idea of entering as a Spirit Body.
He didn't trust most of the people on the Golden Dream, and he also felt wary of the Strongest Hunter, Anderson.
His attempt to divine if it was dangerous to enter the book to rescue Edwina was met with failure. Klein thought deeply for a moment before returning to the real world. Then, he unhurriedly brought back Groselle's Travels and removed the traces of the ritual.
Looking out the window at the impending dusk, he walked to the captain's cabin's door, unlocked the door, and opened it.
Gourmet Bru Walls, Singer Orpheus, and company were all outside. None of them had left. There were even sailors who peeked their heads out from the staircase.
"Any clues?" Bru Walls blurted out his question, but he didn't hear his voice because everyone at the door was asking the same question.
Klein swept his gaze and nodded.
Instantly, he heard sighs of relief, then he saw all kinds of happy and excited expressions.
If I were to vanish one day, who would act like that... Klein focused his thoughts and said to Danitz, "I need an assistant."
With that said, he turned to walk to the desk.
"Alright!" Danitz hurriedly followed and familiarly locked the door.
"Is there anything you need of me?" he hurriedly asked. He looked as though he could already see his captain being rescued through his hard work.
Klein stood by the desk and solemnly said, "What happens next will be very dangerous."
"Very dangerous?" Danitz instinctively gritted his teeth.
"You might vanish or even die immediately." Klein told him the worst possible outcome.
Seeing how serious the madman, Gehrman Sparrow, was, Danitz instantly understood the gravity of the situation. His heart sank as he subconsciously became frantic.
"W-what does this have to do with rescuing Captain?"
"It's directly related," Klein answered succinctly.
Danitz's expression twisted as he fell silent for two seconds.
"What will happen if nothing is done?"
"Your captain might be left there forever, or she might die in the next second," Klein said truthfully.
Danitz turned agape as he closed his mouth in silence.
His eyes turned adrift for a few seconds before they focused back on Gehrman Sparrow's face. Gritting his teeth, he said, "Let's begin."
"Dogsh*t!" he softly cursed himself.
Klein picked up the pen and paper on the table, scribbled a note, and folded it into a square before handing it to Danitz.
"Put it into your pocket. Read it after you enter."
"Enter?" Danitz asked, puzzled and clueless.
As he spoke, he automatically took the paper slip and stuffed it into his trouser pocket.
Klein didn't reply as he pointed at Groselle's Travels.
"Smear some of your blood on the book's cover."
This... As Danitz made a vague guess, he picked up the bronze dagger beside him and nodded heavily.
"Alright!"
-x-X-x-
Danitz held the bronze dagger and sliced across the back of his left palm, but his hesitation prevented him from using much strength.
He looked up and forced a smile.
"Although I've been injured many times, pain still leaves me afraid."
"Get to the point," Klein replied coldly.
Danitz gave a hollow laugh.
"Haha, I'm just a little scared of pain."
Just as he said that, he exerted strength with his right hand, slicing open a wound on the back of his hand with the bronze knife. The words he had said was apparently to divert his attention so that he could reconcile with the idea of pain.
Blood quickly seeped out as Danitz immediately put down the dagger. He dabbed some blood on his right finger and smeared it across the dark brown cover of Groselle's Travels.
After finishing that, he held his breath, waiting for a change.
Suddenly, he saw a snowflake the size of a goose feather. Strong winds howled by his ears, and immediately, a biting chill wildly drilled into his body.
Although Danitz was mentally prepared, he was still alarmed. He instinctively looked around to confirm where he was.
He realized that at some point in time he had left the captain's cabin of the Golden Dream. He found himself in a land of frost wrecked by a blizzard. Due to the extreme environment, he couldn't see into the distance at all. He couldn't even tell if he was on a mountain or on a flat plain.
I've really entered a strange world... Captain is here too? Danitz held up his hand to block his face, afraid that the snow would get into his eyes.
He calmed himself down and recalled Gehrman Sparrow's instructions. From his pocket, he hurriedly took out a piece of paper that had been folded into a square, and he carefully unfolded it.
While doing this, he was especially afraid of any accidents that could lead to the paper tearing or being blown away. That would make him lose all hope; but thankfully, none of that happened. He saw the contents written by Gehrman Sparrow.
"Recite the following honorific name in Hermes, but preferably in ancient Hermes:
"The Fool that doesn't belong to this era.
"The mysterious ruler above the gray fog.
"The King of Yellow and Black who wields good luck.
"Burn this upon chanting."
This... This is a secret existence at the level of a deity? Due to Vice Admiral Iceberg Edwina's strict education, Danitz wasn't illiterate when it came to mysticism. He even had quite a good foundation.
Looking at the piece of paper in his hand, he subconsciously drew a gasp, sucking in the cold wind and ice-cold snowflakes that left a biting cold. He immediately coughed as his expression turned twisted.
He was now able to confirm one of his past theories.
Gehrman Sparrow really did belong to a powerful and very secretive organization! And the organization consecrates an existence known as The Fool, a godlike existence!
Indeed, such a powerful and crazy fellow can't appear out of nowhere. They don't just sprout out of the ground... Danitz tugged at his collar and tightened his clothes. Looking at the piece of paper fluttering in the wind, he wore a clear look of hesitation.
He knew very well how dangerous it was to recite the name of an unknown secret existence whose intentions were unknown. It could lead to an outcome more terrifying than death!
Captain is also trapped here. Furthermore, there's no way of leaving... Danitz clasped his hands and placed them before his mouth.
He suddenly threw out his hands and used ancient Hermes to recite The Fool's honorific name.
...
On the Golden Dream, in the captain's cabin.
With his own eyes, Klein witnessed Danitz turn illusory without any reason before disappearing. There was no longer any question about how entry into Groselle's Travels could be achieved.
After patiently waiting for a moment, he heard a series of illusory pleas, and it clearly came from a man.
Phew, from the looks of it, Groselle's Travels is unable to block out the gray fog. The world inside the book is still connected to that mysterious space... This way, even if I were to enter, I wouldn't be entirely cornered or lack any trump cards... Klein didn't hide his sigh of relief.
To confirm it, he took four steps counterclockwise while chanting the incantation. After arriving above the gray fog, he saw the brilliance representing Danitz rippling outwards beside The Fool's high-back chair.
The body and soul enter together... The world inside the book is very stable. There's no way to shatter it just by pulling the Spirit Body... Indeed, if it's possible, the divination from before would've received the corresponding revelation... Using the Sea God Scepter is too dangerous. Bestowing Danitz directly will only speed up his death... Klein half-closed his eyes as he emanated his spirituality. After taking everything in for a moment, he arrived at many conclusions.
He didn't delay and returned to the real world immediately. Holding the bronze dagger, he wiped away Danitz's blood on it with a piece of paper.
After folding a piece of paper and putting it into his pocket, he began to consider his next move.
From the looks of it, smearing blood allows direct entry. This way, I don't have to worry about my body suffering any accidents. Furthermore, I can very quickly resolve the problem.
But similarly, I can't be careless. I have to be careful of any other dangers. Hmm... If there's anyone on this ship that might be problematic, they might be able to sneak into the captain's cabin after I enter Groselle's Travels, sacrifice this book to the True Creator, Primordial Demoness, or Hidden Sage. I'll be in trouble then. I'll definitely suffer something worse than death.
The Golden Dream's sailors mostly seem to be infatuated with Vice Admiral Iceberg. The fact that Anderson's superficial provocation was effective enough proves this. Therefore, telling them that this involves Vice Admiral Iceberg's life and getting them to watch each other so that no one enters, that will put me at ease.
The problem lies with Anderson. He's the Strongest Hunter. He's stronger than any of the Beyonders on board this ship. Furthermore, he's good at ambushes and infiltration. There's a small possibility that he can avoid the monitoring of others and secretly sneak into the captain's cabin... His background is still too dubious, and I have no way to really trust him.
I have to think of a way to get him to enter Groselle's Travels with me...
Amidst his thoughts, Klein flipped through the ancient book covered in yellowish-brown goatskin. He discovered that there wasn't any new content, and the story lacked traces of Danitz's existence.
This is to say that one needs to successfully survive and meet up with the lead's team before they will be considered a true part of the story? That will make more pages appear? Klein made a preliminary guess as he walked to the door again and opened it.
"Did it succeed?" Flowery Bow Tie Jodeson and company asked. @@novelbin@@
Klein shook his head and said calmly, "Next up will be a long ritual.
"No one is to enter and disrupt it; otherwise, it will lead to Edwina Edwards's disappearance forever or even her death."
After informing them of the main point, he looked around and directly said, "I suspect that one of you here might have problems.
"Everyone is to watch each other."
Gourmet Bru Walls instinctively wanted to retort out of habit when he suddenly saw the captain's cabin was empty. Danitz, who had just entered, was gone.
Recalling the captain's disappearance, and confirming that Gehrman Sparrow was about to attempt to save her after finding the cause of the problem, he nodded and said, "I'll be in charge of this matter.
"And they will also monitor me."
Klein didn't harp on the topic. He then turned to look at Anderson Hood who was leaning against a wall.
"Come in."
Anderson curled the right side of his mouth as he tsked.
"People not in the know might think I'm your subordinate. Your attitude is basically a role model for Provokers."
Despite his grumbling, he straightened his back and opened his stride before entering the captain's cabin.
After closing the door and locking it, Klein turned to face Anderson.
"Are you interested in participating in a rare adventure?
"You might be able to fulfill the achievement of hunting a dragon."
According to his observations over the past few days, he believed that Anderson Hood was a curious and adventurous hunter. He enjoyed learning about new things and experiencing novel forms of excitement.
Anderson stared at Gehrman Sparrow's face and sized him up seriously before smiling.
"I'm not interested."
He firmly shook his head.
Following that, he chuckled before Klein spoke again.
"I smell danger. A highly-conceited, crazy, and powerful adventurer is actually inviting me to adventure together. What does this imply? It means that it's extremely troublesome and dangerous!"
I thought you would be interested. This is different from how you usually act. You really can rein yourself in and let go of yourself... Hmm, I'll try another threat. If it doesn't work, I'll throw this fellow on a deserted island and let the Golden Dream sail off. We'll pick him up later. As a hunter, survival on a deserted island shouldn't be difficult for him... Klein quickly made up his mind as his gaze immediately turned cold. He looked at Anderson and said, "I will not permit having latent risks around myself."
Anderson was stunned for a second before he quickly smiled.
"Haha, it was just a joke. I'm very interested in the title of 'Dragon Hunter.'"
... You changed your mind way too quickly... If you had insisted a little longer, you could've enjoyed the feeling of being abandoned... Klein nodded, walked back to the desk, and said to Anderson Hood who had followed behind him, "Smear your blood on this book's cover. There's no need for too much."
"Smear it?" Anderson scrutinized Groselle's Travels out of curiosity before surveying the area. "Edwina's disappearance is related to it? Same for that failure of a hunter's disappearance? Ah, right. Blazing Danitz. I nearly forgot his name. Thankfully, his bounty is a bit higher than before."
The corner of Klein's mouth twitched as he replied frankly, "That's right."
"Interesting..." Anderson glanced at the desk, picked up the bronze dagger, and indifferently sliced open a bleeding gash in his hand.
Right on the heels of that, he carefully put down the dagger and smeared the blood on the dark brown cover of Groselle's Travels.
After a few seconds of observation, just as Anderson was about to pick up the bronze dagger and wipe off the remnant blood on it, his vision was suddenly blanketed by a blizzard.
Seeing Anderson disappear just like Danitz, Klein picked up another piece of paper and wiped away the blood on the dagger before folding it and putting it into his pocket.
He wasn't sure if the trio would appear at the same location after entering the world inside the book. Therefore, he made preparations by having materials needed for Dowsing Rod Seeking!
After doing all of this, Klein held that dagger and streaked it across the back of his hand.
His facial muscles twitched as he looked diagonally downwards. Only after a few seconds did he exert strength.
His body shook slightly as his head turned to the side. The corners of his mouth couldn't help but open.
When the blood flowed out, Klein, who was still holding the dagger, grabbed his cane and quickly smeared the red liquid over the ancient book's cover.
After a short delay, Klein found himself amidst a white land of snow.
-x-X-x-
Gales with icy fragments and goose feather-sized snowflakes blasted at Klein's face repeatedly. As he surveyed his surroundings, he couldn't help but tense up. He bent over slightly as he trembled.
How... cold... He nearly cursed out as he confirmed that he was in a land of ice and snow which had extremely low visibility.
He originally imagined that the moist coldness of Backlund's winter was terrifying, but he now knew that absolute low temperatures and strong winds that were as sharp as blades were a deadly combination. Even though he had worn an additional sweater ahead of time, and his coat was thick and long, he still couldn't withstand the chill.
He didn't wear Sun Brooch because the heat generated was psychological. It could be used to resist the influence of the intense chill for a short period of time, preventing his body from turning numb. But faced with an everlasting icy environment, it was equivalent to suicide. Heat at the psychological level made one's pores open up as though one was in summer. It would peel off the final layer of defense against low temperatures, and it would even proactively welcome it.
Therefore, Klein threw the mystical item above the gray fog. He planned on using it only on certain special occasions.
He couldn't afford to delay while in such harsh environments. After a preliminary observation of his surroundings, he immediately burned the blood on the bronze dagger and stuffed it into his pocket. Following that, Klein took out the Adventurer's Harmonica and blew into it.
Amidst the howling winds, he failed to discover the appearance of Miss Messenger, Tinekerr Reinette, through the Spirit Vision he activated.
Indeed, this place isn't connected to the spirit world. Or it should be said that this place has a unique spirit world for itself... Hmm, from the looks of it, praying to Sea God would be useless. Only charms that point to the mysterious space above the gray fog would tear through the barrier...
Here comes the problem, as a believer of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom, Edwina knows the true god's honorific name. Why didn't she seek "His" help? Or did she try to no avail?
Yes... Not every deity will personally reply to "Their" believers. Many a time, "They" seem to provide feedback based on certain laws. You probably can't find a second "secret existence" like me who takes on jobs like myself... Klein gave a self-deprecating laugh and made a preliminary judgment.
He then put away his harmonica, took out the paper slip with Danitz's blood, and he wrapped it at the end of his cane.
"Danitz's location."
Klein softly said as he began using Dowsing Rod Seeking.
Then, according to the outcome, he traversed across the thick snow, and he quickly tore through the frosty winds under the gloomy sky. From time to time, he would carry out a divination and adjust his bearings. After all, Danitz wouldn't wait in his original spot, as he would end up as an ice sculpture by doing so.
About ten minutes later, Klein discovered a scarlet flame.
Phew... He exhaled before taking a few steps forward to identify his target.
It was indeed Danitz. This famous pirate wore rather thin clothes. He wrapped his arms around himself as he walked forward with a lost expression.
However, he didn't seem to be that cold. This was because scarlet Fire Ravens were circling around him. They were boiling the snow and blocking out the winds, bringing about a spring-like warmth.
In such times, Klein especially admired a Pyromaniac. Although a Magician had the same ability to summon flames, it was an offensive ability that couldn't be maintained. It could only be used for a split moment. To rely on it to warm himself, he needed to constantly cast it, tiring himself out quickly. As for Flame Controlling, it depended on existing flames or ignitable materials. Both of them were extremely lacking in this world of ice.
As he saw the Fire Ravens soaring into the air, Klein sped up his pace and approached.
Danitz jumped in fright when he sensed someone approaching. When he saw who the newcomer was, he immediately heaved a sigh of relief. Then, with an odd expression, he forced a smile.
"Haha, there's no stars to be seen here. Getting lost is inevitable."
Klein ignored what he said as he directly asked, "Have you burned it?"
"I did!" Danitz hurriedly nodded, his entire being effusing with indescribable fear.
Klein observed Danitz for a few seconds and, after confirming that he wasn't lying, produced the polite smile of Gehrman Sparrow.
"Remember.
"Chanting 'His' honorific name makes you 'His' believer."
"..."
Danitz's expression twisted as he forced a smile which looked worse than crying.
"I don't want to change my faith! I have no intention of believing in an unknown existence of dubious origins!" He inwardly roared crazily but didn't say a word.
He suspected that any retort he makes would lead to him being buried in the snow by the madman!
Klein wore a smile that had hints of madness. He added with a calm tone, "Remember, keep it a secret.
"Once divulged, you and your captain will both die."
"What has this got to do with Captain?" Danitz blurted out.
Klein maintained his previous expression as he smiled at Danitz.
"Guess?"
Danitz gaped his mouth. With the reason known, all he could do was give a hollow chuckle.
"Do I look like someone who can't keep secrets?"
Klein nodded. As he took out the paper slip with Anderson's blood, he chuckled and said to Danitz, "Believe in 'Him.' Serve 'Him.' Perhaps one day, you will become a Blessed like me.
"When the time comes, your name will spread across the Five Seas. You will be in no way inferior to a pirate admiral."
As he spoke, he planned on adding a gesture as The Fool's believer, but sadly, he realized that he didn't have such a gesture. All he could do was console himself.
A secret organization needs to be secret. Doing all these kinds of superficial actions is meaningless... Mr. Hanged Man was right...
No way inferior to a pirate admiral... Danitz's eyes suddenly lit up.
Since I've already chanted the honorific name of this secret existence, there's really no way to avoid it from a mysticism point of view. I might as well take this opportunity... He instantly had many thoughts, having even named his future child.
Hehe, if it wasn't for Gehrman Sparrow's persona, I would've directly said that you would have the reputation and strength that matches Vice Admiral Iceberg when the time comes. Of course, whether she likes you will be a whole other matter. According to my observations, you stand little chance. The partner Edwina wishes to have is someone who can study and improve alongside her, someone who can discuss all kinds of knowledge... Klein mumbled as he used Dowsing Rod Seeking again.
"Anderson Hood's location."
"... He came in too?" Danitz was first taken aback before he asked in surprise.
Klein finished chanting the statement, released his cane, and determined the direction in which it fell. He then nodded and said, "I'm worried if he stays outside."
So you're also wary of Anderson Hood... Danitz couldn't hide his smile as he echoed, "That's right! He's the kind of person who smiles on the surface but will stab you in the back once you turn around!
"His reputation in the Fog Sea is terrible. There are no pirates that like him!
"He even deliberately tried to sully you, making us be wary of you, to view you with animosity!"
If pirates were to like him, it would only mean that his title as Strongest Hunter isn't substantial... I heard Anderson's provocations...
Klein didn't reply. He picked up his cane and proceeded through the blizzard.
Danitz followed closely behind, using Fire Ravens to scatter the snow and block out the cold, so that they two didn't need to freeze.
Not bad. Quite sensible... At that moment, Klein once again experienced the benefits of having a servant—to have someone hold an umbrella during a rainy day, and someone to provide warmth in a blizzard!
In the white vastness, the two appeared like black dots, trudging through the snow. They proceeded forward for nearly twenty minutes before arriving at the location where the dowsing pointed to. @@novelbin@@
"He isn't here..." Danitz surveyed the area and failed to find any traces of Anderson Hood.
He didn't have any doubts about Gehrman Sparrow's Dowsing Rod Seeking, because he was the last person to be found with it.
Klein frowned as he activated his Spirit Vision and enhanced his spiritual perception.
Suddenly, he sensed something. He prodded forward with his cane, causing the snow in front of him to collapse.
The collapse revealed a cave. Inside it were dark rocks that were reflecting the light from a fire.
Klein crouched down. In his vision, he discovered that the cave extended into a narrow passage. And at the end of the passage was a bunch of glowing red rocks. Strange underground plants were slowly burning as Anderson Hood sat beside it. He was leisurely roasting an animal that resembled a rabbit. The fragrance of the fats and the warmth it brought were emanating out, drilling into Klein's and Danitz's noses.
"You guys are finally here? Want to give it a try? There's actually a strange rabbit around here that can live in such ice and snow." Anderson bent down, looking towards the entrance as though he was greeting companions on a camping trip with him.
Although he didn't say anything provocative, I really wish to beat him up... Klein entered the cave with a stoic expression. He came close to the fire and experienced the long-awaited bliss.
Danitz followed in tow. He looked at the fire which was roasting a rabbit and then at the Fire Ravens beside him before silently dispelling them.
"H-how did you find this cave?" Danitz asked in disgruntlement, unwilling to admit his inferiority, but his body betrayed him by leaning closer to the fire.
Anderson turned the rabbit which was impaled with his pitch-black sword, and he shot Danitz a glance.
"First lesson of being a hunter. Observe your surroundings. Be familiar with your surroundings. Make use of your surroundings."
Danitz's expression immediately froze.
Anderson looked at Gehrman Sparrow and chuckled.
"It's a cave I blasted open. How is it? It's not bad, right? I controlled my strength perfectly."
As he spoke, he took a whiff of the air and said, "How fragrant. The roasting seems to be done. Do you want to give it a try? Although I didn't bring any spices, there's rock salt here. It will just be a little astringent."
"Are you sure you can eat this? If it's a Beyonder creature, you might lose control with just one bite," Danitz said with a tsk.
Anderson glanced at him.
"Second lesson of being a hunter. Distinguish what can and cannot be eaten in the wilderness."
He carefully reached out his hand, pulled off a leg, and stuffed it into his mouth as he ate it with relish.
Klein was just about to say something when he suddenly felt a wanton aura approach from afar. The suppressive feeling that came from a high-leveled creature appeared extremely real. It made Danitz tremble uncontrollably.
The aura swept across them without noticing the strangeness of the cave beneath it. It then quickly departed.
King of the North... The title flashed across Klein's mind.
-x-X-x-
As the tyrannical aura flew past, high in the sky, Anderson's chewing came to a sudden halt. It was only when the entity was a distance away did he swallow the remaining rabbit meat. He looked up at Gehrman Sparrow.
"That was the dragon you were talking about?"
Klein nodded slightly, confirming Anderson's guess.
The corners of Anderson's mouth slowly curled up, revealing an expression as though he was at a loss on whether to laugh or cry.
"I thought you were talking about a mature or adolescent dragon. The one that just flew past...
"I probably won't be able to become a dragon hunter. Dragon feces perhaps."
The tyrannical feeling that the King of the North exudes is indeed a little terrifying. Compared to the pieced-together monster which made hair grow without restraint on the Future, it's a lot stronger... Perhaps, it's a Sequence 4, at the level of a demigod... Klein calmly made a judgment without revealing any hints of panic or horror.
He clearly remembered that Groselle's Travels had clearly indicated that the female pirate had managed to succeed in escaping from the King of the North's attack before meeting up with the team led by the main lead, Groselle.
And Edwina Edwards clearly wasn't a demigod. She was a Sequence 5 of the Reader pathway. Furthermore, as she was suddenly swallowed by the book, certain mystical items and Sealed Artifacts that she didn't permanently keep on her person were left in the captain's cabin. The tools she had that were useful to her were probably limited to one or two.
Under such a situation, she was able to defend against the King of the North and survive. Having just advanced, and having adjusted his inventory, Klein believed that it wouldn't faze him too much. Furthermore, he was still connected to the gray fog. He could use the Sea God Scepter to produce a response!
This was also why Klein dared to enter directly after confirming that Danitz was in an ordinary state during his prayer.
Yes, the King of the North doesn't seem like a demigod from a normal pathway. According to Vice Admiral Iceberg, it's a Rampager who gathers frost-related Beyonder characteristics, and it can match a demigod in certain domains but would have flaws in other aspects... Edwina, Anderson, and me, along with the Beyonders of the main lead's team, we wouldn't be helpless! If all else fails, I can still use the Sea God Scepter. I don't believe that this book can defend against items above the gray fog. If it could, it would've shown it long ago... Standing beside the fire, Klein looked down at Anderson and grinned.
"Are you afraid?"
Anderson was taken aback as he immediately beamed.
"Not at all. You seem to be very confident."
After saying that, he looked at Danitz, who was still trembling and trying hard to compose himself, before tsking.
"Do you know what's the most important thing for a man?"
Danitz had just taken a deep breath. He was stunned by what he heard as he held his right index finger and middle finger together, pointing to his crotch with uncertainty.
Anderson blinked before he roared with laughter.
"... B*stard, you really are a crude pirate!
"Haha, I wanted to say something, but... Haha, I can't remember it!
"Oh right, I wanted to say courage. Courage is the most important thing for a man. Look at you. The dragon hasn't even attacked, and you're almost hugging your head and begging for mercy!"
Danitz's face instantly flushed red as he glared at Anderson.
You weren't acting like this back at Toscarter... Klein couldn't help but lampoon.
Danitz was just about to make it clear that he was only influenced by the high-level creature when he suddenly recalled what was just said. His expression was immediately restored to normal as he casually replied, "I can't compare with dragon feces at all."
Anderson's smile froze as he coughed lightly. As though nothing had happened, he yanked off a rabbit's leg and handed it over to Gehrman Sparrow.
"Want a bite?"
Klein remained silent for a few seconds before he slowly shook his head.
"This is a strange world. Before confirming that there aren't any problems, it's best not to eat anything here.
"Perhaps it might be a piece of rabbit meat that will make you stay here forever."
"..." Anderson moved the roasted rabbit's leg to his nose before slowly putting it down. Following that, his face collapsed. "Why didn't you say so earlier?"
Klein calmly replied, "I just thought of this problem."
Anderson's expression turned twisted as he lowered his head. He quickly bit down on his roasted rabbit leg.
"A-aren't you afraid that something really bad will happen?" The Strongest Hunter's actions alarmed Danitz.
Anderson laughed helplessly.
"I've already eaten one earlier. I've already digested it by now... Since there's no way of turning back, I might as well focus on enjoying it."
Klein and Danitz were momentarily at a loss for words.
After Anderson finished gnawing on the rabbit's leg, he deliberated and asked, "Are you really not eating?"
"We have no idea how much time we'll be spending here. If we really do starve, how are we supposed to fight the dragon?"
Klein didn't reply. He took out his golden pocket watch and opened it.
"It's ten past six in the evening outside.
"We'll eat a little after four to six hours if nothing happens to you."
"..." Anderson turned agape, speechless.
Klein ignored him and turned to say to Danitz, "Fifteen minutes break. We'll search for your captain after that."
As he said that, he had already taken out the pearl earring belonging to Vice Admiral Iceberg Edwina Edwards.
"Alright." Danitz suddenly felt pumped with his blood boiling, completely forgetting the cold outside.
But after about eight seconds, he huddled close to the fire again.
...
Around seven in the evening in the outside world, Klein pressed down on his hat and held his cane. Together with Danitz and Anderson, he followed the revelation provided by his divination and found their way to a mountain.
After circling the boulders which were encased in thick layers of ice, they saw a dark mountain cave. Standing by the entrance was a woman holding an ancient bow.
The woman had a head of soft, lustrous black hair which she had simply tied into a pigtail. Her facial features were soft, making her look different from any national of the Northern Continent.
She wore a brown ancient-styled hunter's coat and trousers. She acutely cast her gaze over.
Upon seeing her slightly sharp ears, Klein immediately guessed her identity from matching her to the content in Groselle's Travels.
She was the female elf who got to know the giant, Groselle, at the very beginning. Her name was unknown.
Compared to Earth, people from the Northern Continent look more Caucasian. But this elf has more of an oriental charm... Klein quickly concluded this particular trait.
"An elf! She's identical to the elves drawn in the ancient Church drawings!" Anderson suddenly became excited. "I have to negotiate with her to get her to be my model so that I can draw a few portraits of her!"
By the side, Danitz scoffed. He mocked in a succinct manner, "Boorish!"
Clearly, he hadn't forgotten Anderson's previous mockery.
"Do you only know of that kind of drawing?" Anderson shot a glance at him, sped up, and walked towards the female elf.
Just as he approached, the female elf didn't hesitate to raise her bow. The arrow strung on it shimmered with silver lightning.
"Wait!" Anderson immediately raised his hands.
It's useless. The elves mostly belong to the Storm pathway. They are prone to being irascible and rash... Klein secretly activated his Spirit Body Threads, planning to achieve initial control over the elf in order to let her listen calmly.
At this moment, Anderson saw a blur before seeing two thick, huge, muscular grayish-blue legs. Embedded in the snow was a huge, terrifying sword!
"..." Anderson was horrified to realize that his height only reached the leg's knees. He instinctively followed the sword and looked up, bit by bit.
With his head almost completely facing upwards, he finally saw the giant who was nearly four meters tall!
The giant's skin was grayish blue. His abdomen and waist was covered in a thick furry beast hide, leaving him naked everywhere else. Even his legs lacked protection. @@novelbin@@
He pounded on the sword which was wider than a human door, and using his trademark single vertical eye to look at Anderson, Klein, and Danitz, he asked with a booming voice, "Who are you?
"Why are you here in the Groselle camp?"
Klein was just about to reply when a familiar figure suddenly walked out from the dark mountain cave. Danitz's eyes were instantly filled with ecstasy.
Dressed in a complicated shirt and dark-colored trousers, Edwina swept her gaze across the trio. Her usually cold expression revealed a rather flabbergasted look, as though she hadn't expected to see Gehrman Sparrow and Anderson Hood here.
She quickly composed herself and looked up at the giant.
"Groselle, they are my companions."
Groselle widened his huge mouth into a grin and asked in delight, "Are you also here to help deal with Ulyssan?
Ulyssan? Klein was momentarily left at a loss for an answer.
At that moment, he saw Edwina, who was standing in the giant's shadow, give him a look. She wanted him to give an affirmative answer.
Ulyssan is the King of the North? Klein replied in thought, "Yes."
"Haha, then we are friends!" Groselle looked down at the trio and laughed.
As he spoke, Anderson silently retreated back to Gehrman Sparrow's side as he said under his breath, "This is the first time I'm meeting a living giant.
"There's no way of hitting his vital spots. He's just too tall!"
You can hit his legs... Klein lampooned and calmly replied, "A huge target makes it easy to strike them."
"... That's right." Anderson agreed.
At that moment, Edwina walked over and introduced the three of them:
"This is the leader of the camp, Giant Guardian Groselle.
"This is the Elvish Songster, Siatas."
Elvish Songster? Ocean Songster? Klein suddenly felt that there was hope for Mr. Hanged Man's potion formula.
Edwina turned halfway around and said to Groselle and Siatas, "They are my companions.
"The strongest adventurer, Gehrman Sparrow; treasure-hunter, Anderson Hood; and renowned sailor, Danitz."
... I always thought Vice Admiral Iceberg was the serious type who never lied... Renowned sailor. Ha, in a certain way, that's true... Klein took off his hat and gave a serious bow. Anderson followed suit in a rather casual and perfunctory manner.
Reeling in his delight that his captain had introduced him as a companion instead of a subordinate, Danitz was slower than the others as he acted in a fluster.
Groselle laughed.
"Come on in. We will be fighting that evil dragon, Ulyssan, at any moment now!"
How warm and amiable... But be it the Churches' canon or the myths of the City of Silver, giants are extremely violent creatures who have a strong desire for destruction... Yes, anything is possible in a book. It all depends on whether the author can make everything flow nicely... Klein nodded slightly as he followed Groselle into the spacious cave.
When Edwina saw this, she approached the trio without showing any signs of abnormal behavior. As though she was leading the way, she whispered, "The history they speak of is a little odd.
"Same for their language. Regardless of the language they speak, all of us can understand it."
-x-X-x-
Everyone can understand each other regardless of the language used? Klein skipped over Edwina's first sentence and focused his attention on the second sentence that didn't seem too problematic.
Although this was the book world created by Groselle's Travels, everything was possible, but there were certain details that still revealed problems.
To Klein, he wasn't too caught up with how that they could understand each other, but the kind of method that resulted in the comprehension.
This world incorporates something akin to the rule of language comprehension, or does it have a conscious residing high above everyone else, helping in the real-time translation work, just like what I do at the Tarot Gatherings? If it were the former, targets who don't understand Jotun will only hear an unfamiliar language, but they would understand the meaning. If it were the latter, it will be them hearing a language they're familiar with... As he knew many ancient and supernatural languages, Klein was unable to figure out the situation immediately. He slowed down his footsteps and walked alongside Danitz. He asked while suppressing his voice, "Can you tell what language Groselle was using when he was speaking?"
Danitz was taken aback for a second. He recalled and said, "It's a language which sounds a little familiar yet unfamiliar, but I was able to understand everything."
The supernatural languages he knew were ancient Hermes, followed by Elvish. He was only a beginner in Jotun.
Yes, it's something like the rule of language comprehension... It's comprehension at the level of the mind... This means that the entire book world's fundamental rules can be different from the outside world. It's a setting that it comes with, but the changes don't seem capable of exceeding certain limits. This point remains suspect and requires verification. After all, I can't eliminate the existence of someone like The Fool, someone who completely interprets the communication via the mind... Edwina is indeed sharp and good at observing. The problem she discovered leads straight to this book world's essence... Amidst his thoughts, Klein unhurriedly entered the huge, dark cave.
As for the history described by the members of the main lead's team, he wasn't the least bit surprised. He even looked forward to hearing the details.
Klein long knew that the various Churches and the Northern Continent's countries had consciously attempted to destroy or conceal information, to hide the true history of the Fourth Epoch, Third Epoch, and even the Second Epoch. What people knew as common knowledge actually differed from the people who used to live in those eras.
This was also one of the reasons why Klein took on the risk to enter the book world!
Inside the spacious and windy cave, a bonfire scattered its light and heat on three humanoid figures.
One of them was a middle-aged man in an extremely spartan white robe. He had wrinkles but didn't appear old. He had his back to the fire as he faced the stone wall with his eyes closed, focused on his prayers. He had short brown hair, and his shoulders, arms, calves, and feet were exposed, revealing all kinds of old scars.
Beside him was a lad using a stone for a pillow. He donned a black, heavy full-body armor. By his hand was an erected black sword that emitted a cold shimmering light. His facial features were rather deep, giving him clear Loen traits.
Sitting opposite the two was a man in his thirties who was dressed strangely. He gave people a sense of unease. He wore a sharp and hard black hat, and his coat's buttons were mismatched. It was messy and chaotic, highly asymmetric and unharmonious.
In addition, the tips of his leather boots curled up high, making him look like a circus clown.
This man had quite a handsome face. He had flaxen-colored hair, deep brown eyes, a high nose, and thin lips. Even though he sat there, he gave off an arrogant feeling.
Edwina pointed at him and said, "Solomon Empire's Viscount Mobet Zoroast, a gentleman who can take away the ideals and dreams of others."
"You don't have to mince your words. Hello there, I'm a Sequence 5 Dream Stealer of the Marauder pathway," Mobet said with a chuckle. He acted nothing like the arrogance he seemed to exude.
A member of the Zoroast family... The angel parasitizing Leonard's body is from this family. Perhaps they know each other? Heh, I now know the name of Sequence 4 and 5 of the Marauder pathway, but I don't even know the corresponding Sequence 6 and 7... Many thoughts flashed through Klein's mind as he maintained his stoic look.
At that moment, Anderson warmly greeted him with a smile and asked as though they were pals, "To be frank, this is the first time I'm hearing of Dream Stealer. I only know of Marauder and Swindler. There are two Sequences in the middle I'm not aware of."
"Are the Beyonders of this pathway already so scarce? Doesn't Edwina know? Sequence 7 Cryptologist and Sequence 6 Fire Bandit. Haha, let me do the introductions." Mobet warmly pointed to the praying man whose back was facing everyone. "The pious ascetic, Snowman. He believes in the Lord that created everything, the omnipotent and omniscient God. Don't mind him. He's completely sealed himself in his beliefs. But in combat, he's a very reliable companion. Eh, Snowman, you should say something at the very least."
Mobet, who didn't receive a response, stroked his chin with a rueful smile.
"This is the treatment I often receive. You might find it hard to imagine that I was an arrogant, reserved, and refined nobleman. But time has changed everything. Heh heh, that happens when your companion is a giant who only knows how to chuckle foolishly and shout slogans..."
When he said this, Groselle, who was sitting on a rock, smiled in a simple and good-natured manner. He raised his hand to scratch the back of his head as his single vertical eye didn't show the ferocity and cruelness that giants were strongly rumored to have.
Mobet shook his head and pointed at the ascetic, Snowman.
"As for him, he might not speak a single word for years or even a decade. Siatas is a very violent woman. As long as there are any emotional stirrings in her, she'll beat me up. Sigh, I'm as afraid of her now as I was infatuated over her back then. Therefore, I can only make conversation and speak to them; otherwise, I'll definitely go mad!
"Thankfully, Frunziar came later. He's quite the conversationalist. Hey, Frunziar, wake up! We have new companions!"
The sleeping black-armored knight slowly woke up as he looked at Klein and company.
Suddenly, there was the sound of metal striking each other as he stood up. Staring at Klein, he said, "Loenese?"
"Yes," Klein nodded frankly. He discovered that this Loen soldier who had gone missing for 165 years didn't look old. He had black hair and sharp, blue eyes. He made one submit to him unknowingly.
Frunziar appeared adrift for a moment as he quickly composed himself.
"Do you know of Backlund's Edward family?"
"Backlund has many Edwards," Klein replied simply.
"The Edward family that lives at 18 Delahire Street in Northwest Borough," Frunziar pressed anxiously.
Klein shook his head.
"Northwest Borough no longer exists."
"Northwest Borough no longer exists..." Frunziar repeated those words as his voice grew softer.
He fell silent for a few seconds before exhaling.
"I've no idea how many years have passed outside, but it should've been quite a while. Edwina told me the actual year, but I don't remember the year I entered... I was sleeping most of the time, and time here seems to be frozen."
Mobet Zoroast chuckled upon hearing that.
"That's because you have bad luck. Back when we were passing through cities and villages, everything was perfect."
He looked at Klein, Anderson, and Danitz.
"Back then, we lived in places with humans, with intelligent races. We got married again and again, seeing our wives turn old, grow weak, and die. Heh, before a new member joins, we would forget our goals. We would lead ordinary but happy and relaxed lives for decades or centuries. The only con is that we aren't able to bear our own children.
"Later, Frunziar came. We entered this region blanketed by ice and snow. We hunted many monsters, but gradually, we began to fall into a slumber. We were seldom awake until we met Edwina."
This means that time in the book world flows normally. The story's progress is maintained by a certain power that influences the main lead's party. Before new members join and before the book's pages flip, they'll stop and stay at a certain node, doing other things... This is similar to the inter-translation of languages at the mind level...
Conversely, does this also mean that towns and villages in the book world also develop normally? Yes, I have to quickly find King of the North Ulyssan; otherwise, with the passage of time, we might also experience that influence and fall into a slumber or forget the main quest. We'll stay here for a long period of time until a new member is swallowed into the book and finds us... Klein fell silent for a few seconds. Just as he was about to say something, Edwina said, "There's no need to worry about that problem.
"We will soon encounter the King of the North."
"Why?" Anderson and Mobet asked in unison.
Edwina surveyed the area and said, "Before I entered, the stuck pages in the book only had a few more pages.
"And now, with you entering and finding the camp, there definitely can't be many pages left. The story is about to come to an end."
Mobet nodded indiscernibly in agreement with Edwina's judgment. Anderson softly mumbled terms such as "stuck."
Edwina then introduced Klein, Anderson, and Danitz as she made an example of herself and sat down beside the bonfire.
Klein took off his hat and held it with his cane. He slowly sat down and looked at Mobet Zoroast who was inclined to chat.
"Have you heard of the Tudor Empire and the Trunsoest Empire?"
He didn't beat around the bush and asked directly. That was Gehrman Sparrow's persona.
"No." Mobet shook his head. "Edwina has already asked me. Heh, in my era, the Tudors and Trunsoests were just like my Zoroast family. We're aristocratic families of the Solomon Empire and were loyal subjects of the Black Emperor."
So the Trunsoest and Tudor families were traitors of the Solomon Empire... Klein thought and said, "Apart from you, what other aristocratic families did the Solomon Empire have?"
"Many." Mobet smiled as he looked at Frunziar. "Augustus, Abraham, Zaratul, etc. In my era, the Church of the Evernight Goddess's archenemies were the Church of the God of Combat and the Southern Continent's Eggers family. The Churches of the Lord of Storms, Eternal Blazing Sun, and the God of Knowledge and Wisdom were all at odds with each other, all of them hoping to gain the support of the Solomon Empire."
He paused for two seconds as his expression gradually turned solemn.
"Back then, deities walked the land, and not in the astral world."
-x-X-x-
Deities walked the land, and not in the astral world... In the early Fourth Epoch, during the era of the Solomon Empire, there was no distinguishing between the worlds of myth and reality. Deities directly walked the land without the need for a descent?
This is somewhat similar to the Second Epoch as written in the City of Silver's books. The Giant King's Court and other locations are separated by a door in the real world. They just needed to pass through it and return the same way. Mortals and deities mixed together in the chaos and darkness... Also, the astral world really does correspond to deities... After hearing Viscount Mobet Zoroast's description, Klein instantly began connecting the dots.
He subconsciously swept a glance at Groselle, as this giant was very likely someone who had experienced the history of the Second Epoch!
Groselle picked up a cup larger than a wooden bucket and gulped down some melted snow as he laughed.
"Mobet, what's there to be surprised about? Why are you so solemn?"
"I've no idea why I became so solemn either." Bit by bit, Mobet Zoroast revealed a smile. "Haha, it might be something very normal for us, but in their eyes, it's terrifying and unbelievable. I have to use a suitable expression to describe it in order to achieve a satisfactory result. Do you still remember Frunziar's expression when we told him those stories in the very beginning? He almost knelt down to seek forgiveness from the Lord of Storms."
"..." Klein, Danitz, and company were momentarily unsure of the expression of words they should use to respond.
Anderson leaned over to Gehrman Sparrow and said with a suppressed voice, "I think he has the talent to be a Provoker."
He appeared to be suppressing his voice, but his words could be heard by everyone present.
Mobet didn't mind as he chuckled before continuing, "I know that you aren't very convinced and find it unbelievable that deities walked the lands, just like Edwina's previous reactions. Heh heh, I can give you two examples. The Chasm of Storm on Pasu Island and the Tenebrous Heaven in the Amantha mountain range were the divine kingdoms of the Lord of Storms and Evernight. They were divine kingdoms located on land. They were divine kingdoms separated from the real world by a mere illusory door!
Pasu Island? Isn't that where the holy altar of the Church of Storms is? The Amantha mountain range... Amantha means serenity in Hermes; this refers to a holy cathedral, the Cathedral of Serenity? When the deities no longer walked the land, "Their" kingdoms became the headquarters of their respective churches? Klein instinctively believed that Mobet Zoroast wasn't lying as he used it to come to certain conclusions.
Danitz was puzzled and horrified by what he heard. He subconsciously wanted to leave, but when he saw his captain listening attentively, Gehrman Sparrow who was in thought, and Anderson Hood who wore a look of interest on his face, he could only hold back his urge as he sought a better, more comfortable seating position.
At that moment, the Elvish Songster Siatas, who was in charge of the perimeter, walked in and said with contempt, "Do not mention that fake god. The authority of the storm only belongs to the king of us elves!"
Her voice was clear and beautiful, but her tone was filled with anger and irascibility. It felt as though she would raise her hands at any moment to shoot an arrow at Mobet Zoroast.
"Alright, I will use the words 'fake god,'" Mobet raised his hand to adjust his sharp and hard black hat.
Siatas retracted her gaze. She then said to the former Loen soldier, Frunziar Edward, who wasn't a staunch believer of the Lord of Storms, "It's your turn!"
Frunziar raised his head a little; his expression in a trance-like state.
Apparently, he hadn't noticed the conversation and argument from before. He drew the iron-black sword beside him and walked towards the cave entrance.
Klein observed for a moment and took the opportunity to speak to the elf, Siatas.
"Do you know of Queen of Calamity, Cohinem?"
He wasn't actually sure if Cohinem was Elf King Soniathrym's subsidiary god, Queen of Calamity. His inquiry was for Elvish Songster Siatas to give him the answer.
Siatas's gentle and exquisite face immediately produced a trance-like expression like Frunziar's.
"I haven't heard 'Her' name in a long time. 'She' is the queen of us elves.
"Mobet and Frunziar didn't even know of 'Her' existence...
"Where did you encounter 'Her,' no—learn of 'Her' situation?" @@novelbin@@
As she spoke, Siatas's tone became urgent.
At that moment, Danitz looked at Gehrman Sparrow in surprise, reflecting over the revelation that the madman was so knowledgeable. He was even able to share a common topic of interest with an elf from ancient times.
"I never expected you to be a scholar... I really couldn't tell. Couldn't tell at all..." Anderson sighed as he shook his head.
Vice Admiral Iceberg Edwina likewise cast her gaze at Klein. Her limpid blue eyes had a strong desire to learn from him.
Klein answered frankly, "I've once entered a ruin belonging to Queen of Calamity Cohinem and obtained some items."
"Ruin?" Siatas ruminated over that word in a soft voice, her tone having seemingly lost something unimportant, but something that she couldn't bear to part with.
"From the situation inside, 'She' might not be truly dead." After seeing Siatas's eyes light up, Klein went straight to the point. "Do you have the Ocean Songster's potion formula? Can I use something to exchange for it?"
He felt that being honest and direct with a Beyonder from the Storm pathway was the best choice.
Siatas thought and said, "Use one of Her Majesty's items for the exchange."
"I only obtained a wine cup made of gold. It's already been crushed flat. Complicated patterns are engraved on it, with the Elvish phrases Calamity and Cohinem." Klein didn't hide the truth.
"I know about that cup. It was the cup Her Majesty loved the most," Siatas said, unable to hide her excitement. "Deal!"
"The cup is outside." Klein had no intention of heading above the gray fog in front of everyone.
Siatas nodded.
"I understand.
"We will complete the transaction after we leave this book."
Having said that, she pressed her palms together.
"The Storm will definitely belong to the elves!"
Before anyone spoke, she asked curiously, "What else did you discover there?"
"Some murals depicting the Elf King battling an ancient sun god." Klein shot a glance at the ascetic, Snowman, who believed in the Lord that created everything, the omnipotent and omniscient God.
With his back still facing the fire, the middle-aged man who was facing the stone wall finally opened his mouth.
"No, 'He' isn't the Sun God.
"'He' is our Lord, the father of all things, the great source of everything.
"'He' wasn't battling the Elf King, but taking back the authority which belonged to him.
Just as Snowman said that, Siatas stood up and aimed her arrow at him.
Suddenly, this Elvish Songster's plaited black hair flared up in violation of the laws of nature. The strands of hair were distinct and they were all swirling with silver lightning, emitting a strange deep blue luster.
Just as Siatas was about to release the arrow, a huge grayish-blue palm appeared before her, blocking the arrow tip, without any fear of being struck.
It was the palm of the giant, Groselle. One of the traits of this race was its exaggerated limbs. They were so long that they appeared a little distorted. Therefore, simply by sitting there, he could stop Siatas by extending his arm.
"Alright, Snowman, cut it out. As you know, Siatas is an elf who likes to put actions before words," Groselle said to the ascetic before turning his head to the Elvish Songster. "Siatas, we are companions who can leave our backs to each other. We have experienced plenty of dangers together. You can retort Snowman and even beat him up, but do not attempt to harm him."
As expected of the lead of the book. He's filled with positivity... But what's the difference in beating him and harming him? Klein couldn't help but mumble.
Siatas grunted and sat back down, turning the mood heavy and silent with a level of awkwardness.
Giant Groselle used his single vertical eye to survey the area before chuckling.
"Then, I'll talk about my past.
"Before entering this book, I lived in the Giant King's Court. I was one of the guardians of the Waning Forest. It's somewhere only our king can enter. Rumor has it that buried inside it are 'His' parents, who also form the origins of us giants."
The Giant King's Court is formed of many parts, and the Waning Forest is one of them? Buried in there is the most ancient ancestor of the giants? Klein listened attentively, only wishing to ask more.
To him, this was more valuable than the Fourth Epoch's history. This was because the City of Silver's hope likely laid in the Giant King's Court.
However, before he opened his mouth, Edwina spoke before him.
"Groselle, what did the book look like when you received it?"
Groselle raised his hand to rub his cheeks.
"It had nothing, like an empty book waiting to be written."
I even thought that Groselle might be a completely fictional character in the book... Klein deliberated for a few seconds and didn't directly ask about the details of the Giant King's Court. He turned to say to Mobet Zoroast, "Do you know of Blasphemer Amon?"
"Blasphemer refers to the entire family of Amon. They are the archenemies of us Zoroasts. It's said that they have a very powerful and terrifying ancestor that even Ouroboros and Medici viewed with great importance. They even feel fear towards 'Him,' but no one knows of 'His' actual name," Mobet introduced in detail.
Ouroboros, Medici? Yes, back then the True Creator and Rose Redemption supported the Solomon Empire... Klein's heart stirred as he immediately asked, "Then, have you heard of the name Sasrir?"
Mobet was taken aback as he slowly shook his head.
"Never."
Dark Angel Sasrir's name and title vanished after the Cataclysm? It was buried? Klein confirmed a fact through this.
At that moment, Snowman, who was facing the stone wall, said with a deep voice, "Sasrir is the Dark Angel, the leader of the Kings of Angels, the one closest to the Lord."
I was waiting for your answer... Klein cast his gaze on the ascetic and asked in a deep voice, "Apart from 'Him,' Ouroboros, Medici, and Amon, what other Kings of Angels are there? You don't have to say out all 'Their' names."
Klein was afraid that it would result in unnecessary reactions, just like the "repenter" in Afternoon Town.
Edwina, Anderson, and Danitz were at a loss from the very beginning. This was because the contents of the conversation between Gehrman Sparrow and the few ancient figures were things that they had never heard of. They found it unbelievable that this crazy adventurer knew so many secrets!
After a few seconds of silence, Snowman said, "There's also the Angel of Imagination, Adam..."
Just as he said the name, the entire cave shook. The familiar and crazy tyrannical aura rapidly descended!
King of the North Ulyssan had arrived!