437 - Regressor of the Fallen Family

Chapter 437 ".....I merely wish for the Mage Tower to be erected in the light, allowing us to operate openly." Though it seemed like a plausible statement at first, Logan immediately frowned. If the goal of the Kassel Mage Tower, led by an archmage, was merely to emerge into the public eye, why would they provoke the Empire and the Holy Kingdom? Despite any old grudges with the Imperial family, establishing a Mage Tower should have been a manageable task. "......It seems you have no intention of having a proper conversation." Logan still remembered the chaos wrought by Emperor Barros in his past life. After witnessing Gibric Kassel's memories, he discovered the magic circle of the Kassel Mage Tower required numerous sacrifices. This indicated that the Mage Tower likely backed Emperor Barros in his previous life. There must have been a purpose, likely repeating either Gibric Kassel's actions or something equally dire. ‘Whatever the case, it’s the worst scenario, but there could be a different motive now.’ This tentative question aimed at probing revealed an unexpectedly unenthusiastic response. Yet the old man, the tower master of Kassel, maintained a surprisingly calm demeanor. "On the run, wanted by the continent's two main powers, could there be a more challenging goal for us?" "Hmm, if you hadn't caused such trouble in the first place, you wouldn't be on the wanted list." "Heh heh, that’s where Your Highness is mistaken." What? "The Imperial family and the Holy Kingdom have been antagonistic towards our Mage Tower since the beginning. Even if we had stayed still, they would have attacked us regardless." Considering the Imperial family descended from the ancient archmage Taron Areth, Gibrick Kassel, and the secret history of the Nine Gods, those unaware might tilt their heads in confusion at this statement, but Logan understood immediately. Of course, he couldn't show it. "......What do you mean by that?" "......It’s a tale classified as ancient secret history. If I were to tell you, would you consider an alliance?" The tower master's sly manner was irksome. Should he pretend to listen to a tale he already knew? No way. "......I read in a 'book' that the Magic Saint, Gibrick Kassel, was fatally wounded in an attack by the apostles of the Nine Gods. Seems that was true. Then, was the imperial family part of the faction that was subjugated?" Only part of the truth was mentioned, concealing its full meaning. The tower master's eyes sparkled once again at those words. "Heh heh, so such a book does exist. But let me correct one fact, Your Highness." With these words, a dark crimson energy emanated from the tower master, like a shimmering heatwave. "The false gods' apostles were defeated by ‘Him’ back then. Their gods' power was so diminished they couldn’t invoke apostles for centuries. Yet, even so, they delivered oracles to hunt down ‘His’ followers. That’s how much they feared ‘Him’.” The tower master’s tone emphasized the word "Him" to the point of madness. False gods. They. Him. How Kassel Mage Tower regarded the Nine Gods and Gibrick Kassel was fully revealed in his words. It was akin to…… ‘......Faith.’ Logan spotted an unexpected gap in the Tower Master's narrative and faintly smiled. "Hmm, I’ve read about the identities of the Nine Gods in 'books', but it’s hard to believe. That they are deities from other races....... And even if that were true, why would they fear someone who is already dead?" A casual bait. The tower master’s face turned red at this for an instant. But soon after meeting Logan's gaze, he paused momentarily, then with a nonchalant expression, retracted the surging energy. “Heh heh, I’ve certainly talked too much. But let me reiterate one thing, Your Highness.” He regained his smile and his voice calmed. "He is 'immortal'. And his words are true as well. You would do well to keep what’s written in that book in mind." Apart from the greed for non-existent books reflected in his gleaming eyes, he seemed unchanged from before. Yet, for Logan, even this fleeting change provided numerous clues. ‘I thought perhaps time might have changed them over millennia……’ As the ancient Sword God feared, the Kassel Mage Tower seemed to have never abandoned its intent to resurrect their progenitor. If so, could it be that his cooperation now stems from knowing he is of their bloodline? To use him as a sacrificial offering for that wretched ancestor’s resurrection, just like the ancestor's soul desired? The mere thought of it made Logan want to draw a blade against his counterpart. Suppressing the urge, he forced a smile to control his facial muscles from stiffening. “Well, it all seems rather sudden to me. Our conversation seems to have veered off course, Tower Master.” "Hmm....... Well, if you don’t find it credible, won’t you hand over that useless book to us first? Heh heh." Logan tried to redirect the conversation flow, but the tower master’s obsession with the book was deeper than anticipated, and the discussion circled back. Perhaps I shouldn’t have fabricated such a tale. Feeling his lack of talent for improvisation, Logan heaved a sigh internally. “Why do you desire the book so much? Even if it’s an heirloom of the progenitor, its contents shouldn’t differ much from what you already know……” “Regrettably, due to the meddling of the gods, many traditions were severed. His true achievements as the true savior of humanity have been erased, leaving only the false gods in power, thus we have few records preserved.” The tower master sighed and continued with a fervent tone. "In truth, aside from the identities of the Nine Gods and the dignity of Him, there are hardly any records left. So few records of someone who fought for humanity till the gray in his eyes turned red!” ‘Huh?’ Gray eyes and black hair……? In the midst of the Tower Master's fervent speech, something clicked for Logan, and he suddenly lit up with realization. In Gibric Kassel's memories, he was typically depicted with red eyes and red hair, fitting the image of a forebearer. However, during combat, he would envelop himself in a dark gray magic aura, wielding terrifying power. Yet... ‘Do they have it backwards? Or has the record been altered altogether?’ This musing led to a single hypothesis. ‘Could it be they don’t know about my connection to Gibric?’ If that was the case, they likely didn’t know about the power of aspiration either. The Kassel Mage Tower might be less informed than he initially thought. Logan was quietly pleased with this unexpected development but then grew puzzled. ‘But if that’s true...’ Then why on earth...? "Why did you approach me?" he found himself blurting out, startled by his unwitting admission. "Why...? But Your Highness, it was you who invited me." "Ah, apologies, but the enmity with Kassel Tower began before I even acquired those relics." "Ah... indeed, you're correct, heh heh." It was a masterful piece of improvisation. Logan silently praised himself until... “...A sign of prophecy appeared in MacLaine.” The Tower Master dropped another meaningful remark. “Prophecy?” “Yes. A prophecy left by Him. That the age of the gods' departure would come.” The age of gods' departure? "Soon, the false gods will steadily lose their power. Just recently, children born in MacLaine who are immune to divine power have been evidence of this. And that is merely a prelude to the arrival of heroes such as Your Highness, as He foretold." …He’s concealing something. Logan shot a narrow-eyed stare at the Tower Master, who only offered a sly smile despite the wealth of information he had unknowingly shared. ‘Could they be referring to a time regressor when they say a hero? No, that doesn’t seem right.’ With time, Logan was beginning to grasp the essence of what he faced. The power of the soul, inherently superior to aura or mana, and this higher power akin to the soul’s energy. The records of the Sword God, the gods’ will to destroy him, and the power source of the divine, made evident through Viktor's brand, further confirmed one thing: gods wield a force similar to the power of aspiration. Precisely, similar to the power derived from countless souls—the myriad aspirations that align, yet distinctly different in nature. ‘The histories I bent unintentionally distorted the gods’ will residing in different dimensions.’ It explained why the children born as a result of his altered history were unaffected by this divine intent, or why the gods were so eager to end him. Yet, regression through the power of aspiration remained an enigma. And Gibric Kassel’s soul couldn’t endure the power of aspiration and vanished, even if it was merely a part of him. That someone like him would foretell the transition into a “time of the gods’ departure” in metaphorical terms seemed nonsensical. ‘Could it truly be?’ Just how much did Gibric Kassel, or rather the Kassel Mage Tower, truly know? And how ignorant could they be? Overwhelmed by this ever-growing mystery, Logan found himself facing the mischievous grin of the one behind it all. "There's no need for complicated thoughts. We merely want to keep an eye on the hero who will lead the new era devoid of gods, as the prophecy foretold, waiting for that day to materialize." Wait. ‘They likely want to hasten it actively.’ Logan heard the insidious voice and decided on a method to confirm at least one suspicion. "To form an alliance, shouldn’t we first assess each other’s prowess?" "Did you ever wonder why the Western border was breached recently? It wasn’t due to the pitiful armies of the Western Ten Kingdoms…" Srring. The leisurely flow of the Tower Master's words was abruptly cut off as Logan drew his sword from his hip. "...What is the meaning of this, Your Highness?" The faintly sparkling brown eyes met Logan’s sly grin. "I suggested we verify our skills, didn’t I? I’m more curious about the individual prowess of the Tower Master than the strength of the organization. Not too long ago, I had a bitter encounter with another archmage..." "...I thought someone of your ambition could forego prideful instincts for a grand affair." "Please think of it as part of the grand process." "Isn’t this a trap to capture me?" "Of course not." Despite the Tower Master’s stern countenance, Logan responded with a smile as he drew upon his manifested spiritual energy. Simultaneously... [No need to concern over disturbances at the training grounds for a while!!] The perfect mastery of spiritual waves resonated throughout the inner circle, reaching all allies, even the archmage before him. "…Impressive. Do Aura Masters wield spirit like this? Heh heh." Are archmages different? ‘Well, that’s something we can find out now.’ After tilting his head momentarily, Logan flashed a confident smile as he pointed his sword at the Tower Master. "How about this, is it sufficient?" "…Heh heh. Let’s have a little spar then." With that, shadows of black and gold interwove fiercely, marking the start of a lively confrontation.