Chapter 258 - Infinite Mage

Zion is one of the few humans to have reached the first level of depth in Shirone's mind. Though he had already learned much through his own experiences, there might come a time when such knowledge proves useful. "What you see, hear, and experience must not be revealed. If you recall anything, I will damage your brain. Should you attempt anything, I will destroy your limbs." Zion realized from Woo Rin's chilly tone that it reminded him eerily of his mother's cold voice. The Wheel of Causality (6) Instinctively, the thought that he needed to escape this place came to him. To activate the Golden Armor, he must hold a sword. However, Armand's hilt seemed too far away. 'Controlled Command...!' Armand responded to Zion's mental wave, slipping out of its sheath with a sound like flowing water. But before it reached Zion's hand, Woo Rin snatched the hilt with her left hand. Zion glared venomously at Woo Rin. She was no longer the sister he knew. Not only because she had grasped the hilt without even looking for it, but also due to the incomprehensible strength with which she held Armand, even in its controlled command state. Woo Rin slowly moved the arm holding Armand in reverse grip. Zion issued another command, but Armand only vibrated, unable to break free. As the blade neared his throat, the vibrating sound grew clearer. His sister's wrist, seen outside her sleeve, was slender like a typical young girl's. He had never heard of her learning swordsmanship. 'How can she be this strong?' Woo Rin's face remained calm, without a hint of exertion. In her mind, however, a powerful force of will was at play. In Heaven, it was known as Incarnation Technique. In this world, swordsmen referred to such phenomena as Divine Transcendence. Woo Rin slowly moved the sword towards Zion's neck. Even Divine Transcendence loses its effectiveness if not supported by the body, but Zion's fragile mental strength wasn't a concern. "You do not deserve to be the master of this sword." As Armand moved against his will, Zion felt his consciousness blur. Finally, the blade touched his neck. The vibrations intensified, slicing his skin. "Release the contract. Otherwise, your head will be severed." Where the blade touched felt as cold as flowing ice. Then, as if ignited, it grew intensely hot, causing him to shout involuntarily. "I-I release the contract!" As Zion's cry rang out, Armand's vibrations halted. Only then did Woo Rin release his neck and return Armand to its sheath. "This sword is too precious for you. I will ensure it serves a good purpose." Zion, slumped against the wall, rubbed his neck where her hand had left marks. "Who are you... really?" "You would do well to heed my words, mortal being." Leaving those words behind, Woo Rin exited the prison. Though the door was open, Zion could not move. Only after she disappeared did the reality dawn on him. He could do nothing. Until she decided to release him, he would remain forever rotting in the underground cell. Overcome with immense despair, he began to cry. Then, slowly collapsing sideways, he buried his head in a corner and started shivering violently. *** Woo Rin placed Armand back in its sheath and departed the underground prison. The combat-ready silver sheath was preordered from a skilled craftsman. While gold was the stylish choice, it was excluded for lacking practicality. "I hope it suits you." As she exited the castle gates, any trace of Theraze vanished from Woo Rin's face. Returning to her spirited 14-year-old self, she beamed and ran towards the carriage. "Shirone, brother!" Shirone, who was loading luggage onto the carriage, turned his head. Woo Rin was approaching, waving her hand. Suddenly, a nerve in his mind was triggered, only to pass through an oddly empty space. After blinking a few times, he wore a relieved smile. Although he was cutting ties with Orkamp sharply, he wished to meet her again at least once. He had heard that Theraze's direct escort had taken him unconscious. It was evident that Woo Rin had used her power to help. Moreover, had it not been for her aid, he might not have dodged Xenoger's deadly strike and would already be dead. "Are you leaving now?" "Yes. Thank you for everything. I wasn't sure if I could leave without saying goodbye, and it was bothering me." "Hehe, between us, what's a farewell for? But we will see each other again, won't we?" Shirone awkwardly scratched his eyebrow. Though he had been in a critical condition just moments ago, fortunately, his mind remained largely intact. Continuing his life as a mage meant Woo Rin was an inevitable part of his future. However, having just gained the freedom he yearned for, he hoped not to become entangled with her again. "Are you still upset with me?" "Not at all. It's just, we're so different." Woo Rin offered a bittersweet smile. Anyone might feel the same after such events at the royal castle. But hearing those words from the person she had marked as her future partner stung. "Still... you think of me as a friend, right?" "Of course. In fact, you're my lifesaver. You saved my life." "Then that's enough. Don't worry. I won't bother you again." Shirone understood the futility of words. Woo Rin had, after all, taught him that too. Yet, he couldn't help but be grateful for her consideration. "Right, you take care too." "Oh, and this..." Woo Rin handed him the sword she had been carrying at her waist. It was unmistakably Armand. Though puzzled by the gesture, Woo Rin explained. "I'm giving it to you as a gift. Zion, brother, won't be out of prison for a very long time." Through Reina, he learned that Zion was still alive. Though not knowing all the details, he had been imprisoned by Empress Theraze herself for tarnishing the family's honor. When he had seen it in Zion's gallery, Armand emanated a captivating aura. Yet Shirone hesitated to accept it. He hoped never to be indebted to royalty again. Amy understood the sentiment well. Just hearing words like Theraze, or even Khazra, brought on a headache. However, this wasn't just any item—it was an S-class object. It would be foolish to refuse such a gift. "Shirone, rejecting a gift is also considered impolite." When Shirone looked back with half-closed eyes, Amy stuck out her tongue and took a step back. Woo Rin, as if to alleviate his worries, pressed the sword towards Shirone's chest. "You can accept it. It’s a token of appreciation on behalf of the Kingdom of Khazra. You went through a lot because of the palace's situation. Please don't see it as a debt." Woo Rin was sincere this time. It wasn’t a debt. She saw it as a kind of dowry. With such insistence, it was hard not to be tempted. However, what still troubled him was that it was such an extravagant gift. An S-class object was something even royalty found difficult to possess. Moreover, Armand wasn't merely ornamental but specialized for combat. Even if put up for auction, it was hard to grasp its market value. "I'm not sure if I should take it. After all, I’m not a swordsman. Wouldn't it be better for it to go to someone who needs it more?" "Hehe, you still don't know Armand’s true value. Try making a contract first. If you don't like it, you can always cancel it." Finally, Shirone accepted Armand. However, as it was his first time encountering a contract-bound object, he wasn't sure how to initiate the contract. "So how do I... do this?" "Grab the magic sword with both hands, hold it upright, and say: 'I, the great mage Shirone, command Armand to obey my will.'" Shirone looked at Woo Rin incredulously. She smiled awkwardly and added, "Just say this." Shirone drew Armand and spoke the words. As the gem shone, a majestic vibration passed into his palm. "Is the contract made? I don't feel anything." He had heard that the sword shares consciousness with its user. However, Shirone felt no significant difference from earlier. "It’s because you haven't activated Armand yet. Controlled command relies on copying the user's brain with the Golden Armor. Try saying 'Golden Armor.'" Having witnessed the Golden Armor state, Amy swallowed hard. The sight of the blade disassembling to envelop the user was impressive, as was the immediate transformation of Zion, who barely handled a sword, into a warrior. "Golden Armor." Armand’s blade opened into a sinister framework, engulfing Shirone from head to toe. While Zion had transformed instantly, it took some time for a first-time user. The metallic framework adhered to his muscles in a spiral. As the framework completed, a delicate pin extended into Shirone's central nervous system. "Gasp!" -Scanning the brain of a new user. Analysis. Specialization in mental activities. Activation of linguistic cognitive abilities. A grand voice, as if echoing through a golden crown, resonated in Shirone's mind. Following that, from the framework tightly binding Shirone, a rich organics oozed out. Amy, who was watching, realized that Armand was transforming into robes rather than armor. Stepwise gauntlets made of light bone material donned both his wrists, and organics that turned into a hood covered his face. Finally, a cape unfurled like flowing water. -Neural network activated. Detection of concentration points. Beta wave relaxation. Theta wave maximization. Exploring time-division sections. Usable. Suggestion of materialization. Approved. Exobrain generation. Conceptual search. Outer외. A sensation pressed on the leather of the right gauntlet. Looking at his palm, Shirone saw a rounded, dome-shaped glass embedded there. From it, light radiated, gathering vitreous material in the air. A completed amethyst orb spun quickly around Shirone. It was a 'crystal ball,' another brain specialized for his time-division abilities. "Wow..." Everyone watching Shirone was wide-eyed. With the hood, Shirone looked like a professional mage. The organic material forming his robes took on a desert hue, lacking in splendor but appearing all the more formidable for it. Unaware of how his appearance had changed, Shirone was simply amazed by the internal transformation. While his physical abilities had increased, his mind felt refreshingly clear. It was at least twice as invigorating as his best condition. Most importantly, he was delighted by the magical apparatus. With an identical brain replicated, the slot count remained singular, but the speed of time division could be enhanced significantly. Moreover, when using passive magic, it equaled a double spirit zone. "This is truly incredible..." Woo Rin observed with a satisfied smile, nodding. "Armand optimizes the user's strengths by compensating for weaknesses. Now deactivate the Golden Armor and try a controlled command." With Shirone's thought of deactivation, the Golden Armor dissolved. Armand, now a sleek sword once more, flew across the air in accordance with Shirone’s thoughts. Having already unified their consciousness through the Golden Armor, this shared awareness felt seamless. Armand cruised low before landing in its sheath on the ground. Then, it flew to Shirone’s side, anchoring like a belt, orchestrated to ensure not even a hint of weight burdened the mage's body. "Thank you. But it still feels like too much. An S-class object like this..." "Oh, you really can't be persuaded, can you? Though I suppose that’s part of your charm." Woo Rin prodded gently, but Shirone seemed oblivious to any underlying meaning. Is it still too soon? But perhaps one day... With these thoughts, she relieved him of any burden by grasping his arm. "It’s alright. Objects like these must find the right master to be effective. Take good care of it from now on. See you next time." Leaving those words, Woo Rin turned away, stepping into the distance. She knew that given Shirone's nature, unless someone turned away decisively, he might linger endlessly without departing. In the end, Shirone expressed his gratitude to Woo Rin for her considerate farewell and boarded the carriage. As the horses neighed and started off, Shirone and his companions cheered in joy. Returning home felt like a dream. At first, there was much noise and excitement. The group reveled in gossip about the Khazra nobles and speculated about various mysteries. After an hour or so, as the carriage, fashioned to resemble a home away from home, was engulfed in a peaceful quiet. The Wheel of Causality (7) Still recovering from the emotional upheaval, Shirone lay down on the bed and fell asleep. Across from him, Vincent and Olina were seated, while Amy sat on the floor, gazing out at the passing scenery through the window. Reina, lost in her thoughts, eventually spoke with a sense of relief. "Phew, those were truly the longest four days." Amy, who had been enjoying the fresh breeze, turned around. "Indeed. But it was truly shocking to learn that Orkamp wasn’t his real parent." Vincent shook his head, recalling the events. "I was just as surprised. When my wife entered the Grand Hall, I thought we’d certainly be buried here." Reina looked towards Olina. "So what will you do? Are you going to tell Shirone the truth?" "I’ve thought about it, and I believe it’s best not to tell him. He’s bound to find out eventually anyway." Amy queried. "Why not? Especially after receiving the official message that Queen Eliza isn't his real mother. Shirone needs to be told clearly that such a woman is not his real mother." "When Shirone walked into the Grand Hall, I saw the look in his eyes. Perhaps he already knew that they weren’t his real parents." Reina agreed with her. "Yes, he’s bright and perceptive. Shirone once mentioned that aside from you two, no other parents existed for him. Wasn’t that hinting at the possibility of other real parents coming into the picture?" In retrospect, it all seemed to align too well. Initially, it sounded like something said in betrayal. But Shirone wasn't the type to throw such petulance thoughtlessly. "He’s such a good child. Though he was bold in front of the queen, he's truly an extraordinary son. I feel ashamed to meet him, having dragged him into such a mess." Reina offered words of comfort. "Don’t think that way. It was inevitable. The time and region aligned with where they abandoned their child, and at that time, he was the only child abandoned." "Wait!" Amy suddenly seemed to realize something and raised her hand. The maid who abandoned the child claimed to have left him at a stable in the Valley of Dawn. That's why Shirone was a prime candidate invited to the palace. But the outcome defied those expectations, proving he wasn't their kin. "Then who is Shirone, really?" Understanding the weight of the question, everyone fell silent. If he wasn't the child of Orkamp, then whose abandoned child was Shirone? Vincent recalled that fateful day vividly. As he slept, a baby's cries woke him up, drawing him to the stable. Yet he found no sign of anyone having been there. What truly transpired that night? Why couldn't they locate Orkamp’s actual child? And what realization led Shirone to speak those words to Orkamp? While the answers remained buried deep within him, Shirone continued to sleep peacefully. *** Armin arrived in the town of Toshka, having heard of Shirone’s wellbeing on his way back. However, his own concerns remained. Rumors connecting him to a Black Line mage would prompt scrutiny from his superiors. 'It should be fine. I’ve made sure to explain clearly.' He had assured Amy of his reasons for wearing the mask; she would keep her promise. Even if she didn't, it couldn't be helped. Trust forms the basis of all things. With his heart at ease, Armin looked up at the house enveloped by a temporal field. It was eerily quiet. Sighing, Armin cast the Flicker spell, and the room’s scenery welcomed him. As he arrived at the spot where he had originally cast his Stop spell, the flow of time returned, shattering a vase into pieces. Keira glared at Armin, her attention caught by the falling vase, unable to verify how much he'd shifted during the spell. "How many days... has it been?" "I'm not sure. About four days..." Keira bit her lip, suppressing her frustration. "So you went, after all? Even though I tried to stop you?" "What are you talking about?" "Don’t bother lying! Otherwise, why put up a time field?" Armin lied smoothly. "I was just angry and needed time to think." Keira scoffed. Who would ever believe such a tale? Yet the reason her anger was boiling over was the lack of a way to prove otherwise. His brazen lies indicated he'd left no traceable evidence, ensuring he still held control over the situation. "Alright, fine. I'll speak to the higher-ups for you. But for now, report to me." "As I said, I didn’t go anywhere." Keira gritted her teeth. Armin, known for his stubbornness since joining the organization, would never speak if he chose to remain silent. At that moment, a small bird, glowing red, phased through the wall—a Tele-Bird sent from their superiors. The level of Photokinesis involved was impressive, and relaying information over 78,000 kilometers required an expert mage specialized in information magic. The red glow signaled a Level 1 crisis situation.