CHAPTER 782

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***

The Garden of Swords.

There was a large explosion at the Tower of Stories, presumed to be caused by a battle. Additionally, after the explosion, the sky near the Tower of Stories darkened as if night had fallen.

That was all the information reported by the informants about the incident that occurred in the Lutero Magic Federation three days ago. There was no explanation about who exactly had engaged in the battle.

Naturally, Zipfel had thoroughly concealed the incident. If the infiltrating spies had not discovered it, Runcandel would remain unaware of the explosion that occurred at the Tower of Stories.

"Inform the Federation spies to withdraw immediately. Veradin possesses abilities similar to record magic, so if a significant event occurred, he will surely thoroughly investigate the surroundings."

"Yes, fortunately, the spies have already begun their withdrawal in anticipation of that. They're agile friends, so they won't be caught."

"That's good to hear. Head butler, make sure to reward the spies generously upon their return."

[Understood.]

"A battle, huh? Lord young patriarch. Since Kadun has been causing disturbances frequently, there might be some connection, don't you think?"

"It seems likely to be an internal issue, elder brother Haytona. The only forces capable of attacking the Tower of Stories are us and Kinzelo, and there have been no suspicious movements from Kinzelo's side."

[We cannot exclude the possibility that Veradin Zipfel, who became the new young patriarch, and Fire Dragon Kadun had a conflict.]

"That could be true. However, the Tower of Stories is like the heart of Zipfel. It's quite strange that a battle occurred there. If our spies, who were considerably far from the Tower of Stories, were able to observe it, then it must have been a large-scale battle."

After the explosion, the sky near the tower darkened as if it were night...

Jin was paying attention to that particular passage.

'As it was a battle that took place at the Magic Tower, it's entirely possible that various powerful magic spells overlapping could darken the sky. Assuming the use of Demon's God's Orb, its peculiar chaos alone could easily make the sky dark.'

However, Jin had a strange unease that suggested something more.

-Runcandel still didn't know exactly how Zipfel was manipulating history.

Jin only knew that manipulation occurred after Zipfel's mages were gathered in large numbers at the Tower of Stories.

This information was confirmed at the third tomb in Temar.

'The Tower of Stories is considered a key space for history manipulation according to the records seen on Solderet's device... and it's Zipfel's domain. Moreover, Kadun is a being that would never betray Zipfel. Even if he really had a conflict with Veradin, there would be no reason to choose that place as a battlefield.'

Zipfel would already be troubled by the fact that the power of history manipulation had weakened recently. There was no reason to create a situation where the Tower of Stories could have problems.

Above all, the Tower of Stories was Zipfel's strongest fortress. It was an area believed to be even more difficult to conquer than Drakka, where Zipfel's main house was located.

'Whether it's Kadun or someone else, starting a battle for rebellion at the Tower of Stories is madness. It's too difficult to occupy the Tower of Stories, and even if they succeeded, the damage would be too great.'

Of course, if it was Kadun, who Jin knew, he could cause a ruckus without considering the consequences. However, upon further thought, Kadun had shown a tendency to retreat when he realized he was in a disadvantageous situation This was evident from his several arguments with Jin. Even during his confrontation with Zephyrin, he had backed down once he realized he was at a disadvantage.

Kadun's determination to risk his life and confront Veradin at the Tower of Stories was hard to imagine.

'In that case, we have to assume that even Kadun was in a fight that he couldn't possibly retreat from. The only reason that could justify it…'

Kelliark Zipfel.

Suddenly, Jin remembered his name and condition. Kelliark Zipfel, Zipfel's current patriarch, who was kept alive within the life support device on the top floor of the Tower.

At the same time, two possibilities arose.

"...What if Veradin was trying to kill Kelliark Zipfel? In that case, if Kadun was the one engaged in the battle, he would never be able to retreat."

Jin explained his thoughts, trying to organize them.

[Zipfel's young patriarch, and current patriarch...? Hm, Lord young patriarch, you have said that Veradin Zipfel was a just and upright individual until mind manipulation. He had a strong aversion towards his clan as well.]

"But based on Veradin Zipfel's recent behavior, it doesn't seem like his sanity has returned. If we consider the possibility that Veradin was attempting to kill Kelliark, it could mean that Veradin pushed him aside in order to seize power. That itself could have happened when Kelliark was already in a situation where he couldn't defend himself, or..."

Mary's pupils widened as she spoke up to that point.

"...Rampage. If Kelliark went crazy like the evil god, a rampage is a plausible explanation. The part where the sky turned dark, that could be due to chaos rather than magic."

She continued with her thoughts.

Jin was also considering that possibility. If Kelliark, consumed by chaos, went on a rampage, it could easily explain the occurrence of a battle at the Tower of Stories. Zipfel would have no choice but to subdue Kelliark.

"Furthermore, if Kelliark truly went on a rampage, it might not be unrelated to Lokia Ganesto. Sir Padler was convinced that Lokia Ganesto was involved in the birth of the evil god."

There was a moment of silence.

That statement meant that another evil god could potentially emerge, not from Runcandel but originating from Zipfel.

"Zipfel would never desire the birth of another evil god. What Zipfel wants is to rule the world, not its destruction."

[So you are suggesting that the battle at the Tower of Stories could be the result of Zipfel intervening before Kelliark became an evil god-like being.]

"Of course, these are all assumptions, and we have no definitive conclusions. I need to verify it firsthand."

[Are you suggesting going there yourself?]

"Yes. I'm thinking of forming an elite infiltration team, including myself, to examine the records near the Tower of Stories. It seems like a good idea."

[Unlike spies, the lord young patriarch won't be in mortal danger even in enemy territory. If it's an elite infiltration team, Lady Yona and Nameless King will most likely be included as well. However, if you guys get exposed, it could escalate into a sensitive issue.]

"Even if we were exposed, we would have justifiable reasons, so it's fine. If there are concerns about another evil god emerging, Zipfel would have no solid grounds to strongly oppose it. If they can go to war just because it's unpleasant, they should have been done sooner."

"Well, Zipfel doesn't necessarily have plans to turn Kelliark into an evil god-like being, but we can't rule it out either. We must investigate it thoroughly. Having planted spies in each other's organizations is a well-known secret anyway."

[Understood. Shall I contact Nameless immediately and make the necessary preparations?]

"Please do so. The infiltration will take place in one week. In the meantime, gather as much information as possible about Kadun's whereabouts and condition, as well as the current situation of Zipfel's leadership, including Veradin."

[Yes, the lord young patriarch.]

***

Lutero Magic Federation, Holy Land Gate.

"Aaaargh...!"

For three days straight, Veradin's screams echoed from the infirmary within the gate. Ronil and Octavia stood outside the infirmary door with grim and uneasy expressions.

"Haah, Ronil. Can the young patriarch really recover in this manner?"

Octavia asked, watching the living golems that had been entering the infirmary at hourly intervals since Veradin's arrival. They were the same living golems Jin had seen when he came to heal Valeria.

"I don't know for sure. Let's wait and see, since the shrine maiden said the treatment will be finished soon."

"The shrine maiden... Who is that person? Why have you kept her existence hidden from me until now? Did the young patriarch know about her?"

"That's not an area I can speak about. Please ask the young patriarch directly when he wakes up."

Octavia seemed frustrated, unable to comprehend many things even though she had witnessed the fact that Kadun had betrayed them and that Kelliark had gone on a rampage. She had suspicions about Veradin. Perhaps the betrayal by Kadun and Kelliark's rampage were part of Veradin's scheme to seize real power.

But one thing was certain.

The power Veradin displayed in the battle three days ago surpassed Kelliark's prime. If Veradin hadn't been there, the rampaging Kelliark and the Fire Dragon Kadun would have brought the Tower of Stories down in an instant. Clearly, Veradin had the power to fill Kelliark's void.

The battle was so intense that towards the latter half, everyone except Veradin and his guardian dragons had no choice but to retreat from the battlefield.

After another three hours passed, the screams coming from inside the infirmary finally ceased.

When Veradin emerged from the infirmary, he was unharmed and in perfect condition.

'He lost both arms and had his heart pierced in the battle three days ago. It was a level of injury that couldn't be healed without using Numerus's Tears, so what is this?'

When Octavia's eyes met Veradin's, she unconsciously lowered her head. It sent chills down her spine, as if Veradin could see right through her.

"Elder brother Ronil."

Veradin immediately showed a commanding demeanor, as if nothing had happened.

"Please speak."

"Soon, Jin Runcandel will come to the scene. He will bring the record mage with him."

"How should we respond?"

"Do nothing. If Jin Runcandel doesn't come within a week, leak some information about the battle that took place at the Tower of Stories to Runcandel. I'm curious to see what kind of information the record mage will uncover from there."

"Understood."

"Where are Tuyan and Pinia?"

"The two dragons have been continuing their investigation of the site where the battle took place since that day. They mentioned that due to the remaining chaos, it's not easy to access."

In response to Ronil's answer, Veradin narrowed her eyes and added the following.

"...If Tuyan and Pinia are still investigating the site, it means my father's death hasn't been confirmed."

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