Episode 378

Zeke was taken aback as he watched the sage begin to fade away.

“Is his projection disappearing?”

The sage, merely a projection of his true self, seemed unable to remain in the physical realm now that his original form had awakened.

The sage glanced at his own vanishing body and nodded in understanding.

“With this, my duties are complete.”

He turned to Zeke with a gentle smile.

“Immortal one, when I am gone, help the Nagas of this city find their way into the world.”

“Are you saying you wish to open the city?”

The sage nodded in response to Zeke’s question.

“The divine power of the Celestial Dragon has been sealed, and this forest has gradually lost its strength. The Nagas, too, have been left without a place to go. To protect them, I turned this place into a sealed sanctuary.”

The southern jungle was indeed a harsh environment compared to other forests.

Zeke had always thought the jungle was naturally wild, but now he realized it was the sealing of the Celestial Dragon that had drained the forest of its vitality, making it so inhospitable.

The sage continued, looking at Zeke.

“I didn’t open the city for their sake, but in truth, I was afraid. With the Celestial Dragon’s power waning, I feared we wouldn’t be able to fend off outsiders. My desire to protect them may have inadvertently stifled the Nagas’ potential…”

Zeke shook his head at the sage’s words.

“That’s not true. Thanks to your wise decision, this city has endured.”

He glanced around the city.

“It’s a magnificent place, comparable to any city on the central continent. If we can establish exchanges with other southern cities I’ve connected with, it would benefit both humans and Nagas greatly.”

The sage’s expression turned wistful, as if recalling a distant past.

His form grew even more transparent, and Zeke realized he would soon vanish completely. He asked the sage if he had any final words.

The sage shook his head.

“I’ve left everything necessary behind. They’ll manage just fine without me.”

He looked at Zeke.

“Immortal one, may peace and safety accompany you on your arduous journey.”

As he spoke, a green light emanated from the sage’s body, swirling around Zeke’s hand before forming something in his palm.

[The Sage of the Silent Forest has bestowed upon the Administrator the ‘Seal of Chronos.’]

[The Sage of the Silent Forest has given the Administrator a fragment of the ‘Philosopher’s Stone.’]

“The Philosopher’s Stone?”

Before Zeke could ask further, the sage’s body dissolved into light and disappeared.

A message appeared before him.

[You have acquired 2/4 of the Seals of the Chronos Kingdom.]

[Once all seals are found, the coordinates to the Chronos Kingdom’s treasury will be activated.]

―Main Quest Mission (Linked)―

[Take the relic imbued with primordial power to the Forgotten Temple of the Beginning. (No time limit / The temple’s coordinates will activate once all three relics are acquired.)]

[Find and restore the scattered Seals of the Chronos Kingdom to their original state. (No time limit / 2 seals remaining)]

[Activate the coordinates to the Chronos Kingdom’s treasury with the restored seals.]

[Main Quest Mission Reward: ???]

[Linked Quest Mission Reward: Title - Heir of the Chronos Kingdom]

Two seals remained to activate the coordinates.

“One in the northern continent, and one in the central continent.”

Once all the seals were gathered and the title of Heir of the Chronos Kingdom was obtained, the path to the Temple of the Beginning would open.

Zeke speculated that he might find a way to stop the Demon King there.

“I can probably find the seal in the northern continent, but… the last one in the central continent is in the Rom Empire.”

With Arthur Draker having declared war on Abel, who sought to become emperor, the empire was already embroiled in conflict.

“To stop Narak and Siemens, I’ll inevitably clash with the Rom Empire. I’ll have to search for the seal while targeting their strongholds.”

Zeke set aside thoughts of the final seal and examined the red stone left by the sage, a fragment of the Philosopher’s Stone.

“The Philosopher’s Stone.”

The stone radiated a warm, red glow.

Zeke checked its information.

―Philosopher’s Stone Information―

The most mysterious substance containing the essence of all things. It holds power that transcends causality.

“Power that transcends causality.”

Transcending causality meant escaping the bounds of karma.

For now, Zeke had no immediate use for the Philosopher’s Stone, so he stored it in his inventory.

At that moment, Kuessi and other Nagas approached him.

“Z-Zeke, where is the sage…?”

Zeke explained what had just happened to Kuessi and the others.

Upon hearing the story, their expressions turned solemn.

Kuessi nodded slowly.

“The sage always foresaw this day would come. We knew it would happen eventually, but facing it now, the fear is overwhelming.”

Zeke spoke to Kuessi.

“The sage wished for this city to open and for its people to venture out and discover new possibilities.”

Kuessi bit his lip, looking at Zeke.

“The sage often spoke of this. We were prepared, but it’s daunting to know where to begin.”

The other Nagas shared Kuessi’s sentiment.

Zeke reassured them.

“Don’t worry. I’ll introduce you to trustworthy people who can help establish exchanges with other southern cities.”

Kuessi’s face lit up with hope.

“Really?”

“Of course. Do you have any communication equipment to contact the outside world?”

Fortunately, the city, though sealed, had emergency communication equipment to reach the outside world, though it couldn’t connect to the central continent, only as far as the Kingdom of Cusco.

This was no issue for Zeke, who, with Kuessi’s help, managed to contact the Kingdom of Cusco.

A few days later, Simon and Kay arrived with a delegation in the lush, silent forest.

“Boss.”

Simon bowed to Zeke, whom he hadn’t seen in a while.

“It’s been a while, Simon.”

As a duke of the Kingdom of Cusco, Zeke held the highest rank next to the queen, so Simon’s deference was expected.

Kay, who had been diligently working between the Kingdom of Cusco and the southern islands, had also rushed over upon receiving Zeke’s message.

“Do you know how shocked I was to get your message?”

Kay had heard that Zeke had gone missing after fighting monsters in the Republic of Dortha.

She had even used her old Syndicate connections to search for him.

So, receiving a message from Zeke in the middle of the jungle was both bewildering and a relief.

Zeke smiled at Kay, who was genuinely concerned for him.

“Sorry for worrying you. How are things in the Republic of Dortha?”

Kay shook her head and replied.

“After you and the high-ranking demon disappeared, the monsters lost control and fell apart. Hades and Yellin have been handling things well since then, so don’t worry.”

Hearing this, Zeke nodded in relief.

“That’s good to hear. I was worried there might be more reinforcements needed.”

Kay also shared unexpected news.

Omar, having learned that Yellin was a descendant of the High Elves, had invited her to the Murk Empire to introduce her to the Sultan.

And now, knowing Zeke was safe, Yellin and Hades were on their way to meet the Sultan in the Murk Empire.

“I wish I could have gone with them, but it can’t be helped. I’ll visit once things settle down.”

After updating Zeke on Dortha’s situation, Kay finally had a chance to explore the Naga city.

“Wow, I never imagined a city like this could exist in the jungle.”

“Neither did I. Kay, this city hasn’t had contact with the outside world for thousands of years. Do you think we can establish exchanges with other cities without too much friction?”

Kay finished her survey and nodded.

“Starting with the Kingdom of Cusco and gradually expanding seems best. Are you planning to fully open the city?”

“It would be best to discuss the details with the local representatives.”

Zeke introduced Kay to Kuessi.

Though not perfect, Kuessi could speak the common language of the continent well enough to communicate with Kay. They soon began an enthusiastic discussion about opening the city.

The city had much to offer, from unique goods found only in the lush, silent forest to intricately patterned textiles and effective medicines.

Leaving the exchange matters to Kay, Zeke took a moment to relax. But then Simon approached him.

“Boss, there’s something I need to tell you.”

Zeke gestured for him to continue.

“Production of new medicines, including antibiotics, is underway at the pharmaceutical factory in the Kingdom of Cusco.”

“Yes, I heard about it from Lord Fainan.”

Simon’s expression darkened as he continued.

“But there’s a problem.”

Zeke sat up, alert.

“Are the twins causing trouble again?”

Simon shook his head.

“Those two have been behaving since they met you.”

“That’s a relief. So, what’s the issue?”

”…I think it would be best if you heard it directly from the twins.”

“Did Al and Jeff come with you?”

“Yes, boss. They were too scared to face you, so I had to drag them here.”

Zeke let out a bemused snort.

“Bring them in.”

Soon, Simon returned, practically hauling Al and Jeff behind him. The usual mischief in their eyes was nowhere to be seen. They stood before Zeke, stiff as boards, sweat trickling down their faces.

“Long time no see, Al, Jeff.”

Startled by Zeke’s greeting, Al and Jeff inhaled sharply, then awkwardly saluted.

“Uh, the, the great knight of salvation… is that right?”

“Hey! Get it together! We practiced this!”

“Shut up! Anyway, Sir Zeke, we salute you.”

Zeke tilted his head, puzzled by their trembling.

He turned to Simon. “What’s wrong with them? Did they eat something bad?”

Simon leaned in and whispered, “I think they’re terrified because they once tried to prank you and messed around with the budget.”

Zeke was a renowned knight, known as the Black Knight and the Savior of the Continent. Al and Jeff had only recently realized the gravity of their past antics, and it had kept them up at night with worry.

Since then, Paynon had caught on to their fear and would invoke Zeke’s name whenever they misbehaved or misused funds, scaring them into compliance. As a result, Al and Jeff had developed a near-phobic fear of Zeke.

Zeke chuckled softly. “Al, Jeff, I’ve long forgotten about those pranks. No need to be scared.”

Despite his reassurance, Al and Jeff continued to tremble, unconvinced. Seeing this, Zeke decided to cut to the chase.

“I heard a new potion has been developed. What’s the issue?”

The two hesitated, each trying to pass the responsibility to the other, until Al lost a game of rock-paper-scissors and had to explain.

“Uh, do you know about the Alchemist Guild…?”

Zeke frowned slightly but nodded. “Those damn money-grubbing bastards.”

The Alchemist Guild was an organization Zeke had dealt with in a past life. They produced most of the potions and medicines, and anything made outside their control required their certification to be sold.

This monopoly allowed them to charge exorbitant certification fees, reaping unfair profits. The guild was based in a neutral city but had been caught in the chaos of the continental war. They claimed to support the Northern Continent, but in reality, they were more interested in selling their goods.

Zeke, who had negotiated with them over potion supplies, knew all too well how petty and greedy they could be.

As he recalled these memories, Al spoke up again.

“The… the Alchemist Guild is refusing to certify our new potion.”