Episode 534
The Proof of the 9th Circle Magic
While Jorge had reached the pinnacle of the 9th Circle, the question of whether his magic could be theoretically proven was of paramount importance. Without such proof, other wizards would be unable to learn the derivative spells from his magic.
Proving magic was not just about personal achievement; it was about demonstrating that other wizards could replicate it through a systematic and theoretical approach. Without this process, magic would lose its academic value and revert to being seen merely as an ancient practice of training or self-discipline.
Jorge was practically bouncing off the walls of his study in excitement.
“Proof, proof! It’s proven! My Ouroboros theory has been proven!”
Zeke watched Jorge’s excitement with a blank expression, offering a half-hearted clap.
“Congratulations, Master Jorge.”
Despite Zeke’s dry congratulations, Jorge was moved to tears, rushing to embrace him.
“Ah, Sir Zeke! Today’s proof is all thanks to you! I want to dedicate this glory to you!”
Zeke didn’t particularly need the glory, but he nodded and gently guided Jorge to a chair. Jorge was still lost in a whirlwind of excitement.
Though Zeke wasn’t particularly interested, he asked out of courtesy, “What exactly is this Ouroboros theory you mentioned?”
Jorge, thrilled by Zeke’s interest, began to explain animatedly, spittle flying as he spoke.
“The Ouroboros theory, well, it’s like a snake biting its own tail, endlessly circling. No, that’s not quite right.”
He paused, thinking hard before continuing.
“The image of a snake biting its tail represents perpetuity. My research focused on this concept of perpetuity.”
“Perpetuity? Is it similar to immortality?” Zeke asked.
Jorge shook his head. “Similar, but different. Immortality is about never disappearing, while perpetuity is about the constant effort to not disappear. Immortality aligns with determinism, where the process leads to an inevitable conclusion of not perishing.”
Jorge licked his lips, which had gone dry from talking, and continued.
“But the perpetuity I studied is about continuously choosing a sustainable future among countless possibilities, not a predetermined outcome.”
Zeke listened, his expression a mix of understanding and confusion.
At that moment, Jorge pulled something from his pocket—a flat piece of lead.
“Let me show you what perpetuity means.”
He levitated the lead, applying force from all sides to distort its shape. Placing the misshapen lead on the table, he gestured to it.
“Look, Sir Zeke.”
To Zeke’s amazement, the distorted lead slowly returned to its original form.
Jorge watched the lead revert completely and said, “This lead has been imbued with the property of returning to its original shape.”
“Returning to its original shape? Does that mean it can self-repair?” Zeke asked.
Jorge nodded. “Exactly. I’ve altered its properties so it can maintain its original form indefinitely.”
“Altered its properties? So, it will revert to its original form without additional magical energy?”
“You’ve hit the nail on the head. Yes, it’s about creating a structure through magic that maintains its original form perpetually without needing more magic.”
Zeke was taken aback by Jorge’s explanation. ‘It seems similar to the power of immortality.’
He pondered for a moment before asking, “Can this change in properties apply to living beings as well?”
Jorge shook his head firmly. “That’s impossible. Living beings can’t maintain perpetuity. The essence of life is constant change.”
“Life is ever-changing… I see.”
Though Zeke understood Jorge’s explanation, he still had questions. ‘Then how does the immortality I possess work?’
What was impossible for living beings was happening within Zeke. Initially, it was self-healing, but now he had become an immortal being, leaving him curious about the source of this power.
Jorge began annotating his notes scattered around the study. Zeke suggested, “Master Jorge, since we have two weeks until the Continental Assembly, why not use this study as your lab to refine your theory?”
Jorge trembled with excitement. “Can I really do that?”
Zeke nodded. “It’s a rarely used space. Let me know what you need, and I’ll arrange the furniture.”
Jorge shook his head. “No need! I’ll handle it myself!”
With a flick of his staff, the furniture rearranged itself. Zeke was reminded that this eccentric old man was indeed a grand wizard of the 9th Circle.
‘At least I don’t have to worry about Nirvana stabbing us in the back for now.’
Jorge had decided to create a thousand golems, having foreseen a future where they would be necessary. For now, the reason for their creation remained unknown.
As Zeke was about to leave the study, Jorge called out, “Ah! Sir Zeke, there’s something I haven’t told you.”
Zeke turned to look at Jorge, who scratched his head awkwardly.
“About the future I saw… It wasn’t just the thousand golems.”
A voice reached Zeke’s ears through a communication spell.
―“In a scene from the future, the thousand golems were fighting alongside you against something.”
Rumble, rumble!
A variety of carriages rolled into Agamemnon Castle in Mycenae. Representatives from the major kingdoms and families of the central continent had gathered for the Continental Assembly.
Originally, the assembly was to be held in Atlas, but Kali suggested Mycenae, given its recent experience with a demonic invasion, making it a meaningful location.
The grand hall of Agamemnon Castle filled with people. Among them were notable figures like Pope Beatrice of the Holy Kingdom, her successor Rovan, Princess Melissa of Alencia, the renowned beauty Angelina Graham of Pansthas, and Herman Solma, the Royal Guard of Thebea.
As acquaintances exchanged greetings, someone entered the hall, and a knight by the door announced their arrival.
“Lady Yellin Ishtar, heir to the Ishtar family!”
The mention of Ishtar’s heir turned heads in surprise.
Thud!
Yellin, her face veiled and dressed in Ishtar’s distinctive attire, entered with her bodyguard, Himmel. Her presence left everyone speechless.
The aura of majesty and beauty she exuded was breathtaking, even with her face partially hidden. It was clear her beauty rivaled that of the continent’s famed beauty, Angelina Graham.
The unexpected revelation that the heir of the feared Ishtar family was so stunning left everyone in awe.
Following Ishtar, another figure drew attention as they entered the hall.
“Master Jorge of the Nirvana family!”
Master Jorge and Zeros entered together. Having spent the night engrossed in research, Jorge appeared disheveled and drowsy.
“Master, please wake up,” Zeros urged.
Jorge wiped drool from his mouth and waved his hand. “Oh, yes. Haha! Nice to meet you all!”
Despite his disheveled appearance, no one dared to mock or scorn Jorge. The Nirvana family commanded respect and tension among the kingdoms and families of the central continent.
Finally, the grand doors opened wide for the last arrival.
“Lady Kali Draker, head of the Draker family!”
Kali, clad in the new silver armor gifted by Zeke to commemorate her ascension, made her entrance. Following her were Zeke and Helen.
As the new head of the Draker family, renowned across the continent, Kali was already familiar to many present.
With confident strides, she walked to the center of the hall, where representatives of the continent’s major kingdoms and families had gathered.
Kali addressed them with a commanding voice. “First, I thank you all for attending this hastily convened Continental Assembly.”
She surveyed the room, speaking slowly and deliberately.
“The reason we are gathered here today is simple.”
With a gesture, screens appeared around the hall, displaying images of the monsters and demons that had attacked Mycenae.
The major figures of the continent, unaware of the actual battle, gaped at the scenes before them.
From the massive gate hanging in the sky, countless demonic monsters and beasts poured forth, their attacks defying all logic and plunging the entire assembly into shock.
Kali, watching alongside them, spoke again.
“All of this is happening right now, here in Mykene.”
She raised her voice, addressing the gathered crowd.
“If such a calamity were to strike your lands, what would you do?”
Her words cast a heavy silence over the assembly, their expressions hardening as they imagined such an invasion upon their own kingdoms and territories. The gravity of the situation hit home, and the atmosphere grew tense.
The mood had shifted dramatically from when they first convened.
Kali surveyed the room once more and continued.
“The reason for this continental summit is that we must unite to prevent an even greater catastrophe looming on the horizon.”
At that moment, a high-ranking official from the central kingdom raised a hand and spoke.
“Lady Kali! What is this greater catastrophe you speak of? Are you referring to the rumored large-scale monster wave?”
Kali shook her head.
“The monster wave is merely a harbinger. The greater catastrophe is something else entirely.”
All eyes were fixed on Kali as she slowly revealed the truth.
“The greater catastrophe is… none other than the descent of the Demon King.”
Her words sent a ripple of disbelief through the assembly.
“The Demon King?”
“Surely you don’t mean the Demon King from the old tales?”
“The descent of the Demon King…?”
Most reactions were of incredulity, as the existence of such a being had never been seriously considered.
As murmurs filled the room, Zeke, who had been standing behind Kali, stepped forward.
“My name is Zeke Draker, known to many as the Knight of Salvation.”
The assembly fell silent, their attention drawn to the most renowned knight on the continent.
Zeke addressed them slowly.
“It seems the name ‘Demon King’ doesn’t resonate with you.”
He paused, letting his words sink in.
“Then how about this name: Bahamut, the dread dragon that terrorized the continent a thousand years ago.”
The room froze, the atmosphere turning icy.
Zeke looked at their stunned faces and spoke.
“That was another name for the Demon King who descended upon our realm.”