Episode 683
“The Masantar Temple is accessible only to the chosen.”

This was no mere metaphor.

Hidden deep within a dense thicket, the temple’s entrance had remained unknown even to those who had lived in the nearby mountains for decades. Not even the wild beasts dared to venture close; they merely circled around its perimeter, unaware of its presence.

A royal official from the Toorun Palace stepped into the forest, eyes scanning the surroundings. His footsteps were familiar. Following the gentle babble of a small stream, the temple where he had spent his life would soon come into view.

Whoosh.

The temple was a stark white, square building with no windows—no one outside could glimpse what went on within.

The knights guarding the temple sensed his approach and turned their gazes. Without a word, a simple nod passed between them, confirming his identity.

The silence was so profound that even the faintest sound seemed amplified. Before entering, the official noticed someone standing at the stream’s source.

“Lady Banusa.”

It was Banusa, the water spirit mage.

She had come to the Masantar Temple seeking answers about why the Toorun Palace had attempted to abduct Ian Hielo’s mother. The small spirits flitting around her seemed livelier than ever.

“How have you been? It’s the first time I’ve seen you since the state council meeting.”

“I’ve been here at the Masantar Temple ever since. What brings you here? Is there trouble in the capital?”

“Oh, no. Nothing to worry about. Your family is doing an excellent job managing the capital’s fire safety. Everyone misses you, but otherwise, things are stable.”

Whether that was true or not, the official couldn’t tell. Banusa said nothing in response, instead turning her gaze back toward the stream.

The water trickled from multiple sources, a quiet marvel. These countless streams converged, ultimately forming the mighty breast of Burgos.

“Yes. That’s a relief.”

“The king holds your abilities in the highest regard. He is pleased—are you as well?”

Had she truly grasped the palace’s intentions? Did she know what secrets they were hiding? The official’s question hung in the air.

Banusa tapped the cheek of a spirit beside her as she looked up at the fluttering signal flag above the temple. It was time to get back to work.

“I don’t know. This place is too much for me to handle.”

“If that’s so, then you understand. You know everything now. Congratulations.”

“…Please, go ahead.”

“Yes, then. I look forward to seeing you in the capital.”

With that, Banusa and her spirits leapt into the water. Her body dispersed like droplets, vanishing without a trace in an instant. The water pouring into Burgos had to rise even higher.

Creak.

The official stepped inside the temple. Without a single ray of sunlight, even at midday, the darkness was so complete that he couldn’t see an inch ahead without a lantern.

Guided by the priests, he descended the stairs—down, down, deeper and deeper—until breathing became slightly difficult.

“Be careful from here on.”

“This is harsh.”

At the priest’s warning, the official pulled out a white cloth to cover his nose and mouth. They were boiling the rotting corpses of monsters together, and the stench was overwhelming.

Unable to bear it, he quickly turned away as the priests poured the thick monster venom into a flowing water channel leading outside the temple.

“But it seems the poison hasn’t spread to the surrounding area.”

“That’s thanks to Lady Banusa. She’s safely guiding the venom so it doesn’t spread beyond the Toorun border.”

“Of course.”

Cough cough. The official cleared his throat, asking for a moment’s patience. Before meeting the Grand Priest, he wanted to compose himself.

When he nodded as if ready, the priests swung open the massive doors. A sharp, humid heat rushed in, but he stepped inside with practiced ease.

“Long time no see—”

Despite being underground, the Grand Priest’s chamber had a window. Blue water shimmered beyond it, creating the illusion of being underwater.

The Grand Priest turned from the window, and the official bowed deeply.

“Grand Priest Raju.”

“Yes, it’s been a while. How is life at the palace?”

“Thanks to you, the kingdom enjoys peace.”

Raju smiled kindly. The official had lived in the temple since childhood, but the Grand Priest had remained unchanged.

“It’s hard to say the surroundings are peaceful; it’s far too noisy.”

“My apologies.”

“It’s not your fault. Lift your head. Now, what message does the king send?”

The official withdrew a letter from his chest. Raju’s eyes sharpened as he read it.

“…I see. Understood. Please tell the king not to worry. A prophecy has just been received—”

With a thud, Raju tossed the king’s letter onto the desk. The priests brought a bowl of water, and as if having touched something unclean, he began washing his hands thoroughly.

“It concerns the appropriate sacrifice.”

“The appropriate sacrifice? You mean those of the royal bloodline?”

The royal bloodline—those who, like gods, base their power on faith.

Offering the heirs is ideal, but it’s incredibly difficult. That’s why they had been seeking half-blooded descendants, waiting for an opportunity.

‘The Bariel dynasty’s attempt failed, unfortunately.’

If only Arsen, the Black Seed, had managed to claim the royal heir he sought, things wouldn’t have become so complicated.

Now that he had become the emperor of a proper empire, chances to strike as before were scarce. Victory in war was one thing, but was there any other way to bring down the emperor?

‘The Burgos line was severed when King Damon was captured, so the only remaining path is—’

The only remaining path was the incarnation of the god itself.

Ian Hielo, the one who appeared in the world bearing the god’s will. What the Shadow sought to achieve was embodied in him, and nothing would nurture the Shadow more than his breath and blood.

But Ian Hielo was as difficult as the emperor. Shielded by the miracle of magic, he stood firm. Regrettably, he had to be dealt with for now.

Then truly, what remained was…

“You mean the royal bloodline and… Philia.”

Philia, the woman who shared flesh and blood with Ian Hielo. According to the prophecy, deep within her heart lay an unbreakable faith.

Not only had she shared blood with the god’s incarnation, but she also possessed inner strength. Finding a more suitable sacrifice would be nearly impossible.

“Philia has another child, correct?”

“Yes, a daughter.”

“Though the blood is mixed, that child also shares flesh with Ian Hielo. Fate has moved them accordingly, so there will surely be an opportunity in the end. Tell the king not to let his guard down. Even if they cannot be offered as sacrifices, their disappearance from Gaia alone will greatly aid our god. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Grand Priest. I will convey your message faithfully.”

“Good. Then return safely. I earnestly pray for the god’s blessing upon you.”

The official bowed deeply and carefully stepped back. Beyond the window, something enormous appeared and vanished repeatedly beneath the water.

Creak.

As the door closed behind him, he straightened his clothes and rose slowly.

‘Philia and her daughter are on the move. The only viable route now is toward Hielo. The king’s puppet there is Karenna… hmm.’

The primary goal was their deaths, followed by retrieving their bodies to use as temple sacrifices.

He bowed deeply to the firmly closed door—a final salute he did not even offer to Kumasha of the palace.

He nodded to the priests, signaling to hurry. The stench of the monster venom made his head spin.

---

Tap tap.

“Are you comfortable, Your Highness?”

Officer Bariel lightly tapped the carriage window. Roel sat upright, staring straight ahead. If anyone doubted he was Ian Hielo’s brother, his posture and demeanor left no question.

Roel shook his head briefly.

“I’m fine. It’s the empire’s soldiers who are struggling with this journey. Don’t worry about me—focus on your duties.”

“You are truly composed.”

“This is a step for Hielo’s ally, Cheonryeo. But before that, it’s also a step for Bariel.”

Roel was part of the vanguard among the reinforcements dispatched from the capital. Though riding in a carriage, he had sacrificed much comfort for mobility. After a long forced march, it was natural that a boy barely ten years old would find it difficult.

He was the younger brother of the Minister of Magic and the heir to Cheonryeo. Naturally, he had to be treated with great care.

“If you feel any discomfort, please tell me immediately.”

“Thank you.”

Clatter clatter!

“Pick up the pace!”

After checking on Roel, the officer ordered the troops ahead. The carriage rocked dangerously, but the soldiers were experienced.

No one knew what was happening in Hielo. They would not slow down, determined to protect the empire.

Clatter clatter!

Close behind them moved another group—the Valijuad.

The Hawan merchant guild, known for delivering goods faster than anyone using magic stone paintings, had evacuated to the central region as soon as the mage attack struck Hielo.

“Madam, how are you feeling?”

They were crossing the border without permission, so it was obvious the authorities would not welcome them. Hiding their presence, they observed the situation—and unexpectedly, a breakthrough appeared.

Right then, Philia had urgently found someone in the back alley who could help her move quickly.

“It’s fine! You can run even faster!”

“Yes, understood. Hold on tight.”

Philia was Ian Hielo’s mother, wasn’t she? Helping her now might one day earn the palace’s mercy.

“But, madam, may I ask just one thing? Why are you chasing the reinforcements instead of Hielo? You can tell me now, can’t you? If you were heading to the border, there would be a clear path leading to Merelrof!”

“I’m going to find my child!”

“My child?”

Did Ian Hielo have siblings?

They weren’t heading to Merelrof, but to a small village halfway there, tracking the reinforcements’ trail.

“Yes. If I went there directly, everyone would worry—my husband, my son, even the mages. It would only cause trouble. So I have to meet Roel before reaching that point!”

“Hmm. I don’t know the full story, but alright. At this speed… we should catch up to the reinforcements around Karenna.”

“Karenna?”

That was a relief. If they could catch Roel before reaching Hielo, it would be better. Philia gripped the reins tightly, feeling a wave of relief as her golden hair whipped in the wind.

“…”

Meanwhile, Roel, sensing something strange, leaned out the window. The only thing left behind on the road was a cloud of dust.

The child glanced around with a puzzled look, but just ahead, an unfamiliar flag fluttered wildly.

“Officer! Ahead—!”

“That’s Karenna’s flag! Looks like they came to meet us!”

Karenna’s guards waved their banners, signaling that this place was still safe and that they had been waiting for them.

From afar, the mayor, watching through binoculars, hurried over on his short, stout legs and embraced his wife.

“They’re coming! Bariel’s reinforcements! We’re saved now, my dear!”

“Welcome! Hurry!”

Cheers erupted as people waved their hands.

The mayor’s family shared the joy, genuinely welcoming the arrival of the reinforcements. Truly, from the bottom of their hearts.