Episode 135
Chapter 44: Jin’s Calculated Plan
April 20, 1796 — about two weeks after Taimun’s death.
Jin had already given his comrades a somewhat altered version of the whole incident. He left out the fact that he’d been aware of the curse since he was one year old, instead presenting the information as if it came solely from Taimun’s confession.
And Kashimir hadn’t reported any of this to Siron.
Though Jin’s fingers itched to boast about how he’d fought evenly against an 8-star knight and two mages, the tangled nature of the matter was far too sensitive.
“This servant still can’t get over the shock, my lord. What on earth was Joshua—that wretched dog—thinking? Ah, pardon me, my lord, for cursing in your presence. But really, why would the Second Rank want to harm such a young master?”
“Strawberry Pie, curse away as much as you want. Back when Temar was alive, this was unthinkable! That Joshua, or whatever his name is, I’ll chew him up bone and all myself.”
“Ha! It makes me so angry!”
“See? I told you it’s fine to curse. Let it all out! Bottling it up only makes you sick. Now, repeat after me: damn…”
Gili glanced cautiously at Jin before starting to curse, and Murakan quickly chimed in. It didn’t take long before the room was filled with curses too foul to put into words.
‘They really do make a perfect pair,’ Jin thought, chuckling softly as he watched them.
“Listening to you two actually makes me feel a bit better. How are you holding up, Gili?”
“Phew! A little better. Still can’t understand why that guy did it, though. The next head of the family was practically guaranteed, and yet he held a grudge against a young master who’d just finished his coming-of-age ceremony!”
“Maybe because I chose Barisada, or maybe he saw me as a rival and wanted to nip it in the bud early. But honestly, the reason doesn’t matter much.”
“Really?”
“The real question is why he’s stayed quiet all this time, even after his assassination attempt failed and he learned about my contract.”
“Ah, that’s true. Fifteen years ago, he even broke the Storm Castle’s taboo to curse you, but he never attacked you directly at the main house.”
“I think so too. Mu and Anne, who have far less power than Joshua, were assigned missions to kill the kid. He could have done worse.”
“Besides, you’ve always stood out since entering the main house. The Second Rank knew you were a contractor, so they had every reason to pressure you openly.”
“Right. I’ve thought about this a lot. First, he feared Luna, so he didn’t dare touch me. That’s one.”
“Miss Luna has shown she cares for you a lot.”
“That makes sense. Her power is enough to intimidate even dragons. But that alone doesn’t explain everything.”
“Exactly. So here’s a second theory, born from a bit of imagination: he heard from Kidard Hall that the curse was blocked by Solderet’s power, so he decided to keep me alive.”
“Because you were already chosen by Solderet at one year old, he switched tactics to try to recruit you?”
“Hmm, if that were true, the Second Rank would have looked after you while at the main house.”
“Then why keep the kid alive?”
“Remember the day I fought Andrei Ziphl?”
“Of course.”
“Andrei said this:
—‘I commend your ambush. But you and your god will become the most important ingredients for the Demon God Stone, Jin Runkandel…!
—The twelve gods now dwell within me! Luna Runkandel, what do you have? Even if your father were here, he could not stand against me.’”
Back then, Andrei described the Demon God Stone as if it ‘used’ the gods’ contractors as ingredients.
“At first, Andrei targeted Enya and Yuria. Both were contractors, so he clearly wanted to consume them with the Demon God Stone.”
“Hmm.”
“My theory is this: Ziphl uses the Demon God Stone to consume contractors, forcibly breaking their contracts. Then he reassigns the desired person and god to a new contract.”
Though he spoke as a theory, Jin was certain. In his past life, Ziphl had already stolen Enya’s contract.
“Oh, I remember talking about that when we escaped the deserted island. So you’re saying Joshua knew this method fifteen years ago and planned to steal your contract?”
“Almost. But I don’t know if the Demon God Stone even existed then, and I doubt Joshua was in such close contact with Ziphl. But…”
Jin tapped the table lightly with his index finger and continued.
“He might have known it’s possible to transfer contracts. Is the Demon God Stone really the only way to steal a god’s contract in this world?”
Gili and Murakan’s eyes widened.
“So the reason the Second Rank didn’t touch you at the main house was to steal your contract?”
“It’s just a hypothesis, but I think it’s quite likely. After Luna stepped down from the throne competition, Joshua solidified his position in the family with our mother’s full support.”
“But the head of the family still dislikes the Second Rank.”
“That’s because he lacks true power. At thirty-four, barely an early 9-star—an impressive feat, but not enough to become head of the Runkandel family while Luna is around. What he needs is transcendent power, like your father’s or Luna’s.”
Jin formed a sphere of spiritual energy in his palm.
“Joshua must be desperate to get his hands on this power. He just hasn’t found a sure way or isn’t ready yet.”
“Definitely… that makes sense. Your mother probably told you that Solderet is closer to a god of the sword than magic.”
“I can’t say for sure, but if this theory holds, Joshua’s behavior after the failed curse attempt makes sense. Of course, we’ll only know the truth once we interrogate Joshua and his lackeys ourselves.”
Knock, knock.
While the three were deep in conversation, Kashimir arrived at Jin’s room.
“Young Master Jin, we have located him.”
Him.
Kidard Hall—the one who crippled Jin Runkandel in his past life. Jin’s eyes sharpened as he looked at Kashimir.
Of course, as soon as he returned to Tikan, Jin had sent the Seven-Colored Bird to find Kidard.
“Where is he?”
“In the Eastern Continent, the Meltdor Principality. He’s been living in seclusion there. After resigning as a senior magic instructor under Ziphl, he’s been conducting research there ever since.”
Kashimir handed Jin the Seven-Colored Bird’s report. It detailed Kidard Hall’s personal information and every traceable movement, year by year.
“…February 1765, appointed head instructor at Biment Academy. Expelled fifteen students in his first year, causing major conflicts with Biment’s nobles. Wow, records going back thirty years! Impressive, Sir Kashimir.”
“It’s not me, but my subordinates who deserve credit, haha. The report even includes his current residence and the restaurant he frequents most.”
Jin shivered as he scanned the report. The Seven-Colored Bird had completely dissected Kidard’s life.
Even for a renowned 9-star mage like Kidard Hall, uncovering decades-old details was no easy feat.
“This will be a great help, Sir Kashimir.”
He meant it sincerely.
But the report lacked the most crucial information only Jin, as a time traveler, knew—the key to killing Kidard.
“We also deployed Jet for this search. That guy’s still in training but already works remarkably well. Thanks to you, Young Master, we’ve gained a valuable asset.”
“Good to hear he’s worth his keep. So, Meltdor Principality… that’s quite far. We can’t take a direct teleport gate, so we’ll have to prepare and leave by tomorrow.”
“Excuse me? Tomorrow?”
“My lord, tomorrow?”
“Are you seriously planning to go kill him tomorrow?”
Jin nodded as his comrades asked in disbelief.
“And I’m going alone this time.”
“Alone? Didn’t you almost get killed by two 8-star mages recently? Have you forgotten?”
“You must be joking, my lord?”
“Young Master, do you have a plan?”
“Hey, you little pest. That Kidard guy is a 9-star mage, right?”
“That’s right, Murakan. Before going into seclusion, he was one of the most famous mages in the world, second only to Ziphl. If you say ‘Kidard the Reverser,’ no one doesn’t know him.”
“How can the kid just go kill someone like that alone tomorrow? You need a proper party, a detailed plan, and the right moment to strike. Right? Speak up, pest. My blood’s boiling.”
“Exactly… um, Murakan, may I ask why you’re so angry?”
“That crazy kid thinks he’s a moth to a flame! Kidard is the bonfire, and I’m the guardian dragon. Who else am I supposed to take my anger out on if not you, poor Strawberry Pie?”
“Ah, I understand. Yes, I accept that. But Murakan, since Young Master Jin is so confident, doesn’t that mean he has some kind of certainty?”
The three of them looked at Jin simultaneously.
“Hmm… First of all, Murakan, stop bothering Lord Kashimir. All three of you, don’t get flustered—listen carefully. There is a plan, and even if it fails, the risk isn’t that high.”
As Jin began explaining how to eliminate Kidath, Gili and Murakan blinked in disbelief.
Kashimir, however, clapped his hands and nodded in approval.
“Minion, do you really think this will work?”
“Honestly, Lord Murakan, Prince Jin’s method might be much cleaner and safer than assembling a party to launch a direct assault. Even if it fails, the chances of returning unharmed are higher. It’s insightful, in my opinion.”
“What does Strawberry Pie think?”
“If the young master is safe, it’s worth a try. But it would be hard not seeing him for a while—that’s the upsetting part.”
“In that case, I’m on board too. While that damn brat is gone, I’ll take better care of you, Strawberry Pie, so there’s no need to be upset.”
In the end, all three agreed.
And Kashimir already felt his fingers itching with anticipation.
‘I’ve always regretted not being able to share that Prince Jin took on two 8-star enemies. Maybe soon, I’ll have even bigger news to deliver. Sir Shiron!’