Chapter 762
Episode 187: The People We Must Find, An Unexpected Clue (3)
[So the one who came here was Lokiá Ganesto? Then, was he really the traitor?]
Veil was fixated on the fact that the person who found Runtia was Lokiá, but the more important part was what came after.
[The youngest has to deal with his father? What on earth does that mean?]
When Runtia spoke, Jin suddenly recalled the knights scattered by the Dark God right after returning from Laprarosa.
-(It was revealed that Siron Runkandel, the head of the Runkandel family, died in the Black Sea. The one who killed a demigod was the King of the Black Sea, implying there are more beings like Gliek from the Sword Emperor War…)
-(The Black Panther, as the new lord of Runkandel, declared he would carry on the previous lord’s will and hunt down the kings of the Black Sea. But first, unifying the entire world is the top priority.)
The King of the Black Sea.
Jin suspected that Siron’s expedition to the Black Sea was connected to these kings.
“…It’s probably about the King of the Black Sea. Lokiá Ganesto seems to be assuming that his father either fought them there or fell to the corruption of the Creation’s demonic taint.”
The chaos of the Black Sea kings and the unique demonic corruption of Creation.
Jin had already experienced Ron’s fall to those two forces.
[What!?]
“Valeria, is that all the records you have? Nothing about where Lokiá came from, or where he went after leaving the interdimensional space?”
“Those records haven’t been collected. Since the records are unstable, it’s likely due to historical manipulation applied to Lokiá Ganesto.”
As time passed, the sentences appearing in the record window grew blurry.
“Any other possibilities? Could the instability be because Lokiá deliberately tampered with the records?”
Though a wave of unease surged as soon as they confirmed Lokiá’s words, thinking calmly, something felt off.
There wasn’t a single record of his movements, yet the ominous details about Siron were fully revealed.
“A power that surpasses record magic… Lokiá Ganesto is someone who operates behind the scenes without even the Dark God knowing. He might possess such an ability. There’s also evidence he used Ziphl’s historical manipulation to hide himself. And my record magic isn’t perfect yet.”
“If we assume Lokiá concealed his movements intentionally, this is clearly a deliberate message.”
[Explain it clearly, youngest.]
“It’s a trap, sister. I think Lokiá purposely left only the information about his father in the record magic to lure us into heading to the Black Sea.”
[To find his father?]
“Yes. And as Valeria said, Lokiá operated without even the sharp Dark God of his human days knowing. So isn’t it strange that he left such a careless clue about himself? He must know I have a record mage among my comrades. Precisely because he knows about the record mage, he did this.”
[Then why?]
“Lokiá Ganesto’s goal is to resurrect the Sun God. He probably sees me, my family, and the Balmur Alliance as obstacles. If this message causes the Balmur Alliance to launch a full-scale search of the Black Sea, it would create a significant gap in our forces.”
[I don’t think Lokiá would consider you foolish enough to throw all your strength into the Black Sea just because of one message.]
“Yes, that’s true. But if we invest just a few days, a few key members and I could reach the early to mid-Black Sea region. We also have Lord Hedo, who’s practically from the Black Sea. If I were Lokiá, that’s exactly what I’d be counting on—setting a trap and waiting.”
Of course, it was all speculation.
Still, Jin was gripped by a gut feeling that he had seen through Lokiá’s true intentions.
“Also, the fact that he’s playing such games suggests Lokiá’s situation isn’t good. That’s probably why the Dark God War didn’t end as he wished.”
[Hoo, it’s still unsettling. You just finished dealing with the Dark God, and now this could happen again?]
“Sister, it won’t happen. I met my father recently.”
[Your father!?]
“It was during the preliminary battle against the Dark God in the inner world. At that time, my father stood on the path of remaining human, not becoming a monster.”
It was impossible to imagine that father turning into a monster like the Dark God.
Also, Ron during the Gliek War ultimately overcame the demonic corruption and protected the world.
Though Jin helped, Siron now had Luna and the expedition with him.
Just as Siron didn’t worry about Jin after their meeting in the inner world, Jin trusted his father.
“So don’t worry too much. Even before Lokiá, prophets have made such grim predictions. You know how those turned out. It all depends on how you accept it—such messages have no power.”
What mattered wasn’t prophecy or foresight, but the strength and will to stand firm and overcome when great fate or destiny arrives.
Jin had painfully learned that truth through the Dark God War.
“Anyway, as Sir Fadler said, now that Lokiá’s existence is confirmed, we need to pay more attention to finding him.”
Listening to Jin, Runtia felt her anxiety strangely ease.
Even if it was all hypothetical, it was Jin—so she trusted him.
[I’m glad you’re here, youngest. Now, go back quickly. Like I said before, only come to me when you’re sure you can get me out. Your time is that precious.]
“Understood, sister. Next time we meet, you’ll be much stronger.”
[There’s no place better for secluded training than here. In fact, since you last visited, I’ve already broken through one wall.]
“I’ll look forward to it, sister. But you won’t challenge me to a duel every three months like the old Mary, right?”
[Who knows? Facing someone stronger than me is always fun. After training, there won’t be many like you left.]
“Oh… you’re quite confident.”
[If I hadn’t lost interest in sword and life back then, you’d be competing with me now. Haha. When you go back, say hi to Mary and Tona for me.]
“Will do, sister.”
There was no sadness or bitterness in this farewell anymore.
Just as there was no need to worry about Siron, there was no reason they wouldn’t meet again.
After exchanging goodbyes, they opened the door out of the interdimensional space.
Runtia waved brightly to her younger brother’s group as they left.
“Jin. Your sister’s mental strength is incredible. It can’t be easy to endure loneliness in that dreadful place.”
“Her body is just as tough—I was surprised before. Anyway, thanks, Valeria. You might not have the best feelings about my sister.”
“She didn’t stab me by her own will. Enough of the awkward talk, let’s go.”
Their next destination was Kinzel’s new headquarters.
They planned to stop by briefly before meeting Luet.
Originally, they intended only to disrupt the enemy’s steel trade (which Kashimir had already deliberately sabotaged), but since they were going, it would be good to ask about Lokiá openly.
“I think the ship was parked around here.”
Jin looked ahead.
All they could see was a vast white snowy plain, but somewhere there, the Red Owl was hidden.
-Arrived. Return coordinates set to Gwikokseong and Tikan. When the launch pad opens, just press the button in the center of the cabin. You’ll be in front of Gwikokseong in the blink of an eye. And the invisibility is still under development, so be careful about exposure once you arrive.
-Invisibility?
-Don’t know when it’ll be ready. Also, remember that if the Red Owl gets damaged, Valeria and I will do whatever it takes to kill you.
The “invisibility” was the new technology Quaul had mentioned in the past, recently applied to the Red Owl.
The group searched nearby for the Red Owl.
Since it hadn’t snowed, it was hard to find.
Finally, Valeria sighed and used record magic to locate the Red Owl.
The two of them chuckled at the situation, while Veil grumbled in frustration.
Even after finding the Red Owl, it was so transparent they struggled to find the boarding gate.
After Veil bumped his head a few times, they finally boarded, and only then did the invisibility deactivate automatically.
“Hmm, it needs some improvements.”
“Both Quaul and I are working on it, so don’t nag. You don’t know how busy I am.”
[That’s how it is with those sitting in high places. You should understand, Valeria.]
After setting the coordinates, the Red Owl instantly teleported the group to the front gate of Kinzel’s new headquarters.
“Wha—what’s that? Those guys!”
“The Balmur Alliance!”
Bubar and Ainas Caligo, who were sitting in front of the gate watching ants play, greeted the group.
“Who do you think you are barging in here like this? You’re so damn unlucky! Still think we’re allies? Is this an ambush!?”
“It is! Sister, Captain! Anti-air! Jin Runkandel has invaded!”
Without so much as a word in response, the group strode steadily toward the main gate.
The two who had been shouting loudly now shrank back as Jin approached, squeezing their eyes shut tightly.
The Red Tiger clan guards standing watch briefly raised their weapons, but their legs trembled uncontrollably.
“Stand down.”
At Jin’s single command, the Red Tiger clan lowered their weapons, eyes cast downward.
“And send someone to fetch your leader. I’ll be waiting in the VIP room.”
Bubar and Ainas said nothing more, watching Jin and his group head into the VIP room as if it were their own home, muttering half-hearted curses under their breath.