Chapter 782
Episode 192: Three Days Ago (3)
The Garden of Swords.
A massive explosion had rocked the Tower of Stories, and the cause was believed to be a battle. After the blast, night seemed to fall abruptly, darkening the sky around the Mage Tower.
That was all the informant reported about the incident that occurred three days ago in the Lutero Federation. There was no clear explanation of who exactly had fought.
As expected, Ziphl had thoroughly concealed the event. If the spies infiltrating the Federation hadn’t discovered it, Runcandel would have remained unaware of the explosion at the Tower of Stories.
“Order the Federation’s spies to withdraw immediately. Beradin has abilities similar to record magic; if such an incident occurred, he’ll be sure to search the area thoroughly.”
“Yes, fortunately, the spies anticipated that and have already begun their retreat. They’re quick—won’t get caught.”
“That’s a relief. Butler, once the spies return, make sure they receive generous rewards.”
[Understood.]
“A battle, huh? Lord Sogaju, since Kadun has been prone to outbursts lately, could this be connected?”
“It seems to be an internal matter, Haeitona, brother. The only forces capable of assaulting the Tower of Stories are us and Kinzelro, and there’s been no suspicious activity from Kinzelro’s side.”
[It’s also possible that Beradin Ziphl, the current Sogaju, and the fire dragon Kadun were at odds.]
“True. But the Tower of Stories is the very heart of Ziphl. It’s strange that a battle would break out there. If our spies, who were quite far from the tower, could observe it, the fight must have been large-scale.”
After the explosion, the sky near the tower had darkened as if night had fallen…
Jin was fixated on that detail.
‘Since the battle took place at the Mage Tower, it’s plausible that overlapping grand spells cast shadows across the sky. If a demon stone was used, its unique aura could easily darken the heavens.’
Still, there was an unsettling feeling that something else was at play.
—Runcandel still didn’t know exactly how Ziphl was manipulating history.
They only knew that once Ziphl’s mages gathered en masse at the Tower of Stories, the alteration occurred.
From what was confirmed at Temar’s third tomb:
‘According to records seen in Solderet’s device, the Tower of Stories is presumed to be the core space for historical manipulation… and it’s within the domain of the Ziphl family. Moreover, Kadun would never betray Ziphl. Even if he truly was at odds with Beradin, there’s no reason to choose that place as a battlefield.’
Ziphl must have been troubled recently by the weakening of their historical manipulation powers. Under such circumstances, there was no reason to create a situation that could jeopardize the Tower of Stories.
Above all, the Tower of Stories was Ziphl’s strongest fortress—likely even harder to conquer than Drakka, the family’s main estate.
‘Whether it’s Kadun or anyone else, starting a rebellion battle at the Tower of Stories is madness. Capturing the tower is nearly impossible, and even if they won, the damage to the tower would be too great.’
Of course, the Kadun Jin knew could be reckless and prone to tantrums. But on reflection, Kadun had always backed down when realizing he was at a disadvantage—whether in arguments with Jin or power struggles with Zephyrin.
It was hard to imagine Kadun risking his life to settle things with Beradin at the Tower of Stories.
‘Then, if Kadun was involved, it must have been a fight he couldn’t afford to lose. The reason for that might be…’
Kelliak Ziphl.
Suddenly, his name and condition flashed through Jin’s mind—the current head of the Ziphl family, kept alive by the sustaining device on the Mage Tower’s top floor, consumed by the demonic aura.
Two possibilities came to mind at once.
“…What if Beradin tried to kill Kelliak? If Kadun was the main combatant, he wouldn’t have been able to back down.”
Jin organized his thoughts and explained.
[The Sogaju of Ziphl tried to kill the current head…? Hmm, you mentioned that before his mental manipulation, Beradin Ziphl was a just and upright man. He also harbored strong resentment toward the family.]
“But judging by Beradin’s recent behavior, it doesn’t seem like he’s fully himself. If Beradin tried to kill Kelliak, the most likely reason would be to seize power by pushing Kelliak aside. That assumes Kelliak was already incapacitated or…”
Mary’s eyes widened before she could finish.
“…A rampage. If Kelliak went berserk like the demon god did, that would explain a lot. The darkened sky might not have been caused by magic but by the demonic aura.”
Mary continued.
Jin had been thinking the same thing. If Kelliak, consumed by the demonic aura, had gone berserk, it would explain the battle at the Tower of Stories. Ziphl would have no choice but to subdue him.
“And if Kelliak did go berserk, it’s likely connected to Lokia Ganesto as well. Sir Padler was convinced that Lokia Ganesto was involved in the birth of the demon god.”
A brief silence followed.
That meant another demon god could be born—not in Runcandel, but within Ziphl.
“Ziphl would never want another demon god to emerge. They want to rule, not destroy.”
[So you’re saying the battle at the Tower of Stories might have been Ziphl’s attempt to stop Kelliak before he became a demon god?]
“Of course, this is all speculation. We can’t jump to conclusions. We need to investigate directly.”
[You mean you’ll go yourself?]
“Yes. I think it’s best to assemble an elite infiltration team, including myself, to examine the records near the Tower of Stories.”
[Unlike the spies, Lord Sogaju won’t be in mortal danger even deep in enemy territory. The elite team will probably include Miss Yona and the Nameless King, so even more so. But if you’re discovered, it could become a sensitive issue.]
“Even if we’re discovered, we have a valid reason. If we say we’re concerned about another demon god emerging, Ziphl won’t have grounds to retaliate strongly. If they were willing to start a war just because they’re displeased, they would have done so already.”
“True. We can’t rule out the possibility that Ziphl plans to use Kelliak as a demon god-like weapon. This is definitely something we need to confirm. It’s no secret that both sides have spies embedded.”
[Understood. Shall I contact Nameless immediately to prepare?]
“Please do. The infiltration will take place in a week. Until then, gather as much intel as possible on Kadun’s whereabouts and condition, as well as the movements of Beradin and the Ziphl leadership.”
[Yes, Lord Sogaju.]
Lutero Magic Federation, Sacred Gate.
“Kraaah…!”
Inside the gate’s treatment chamber, screams had echoed nonstop for three days.
They belonged to Beradin. Ronil and Octavia paced anxiously outside the treatment room, their faces dark with worry.
“Ronil, is it really possible for the Sogaju to recover like this?”
Octavia asked, watching the living golems entering the chamber every hour since Beradin’s arrival—the same kind Jin had seen when healing Valeria in the past.
“I don’t know for sure. The priestess said the treatment would be finished soon. Let’s wait.”
“Priestess? Who is this person? Why was their existence kept secret from me until now? Did the family head know about them?”
“That’s not something I can answer. Ask directly when the Sogaju wakes.”
Octavia felt like she was going mad. So many things were hard to understand—Kadun’s betrayal, Kelliak’s rampage—all things she had witnessed firsthand.
Because of that, she still harbored doubts about Beradin. She suspected that Kadun’s betrayal and Kelliak’s rampage might have been part of Beradin’s scheme to seize real power.
But one thing was certain.
The power Beradin displayed in the battle three days ago surpassed even Kelliak’s prime. Without Beradin there, the demonic aura-fueled Kelliak and the fire dragon Kadun would have toppled the Tower of Stories in no time. Beradin had enough strength to fill Kadun’s absence and then some.
The battle had been so fierce that by the end, everyone except Beradin and the guardian dragons had no choice but to retreat.
Three hours later, the screams from inside the treatment room finally ceased.
Beradin emerged, completely unharmed.
‘Three days ago, the Sogaju lost both arms and suffered a pierced heart. Recovery without the Tears of Numerus was impossible. How is this even possible?’
When Beradin’s eyes met Octavia’s, she instinctively bowed her head, feeling as if he could see right through her.
“Brother Ronil.”
Beradin, as if nothing had happened, immediately began issuing orders.
“Speak.”
“Jin Runcandel will be arriving soon, accompanied by a record mage.”
“How should we respond?”
“Don’t do anything for now. If Runcandel doesn’t show up within a week, subtly leak some information about the battle that took place in the Tower of Stories to their side. I’m curious to see what the record mage there will uncover.”
“Understood.”
“Where are Tuyan and Finia?”
“The two dragons have been investigating the battlefield ever since that day. They mentioned it’s difficult to get close because of the lingering spiritual energy.”
At Ronil’s answer, Veradin furrowed his brow and added quietly, “…If Tuyan and Finia are still examining the site, that means my father’s death hasn’t been confirmed yet.”