Chapter 751

Chapter 751

What a Curious Being. (3)

Ghislain casually interjected and asked.

“Is it really a being like a King of Spirits?”

It wasn’t a serious question but more out of curiosity. He didn’t actually believe it could be one.

But still, if by some chance it was something akin to a King of Spirits... wouldn’t that be incredible?

Ilaniel looked at Ghislain with an exasperated gaze.

“Of course not.”

“...Right?”

“How did you come to know about this... spirit-like thing?”

Ghislain shrugged as he answered.

“I just happened to acquire it by chance. It’s not even in the Spirit Realm; it lives within my consciousness. The way it uses its power is similar to a spirit’s. But this little guy has lost its memory, so it doesn’t know what it is.”

Ilaniel observed Dark intently. Dark, who had been in a staring contest with her, subtly turned its head away.

“Lost its memory? That is truly curious. Allow me to take a look for a moment.”

Ilaniel took Dark and held it in one hand. Even then, Dark turned its head away with a sullen expression.

“How insolent... to dare lift me up like some mere ornament.”

Dark grumbled loudly enough for all to hear, but no one paid attention.

Ilaniel placed her hand on top of Dark’s head and murmured softly.

“Spirits of sleep and dreams, heed my call. Open the gate to the hidden world and traverse between eternity and the moment.”

Paaaah...

Sparkling light briefly circled around Ilaniel’s hand before seeping into Dark’s body.

Dark fiercely resisted the power that tried to invade its consciousness.

Since Dark existed solely as will, it possessed formidable strength against mental forces.

It could even shatter the illusions of a 7th-Circle Mage.

“How dare you try to peer into me!”

Even though it resided within Ghislain, the two were entirely separate beings. Just as Ghislain could block Dark from seeing his consciousness, Dark could do the same.

Without permission, neither could peer into the other’s depths. And even if permitted, it would only allow a fleeting glimpse.

The two entirely different entities could never truly become one. If they ever did, they would no longer be their original selves.

“Ho...”

Ilaniel showed an intrigued expression. The mental barrier of her opponent was extremely strong. If she tried to force her way through, both would suffer significant damage.

Ilaniel spoke gently.

“You said you don’t know what you are either. If you allow it, I will take a brief look into your unconscious mind.”

“Hmph...”

Dark turned its head coyly. That was its way of granting permission. In truth, Dark was also curious about what it truly was.

Paaaah...

Only then did the Spirit of Dreams enter deep into Dark’s consciousness. It was the same method used when Ereneth examined Ghislain’s collapsed consciousness.

However, the difference was that Ilaniel had descended all the way into the depths of Dark’s unconscious.

An unconscious mind typically contains a unique ‘world’ of its own.

Ghislain had once shown his world to Dark as well.

Although it had been a bleak wasteland dyed in crimson, it was still a landscape that belonged solely to Ghislain.

But

‘This can’t be…’

Ilaniel furrowed her brow.

Inside Dark, there was nothing.

Not even silence remained, a complete void.

No light, no color, no memory, no emotion, literally nothingness.

Ilaniel looked around several times. Even a beast would not be this empty.

Even if memories were lost, there should still be a world within the unconscious.

Yet this space of unconsciousness was sealed. A world thoroughly blocked off.

Not just to the outside, even its owner’s own consciousness could not enter it.

Only then did Ilaniel realize.

‘Its memories are sealed. And… in a very precise and solid way.’

A subtle wariness rose in Ilaniel’s eyes.

Who could have done this, and what were they trying to hide?

Crackle!

The spirits of dreams Ilaniel had summoned struck at the wall of darkness. But that wall was far more solid than expected.

It was like a perfectly shut door through which not a single ray of light could seep through.

Ilaniel narrowed her gaze and gathered strength in her fingertips.

Boom!

For a brief moment, the darkness warped and a very fine crack appeared, through which a faint light seeped.

“Keeeek!”

Dark opened its eyes wide and let out a sharp scream.

“Tch…”

Ilaniel immediately withdrew her hand. Had she pressed further, Dark’s consciousness could have been in danger.

“…To think it would be this much.”

She let out a small breath and closed her eyes. But she had gleaned a few things.

For the briefest moment, she had sensed the faint fragrance of a spirit. And within that…

There was an indescribable, immense sorrow and pain.

Ilaniel opened her eyes and spoke.

“This child… unbelievable as it may be, is indeed a spirit.”

Ghislain’s eyes widened slightly in surprise.

“Really? It’s truly a spirit?”

He had only called it a spirit for lack of a better term; he hadn’t truly believed it to be one.

He had thought of it as some strange existence resembling a spirit.

Yet Ilaniel had now officially recognized Dark as a spirit.

“Yes. I don’t know what kind of spirit it is, but I faintly sensed a fragrance that only a spirit would possess. And… it was the fragrance of countless spirits.”

“Countless…? What do you mean?”

“It felt as if all elemental spirits were mixed together. Fire and water, wind and earth, light, and darkness. Layer upon layer.”

“But Dark is only one.”

“That is why it is so difficult to understand. It seems to be a spirit that has been contaminated or altered in some way. The walls of its consciousness are too thick for me to discern its true nature in more detail.”

Ilaniel shook her head slightly and continued.

“For now, it will be hard to know what kind of being it is. It appears that its memories have been sealed.”

“Hmm…”

“For a brief moment, I felt a deep sorrow and pain. It must have gone through something terrible.”

Ghislain looked at Dark and asked.

“Do you have any sad memories?”

“Nope.”

“Are you hurt anywhere?”

“Not hurt.”

“…”

Ghislain sighed. Indeed, sorrow didn’t seem to suit Dark at all. But since its unconscious was sealed, things might change once the truth came to light.

Ilaniel looked at Dark with a smile.

“If this child regains its memories, it could become something extraordinary. After all, it is no coincidence that it holds the essence of so many spirits.”

Upon hearing that, Dark spread its wings and cried out triumphantly.

“See! This proves I’m the King of Spirits! Once I get my memories back, you’ll all be done for!”

Ilaniel quietly added.

“Of course… even if it regains its memories, it might turn out to be nothing at all. For example, it could simply be the residue… left behind by a powerful spirit.”

“…”

Faced with this new theory, Dark closed its mouth. Being the King of Spirits was fine, but being some discarded residue was a bit distasteful.

Dark did not accept that theory.

“I must have been an incredible being. I must have been the King of Spirits with dominion over all elements!”

Ghislain cautiously asked Ilaniel.

“Are there really spirits like that? Ones that possess all elements?”

“As far as I know, no such spirit exists. But who can say for sure? There may be mysterious beings yet undiscovered. Even I do not know everything about the Spirit Realm.”

“I see. But it is definitely a spirit, right?”

“Yes. At the very least… its origin is undoubtedly that of a spirit.”

Ghislain nodded. When it came to spirits, Ilaniel was the foremost expert on the continent.

If she declared it so, there was no longer any reason to doubt.

‘If I had seen Dark’s original energy, would I have been able to deduce more?’

Ilaniel, unlike the future Ereneth, did not react sensitively to Dark’s energy.

At present, Dark was taking form through Astion’s mana rather than its original energy.

Therefore, Ilaniel could not perceive the unique energy of Dark that resembled, yet differed from, that of the Salvation Church.

While Ghislain was pondering this, the spirits near Julien quietly approached Dark.

They cautiously examined Dark from all angles, showing interest. And that interest was different from what they showed others.

As if wanting to become one with it, the spirits came even closer and tried to blend their energy with Dark’s.

Feeling somehow annoyed by this, Dark suddenly shouted.

“Get away! How dare lowly spirits try to act friendly with the King of Spirits!”

Startled by Dark’s outburst, the spirits hid behind Julien. Even so, they couldn’t suppress their curiosity and kept stealing glances at Dark.

Ghislain noticed that Dark was more on edge than usual.

“What’s wrong with you? Why are you so sensitive today?”

“I don’t know. It’s just uncomfortable. I’m going back in.”

Dark didn’t know why either.

This forest, the elves, and the spirits seemed to make it feel depressed. Especially when the spirits came near, it felt even more melancholic.

So, as if fleeing, Dark retreated into Ghislain’s consciousness.

Watching this, Ilaniel spoke.

“For a spirit, its personality is quite eccentric. Usually, a spirit’s personality tends to mirror that of its summoner...”

“It’s been like that since the first time we met.”

“The sealed memories cannot be forcibly broken, but perhaps one day an opportunity will arise to release them. For now, we can only wait. Is there anything else you need or are curious about?”

“This is more than enough. Thanks to your help, we obtained the Sacred Stone, and my friend even gained a spirit. I also had some of my questions answered. Thank you very much.”

Ghislain bowed deeply in gratitude.

Having gained all they needed, Ghislain’s party took a well-deserved rest for the day.

The elves provided rare fruits and herbs from the forest. Though they didn’t quite suit the meat-loving tastes of the mercenaries, everyone still had an enjoyable time.

The next day, as Ghislain’s party packed their things and prepared to leave, all the elves came out to see them off.

Ilaniel smiled at Ghislain.

“May your journey lead to success.”

“Thank you. I’ll come visit again sometime.”

Seeing Ghislain treat this place like a friend’s home, Ilaniel smiled warmly.

Of all the humans she had met, none were as open and straightforward as Ghislain.

Unlike other humans, he did not have a trace of slyness or deceit. Naturally, Ilaniel liked him.

Her gaze shifted to Deneb.

“You have great potential. I hope you use that power wisely. I entrusted you with the Blessing Stone because I believe in you.”

“Yes! I’ll do my best not to disappoint you, Chieftain!”

Deneb answered energetically. Though her Divine Power had returned to normal, this experience had given her some newfound confidence.

Just as they were about to depart, Ghislain noticed Ereneth standing there with a dejected expression.

‘Hmph, when did she start traveling with us again?’

It was certain that they had fought together during the Great War. He had clearly seen that scene in his dreams.

But Ghislain didn’t know exactly when Ereneth had started traveling with the Hero’s party.

So, he simply spoke as his heart guided him.

“Ereneth, do you want to come with us too?”

“What, me? Me too?”

“Yes. You said you wanted to go outside. And since the Chieftain entrusted the Blessing Stone to us, you have plenty of reason to come along as well. Don’t you think?”

At those words, Ereneth glanced at Ilaniel. Without Ilaniel’s permission, she couldn’t leave.

Ilaniel gave Ghislain a sideways glance. Even though he knew what Ereneth wanted, he still made such a suggestion.

With a wry smile, Ilaniel shook her head and said,

“Ereneth, you should go with them.”

“N-no. I…”

“It’s alright. I know how you feel. I can no longer keep you confined within this small forest.”

“Lady Ilaniel…”

“Go out into the world and learn much. Those friends will guide you well.”

In truth, Ilaniel had already known.

One day, Ereneth would have left the forest, even if she had to do so in secret.

In that case, it was far better for her to travel with the trustworthy Julien Mercenary Corps.

Eyes brimming with tears, Ereneth bowed deeply.

“I will grow stronger so that I can contribute in the war against the Demonic Abyss, and I’ll return even stronger than I am now.”

At those words, Ilaniel smiled with a hint of sadness.

“Yes. I’m sure you will.”

Now that the Demonic Abyss had begun to rise in this era, it meant that strong elves were needed once more.

And no one was more suited to that role than Ereneth, whose talent for battle surpassed all others.

With Ilaniel’s permission, Ghislain beamed.

“Welcome to the mercenary corps, rookie.”

“Hmph. I know what humans mean by ‘rookie.’ But as a noble elf, I won’t do any of that menial labor.”

So different from the future Ereneth, proud and spirited. Ghislain found that side of her very amusing.

He shrugged and replied.

“I’m sure you won’t. Now then, shall we go find the next Sacred Stone?”

With Ereneth now part of the Julien Mercenary Corps, they once again set off toward their next destination.

Ilaniel watched their departing figures for a long time.

When they finally disappeared from view, she looked down at her own hands.

Compared to not long ago, they now bore far more wrinkles.

Ilaniel murmured softly.

“It seems the time has come to pass the World Tree on to the next generation.”

And the elf to bear that heavy responsibility...

She had a feeling it would be that child, one who would return stronger after facing the harsh trials of the world.

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