Chapter 191

Chapter 191

Investing Through the Status Window.

Episode 191: Yearning (1)

[Strength: 61] [Agility: 68] [Stamina: 64] [Intelligence: 30] [Magic: 32]

[Genius] [Sixth Sense] [Insight] [Cold-headed] [Affinity with Nature] [Efficiency] [Hypersensitive] [Sensitive] [Insomnia]

Indeed, a well-rounded talent.

High stats were a given, and even the [Intelligence] and [Magic] stats were quite decent. Moreover, this was still a growing stage. The reason she was noted as the next Sword Emperor was evident just from her status window.

Allen had mixed feelings about Agnes Neptune. It might be right to say it was welcoming yet slightly unnerving.

Of course, this monumental encounter was applicable only to Allen. To her, he was just one of the many mercenary group leaders she happened to meet. She actually seemed to think so.

Despite his exceptional talent as a group leader, his martial skills were lacking. For someone desperately pursuing the essence of the sword, he was hardly an inspiring figure. Although the Prince’s praises were widespread, her impression ended there.

Naturally, there was no dramatic atmosphere between the two. They simply exchanged light greetings and had no further conversation. She solely fulfilled her role as an observer.

After greeting the Prince and Agnes, Allen shifted his attention to the Ghost Flame Grenzo and offered a polite greeting.

The two, who seemed to have no connection, greeted each other warmly, like old friends. Viola was curious, but the Prince seemed even more intrigued. Grenzo, who was less interested in external matters than Sword Emperor Magnus, treated Allen, who wasn’t even a mage, specially.

“Are you two close?”

“We met by chance before. He’s a young man I’ve been keeping an eye on.”

“…Is that so?”

As expected, the cream rises to the top. It seemed Group Leader Grenzo recognized Allen’s exceptional qualities.

Anyway, after the brief introductions, the Prince got to the main point.

“Given the gravity of the situation, the Imperial Palace is taking this matter quite seriously.”

Immortality was something that universally fascinated humans. Even some nobles in the capital were completely swayed by the heretical schemes. They even became the ringleaders of a riot, causing quite a commotion…

“So that’s why we’ve summoned the Top 10. The Imperial Palace wishes to deal with these heretics swiftly.”

“…I see.”

However, capturing the heretics wouldn’t completely solve the problem.

Ultimately, the core issue was to eliminate the very root of this situation.

“What do you think?”

This time, Group Leader Grenzo asked Allen.

His knowledge was said to far surpass that of any mediocre mage. Especially Elena and Viola, the two women fervently testified to that.

Of course, everyone thought it was Group Leader Allen’s relentless effort. To compensate for his lack of strength with knowledge…

Allen, who received the question from the Ghost Flame, briefly scanned the men and women seated at the round table before beginning his story.

“As Group Leader Grenzo knows, it’s important to eliminate the heresy, but that’s not the fundamental solution.”

“Then?”

“We must eliminate the Finger of God.”

At this, the Prince looked at Group Leader Grenzo. It was exactly what he had said earlier when Allen wasn’t present.

“I think so, too.”

“Of course, there are issues.”

“The question is how to eliminate it, right?”

“We should offer it back to God.”

“How?”

“Like how the Holy Kingdom performs rites, shouldn’t we offer the finger?”

“Then where do we find it?”

“We must go to the ancient city.”

The exchange of questions and answers between the two men proceeded without the slightest hesitation. The remaining listeners shifted their gazes back and forth according to the speaker.

“So, the conclusion is that we must find that ancient city.”

Of course, even Group Leader Grenzo could think that far. The problem lay beyond that.

“But the cursed city was banished from this land by a divine curse, wasn’t it?”

“That’s correct. There’s no way to reach it by normal means.”

“Then?”

“Anyway, the heretics will open the gate leading there on their own. That’s the only way for the world they desire to manifest on this land.”

The Immortal World.

That was the self-proclaimed Liberation Army’s goal.

“After being dormant for hundreds of years, they suddenly open the gate? If they could have done it, why now? And how?”

“The method already existed. It was just that the conditions were stringent.”

“Conditions?”

Allen lightly tapped his chest with his palm.

“It’s a wish. Not just from one or two people, but from hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands, or even more…!”

Ah.

Everyone present let out a short exclamation.

“A wish for immortality. The simultaneous occurrence of these events across the continent was to gather those human wishes. As a great archmage yourself, Group Leader, you must know how powerful the force of a wish is.”

“Haha… To think that such a thing was done for that reason.”

Even Group Leader Grenzo couldn’t have imagined it was for such a reason. A wish for immortality.

“The ritual must have already begun somewhere. To bring the Finger of God down to this land. That is where the cursed city will now stand.”

A long silence followed as Allen closed his mouth.

Everyone had heard something far beyond their imagination. Even the iron-masked Group Leader Viola, who had shared close moments with them.

“…In short, it’s an unavoidable fate.”

The Prince broke the silence, speaking in a self-mocking tone.

Immortality was something that any human would inevitably yearn for.

“Even His Majesty desires eternal life right now.”

Lost in deep thought, Group Leader Grenzo asked Allen again.

“Then how do we find the ritual where that desire gathers? It’s not even dark magic, so tracking it is no easy task. Is there a way?”

“Of course, finding it by normal means would be nearly impossible.”

It would be like finding a needle in a haystack.

“However… there is someone specialized in this area.”

“Who?”

Allen smiled faintly.

“The Holy Knight Order’s scent tracker, the Holy Knight, Monua. Some of you may have heard of her.”

Though not widely known publicly, at least Group Leader Grenzo would be aware.

As if to prove it, his eyebrows slightly rose.

“I’ve heard the name. Is she reliable?”

“Yes, I vouch for it, and perhaps she might already be on the scent.”

Although the relationship between Allen and the Holy Kingdom was somewhat delicate, the Holy Kingdom wouldn’t ignore it if the Imperial Palace intervened. And a similar situation might have already occurred in the Holy Kingdom. After all, even if one was a believer, as long as they were human, they couldn’t be devoid of the desire for immortality.

“Of course, the Holy Knights are bound to the Holy Kingdom, so His Highness the Prince must take action himself. The Holy Kingdom is notoriously slow-moving, isn’t it?”

“Of course. Don’t worry about that. I’ll make them dance.”

Then, a faint laugh broke out.

Anyway, with this, the tasks were roughly set. The Prince and Grenzo seemed to be in a good mood, having achieved more than expected.

Especially Grenzo, who was amazed to experience Allen’s knowledge firsthand, which he had only heard about from Elena.

“Elena praised you so much, saying you were so smart, but it seems that’s just the tip of the iceberg.”

“Haha… It just so happened that something I knew came up.”

Of course, people knew it wasn’t just a coincidence.

Agnes also realized that Allen was not just a handsome face. Perhaps she understood why His Highness praised him.

The Prince, already looking at the darkened window, stood up.

“I’ve kept you too long because I was so glad to see you.”

“No, Your Highness. If you wish, I would gladly stay up all night.”

“Really?”

“Ah, um, I apologize, but for today, I’m quite tired…”

“Ahem! How dare you lie in a safe place. As punishment, have a drink with me next time.”

“Well, please go easy on me. I’m quite weak with alcohol…”

“Don’t worry. One keg will do. Then I’ll leave first. No need to see me off. Take your time to say your goodbyes.”

With that, the Prince left the reception room first. Shortly after, Agnes followed him with a light nod.

The remaining Group Leader Grenzo, also exchanged a warm handshake with Allen and bid farewell.

“Today was truly a fruitful time… I don’t drink, but let’s have a meal together sometime. Ah, please bring Group Leader Viola along as well.”

“Invite me anytime. I’ll come running.”

“Alright. Then, I’ll be off. No need to see me out.”

After Group Leader Grenzo left, the two men and women parted ways according to their own purposes. Of course, it was only natural that they shared a lingering kiss before going.

Having satisfied his hunger at the dining hall, Allen took a clean bath and flopped onto the soft bed.

…Lying on the bed, Allen’s eyes, lost in deep thought, remained open for a long time, staring at a dark spot on the ceiling.