I didn’t know if it would work.
Thinking about it, I had only ever tried the third leaf on humans.
But what if…? What if I could use the third leaf on objects? Would I be able to go to the past
and see what had happened with it? Would I learn more about the sword?
I wasn’t sure, but it was worth a try.
It was for that reason that I pressed onto the third leaf.
But…
11
All I was met with upon pressing the third leaf was silence.
I waited for a few minutes, hoping for something to happen, but nothing happened.
“Maybe it’ll happen soon?”
I wasn’t disheartened. Considering how in the past two occasions it took a little bit of time for the third leaf to display to me the past, I just thought that with time I’d be able to relieve the hidden past of the sword.
‘I’m curious as hell.’
Thinking about it, I knew nothing about the sword.
All I knew was that it was precious and was used to kill me in the future.
‘… Knowing its capabilities will help me understand why it is so precious and why it was used to kill me.’
That was all I really wanted to know at the moment and hence why I decided to wait patiently for the effect of the third leaf to appear. I thought I’d appear soon enough. Perhaps in a few hours, or even half a day later, but…
Standing within the confines of the palace within the ring, nothing happened.
Even as the next day approached.
“Nothing?”
I was disappointed by the outcome, but not surprised.
After all, I was already mentally prepared for such a result. It would make sense considering that I had tried it on an object instead of a human.
“I guess it doesn’t work.”
… Or perhaps objects took longer.
Whichever it was, I could only sigh to myself and go out of the ring space.
A blinding light seeped into the room as my eyes fluttered open, forcing me to squint against the sudden brightness. As my vision adjusted, I took in the surroundings of the medical ward, the faint scent of rubber hanging in the air.
The room was silent, save for the soft rustle of the curtains as a faint breeze drifted in, causing them to billow gently like ghostly silhouettes.
“Right.”
Recalling my position, a long sigh escaped me.
I was to remain in this place for as long as they could ensure that the ‘soul’ within me was contained.
About that…
‘Things aren’t looking so good.’
While Julien was indeed sealed, it wasn’t to a high degree. Due to Ivan’s interference, the original spell that was supposed to seal him was only half-completed.
The chains that were currently binding Julien were rather weak, and it felt like they could break at any second.
Ideally, I’d ask them to redo the spell, but with everything that had happened, I wasn’t so sure this was a good idea.
‘In the end, I still bought myself some valuable time.’
What I really needed to do was get Kiera to help me with the Mirror.
Only then would I be able to truly have some breathing room.
“Well, I’ll leave it that for now.”
For now, I just wanted to go back to my own dorm. Of course, I knew things wouldn’t be so simple. The Pope was dead, and Ivan and the Keeper were both aware of my involvement.
I was still confused as to why Ivan suddenly left, but I didn’t really have much time to dwell on that matter.
I needed to think of a way to sort out this situation.
“But how exactly can I-”
To Tok-
A sharp knock echoed through the room, followed by the door creaking open. A figure stepped in, his long blonde hair catching the light as his golden eyes softened upon meeting mine. His very presence exuded a serene calmness, and the faint smile tugging at his lips felt oddly
reassuring. freewёbnoνel.com
“Looks like you’re feeling better.”
“….A bit.”
“That’s good.”
Atlas walked towards the nearby chair and took a seat. As if he could sense my worries, his lips parted open as he spoke,
“I’ve already handled everything. You don’t need to worry.”
“….Uh?”
Handled everything?
What was he…?
“Ivan won’t give you problems and Keeper Matthias will be released next month. The Church
of Oracleus has been silent regarding this matter so neither you nor Keeper Matthias will face
any trials.”
“Yes…?”
The Church of Oracleus has been silent?
Could it be that they were aware of what had happened?
If so…
“But-”
“You don’t need to worry too much about your identity. I’ve also handled that matter. You
should thank our leader for that.”
“….Ah.”
A sudden lump formed in my throat.
Recalling the scene that I had witnessed with the sword, my heart almost leaped out of my
chest. Could it be…?
“He handled all the troublesome matters. I’ll take care of the rest so you don’t have to worry
and just rest.”
Pausing, Atlas looked directly at me. Or to be more specific, through me.
“….Regarding the soul within your body. I won’t ask since it doesn’t necessarily concern me,
but can you handle it?”
“Ah, yes.”
I nodded slowly.
Even if Kiera didn’t help, I had my own ways to handle it.
“That’s good.”
Appearing satisfied, Atlas stood up from his seat and prepared to leave. Just as he arrived by
the door, his feet came to a sudden stop.
“Ah, right. I almost forgot.”
His head slowly turned in my direction.
“We’ve found the whereabouts of Mortum.”
***
Scribble~ Scribble-
A gentle scribbling sound echoed within the silence, its rhythm steady and soothing as it
echoed softly through the room.
Pausing, Hollowe dipped the pen into the nearby ink.
Just as the pen was about to touch the paper again, a soft voice quietly echoed.
“You’ve been quite busy, Hollowe.”
“….Sir, Ivan.” Halting his movements, Hollowe looked up and immediately lowered his head to address the
approaching figure.
“It is a pleasure to see you.”
Ivan’s every movement exuded an effortless grace, like that belonging to a top noble. Yet an
oppressive aura clung to him like a shroud. It was a weight so heavy that it seemed to seep into the air, suffocating anyone who dared to meet his gaze for too long.
“You don’t need to be so formal with me, Inquisitor. The two of us have known each other for
quite some time.”
“…. It’s only appropriate.”
“Well, alright.”
Ivan waved his hand and sat down.
As he did, his eyes paused on the letter Hollowe was writing.
“Are you writing a report on the situation?”
“Yes, I have been asked to report all the details of the situation. Especially given the final
verdict of the situation.”
“Mhm, I see.”
Ivan sighed.
“I tried my best, but given the produced evidence, this was the best I could achieve. Thankfully the Church of Oracleus has been rather quiet. Within a month, we can get Matthias
out. That’s all that matters.”
“Yes, we’re truly fortunate for that.”
With a faint smile, Hollowe began to write again.
His movements were smooth, and the ink glided across the papers.
Scribble~
Ivan remained quiet while Hollowe started writing again. He simply closed his eyes and
relished the quietness of the room.
“What do you think?” Eventually, he broke the silence, prompting Hollowe to stop.
“About…?”
“Matthias’s involvement. Do you really think he’s guilty?”
“No, I don’t think Matthias is guilty.”
“Then are you saying that a mere cadet is capable of killing a Pope and subjecting Matthias to
such an unfavorable situation?”
Hollowe remained quiet for a brief moment before placing the pen down.
“I don’t know. Truthfully, I’d like to think its impossible, but after hearing Matthias’s words,
perhaps it’s possible.”
“Oh? What did Matthias say to you?”
“He said that it felt like he could see.”
“Hm?”
Ivan raised his head, meeting Hollowe’s as he frowned.
“He said that it felt as though he was being read like an open book. As though he knew in
advance what his every move would be.”
Hollowe’s tone was serious, and just for a brief moment, the room turned completely quiet.
Neither side said a single word.
Eventually, however, Ivan stood up and the tension shattered.
“I guess that’s that. I think it’s time for me to return.”
“…You will be returning? So quick?”
“Yes, I have several things to handle.”
“Ah, that’s a pity.”
Carefully dipping the pen in the ink and placing it on the holder, Hollowe stood up and bowed.
“Thank you for bestowing upon us your presence. I will never forget your favor.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
Ivan dismissively waved his hand and turned around.
“I’m just doing my job.”
As the last echoes of his words lingered in the air, his figure dissolved into nothingness. A
heavy, oppressive silence descended over the room, broken only by the faint creak of the chair
as Hollowe leaned back.
“Haa.”
With a tired sigh, he reached for the pen once more, the quiet scratch of its tip against paper
the only sound accompanying his solemn expression.
“It’s as you’ve predicted, Sir Ivan…”
He mumbled,
“…Your clone has been brainwashed.”
***
-Was there any reaction?
Holding onto the communication device, Atlas’s face turned weird. He thought back to the
moment he revealed to Julien the news about Mortum.
For lack of better words…
“He looked confused.”
‘Mortum? The god? He’s alive?’
These were the exact words he had said upon hearing such words. The confusion on his face
also looked genuine. -Confused?
“Yes, I’m quite sure.”
-Hmm, I see. Perhaps I was overthinking things.
Atlas’s eyes narrowed faintly upon hearing such words. He was still confused as to why he had
been asked to tell Julien of such an event.
Could it be that he suspected Julien of being related to Oracleus?
-It never hurts to try anyway.
As Sithrus’s tone grew light, Atlas’s head turned to face a certain direction. There he could
feel a powerful silhouette leaving.
“Ivan has just left the Academy premises. The situation looks to be resolved.”
-I’m glad to hear that.
Sithrus replied, his tone carrying hints of amusement.
-…It’s unfortunate that you don’t have much time left. I’m afraid it won’t be long before the
Academy will be put under heavy scrutiny. Try to find the artifacts before then.
“Pardon?”
Atlas showed hints of surprise upon hearing those words.
“Is something going to happen soon?” -Possibly. Sithrus replied bluntly.
-I’m quite far so I couldn’t exactly tell but Ivan’s body felt more like a very well-made clone
than a real person.
Well-made clone?
Atlas’s brows furrowed. How come he couldn’t tell?
-I wouldn’t be surprised if you couldn’t tell, Dawn. After all, only in the Mirror Dimension
can you fully utilize your powers. Had you been in your normal form, you would’ve been able
to tell instantly.
“….Yes, but if it’s a clone, how come you let it be?”
-Why?
With an amused chuckle, Sithrus replied,
-They’ve gotten a little arrogant lately. I just wanted to play with them for a bit.
“Could it be…?” Sithrus’s next words made Atlas’s entire body freeze.
-They certainly won’t forget me after all of this.