Chapter 578
Raon narrowed his eyes as he watched Wrath floating aimlessly.
‘That high-level spirit. Are they scared because of you?’
Huh? Wrath scratched his round belly and tilted his head. He stared blankly at the dispirited high-level spirit before clapping his hands loudly.
Indeed! That bird must be cowering in fear because of my overwhelming presence! ‘…….’
From Wrath’s reaction, it was clear he hadn’t intended to reveal himself. The high-level spirit must have sensed something about Wrath on its own.
Spirits are the closest beings to nature. It’s not surprising they’d sense my majesty! Wrath chuckled, pleased to finally be acknowledged.
‘Have you been to the spirit realm?’
It was a long time ago, but yes, I have. ‘Did you eat spirits there?’
Why ask the obvious? They were chewy and delicious. Wrath smacked his lips as if recalling a rare treat.
Green spirits taste like grapes, and red ones like strawberries. ‘I didn’t want to know that!’
Raon pressed his temples in frustration.
‘That’s why!’
The high-level spirit must have remembered Wrath devouring spirits and became terrified.
‘This complicates things….’
Spirits and their summoners are said to share a form of communication, even if not direct. If the high-level spirit mentioned anything about the Demon King, everyone here could be in danger.
That’s not going to happen. When the Spirit Kings of Fire and Water were around, I was already gone. A young one like that wouldn’t have met me. Wrath shook his head, dismissing the idea.
It’s just overwhelmed by my mere presence! Wrath laughed, urging Raon to praise him.
‘I hope that’s true, but I need to prepare for the worst. If they mention the Demon King….’
I’ll have to kill all the elves.
Although it would be unfortunate for Rimmer, if the Demon King was mentioned, everyone would have to die.
Raon gripped the handle of his sword, Jecheon, and bent his knees, ready to strike. He looked up at Erian.
“What?”
Erian’s eyes widened in disbelief as he looked at Raon.
‘Have I been discovered?’
Raon bit his lip and prepared to use the Supreme Harmony Steps when Erian spoke again.
“Great… presence?”
He murmured, his jaw trembling, mentioning not the Demon King but a great presence.
“Huh?”
Raon halted, eyes wide with confusion.
‘What is he talking about?’
A great presence? I expected him to mention the Demon King, but this sudden change threw me off.
“Are you referring to a Spirit King?”
The high-level wind spirit shook its head, seemingly uncertain.
“Hmm….”
Erian raised his trembling chin, gripping his sword tightly.
“Human! Have you made a pact with a Spirit King?”
His eyes widened as if he couldn’t believe his own words.
“…”
Raon blinked, stunned.
‘What nonsense is this…?’
The situation made no sense, leaving Raon speechless.
“A Spirit King?”
Reyran, waiting behind, asked in disbelief.
“There’s not a hint of spirit energy coming from this human.”
“That’s why it must be a Spirit King! Spirit Kings transcend regular spirit energy! It’s natural we can’t sense it!”
“That’s impossible. The two remaining Spirit Kings can’t leave the spirit realm.”
“Then it must be a newly emerging Spirit King, perhaps a Fire or Water Spirit about to become a king, and it’s taken an interest in him!”
“That’s ridiculous….”
“Why is it ridiculous? Don’t try to comprehend great beings with your small mind.”
Reyran shook her head in disbelief, but Erian seemed convinced of his own theory.
“When did you make a pact with a Spirit King? As expected of my disciple!”
Rimmer approached, eyes wide with admiration.
“Is it Fire? Water?”
Dorian asked, excitement in his eyes.
“Doesn’t seem like it….”
Yua was the only one who appeared skeptical.
These fools! Wrath flew forward, shouting.
How dare they compare me to a spirit! Are they crazy? The high-level spirit, even more terrified, buried its head into the ground.
Raon sighed, observing the chaotic situation.
‘I think I get it now.’
The high-level spirit hadn’t remembered Wrath from the past but sensed his overwhelming cold and powerful soul, mistaking him for a great presence.
This happened because spirits are the closest beings to nature.
‘It’s not the worst, but it’s not good either.’
The fact that he wasn’t identified as being associated with the Demon King avoided the worst-case scenario, but being labeled a Spirit King’s contractor wasn’t ideal either.
“Phew….”
Raon exhaled and shook his head.
“I’m not a Spirit King’s contractor. This is my first time seeing a spirit, so there must be some mistake….”
“That’s it!”
Erian nodded rapidly.
“Spirit Kings don’t make pacts with those who’ve already contracted other spirits. A new Spirit King must be watching you, preparing to make a pact!”
He bit his lip, certain that a Spirit King would contact Raon soon. Lost in his own world, he ignored everyone else’s words.
“He’s always lived in his own world. Doesn’t listen to others,” Rimmer said, waving his hand.
“Seems so….”
Raon bit his lip.
‘This is frustrating….’
He laughed bitterly, then remembered what Wrath had mentioned earlier.
‘But what did you mean by the Fire and Water Spirit Kings are gone?’
Didn’t you know? They’ve been gone from the spirit realm for a while. Wrath nodded calmly.
‘Why?’
Heard they killed each other in a life-or-death battle, but I’m not sure if it’s true. Wrath waved dismissively, showing no interest in those weaker than him.
‘How does the spirit realm function without the Spirit Kings?’
The Earth and Wind Spirit Kings are working hard, plus there’s another presence. ‘Another presence?’
Before he could ask who it was, Erian spoke again.
“We can’t leave a human contracted with a Spirit King out here.”
Erian sheathed his sword and sent the high-level wind spirit back to the spirit realm.
“Follow me.”
He gestured towards Sephia.
“What are you saying?”
Reyran blocked the path with her bow.
“Even if he’s a Spirit King’s contractor, we can’t let him into Sephia right now.”
She shook her head, emphasizing the importance of not allowing outsiders in during this crucial time.
“A Spirit King’s contractor after hundreds of years. Besides….”
Erian glanced at Rimmer with a frown.
“We need to deal with him, so it’s right to bring him in now.”
“But….”
“I’ll take responsibility.”
Erian was convinced Raon was a Spirit King’s contractor and gestured for him to follow.
“You’re the best disciple ever.”
Rimmer patted Raon’s shoulder with a grin, happy to avoid a fight.
Raon grabbed his forehead, frustrated.
‘This isn’t the time to be laughing, you idiot!’
A red-haired elf with a face lightly marked by time stroked his chin.
“The one who left is finally returning.”
“Pardon?”
A female elf, barely peeking out from under her blanket, lifted her head slightly. Her golden hair flowed smoothly like melted platinum.
“Who is it?”
Her red lips trembled with worry rather than curiosity.
“Your brother.”
“Ah!”
Her ears perked up like a rabbit’s, but she didn’t emerge from her blanket.
“Is it really him?”
“Yes, but he seems to have changed a bit.”
The red-haired elf smiled softly at her.
“Siyan, won’t you meet your brother?”
“Ah….”
Siyan, as she was called, wriggled her legs, retreating further into the blanket like a turtle.
“It’s embarrassing.”
“What’s embarrassing about meeting your family after so long?”
“It’s been a long time….”
“Family isn’t something measured by time.”
The red-haired elf patted Siyan’s head and shook his head.
“Hm? There are three humans coming too.”
“Humans?”
“They’re very strong. Still young, but one is a Grand Master. Such talent.”
The red-haired elf admired sincerely.
“Would you like to come too?”
“….I’ll stay here.”
Siyan didn’t answer but blinked her eyes from within the blanket.
“I’ll be here….”
The red-haired elf sighed softly and lifted his gaze. The wrinkles around his eyes quivered slightly.
“Siyan, time is running out.”
“…. ”
“I might be able to handle it this time, but next time, it might be too late. You should prepare yourself.”
“O-Okay….”
Siyan’s voice was barely audible from within the blanket.
“Alright. I’ll be going now.”
The red-haired elf waved lightly and left the room.
“… ”
Siyan remained hidden under the blanket, holding her breath. Only after hearing his footsteps fade did she throw off the blanket and jump out.
“I’m sorry. But I didn’t want to be born a high elf either.”
She sighed deeply and shook her head.
“I’m even less than an ordinary elf….”
She slumped her shoulders and picked up a book from the bed.
Siyan mumbled about wanting to live an ordinary life as she opened the book. Its cover, looking new, bore the name Raon Zieghart.
“I wish I could be Raon Zieghart too….”
Raon narrowed his eyes as he followed Erian.
‘This one seems like a real elf.’
Unlike Rimmer, Erian opened paths in the forest just by walking. While Rimmer had greater strength, Erian had higher natural affinity.
As he turned to the side, he noticed Reyran staring at him intently, questioning whether he could truly be a Spirit King’s contractor.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
Raon awkwardly waved his hand at Reyran.
“Apologies. It’s rude to stare at humans.”
Reyran bowed respectfully.
“But the Spirit King’s contractor….”
“I already told you.”
Erian frowned at Reyran.
“Do you not trust me?”
“This time, it’s hard to believe.”
As expected, the elf spoke frankly, even to her superior.
“Hmph. You’ll see who’s right eventually.”
She’s decided on her own answer. Wrath ground his teeth, glaring at Erian.
‘Her own answer?’
She’s already decided the answer. You just have to agree. She’s an old-school jerk! Wrath clenched his fists in frustration.
“Yes, we’ll see.”
Reyran bowed her head to Raon.
“It’s fine.”
Raon shook his head, frowning.
‘How do I clear this misunderstanding?’
Summon me right now! Wrath thumped his chest, claiming he’d resolve it.
I’ll freeze all these elves alive so no one compares me to a spirit again! He grinned wickedly, planning to turn all the elves into ice statues.
‘My head’s already spinning. Just stay quiet.’
No! Hand over control! ‘Just go back in!’
As Raon shoved Wrath back into the bracelet, Erian stopped walking.
“This is Sephia.”
Looking up at his words, Raon saw a world filled with green foliage. Golden sunlight filtered through the trees and grass, making it seem almost unreal. Though there were many trees and bushes like in a great forest, the paths were open, making it feel neither complex nor stifling.
‘Do they live inside trees?’
The elves seemed to live inside trees like squirrels. However, there were some human-like structures, indicating the place was also accessible to humans.
‘No wonder the mana here is purer.’
Elves lived in harmony with nature, making the mana density here much higher than outside.
‘I can’t see the World Tree.’
Perhaps hidden by a barrier, the massive tree that was said to touch the sky was not visible.
“Ah….”
“Wow!”
Dorian blinked in amazement, and Yua smiled broadly at the rich mana scent.
Raon licked his lips, observing the inside of Sephia.
‘There’s no one here.’
Despite hearing that some humans visited Sephia, there wasn’t a single human in sight. Reyran had mentioned something important happening in Sephia, so that might be the reason.
“It’s the same as ever.”
Rimmer looked around Sephia with a nostalgic expression.
“You seem to have changed a lot.”
Erian frowned at Rimmer.
“The world changes constantly.”
Rimmer met Erian’s fierce gaze with a smile.
“Continue leading us.”
“Annoying brat.”
Erian sneered and led the way into Sephia.
“Hmm?”
“…Rimmer?”
“Indeed, it’s Rimmer.”
“He’s finally returned?”
Elves within Sephia recognized Rimmer, their eyes widening. Though they didn’t show extreme reactions, they clearly recognized him.
“Wasn’t he dead?”
“It looks like his right arm is gone….”
“They said he fled because of the sword. Why has he returned?”
“Could it be because of that?”
“But Rimmer isn’t a high elf.”
“And who are these humans? Why now….”
The elves cautiously whispered, stopping in their tracks to look at Rimmer.
“It’s been a while! How have you all been?”
Rimmer waved cheerfully at the elves.
“Why is he acting like that?”
“Why is he speaking like a human?”
“Why does his speech sound so different?”
“Even his clothes are strange.”
“Has he been influenced by humans?”
The elves were more shocked by Rimmer’s casual tone than by his missing arm.
Raon furrowed his brows, looking at Rimmer’s back.
‘What kind of life did he lead?’
From the elves’ reactions, it was clear Rimmer had been quite composed before. It was becoming increasingly difficult to predict his personality.
“We’re going to see Sterin. Be prepared.”
Erian glared at Rimmer, quickening his pace.
“Prepare for what?”
Rimmer laughed, following Erian.
‘Sterin….’
He must be a high elf.
Sterin was the elf leader Rimmer had mentioned. I was curious about his strength and the spirits he could summon.
As they followed Erian, the path narrowed, and fewer elves appeared. It was interesting to note that as one approached a human leader, the paths became more grandiose and populated.
“This is the place.”
Erian stopped in front of a large poplar tree with an old door. Despite its size, it was hard to believe the leader of a race lived here.
“Behave yourself and show respect.”
Erian threatened, brushing his hand over his sword hilt.
“I understand. Don’t worry.”
Rimmer waved his hand dismissively.
Knock, knock.
Erian clicked his tongue and knocked on the door attached to the tree.
“Guardian, we have visitors from outside….”
“Come in.”
A gentle voice flowed from within, soothing both body and mind.
“Yes.”
Erian carefully opened the door and entered. The interior was more spacious than expected but still modest, not befitting a race guardian. However, given that it was an elf’s dwelling, it made sense.
A red-haired elf lay on a vine-made rocking chair. As he lifted his upper body, his calm eyes resembled Rimmer’s.
‘Is he the elf guardian?’
Despite standing on the same level as Glenn or the Holy Sword Alliance Leader, his aura was different. Unlike the two who made their presence known, this elf blended into the world. He seemed to have achieved a unique realm where he embodied nature both physically and mentally.
“Rimmer, you’re late….”
Sterin smiled softly at Rimmer.
“Grandfather!”
Rimmer rushed to Sterin and hugged him tightly.
“Huh? Rimmer?”
Sterin’s chin trembled in surprise at the sudden embrace.
‘This guy is even related to the leader?’
Raon was equally shocked, his mouth agape.
“You crazy fool!”
Erian forcibly separated them, frowning.
“This is not the time to be happy about his return. The Spirit King’s contractor has appeared!”
He shoved Rimmer aside and pointed at Raon.
“You two….”
Sterin looked between Rimmer and Erian, his eyes narrowing.
“Are you possessed by Satan?”