Aris frowned momentarily as he felt something squishy and crumbling beneath his feet. However, this initial reaction soon shifted to one of intellectual curiosity as he observed Tyson’s cautious examination of the formation. After a while, Aris broke the silence, “Tyson-nim, do you understand the formation?”

-I can’t confidently say I can solve it now, but I do have some understanding of it.

As Tyson’s expression tensed, a wave of tension washed over Aris.

-You’ve interpreted the formation quite well, Aris.

Surprised by the sudden praise, Aris’s eyes widened.

-This magic circle is designed to absorb ‘death,’ the power the warlock mentioned.

“So, as Ruel-nim predicted, the black water is being created here?”

Aris glanced at Ruel, who calmly awaited the outcome while inhaling Breath.

-I believe that’s likely. However, the issue lies in the fact that this formation is growing stronger. If left unchecked, it could become potent enough to absorb death throughout the entire Kran Kingdom.

“What?” Aris’s eyes widened in disbelief.

-Moreover, considering that the magic circle absorbs death, the barrier here is set to block everything except death.

“No way. We must destroy this formation quickly and maintain the barrier.”

Aris expressed his anxiety. For him, understanding the purpose of the magic circle was the extent of his abilities.

“Tyson-nim, I lack the knowledge to dismantle this magic circle. I need your expertise here…”

-Aris.

Tyson affectionately interrupted Aris, preventing him from succumbing to self-doubt.

-Take another look at the magic circle.

Following Tyson’s advice, Aris refocused on the magic circle.

-Remember what I emphasized about the importance of circles in formations and barriers?

“I do.”

-The circle provides equilibrium. That’s why all magic circles and barriers are circular. If either loses balance, an explosion proportional to its size will occur.

“I remember that. To prevent such an explosion, we must know how to draw another formation.”

-Yes, you have a good memory.

Despite Tyson’s praise, Aris maintained a serious expression as he studied the magic circle.

-Aris, you’ve correctly observed and understood the formation’s purpose. These formations weren’t crafted to be solved alone.

Feeling reassured by Tyson’s words, Aris gradually relaxed, realizing his unnecessary tension.

-Let’s work together to solve this, Aris.

“Yes, absolutely!” Aris smiled, then turned to Ruel, saying, “Ruel-nim, breaking this formation might take some time.”

“Alright, and I anticipated as much, Uncle.”

-Ruel.

“Can you join us here immediately?”

-I’m sorry. I can’t leave my post right now. I’m the only one capable of stabilizing your mana at the moment.

Ruel had been steadily transferring his mana to Tyson to find a way to counter the black water. Like darkness, his mana required control, needing to be subdued by strong mana—currently only Tyson in Leponia had sufficient mana.

“I understand. Don’t worry about my request…” Ruel paused for a moment and continued to inhale Breath. The stuffy air made it difficult to breathe.

“It’s best if we head back to the room now,” Cassion suggested, unable to ignore Ruel’s irregular breathing any longer.

Ruel glanced at Aris.

“Don’t worry. I’ve already captured the magical formation on video,” Aris reassured.

“And you, Hikars?”

“I will remain here and guide death onto the correct path.”

“Alright,” Ruel nodded, then turned his attention to Cassion.

***

Upon their return to the room, Ruel raised an eyebrow at the profound silence.

“…?”

While it was one thing for Fran and Tierra to be asleep, he was surprised to see Noah fall asleep too. They seemed unusually at ease.

Cassion sighed, “I’ll have a word with him later.”

“Yeah,” Ruel murmured, reclining on the bed as fatigue washed over him. Leo nestled close, grumbling,

—This body never wants to return to that place! Couldn’t see a thing and the smell was off!

“I feel the same,” Ruel agreed.

Ruel had no reason to go back down into the underground again. Destroying that magic circle wasn’t his responsibility. After hearing from Tyson that the magic circle was growing stronger and could affect the entire Kran Kingdom, a thought came to him.

The ray of darkness that led to the empire’s downfall—could it be linked to that magic circle? Unease gnawed at Ruel as he pondered.

‘If such a circle exists in Kran, could similar ones be in Leponia and Cyronian?’

Ruel furrowed his brow at the implications.

He considered whether Jayel’s rebellion might be a ploy to activate the magic circle. What other event could draw both nations’ attention so effectively?

‘But it won’t go as you plan, Great Man.’

A slow smile graced Ruel’s lips.

—Why are you smiling?

Leo tilted his head curiously.

“Just lost in thought,” Ruel replied, scratching behind Leo’s ears, contemplating their next moves.

Their time in Kran was nearing its end. Now wasn’t the moment to apprehend the Great Man, nor could he do so just yet. First, he had to disrupt the game set by that guy, as he had informed Huswen, Brans, and Banios.

There was no more room for interference in the Kran Kingdom. The Great Man, the underground magic circle, and Jayel would have to be addressed later.

“Cassion.”

Cassion, who was about to go back underground, stopped.

“Yes?”

“Have Hikars and the warlocks investigate each royal palace to see if they have a magic circle like the one we saw earlier.”

“Understood,” Cassion disappeared after replying.

Ruel waited until Aris returned to the room and immediately spoke, “Aris.”

“Yes, what is it?”

“You’re to stay here and assist my uncle in examining the magic circle.”

“This time, I… No, I understand,” Aris responded, acknowledging the critical task at hand. Ruel noticed Aris struggling to express his thoughts, almost calling for Jan before redirecting his attention to Aris.

“Aris.”

“Yes, Ruel-nim.”

“You don’t have to bear this burden alone, as my uncle mentioned. I’m here, Drianna is here, and we have the Magic Knights too,” Ruel reassured Aris.

Despite Ruel’s comforting words, Aris’s expression remained tense. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Ruel reluctantly called for Jan and entered the Spirit House.

Aris grasped the hem of his clothing tightly. Telling him not to carry everything alone—who was that really meant for? The one shouldering all the burdens right now was Ruel himself. Frustration welled up within Aris, prompting him to pause, take deep breaths, and regain composure before activating the communication device with mana.

“Tyson-nim, can we begin immediately?” Aris inquired, determined to support Ruel to ensure that Ruel wouldn’t collapse under the weight of everything he was doing. After all, he was Ruel’s knight.

***

Upon seeing Jan, Ruel’s expression turned apologetic.

“Jan, I apologize for the frequent interruptions,” Ruel expressed remorse, aware of the burdens Jan also carried. Although doors could be opened almost anywhere except corruption areas, there were limitations, evident from their first door-opening experience.

Jan appeared somewhat strained, likely from the continuous door activations. Despite this, Ruel had to mention their next destination, Ganien.

“Jan, I’m sorry, but I need to use the door once more. Our next stop is…”

“Child,” Jan interjected solemnly, halting Ruel’s words.

“Please proceed.”

Approaching Ruel, Jan unexpectedly nudged him, causing him to stumble.

Thud!

“…?”

Perplexed, Ruel felt a soft surface beneath him as petals danced around him. Leo, initially startled, soon began to chuckle and clambered onto Ruel’s stomach. Ruel gazed at Jan, bewildered by the sudden turn of events.

“Take a breather.”

“What?”

“You seem overly anxious,” Jan remarked, a smile softening his previously serious demeanor.

The spirits, who had observed silently, erupted into laughter and surrounded Ruel.

“I’ve been preparing something delightful since I wasn’t sure when you’d arrive.”

With a wave from Jan, a wooden table materialized instantly. Ruel, still taken aback, was speechless.

—Wow! Something delicious!

Leo wagged his tail excitedly, perching on the table eagerly.

“Jan is right. We haven’t heard from Ganien yet. Take this moment to relax,” Cassion advised, stifling a smile and extending a hand to assist Ruel up. He knew Jan would nudge Ruel, but he refrained from intervening, trusting in Jan’s intentions.

“Recently, I learned how to make the meat pie you enjoy from a human named Astell,” Jan revealed.

“With Astell… the meat pie?” Ruel asked as he sat up, slowly coming to his senses, slightly surprised. He remembered how Jan used to dislike humans, except for himself.

“I cherished the simple snack time I shared with you, Aris, and Cassion,” Jan reminisced, offering a hand to Ruel. “Come, child. It’s always warm here. Rest for a while.”

Ruel finally smiled, realizing the concern Aris had shown him. Though he believed he needed to persevere, he had inadvertently caused worry among Fran, Aris, and even Jan.

Reclining back, Ruel surrendered to the moment. Jan gasped, reaching out.

“Child…!”

Thud.

Feeling the familiar soft support beneath him, Ruel closed his eyes.

“I’ll rest until my friend contacts me. I’ll remain here until then.”

“Of course, take all the time you need,” Jan reassured Ruel, settling beside him and tenderly brushing Ruel’s forehead as he drifted off to sleep.

“It’s so difficult for him, yet he still tries to push himself.”

“That’s just foolishness…” Cassion said and frowned, feeling a painful ache in his heart. It was something he wanted to say, even though he knew it would hurt.

“Ruel is the most pitiful Setiria I’ve ever seen.”

When Jan looked at Cassion sharply, he felt he had to respond.

“What do you mean by pitiful?”

“Throughout the ages, Setiria has avoided facing the Great Man. If Ruel dies, that barrier will be broken.”

Jan redirected his gaze to Ruel.

“Yet this child dares to confront it, fully aware of the immense challenge. It’s a mix of pity,

poignancy, bravery, and admiration. I believe he stands as the greatest among all Setirias. Wouldn’t you agree?”

In response to Jan’s question, Cassion sighed before answering, “Certainly, he is someone worthy of serving.”

Jan smiled contentedly at Cassion’s words.

—Jan, when does this body get to eat those delicious things?

Leo looked forlornly at the empty table.

***

(The Great Man’s younger brother)

Rip!

The sound of tearing fabric pierced the air as a man’s arm was violently severed, blood spurting forth.

“Ugh. Huh!”

The man, wielding his sword, emitted a noise that could be mistaken for either a cry of pain or a retch.

‘That sword… Have I seen it before?’ (Ruel)

But the man’s face and the blade, marked with something that looked like ink from a pen, made it impossible to see clearly. Rain began to pour down. The raindrops mixed with the blood, creating a gruesome scene.

Swish!

Even amidst the downpour, the man’s screams persisted.

Clang!

In his torment, he eventually dropped the sword, trembling hands reaching for his face.

“Uaaaaah…!”

With a voice that felt like his head was bursting, he continued to wail and cry out. Finally, he sank to his knees beside what appeared to be a lifeless body.

“I’m sorry.”

His hands, marred with wounds, touched the corpse.

“I’m sorry, brother… Ugh. It had to be done, the only way.”

Gritting his teeth, he glared at the severed arm beside the corpse.

“Why? Why? Why…?”

Contrary to his prior remorse, a surge of resentment overcame him as he stared at the lifeless body. Abruptly, the man fell silent, watching in astonishment as the severed arm began reattaching itself to the body.

‘The arm is reattaching…?’

Ruel recalled the unique healing power from the web novel SSS-Class Knight, devoid of divine influence—the power of regeneration, the sole ability capable of such a miraculous feat.

‘What is going on?’ (Ruel)

“Again.” The man rose from his seat, as if accustomed to it, and grasped his sword once more.

“I loathe you, brother. You were once a revered hero, yet look at how you ended this war. Why did you make that choice?” His voice quivered.

“I refuse to understand you. I refuse to resent you. But… I despise you. Look at what you’ve done. This, this…” The man raised his sword slowly, his voice breaking.

“However, I shall bear the weight of all the sins you have committed.”

Rumble!

As the man swung his sword down, a bolt of lightning struck.

“Never… never come into this world again!”

The severed head of the corpse rolled across the ground.

***

“Huff!”

Ruel drew in a deep breath, locking eyes with the severed head he recognized from his dream. He was familiar with that face.

‘The first Setiria…?’

But that couldn’t be true. The first Setiria had already disappeared.

‘So, is this dream a glimpse of a past memory…?’

Ruel’s eyes widened in shock. A corpse with the power of regeneration. A being that looked just like the first Setiria.

“Did you have a bad dream?”

Startled by Jan’s sudden voice, Ruel urgently asked,

“Jan. Do you know about the first Setiria?”

“Hmm.” Jan closed his mouth, looking troubled.

“Could it be… was the first Setiria a twin?”

Although Jan didn’t answer, the tremor in his eyes betrayed him.

In that moment, Ruel felt as if the ground dropped away beneath him. Before he fainted at the second defense line, the first Setiria had touched his forehead. Whether this dream was influenced by that touch, he didn’t know, but that wasn’t what mattered now. The Great Man was a Setiria.

‘No, more importantly…’

What the Great Man was looking for was his real body.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read