Bonus Chapters at 300 Power Stones!
"Normal Dialogue"
'Inner thoughts'
[Year X787]
~ With Shisui ~
Shisui sat across from Warrod in the living area of the Wizard Saint's home. He had just finished recounting his encounter with the strange shadow-entity that called itself Nihilora, who he believed was the rumoured Demon, and the oppressive force he'd felt at the mountain zone's threshold. Warrod's usual jovial expression had gradually shifted to one of deep concern as Shisui described the bizarrely concentrated Ethernano that had seemed to actively resist his presence.
"And you're certain this entity referred to itself as 'Nihilora'?" Warrod asked, his fingers tapping thoughtfully against the wooden table. "The Lord of Silent Dominion?"
"Yes," Shisui confirmed, leaning forward slightly. "It claimed the villagers were sacrificed, and mentioned something about a seal that was weakening but still strong enough to prevent it from remaining outside for long."
Warrod released a heavy sigh. "This confirms our suspicions, though I wish it did not. The Wizard Saints have long believed there was a connection between the demon and whatever lies within the mountain zone."
"You don't seem surprised by the connection," Shisui observed carefully. "But something about my report still troubles you."
"What troubles me," Warrod said, his voice losing its usual playful tone, "is that even we, the Wizard Saints, don't know what exists within that mountain zone." He rose from his seat and walked to a window, looking out at his living forest. "For all our power and knowledge, that region remains a mystery even to us."
Shisui raised an eyebrow. "I assumed the Magic Council had declared it a sacred ground because they knew what was there and wanted to protect it."
Warrod shook his head. "The designation was a practical measure, not an informed one. We knew only that something dangerous resided there, something that caused magical anomalies which could potentially affect nearby settlements. Thankfully for us, whatever anomaly it was seemed to remain contained to within that Mountain Zone." He turned back to face Shisui. "The 'sacred ground' label was simply the most effective way to keep people away without causing panic."
"That seems rather irresponsible," Shisui commented, watching Warrod's reaction carefully.
"Perhaps," the Wizard Saint acknowledged with a slight nod. "But years ago, the highest-ranked Wizard Saint decided to investigate himself. God Serena was—still is—the most powerful mage in Ishgar. If anyone could safely explore the mountain zone, it should have been him."
Shisui sat up straighter, immediately interested. "What did he find?"
"That's just it," Warrod said, returning to his seat with a troubled expression. "He returned a few days later and told the rest of us that even he would not dare venture too deep. According to him, the open plains that you encountered were likely not even the epicenter of whatever phenomenon exists there." Warrod's voice lowered slightly. "God Serena, a man not known for caution or restraint, advised establishing a perimeter and forbidding entry to all but the most powerful mages."
The implications of this weren't lost on Shisui. If someone powerful enough to stand at the top of the Wizard Saints had deemed the area too dangerous to explore thoroughly, whatever lurked within must be truly formidable.
"Since then," Warrod continued, "many theories have circulated within the Council about what might be causing the strange phenomena. The most compelling suggestion, and the one most of the Saints have tentatively agreed upon, is that the mountain zone could be the location of the ancient ruins of Mildian."
"Mildian?" Shisui repeated, unfamiliar with the reference.
"An ancient city renowned for its time-related magical research," Warrod explained. "Most records of it were lost centuries ago, but what little we know suggests its mages achieved breakthroughs in temporal magic that haven't been replicated since. If Mildian's ruins do lie within that mountain zone, it might explain the unusual behavior of the Ethernano you observed."
'Temporal magic. I believe that is the same branch of Magic that Ultear specializes in.' Shisui pondered. 'I remember that she had once told me that during her time with Grimoire Heart, she had gained access to the lost magic, "Arc of Time". When I asked her how one would go about trying to find or learn about Lost Magic, even she said she had no clue, and that most probably only the then Guildmaster would know how to go about doing so. Either him or the Magic Council.'
Shisui shelved his thoughts and refocused on the current conversation. "And the demon? How would it connect to these ruins?"
"That," Warrod admitted, "remains unclear. Perhaps it was sealed there by the ancient mages. Perhaps it's a guardian of some sort. Or perhaps it's something else entirely that merely took advantage of the magical instability in the region." He spread his hands in a gesture of uncertainty. "Without more information, we can only speculate."
"My report doesn't give you much to work with then," Shisui observed.
"On the contrary," Warrod said, his expression brightening slightly. "Your description of the erratic Ethernano behavior is the first concrete information we've had about conditions inside the mountain zone. Most who venture too far never return, and those who do often bring back contradictory or confused accounts." He leaned forward, fixing Shisui with an appreciative look. "Your observation skills and the detail of your report are invaluable."
Shisui nodded in acknowledgment of the praise, though he felt it was hardly deserved. He had, after all, turned back rather than pressing further into the dangerous territory.
"I'll report your findings to the other Saints," Warrod continued. "They'll want to know about this 'Nihilora' entity and its claims about a weakening seal. If there is indeed something ancient and powerful struggling to break free, we may need to take more direct action." He paused, considering his next words carefully. "I would appreciate it if you would be willing to help should further investigation become necessary. Your unique abilities might prove vital in understanding what we're facing."
"Of course," Shisui agreed without hesitation. Whatever was happening in the mountain zone, it clearly posed a potential threat to this world—the world that, for better or worse, he now called home.
Warrod smiled, some of his usual warmth returning to his wooden features. "I'll keep you informed of any developments. For now, though, I believe we've covered the most pressing matters regarding your mission."
With the heavier and more pressing matters addressed, Warrod's expression softened as he poured them both fresh cups of tea. The tension in the air dissipated, replaced by a more casual atmosphere as the Wizard Saint settled back in his chair with a knowing smile.
"So," he began, his tone deliberately lighter, "those Sabertooth mages seemed quite interesting. The Twin Dragon Slayers, if I'm not mistaken? Rather considerate of you to allow them to accompany you on such a dangerous mission."
Shisui accepted the fresh cup, noting the abrupt change in topic but willing to follow the conversation where Warrod led it. "They showed up looking for the demon. It seemed practical to combine our efforts rather than work separately."
"Indeed, indeed," Warrod nodded, his bark-like features creasing into what Shisui had come to recognize as his version of a smile. "Sabertooth is an up-and-coming guild, you know. Growing in strength quite rapidly these days. Their master is ruthlessly focused on recruiting powerful mages." He took a casual sip of his tea, eyes twinkling mischievously over the rim of his cup. "I imagine they'd be quite interested in someone of your abilities."
Shisui caught the implication immediately. "I'm not interested in joining a guild," he stated flatly.
"No?" Warrod asked with exaggerated surprise. "A shame. Guilds provide structure, community, regular work..." He trailed off, watching Shisui's expression remain unchanged.
"I prefer to work alone," Shisui replied simply. The memory of Ultear and Meredy flashed briefly through his mind, contradicting his words, but he pushed it aside. That had been different—a temporary arrangement, not a permanent commitment.
Warrod laughed, a sound like wind rustling through leaves. "Fair enough, fair enough! Just an old man's speculation." His laughter subsided gradually, and he fixed Shisui with a more thoughtful look.
"Have you ever considered settling down, though? Not necessarily with a guild, but... finding a place to call home?"
~ End of Chapter 24 ~