Chapter 71

“Could it be me?”

Urania asked again in jest. However, the playful question imbued with the authority granted to her as a priestess of Elimon was not mere play but rather an act of seduction.

“No.”

Yet, there was no trace of disturbance or emotion in Utes’ response to Urania. It was almost as if his argument with Hyacinth felt more sincere by comparison.

The scale tilted once more toward Utes’ hair. The moment its movement ceased, the luminous scale flashed and eventually dissipated into particles of light.

Hyacinth pondered over the “single lie” Utes had mentioned.

“Why choose to lie about that particular question? Especially when everyone knows it’s a falsehood told under the sacred laws of Philoxenon?”

To ask if one has a lover is also to inquire whether one is capable of loving another. If Utes were truly someone who felt no attachment to anything in this world, the priests of the sect would have been far more wary of him.

But hadn’t this seemingly ridiculous exchange diluted their suspicion significantly?

‘There must be some calculation behind this…’

Was it necessary for him to prove his humanity in such a manner?

While Hyacinth wrestled with deciphering Utes’ intent, the congregation of Philoxenon spoke again after withdrawing their followers.

“You have been invited here by Demos, representing the Enyalius Sect, to join our assembly in the Theistic Order. Having proven your abilities and sincerity, speak now what you wish to convey.”

***

As planned, none of the priests could disprove my prophecy.

Still, I found it curious that the scale tipped at the question of whom I liked.

‘To say that there’s no one I feel positively inclined towards—not romantic love but simply human kindness—is perhaps the falsehood they judged it to be.’

Setting aside the question, I felt half-pleased and half-bitter. The plan’s success was gratifying, but the Wizard King remained a problem.

‘Perhaps it would’ve been easier for future plans if my words were exposed as lies.’

My intention was to retire peacefully after achieving Carisia’s goal: the complete and safe destruction of Baegwang.

Assuming I succeed in destroying Baegwang during the conflict between the Ten Towers and the Wizard King, the greatest variable remains the Wizard King.

What if he discovers a way to ascend even after the loss of one of the Ten Sages?

The original ending of Part 1—where Carisia and Baegmun destroy Baegwang, causing dimensional rifts to spread worldwide—was bleak.

But there’s no guarantee that the result of the Wizard King attempting an incomplete ascension would differ. Ascension involves crossing into other dimensions, which inevitably tears holes in the fabric of our world.

As long as the Wizard King seeks ascension, the possibility of dimensional flooding remains ever-present.

‘It would’ve been ideal if the butterfly effect of my actions had completely erased the Wizard King’s resurrection.’

But alas, I must make the most of the current situation.

Initially, I came here to ensure the Theistic Order countered Argeyirion. Based on Demos’ words, it seemed they might lean towards supporting Argeyirion if left alone.

However, now that the card of the Wizard King’s return has been revealed, I must gain more. Let me carefully choose my words.

***

“Shall we return to the matter of Argeyirion?”

Hyacinth couldn’t understand why Utes, having dropped a catastrophic prophecy about the Wizard King’s return, would focus on such a trivial issue.

“Let’s review the facts so far. The ten wizards of the Ten Sages…”

Ortes’ thoughts grew complicated. From their behavior thus far, it seemed the Theistic Order was unaware of the betrayal by the Wizard King’s disciple.

“They had reached such heights that they could contribute to the ascension ritual. They were undoubtedly the second strongest mages after their teacher. The accumulated wisdom passed down through generations from the first disciples made the Ten Sages even more powerful. The Ten Towers are the only force capable of opposing the Wizard King.”

“There’s a problem with that story. Why should the Ten Towers fight the Wizard King? Wouldn’t it be more appropriate to worship him instead?”

A high-pitched feminine voice interrupted. It was the same voice that had earlier questioned about the Blasphemia interview. Ortes turned his head toward her. Though her face was hidden by her robe, her identity was easy to guess.

‘The bird perched on her shoulder—an owl. The owl is the symbol of Glaupicos, the goddess of strategy and tactics.’

Another war deity, the priestess of Glaupicos.

“In the future I foresaw, the Wizard King sought to reclaim the power of the Ten Sages. Would the Ten Towers willingly give up the Ten Sages?”

“The Ten Sages?”

The priestess of Glaupicos fell silent. The futures shown by Phobos sometimes shone too brightly, even for great wisdom to fully comprehend.

It was unclear why the Wizard King targeted the Ten Sages. But assuming the prophecy was true…

A war between the Wizard King and the Ten Towers.

The strength of the Wizard King equaled the strength of the Ten Sages, which stemmed from his own accumulated wisdom. If all ten towers fought against the Wizard King, neither side would likely survive unscathed.

“This is why the Theistic Order argues against supporting Argeyirion. Imagine if Argeyirion grew strong enough to become the primary enemy of the Ten Towers.”

Though unlikely, it wasn’t impossible. The most dangerous aspect of the other dimension was its infectious nature. If given enough time, Argeyirion could repeatedly convert defeated Tower forces to their side, creating a possible future.

The likelihood of Argeyirion expanding to rival one or two of the Ten Towers was significant.

“While Argeyirion battles the Ten Towers, if the Wizard King descends to reclaim the Ten Sages, could the Ten Towers endure such a two-front war? Even combined, they might fall short.”

The malicious nature of the Wizard King turning against the Ten Towers paralleled the threat of the other dimension.

If Argeyirion incorporated defeated mages into their ranks of other-dimensional infiltrators, the Wizard King could wield even greater power by reclaiming the Ten Sages.

“Even if Argeyirion’s expansion goes smoothly, replacing one or two generations of the Ten Towers is the limit. But the Wizard King could still rival all the Ten Towers simultaneously.”

Hyacinth shuddered.

This person was advising the self-destruction of both the magical world’s founder and the magical world itself.

‘The truth of the prophecy is still uncertain. Nevertheless…’

The idea was unprecedented. He had to admit, it was something he’d never considered.

“If the order seeks its future, it shouldn’t merely support Argeyirion. We should aim for the clash of titanic forces that can shake the magical era itself.”

Ortes felt the shifting atmosphere. The priests were increasingly attentive to his words.

“The current advantage of the Theistic Order is that Blasphemia is dedicated to handling Argeyirion. Actively report on Argeyirion, but mix in false information. Even if eight out of ten reports are false, it doesn’t matter.”

“What’s the point of that?”

“Doesn’t Blasphemia have its limits?”

Utes’ retort carried much meaning. If reports to Blasphemia were entirely false, they wouldn’t move easily. But if truth was mixed in, Blasphemia couldn’t ignore them.

Excessive reporting meant excessive labor. The more time and resources Blasphemia spent dealing with Argeyirion, the weaker their surveillance of the sect would become.

Utes’ gaze swept across the round table, evaluating if they understood his implications. The priests waited quietly for his next words.

Seemingly satisfied, Utes nodded and continued.

“Then it’s time for liberation. Time to reclaim the countless temples and relics sealed by the Wizard King, the Ten Towers, and Blasphemia.”

By steadily weakening Argeyirion to distract Blasphemia, they could restore what was lost.

The Theistic Order had only considered weakening their enemies using Argeyirion. Utes added another method: strengthening their allies.

“As you may have heard from Demos, I am well-informed about Blasphemia’s internal affairs. If you inform me of the locations of the temples and relics you wish to unseal, I can provide information on the deployment of nearby Blasphemia agents.”

It was a perfect proposal.

“Do you not desire the return of the old days?”

***

The first person to reveal the existence of the Theistic Order to me reminds me of Bishop Sikton of the Bacchus Cult, whose mind was overtaken by delusions of grandeur.

Sikton undoubtedly cried out that “the Theistic Order is abandoning the gods.” How much truth lay in his wild words can be judged by this question.