Chapter 321

Theo's mind was steeped in deep contemplation.

First and foremost, he couldn’t determine whether it was even permissible for this corpse to leave this place—or if it was safe to touch it.

With so many factors to consider, reaching a decision was no easy task.

"Above all, the mana is far too dense."

The sheer concentration of mana imposed significant constraints on his actions, making it difficult to act rashly.

"I should return and consult with Loddy first."

Theo quickly realized that agonizing over this issue alone would yield no answers. Just as he was about to turn back, it happened.

Ding!

An alert chimed in his ears.

For a moment, he was struck by a sense of oddity.

"This place should be classified as a mystery. No alerts should sound here."

The sudden ringing of the alert at this point felt distinctly out of place. Slowly, Theo checked the message.

[Item information has been updated.]

[Scale of the Naga Ancestor]

Type: Relic, Consumable

Equipping Conditions: None

Effects:

Allows underwater breathing while in possession.

Usage Instructions:

Place it on the ■■■■’s chest to activate.

Underwater breathing persists even after consumption.

Feature Unlocked: Immunity to buoyancy and water pressure.

Grave of the Absolute: Entry conditions met.

[You have encountered the Fragment of ■■■. Place the Scale on the ■■■’s heart to activate guidance.]

The chest of the Absolute glimmered faintly with a mysterious blue light he had seen before.

Woooooong.

The moment Theo pulled the scale from his pouch, it radiated the same intense blue brilliance.

He locked eyes with Terepun.

"Hmm."

Even without much deliberation, Theo knew what he was about to do would likely send Terepun into a frenzy. Truth be told, even Theo felt that touching this corpse might be a grave transgression.

“Would you permit me to act briefly?” Theo asked, his voice deliberate and cautious.

“What do you mean by that?” Terepun responded, perplexed. He hesitated, feeling an inexplicable unease that made him shuffle backward.

“Just as I said. I don’t know what will happen as a result, but I ask for your trust.”

“…Understood. I’ll trust and watch,” Terepun said after a moment of thought.

With Terepun's permission, Theo's hand moved toward the chest of the Absolute. However—

“Wait! Touching the Sacred Body is dangerous!”

Terepun grabbed Theo’s wrist in alarm, his breath heavy from the sudden outburst.

“If you touch the Sacred Body, divine power may retaliate and kill you.”

Theo glanced at the face of the Absolute.

Despite the serene expression and the peaceful repose, the figure exuded an imposing and razor-sharp presence. Faint violet smoke swirled from his chest.

"Is this different from divine power?"

The aura felt unfamiliar but not entirely alien. It was divine in nature, but wholly unique—its own unmistakable force.

"He might have installed unique defenses around his resting place."

Who would want their eternal slumber disturbed or defiled? Terepun’s panicked reaction made perfect sense.

“It’s fine. Trust me,” Theo said confidently.

There was no sign of impending danger. The system window’s information assured him there was no risk Terepun needed to worry about. His certainty must have shown on his face because Terepun, after a moment of hesitation, released his grip.

Once again, Theo brought his hand closer to the heart, glowing faintly with a gentle blue light.

Wooong! Wooong! Wooong!

As if issuing a warning, the violet smoke flared up, undulating violently as if it would erupt. The pulsating violet energy surged toward Theo’s hand.

"Hmm?"

Theo had expected some form of resistance, but the smoke accepted his touch without incident.

As his hand came into contact with the heart—

Thump!

He felt an intense pulse. His gaze instinctively shifted to the Absolute's face, but nothing had changed. The heartbeat he felt was fleeting, leaving as quickly as it had come.

"Could he really still be alive?"

The warmth radiating from the chest into Theo’s palm was startling.

[Guidance is now active.]

A message appeared before him. At the same time, a piercing, ear-splitting noise reverberated in his ears.

The Sacred Body was quickly enveloped in threads of radiant light. Before long, the body was entirely cocooned in blinding brilliance.

Crack. Crackle.

Fractures began to form on the light-enveloped body, releasing an even stronger glow from within.

The light dissolved into beautiful particles, scattering across the space like a dance of ephemeral spirits.

“Whoa…”

Both Theo and Terepun let out a soft exclamation at the surreal sight, as if witnessing a scene straight from a fairy tale.

The light, seemingly satisfied, gathered in one place, glowing with immense intensity. Moments later, a brilliant flash burst from the coffin, leaving Theo and Terepun temporarily blinded.

Clang!

The sound of metal rang out, echoing through the chamber.

When their vision returned, what lay before them was—

“A ring?”

A silver ring glimmering faintly. The Sacred Body had completely disappeared, leaving no trace behind.

“… …”

For a moment, Theo felt his mind go blank. Terepun, likewise, stood motionless, his thoughts clearly frozen.

"How am I supposed to explain this?"

It was the most baffling moment Theo had ever experienced. The mythical symbol of the Naga Clan had vanished in his hands.

After a brief silence, it was Terepun who spoke first.

“…Perhaps it’s for the best.”

He exhaled deeply, regaining his composure. Though visibly more haggard, it might have just been Theo’s imagination.

“The Sacred Body was nothing more than this figure’s shell. If resurrection had ever been foretold, it would have been in prophecy. But there was none. Moreover…”

Terepun’s gaze shifted to the ring within the coffin. His expression revealed a swirl of emotions.

“Transforming into the form of a ring must also be part of his design.”

Carefully, Terepun retrieved the ring and extended it toward Theo.

“It has taken a shape you can best protect. I ask you to guard it well.”

He stepped closer, holding the ring out for Theo to take.

“Keep it safe. It is a symbol of the Naga Clan’s loyalty.”

Theo gave a faint smile, taking the ring with both hands.

“Thank you. I will never forget this. One day, when the Naga Clan’s song fills the air, I will return it.”

Terepun was visibly moved by Theo’s words.

"Not eternal subjugation, but a request to become friends once more?"

Even so, Terepun had accepted subjugation, knowing the Naga Clan couldn’t endure the harsh northern climate. Without Ragnar’s forces stationed in their forest, survival was impossible.

Yet Ragnar’s occupation would invite scrutiny and create political complications. Terepun had ultimately chosen this path for the clan’s survival.

"To think he’d hold no ulterior motives..."

Humans were inherently selfish. Terepun had learned this bitter lesson through the Mage Tower. He had prepared himself for permanent servitude, but Theo’s words brought an unexpected sense of relief.

“Yes, understood.”

Terepun smiled warmly.

Ding!

[You have acquired a Mystery.]

[Information remains locked.]

[Find clues to unlock the information.]

"A Mystery?"

Theo was puzzled. Never before had he acquired a Mystery without some kind of trial.

As he gazed at the silver ring in his hand, he tilted his head.

"Clues, huh…?"

For now, it was a vague directive. He placed the ring into his inventory.

The journey back was effortless. Thanks to the ring’s effects, which nullified buoyancy and water pressure, Theo felt as if he were floating through the sky.

With light steps, Theo and Terepun began their ascent to the surface.

***

Drip.

The sound of a water droplet echoed like a thunderclap.

That was to be expected; in this place, the loudest sound was that of water dripping from stalactites.

It was so quiet that even the faint hiss of a burning candle could be heard.

A stillness so profound, not even breathing could disturb it.

The Second Apostle relished this silence.

It felt as though he could hear the sounds of all creation.

And, more importantly, he could listen to the voice that arose from the depths of his own mind.

But then—

Tap, tap, tap, tap!

The jarring rhythm of hurried footsteps made the Second Apostle's brow twitch in irritation.

Not long ago, his adjutant from the Demon Sea Branch had perished, and a new one had recently been assigned.

Perhaps that explained it.

The newcomer seemed utterly unaware of how much the Second Apostle detested interruptions during his devotions.

"How pitiful the state of the Second Apostle has become."

The thought was steeped in self-derision.

The hurried footsteps came to a halt, and ragged breathing sounded close by.

“I report: Nazariou of the Mage Tower has failed.”

The Second Apostle’s eyes slowly opened.

Though his gaze exuded a faint bloodlust, the newly appointed adjutant dared not meet his eyes.

“Detail the situation.”

“Yes. Using the dark magic we provided, they drove the Naga Clan to the brink of annihilation, but Ragnar intervened, and the plan collapsed.”

“Ha!”

The Second Apostle felt a fire of loathing rise within his chest.

His stomach churned with disgust, and his teeth clenched involuntarily.

"Ragnar again! Always Ragnar!"

His clenched fists trembled with anger, blood trickling down from his palms.

How far would they go before they were satisfied with ruining his plans?

“What shall we do?”

Oblivious to the Second Apostle’s seething fury, the adjutant foolishly pressed on without gauging his mood.

“It’s enough. Choose one man from among your subordinates and bring him here.”

“Yes, understood.”

Tap, tap, tap, tap!

The adjutant hastily retreated, his hurried footsteps once again grating against the Second Apostle’s ears, causing veins to bulge on his temples.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Brought him. He’s the one directly under me—!”

Thud!

Before the adjutant could finish his sentence, his head was severed cleanly from his body.

The decapitated corpse collapsed onto the ground, while the man standing beside it froze, trembling in terror.

“I despise those who disturb the silence. Remember that.”

“Y-Yes! Understood!”

“From now on, you are my adjutant. Dispose of that trash and leave.”

The newly appointed adjutant wasted no time cleaning up the remains and exiting the chamber.

When all traces of life had receded, the silence returned, but the Second Apostle could not shake his discomfort.

"How can they allow Ragnar’s growth to go unchecked…? What are you thinking, First Apostle?"

With a deep sigh, the Second Apostle muttered his grievance as if lamenting to himself. He slowly closed his eyes once more.