Light of Arad: The First to Walk - Chapter 140



Only Noblemtl

140

Of course, Jinseong knows what the prophet Ezra was thinking when he did such a thing.

I also know the most fundamental reason why such things happen.

‘… … The death of Azalea Lott. From there, the events really start to unfold.’

The size of the Grim Seekers at that point would be much larger than the current Grim Seekers, and the internal conflict within the Grim Seekers, which was maintained thanks to the central figure of Azalea Lot, would be pushed to the extreme due to her death.

‘Besides, that was the final decision made by Ezra, who succeeded Azalea as the leader of the moderate faction… … . Hmm.’

Jinseong looked at Ezra, thinking about what would happen next.

On Ezra’s face, only his eyes moved slowly and turned towards the truth.

Their eyes met.

Ezra’s eyebrows flinched for a moment, but that was it. Jinseong did not back down.

Ezra said.

“……I will listen to the leader’s words.”

It was a remark that made Jinseong sigh in relief, but he couldn’t reveal it.

Azalea smiled refreshingly and turned her head back towards Jinseong.

“So… why did you want to meet me, Jinseong?”

“Ah, well, there’s something I originally wanted to ask you, but first, I’ll tell you about the information related to the apostles. To summarize, the apostles in the heavens are entities called Antons. Antons who eat fire, they’re not just huge, they’re incredibly large creatures that you could almost think of as islands walking around.”

Jinseong answered Azalea’s question without hesitation.

That wasn’t all.

“What he needs is an energy source. Therefore, science is developed – oh, the heavens are a developed civilization system of science, not magic. You’ll see when you get the chance, but anyway, to use the power of science, you need a huge amount of energy, and that’s something like mana, but the heavens have a way to create that energy. It’s a super-large power generation facility.”

A genuine explanation with added comments here and there in case Azalea might not understand.

It continued on and on.

“Anton is occupying the power plant in question, using it as his own food storage… and all the armies of the celestial realm are gathered to drive him out, but Anton is not alone. He lives by sharing his mind with other lifeforms that parasitize on the giant island-like entity. As I said, a large-scale external attack would be nothing more than ‘good nutrition’ for him, who uses energy as a resource, and if we land and deal with him, we would be overwhelmed by the power of the lifeforms parasitizing there, so it’s a dead end. In the end-”

The reason Jinseong revealed the information he knew without any conditions was simple.

“-Currently, it is impossible to subdue Apostle Anton with only the power of the heavens, so until there is some kind of ‘decisive something’, Apostle Anton will run wild in the heavens.”

A situation that even made Ezra, who was by Azalea’s side, let go of his arm.

That is to say, he wanted to prove his true abilities not only to Azalea but also to Ezra.

Ezra was now half a step ahead of Azalea.

The fact that his attitude, which had been behind him all along, changed is proof that Jinseong’s plan worked.

“Kuuuum… Is that true? More importantly… How do you know the information about the apostles that is still kept secret in heaven?”

Ezra asked cautiously.

Jinseong shrugged his shoulders.

“I think you heard it from Lady Azalea.”

“Ugh, uh-huh-uh-uh……”

Ezra looked at Azalea with embarrassment.

Detailed information about the Apostle Anton is also handled cautiously in the Celestial Empire.

At this point, the only people on the continent of Arad who would know the details of this matter would be a very small number of people from the Deros Empire, which has an official alliance with the Celestial Realm.

‘It must have been quite large, but I guess no one in the Grim Seekers knew about it to this extent.’

This is information that will be released soon anyway.

Rather than trying to gain an advantage with this level of information, Jinseong had something to gain by providing the information to Azalea and Ezra first.

Azalea opened her eyes, which had been closed for a moment, as if she was synthesizing Jinseong’s words.

“……The forged blade……Does this mean that the blade that will pierce the apostles will reach Apostle Anton? If that happens soon- Are you saying that Apostle Anton will be killed?”

And then he said.

For a moment, I was amazed at her brainpower that had reached the point where Jinseong wanted it.

Jinseong looked at her.

These are two people who already share the fact that they know the ‘prophecy’.

These are two people who know that the ‘forged blade’ from will pierce the apostles.

First of all, what is Azalea’s goal?

It is these ‘forged blades’ that make it impossible for them to pierce the apostles.

By protecting the apostles, we protect Arad by preventing the prophecy of the from being fulfilled.

In other words?

“Yes. If you want to protect Anton, you must prevent the sharpened blade from reaching him.”

In a broad sense, Azalea Lot is someone who acts with the goal of interfering with the blade’s pedestal, a sort of .

“But how……”

Azalea looked at Ezra.

Ezra shook his head.

“Chief, this is not a place for us to get involved. Protecting the Apostle and breaking the blade are two entirely different things.”

Ezra’s answer was rather reassuring.

In a broad sense, it can be said that is on the same track as the moderate Grim Seekers including Azalea Lott, but if we look into the details of their goals, it is ultimately these areas where they differ!

Azalea nodded immediately to Ezra’s words.

“That’s true. Sacrifice- at least, I can’t make that kind of sacrifice. Even if you say so, Jinseong-nim-”

“So, I’d like to make a suggestion.”

“-yes?”

The reason Jinseong created a somewhat tense atmosphere by talking about Apostle Anton.

And the reason I wanted to meet Azalea.

“Please introduce me to the person at the Tower of Despair.”

Jinseong said.

Azalea and Ezra, two people who made their eyes widen.

* * *

The two were unable to say anything for a while.

“The Tower of Despair… how do you know about it… ”

Not many people know about the Tower of Despair.

Even if they are members of the Grim Seeker group, if they joined/began their activities because of Ezra, they would be completely unaware of it.

“How could someone like him, an outsider, not even a Grim Seeker,…… ‘that person’…….”

Moreover, what Jinseong just said is not the Tower of Despair.

A person inside the tower of despair.

There are many people in the Tower of Despair, but ultimately only one person is worthy of being mentioned with honorifics.

“I won’t tell you how I knew him. I think I told you that last time… but it would be too long to explain. Haha.”

The person Jinseong wants to meet, the person he has been thinking about ever since his sword fight with Ah-haeng in heaven.

Soldoros.

Meeting Soldoros was the real goal.

However, plans to meet him had to be carefully planned.

“I don’t know how much Jinseong knows… but unfortunately, I don’t think I can introduce Jinseong to him directly. Not only that, he, who has become the representative of the hardliners, but also those who follow him, will deny me access to the Tower of Despair.”

It was exactly as Azalea said.

Currently, the Grim Seekers are divided into the moderate faction led by Azalea and the hardliner faction represented by Soldoros.

Although they share the same goal of preventing the prophecy of the , the two groups are at odds in terms of methodology, and in fact, they are not on good terms to the point where they can be considered different organizations, with only the name Grim Seeker being the same.

Of course, Jinseong knows this.

‘Hahahoho, I knew I couldn’t get introduced while laughing. The problem is that even if I go to the Tower of Despair without going through Azalea, I won’t be able to meet Soldoros.’

Jinseong goes to the Tower of Despair alone and without a plan?

There is a possibility that Jinseong himself will be cut off before meeting Soldoros, who resides on the 96th floor.

Even if he manages to overcome the difficulties up to the 96th floor and reach Soldoros, will he be able to deal with Jinseong himself?

‘… … Even if I brag and act like I’m a smartass, Soldoros is literally the strongest swordsman in Arad. He’s a possessed body and a jerk, so I’ll be able to cut him with one blow.’

So, Jinseong was looking for Azalea.

Even if you can’t go to the Tower of Despair with her and meet the person you want…

“Then, could you please write me a letter?”

“That’s… … Even if you say it so suddenly-.”

Azalea was embarrassed.

But Jinseong saw what her eyes were like.

From the time they first met in ‘Reshphon, the Village of Pain’, to the time when Azalea had doubts about the true identity that she still couldn’t figure out, what had been on her mind?

Jinseong had no idea about that, but one thing was certain.

“It doesn’t have to be a letter of introduction or something like asking me to take good care of you.”

“yes?”

It’s not an immediate rejection.

It’s not a strong denial that it absolutely cannot be done.

then?

“What do you think Lady Azalea would be interested in… … . Just a line will do. The pen is mightier than the sword.”

If you push hard, it will definitely work!

Anyway, isn’t the reason Jinseong wanted this letter so he could survive a beat by talking about Azalea’s letter before his head and torso were separated by Soldoros?

[Click, click, the pen is mightier than the sword… … I can melt both the pen and the sword-.]

Jinseong lightly ignored Heukgu’s words and waited for Azalea’s answer.

This was the reason why Jinseong had been listing information about Apostle Anton in the first place, and also had told him about the possibility that Apostle Anton would be killed soon.

Azalea hesitated for a moment, but decided not to refuse Jinseong’s request.

‘You must feel uneasy. From the perspective of someone who wants to protect the apostles… … Azalea must feel uneasy too. If that’s the case, I can roughly guess what the letter will contain.’

As the leader of the moderate faction of Grim Seekers, he must feel a sense of responsibility and anxiety at the same time.

In the meantime, didn’t Jinseong himself say that he wanted to meet Soldoros in person?

‘Perhaps… …Perhaps Azalea is-.’

I will write it in the letter I send to Soldoros.

Please test this guy.

That is, to test your true self.

It is not very natural for thoughts to reach this point.

Still, there was one reason why Jinseong could predict the contents of Azalea’s letter.

‘After Azalea’s death, she sends adventurers and users to Soldoros. Soldoros believes that users are Azalea’s last words and messages and tests them.’

What will happen to the adventurer who inherits Azalea’s legacy in the distant future?

Jinseong’s own experience as a user.

Jinseong wanted to test himself at this point in time.

Wheeeeeek… …! As Azalea waved her hand, a piece of paper floated into the air.

The pen wasn’t visible, but how did they write the content?

Was it already filled with content? Perhaps he always carried a letter with such content?

Jinseong had doubts for a moment.

Soon, a piece of mail, sealed tightly inside an envelope, arrived in front of Jinseong.

“If you ever see him… just show him this.”

“thank you.”

Jinseong opened [Inventory] and carefully sorted out the mail.

Ezra, who had been crossing his arms again, opened his mouth.

“Even if I can’t meet him, the letter from the chief is his j-.”

“Lord Esra.”

“-Ugh, ahem, I slipped of the tongue.”

But his words were soon interrupted by Azalea.

Still, Jinseong knew what he was trying to say.

‘If you can’t meet Soldoros, tell that disciple… … I guess he was going to give me this advice. Hehe, Ezra, you’re surprisingly warm-hearted.’

He was about to mention the existence of the Shingeom Yang-eol, but was silenced by Azalea.

The reason why Azalea stopped what could have been sufficient advice can also be interpreted simply.

Because Azalea must be eager to test her true abilities and strength.

“Then I’ll see you next time. I know you’re busy, so please come in.”

“……When can we meet again?”

Azalea asked Jinseong, who was about to leave with a bow.

Jinseong nodded without a moment of hesitation.

“Of course. Take care!”

Then he started walking.

The two people left behind could only stare blankly at Jinseong’s back as he quickly walked away.

“The author…is going without even asking where the Tower of Despair is, Chief.”

Ezra spoke in a bewildered voice, as if he was no longer surprised.

Azalea also nodded and answered.

“Yes, I guess that means you know. That’s surprising.”

“But can I send the author to Soldoros? I’m rather anxious because I can guess roughly what kind of letter the chief sent.”

Ezra asked.

Azalea thought for a moment.

Then he answered.

“I’m the same. However… saving Arad from disaster, completing that absolute mission is our ultimate mission. I wonder how those who have undergone long training in the Tower of Despair will treat you… I’m looking forward to it.”

Her answer was that if she was sincere, the road might be more difficult than she expected.

Ezra looked at Jinseong’s back and opened his mouth as if something had come to mind.

“By the way, I have something to discuss with you, Chief, regarding the adventurer who came down from the heavens. In addition to the information that he has been moving around the country of Suju, I have heard rumors that the adventurer is traveling back and forth between the past and the present.”

“Let’s talk about the details when we get back.”

Azalea nodded and turned around.

Between Jinseong, who was heading north, and Azalea, who was walking south, Ezra hesitated for a moment.

He muttered, looking north.

“True…is.”

Then he quickly followed Azalea.