Crowds upon crowds of people gathered in a single place, frozen in time and unable to voice out a single word. Some were shaking, some were in awe, while some were smiling. A variety of expressions plastered on their faces as they looked up at the sky.
The soft winds blew gently and the blades of grass swayed at their tune, a silver glimmer gracing their eyes. A platinum dragon descended before them, extending his wings like that of a mystical butterfly as his clear eyes sparkled like diamonds.
But perhaps the most eye-catching figures were the two youths riding on his back, unfazed by the howling winds. As soon as they were low enough, they both leaped towards the ground, landing softly as the winds cushioned them.
"Thank you for the ride, Arcturus." ［Yuna］
"It has been my pleasure, Mistress... Please don't hesitate to call me whenever you need my assistance." ［Arcturus］
As suddenly as he appeared, the platinum dragon, as if he was nothing more but a mere figment of one's imagination, vanished into thin air, only leaving behind small fragments of light as the leaves rustled softly. A sight which only begets wondering from the eye of the beholder.
Yet as if it was nothing out of the ordinary, Grey and Yuan simply waved their hands goodbye to Arcturus who had now gone back to her post. It was only when they saw the surprised faces of the villagers that they realized what they just did,
""Ah..."" ［Grey and Yuna］
After all, not a single one of the villagers had seen any of their familiars up close. From panic, to wariness, to surprise, to awe, and then confusion, they went through a whole roller coaster of emotions in just a couple of seconds.
"... Great Chief, we're back." ［Grey］
"A-Ah, yes! We welcome your safe return, Lord Grey, Lady Yuna." ［Manelo］
It was only when Grey called out to them that they finally snapped back to reality. At the same time, the villagers also remembered what they were previously doing before Arcturus' showy arrival.
The anxiety which was shortly buried has now sprung back up again, they have yet to ask Grey and Yuna, but the expressions on their faces already told it all. All of them wore shifty eyes as they fidgeted with their hands, clearly worried.
"And... Umm... About the Evil Beast..." ［Manelo］
The Great Chief was especially worried, his complexion paler than anyone else's. It was clear how worried he had been, even preparing the village's warriors just in case something bad were to happen. A face which soon turned to surprise.
"Well, see for yourself..." ［Grey］
THUD
No more words were needed to be said, only a loud and heavy thud echoing in the air. With a swipe of his hands, Grey summoned the Leviathan's cold and dead corpse before the villagers, taking them all by surprise.
A body spanning more than a hundred meters, covered in deep blue scales, shining like that of sapphire, and thick membranes linkings its fins. With its dagger-like teeth, it was sure to scare the living hell out of someone. A beast even monsters would fear.
"Th-The Evil Beast has been defeated!"
"Lord Grey and Lady Yuna have vanquished the Evil Beast!"
"We're saved! We can finally go back to the sea again!"
Cheers exploded like fireworks as they filled the air. The crowd jumped up and down, hugged each other, and even shed tears at the sight of the beast, relief flooding their hearts as they could finally be free from the worries which bound them.
One character in particular had quite the eye-catching reaction. As soon as he saw the beast, his legs quickly gave out, plating themselves towards the ground. What followed after were tears trickling down his face, hunching his back again and again as he wept, repeating the same words over and over again.
"Taroba... Larok... My sons... You've finally been avenged... May you rest in peace... My beloved sons..." ［Kalun］
The man was none other than the Head Elder, Kalun. He could no longer muster any strength on his legs, only trembling slightly as he weeped for his late sons. He was happy, but at the same time, sad. A bittersweet feeling loomed inside his heart.
Well, it wasn't only him. There were plenty who lost their homes and loved ones due to the Leviathan, all crying heavy tears as they cried their loss away. A strange sense of peace swallowed the air.
"Lord Grey, Lady Yuna, We are eternally grateful. We will never forget this debt for as long as we live." ［Manelo］
As everyone wept and celebrated, the Great Chief gave his gratitude to Grey and Yuna. Though it has been a difficult time, seeing his subjects with such expressions on their faces, he couldn't help but smile. A warm, gentle smile.
"This is nothing. We only did what was the right thing to do." ［Yuna］
"Yuna's right. And we did have a contract, didn't we? We only did our part... All we did was keep our promise." ［Grey］
"I see..." ［Manelo］
The Great Chief nodded in silence, not speaking any words any further. Though Grey and Yuna said all that, he knew deep inside that they were simply kind and unable to leave the weak behind. True embodiments of benevolence.
Grey and Yuna had never considered themselves as heroes or saints. To them, they were only doing what any normal person would do. It was simply their selfishness to meddle and help others. Nevertheless, they were happy. Very happy.
Well, strictly speaking, it was Sirius who defeated the Leviathan. It would have been perfect if they could thank her directly, but seeing how they reacted to Arcturus, it was a bit difficult to imagine. They'll be sure to reward her later.
"Ah, right! I just remembered... Great Chief, have you prepared the refugee camp we asked of you earlier? We might expect an influx of refugees soon." ［Grey］
"Worry not, Lord Grey. Though I have yet to organize such a thing, we still have a lot of empty houses available. I'm sure they will suffice for the time being." ［Manelo］
"I suppose that's true... But how about the rations and supplies? Would they be enough to provide for them?" ［Grey］
"We still have plenty. There's no need to worry," ［Manelo］
"Hmm... But wouldn't this be a problem for the village? I'm sure we could ask for help from the nearby villages, but it would probably take some time, won't it?" ［Yuna］
One after another, Grey and Yuna asked the Great Chief questions regarding the refugee camp. After all, the problem has not been fully solved yet. Though the enemy was already defeated, a lot of villagers have lost their homes. They'll need shelter.
Of course, they simply didn't just talk about such a topic while the others were crying. They all walked away and gave them space to weep. It was a sensitive period, after all. They need all the space and time they can.
"I suppose that would be all..." ［Grey］
"That does sound like a good plan..." ［Manelo］
It didn't take too long before their discussion reached its conclusion. Both Grey and Yuna had offered their help if ever necessary and the Great Chief would organize and accommodate the incoming refugees. It was a simple and effective plan.
"Well then, I shall see to discuss this properly with the elders. I will be taking my leave now, Lord Grey, Lady Yuna. And once again, thank you for everything." ［Manelo］
"Yeah, no problem. Just look for us if you ever need something." ［Grey］
"Un! We'll be more than happy to help!" ［Yuna］
The Great Chief nodded his head, and soon his legs started moving again. Just like he said, he headed back towards the village to discuss the details with the elders and accommodate the refugees as soon as he could. A diligent man, indeed.
Meanwhile, Grey and Yuna were left in the forest once again. Compared to the salty breeze from the sea, the forest's fragrant and fresh breeze was still more refreshing and calming, music dancing in their ears.
"And to think our walk stopped here..." ［Grey］
And by sheer coincidence alone, the place they parted with the Great Chief was just by the cavern they entered just this morning. It was still as dark and empty as they saw from before, only slight sounds of water dripping to be heard.
Now, their curiosity is being poked at by the runes they saw on the ruins. It also didn't help that both Grey and Yunq were naturally curious people. With their knowledge in enchanting, they felt conflicted on what to do.
"Grey, let's head inside." ［Yuna］
Well, they may have felt conflicted, but their unbridled curiosity was still a lot stronger. Especially Yuna. Her eyes were now sparkling ever so brightly as she asked Grey, awfully curious about what was hidden inside the cavern.
"Haah... Alright, let's go..." ［Grey］
"Yaay～!" ［Yuna］
And as one would expect, Grey had no power to resist Yuna's plea. As soon as he saw her sparkling eyes, he quickly gave up and only heaved a heavy sigh. A fool would always remain a fool, after all. Love is just that powerful.
Not wasting any more time, Grey and Yuna entered the cavern once more, a small orb of light illuminating the place. Be it the chirping of critters or the dripping droplets, there was only so much to be heard. It didn't take too long before they met the wall.
"Like I thought... These really are some high-level runes..." ［Grey］
"Waah～ So many～! I've never seen this many runes in my entire life..." ［Yuna］
It was no simple wall. On it, engraved were hundreds upon hundreds of runes, all of varying meaning and complexity. There were the basic ones and also complicated ones, all arranged to form an array.
To top it all off, not all the runes were useful. Some were just there to simply distract people and some were there to activate a number of anti-breach mechanisms. It was basically a giant puzzle just sitting around and waiting to be solved.
"Grey, can you solve it?" ［Yuna］
"Well, I'll try..." ［Grey］
Grey stepped forward, a light clack echoed in the air. Though the cavern was dim, his eyes could see it all. From left to right, all the working runes and simple symbols, all were laid down and imprinted into his brain.
There wasn't any need to waste time. As soon as he finished scanning the runes, he quickly started moving his hands, eyes shifting left and right as he connected the dots one after another, lines and connections forming in his mind.
Without a key, it would have been nigh impossible for normal people. Even experts would find such an array difficult. But we're talking about Grey here. Equipped with eyes, mind, and knowledge surpassing that which is considered normal, it was like a walk in the park.
The array required different attributes, different amounts of mana to be injected, different combinations. To top it all off, it required a specific flow and order. A single error and one would need to start over from the very beginning.
"I see... What an interesting piece..." ［Grey］
Yet despite its high complexity, Grey was able to crack the code open with his genius alone. As soon as he did, his hands moved even faster and mana started to brew in the surroundings like an orchestra, and Grey was the orchestrator.
Red, yellow, gold, and many more. Light shone dimly as different attributes of mana were spun in the air. And as if cheering to Grey's orchestra, the rune started glowing too, lines connecting them like an intricate spider web.
The orchestra continued and the runes only glowed brighter and brighter until not just the wall, but the entire cavern was full of glowing runes. Like the night sky illuminated by the beautiful stars, the cavern sparkled with gem-like glow, pulsing ever so gently.
KERCHAK CLACK CLACK CLANK THUD GRRRRRRR
And soon, heavy, mechanical sounds echoed in the air. Slowly but surely, the wall before them was split into two, parting left and right as the doors which had been sealed for centuries finally opened.
"Waah～! So cool～!" ［Yuna］
The other side of the wall was still dark and dreary, but that didn't make Yuna any less excited. Her sparkling eyes alone were enough to light up the darkness, a satisfied Grey chuckling beside her.
"Grey! Can you make something like this too?" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. That would be impossible right now. Maybe when I reach Tier 9?" ［Grey］
"Ehh～? But that's still too far away. Can't we just dismantle this and rebuild it in our house? It should be possible, right?" ［Yuna］
"Well, I suppose it's possible... But what would you use it for?" ［Grey］
"Nothing at all! I just want a cool entrance for our house, too!" ［Yuna］
Of course, Yuna had no shortage of silly ideas. In her mind, it already played out how amazing it would look if they have magically locked entrances in their house. It would be bothersome to open every time, true, but it's cool. That's all that mattered to her.
Well, it wasn't like Grey didn't share her sentiment. Having watched a number of spy themed movies when he was young, he had also dreamed of having a house with automatic entrances. Though there's no need to say that out loud for now.
"Haah... You really are something, aren't you, Yuna?" ［Grey］
"Hm? What's that supposed to mean?" ［Yuna］
"Nothing, nothing at all... Shall we head inside then?" ［Grey］
"Hey! You're dodging my question again! Grey, look at me!" ［Yuna］
Yuna pounding her fist on Grey's back, and the latter ignoring her nonchalantly, the two entered the other side. As soon as they did, like the tunnels of a labyrinth, the corridors suddenly lit up, the place illuminated like modern facilities.
And a complete contrast to the ruined cavern, what was inside was still fully intact, with tiled floors, arched ceilings, and walls plated with metal rods from time to time. To top it all off, the air was also conditioned to be cool and comfortable.
Tap Tap Tap Tap
To such a sight, Grey and Yuna could only remain speechless, their footsteps the only thing to be heard echoing. They looked left and right, but all they could see was a well-maintained facility, free from the ravages of time,
Soon, the corridors ended and a large, open space greeted them. It was not empty at all, large machinery and numerous tables laid out here and there, all containing a number of apparatus and papers on them. There was no other way to say it. It was...
"A lab...?" ［Grey］
There was no mistaking it. What was laid in front of them was a large and ancient laboratory. Though many of the machineries and facilities were old and outdated, it was no doubt one of the best of its time.
And even though so much time has passed since the last time the lad saw the light of day, none of the equipment was damaged. They were all preserved perfectly, not a single defect to be seen. A little stimulation with mana and they would surely start working again.
"Waah... I wonder what these do..." ［Yuna］
"Yuna, be careful not to touch anything carelessly. They could be dangerous if not handled properly," ［Grey］
"Un～ Roger that～." ［Yuna］
Seeing the laboratory before them, the two started wandering around the place and checked things out. Though they couldn't just touch things needlessly, they could still perform a quick inspection, mesmerized by the intricacy of the equipment,
Many were old and obsolete, but some were really interesting. The more they looked around, the more interesting things they found. From trial products all the way to full and completed items. The laboratory was full of wonders.
"Grey～! Over here! I found something!" ［Yuna］
A little more time later, Yuna found a bookshelf, filled to the brim with a large variety of books. Compared to the pieces of paper scattered here and there, they were all arranged in an orderly manner. From theses to journals, everything could be found there.
How to tame beasts without using summoning magic, how to manifest and improve abilities, how to make a more mana efficient physique, the limits of humanity, and a lot more. The theses encompassed a lot of topics.
Not only these, there were also a number of interesting blueprints. From airships, to magic artillery, instant barriers, and everyday devices, there were a lot of amazing blueprints compiled neatly into a single folder.
And since the knowledge God gave him were only common sense and those that he needed to get stronger, some of the subjects of their theses were new to him. Though some were straight up wrong, some also proved some potential. A varied selection.
"Hm? This is..." ［Grey］
But perhaps the most interesting one was the journal tucked in all the way to the top of the bookshelf. It was a journal which documented in detail what happened on the island and how things came to be. It told the origins of Torogi.
According to the journal, the island was a project of the former Aslan Empire which ceased to exist more than 500 years ago. It was the biggest project of the Empire which has been brought forward by none other than God's prophecy.
The prophecy entailed an era in which monsters would swarm everywhere and evil would rule the world. But in times of turmoil and need, a person sent by God will appear, commanding the angels and wielding the holy light to vanquish evil.
"Grey, isn't this..." ［Yuna］
"You're right. It's about the emissaries the villagers knew of as a legend." ［Grey］
But it was not as simple as it seems. The more Grey read about it, the more he learnt that the people were misunderstanding the prophecy. Rather than "Evil", what would encroach the world would be "Corruption", and rather the "Holy Light" and "Angels", it would be more proper to say "Aether" and "Spirits".
Grey already had an inkling after reading it first, but the prophecy was all about how God's emissary would stop the rampaging corruption and bring balance back to the world. In other words, it was about him.
'That stupid God...' ［Grey］
To which, Grey could only furrow his brows. He knew full well that God had waited for a soul like his for centuries, but he didn't think he went around spreading prophecies here and there. He could feel his head aching from all his random whims.
"Grey, is something wrong?" ［Yuna］
"No, nothing... I just feel like hitting a certain someone in the face," ［Grey］
"???" ［Yuna］
But even when the property promised a savior, the Aslan Empire couldn't simply sit still. Knowing the disaster that's about to come, they prepared the archipelago and turned it into their final bastion, which also doubled as a research ground.
From abundant resources, to rare materials, absence of dangerous monsters, and the high-level magic veiling the islands, Torogi was tailored into a sanctuary where people could survive if ever the world were to fall into ruin.
And as time passed, due to some unknown circumstances, the Aslan Empire fell and the project was halted. There were some survivors, but with the passing of time, the knowledge which was supposed to be passed to the next generation slowly vanished. Such was the origin of Torogi.
"I see... It all makes sense now..." ［Grey］
"Re... ces..." ［Yuna］
"Hm? Re... ces...? What's that?" ［Grey］
But strangely enough, as soon as they finished reaching the journal, Yuna suddenly turned deathly silent. She was frozen in place, head down and veiled, only mumbling some barely audible words as her hands trembled.
"Resources..." ［Yuna］
"Resources? What do youー" ［Grey］
Yuna hasn't even answered, yet it was as if a lightning bolt struck him. As soon as he understood the meaning behind that single word, a cold chill ran down his spine. It wasn't because of the shock that Yuna was trembling, it was...
"Resources! The journal said resources, didn't it?! There should still be a lot of resources in the lab! Grey, let's find all of them! Let's collect them all!" ［Yuna］
... Because of excitement. Grey hasn't even said hus answer and Yuna had already ran away in search for the Laboratory's vault and storage rooms. Her eyes were now sparkling even brighter than before, wholly determined to find them.
"Haah... Seriously, that girl..." ［Grey］
She was just like an energetic puppy who just got unleashed into the park. Before Grey could even call out to her, she was already out of sight, searching the corridors with all her might, excited as one can be.
Yet despite her unrestrained attitude, Grey didn't find her troublesome. Rather, he found her impulsive tendencies to be cute, chuckling to himself as he looked ahead the corridor Yuna just entered. A smile soon bloomed on his face.
"Well, I really do love her, after all." ［Grey］
Whispering such a thing to himself, a clack soon echoed as he put the journal back on the shelf. Soon, footsteps filled the air as Grey rejoined Yuna in their little treasure hunt. A treasure hunt they will never forget.
From ores, herbs, rare materials, treasures, and many more. They found a mountain of items all over the place. All of them were very useful in their professions, providing them with a whole kingdom's worth of resources. Even Grey became a little childishly excited at the sight of them.
And as one would expect, Yuna tried to hoard the materials as soon as he laid their eyes upon them. It was quite the arduous task trying to calm her down, taking a much heavier toll than fighting monsters. Grey was really drained.
But hey, that's a story for another day.
CHAPTER 238 END