Chapter 418

Words : 2506 Updated : Oct 15th, 2025

Hans, who had been quietly listening to the conversation, unknowingly blurted out a question. [Then it wasn’t like that in the past?] Belatedly realizing that he had interjected between the two without permission, Hans shut his mouth but since he had already spoken, Hans could only tremble. Grandel looked at Hans with disdain before slowly nodding. “That’s right. The monsters that have now become legends to you. The races completely different from humans existed on this continent in the past. Not only that, but they lived together. Sometimes in harmony, sometimes in conflict.” But it was humans who ended it. The monsters were driven away, and humans established their own kingdom. What remained on the continent were the sub-races similar to humans. But even they were oppressed by humans, and many battles and massacres occurred. “During those years, humans created many things, but they lost even more than what they created. What’s funnier is that they don’t even know what they’ve lost.” “Is non-attribute magic one of those things?” “I suppose so. But this is surprising.” Grandel said, swinging her legs back and forth. “I thought they had lost their precious possessions simply due to the passage of time and human greed. I was certain their foolishness had brought about those results. But hearing your story, I feel something is off.” “What do you mean by off?” “It means that even I don’t know why such things happened.” Rudger fell silent at those words. If Grandel was saying such things with her own mouth, it was no ordinary matter. “Why did something that was once a blessing become a curse? They say it’s because something was forgotten, but what is the fundamental cause of that forgetting? And why didn’t even I know about this fact?” After listing each point, Grandel finally offered an answer. “Someone must have plotted behind the scenes.” Plotted behind the scenes? Hans praised himself for not blurting out those words this time. “Information was blocked, distorted, and truth was twisted. What’s peculiar is that I clearly don’t remember being subjected to such things, yet I was.” Because it was too absurd and far-fetched to believe. No matter how powerful an organization might be, it couldn’t possibly intervene in human history to create such an information gap. Moreover, one of the subjects of this manipulation was Grandel, an 8th-tier magician. Who could possibly be capable of such a thing? Hans couldn’t think of anyone no matter how hard he tried. “Who do you think did it, Master?” “Who else could it be? There’s no one else but the Lumensis Order that has existed continuously since then.” Hans’ eyes widened the moment he heard Grandel’s words. That religious group did this? How? Rationally thinking, it was impossible. ‘But is that really true?’ Hans couldn’t be certain that assumption was wrong. It was strange. How could such a conspiracy theory sound so credible? Was it because the speaker was the legendary vampire and the strongest magician? Did her power and authority create credibility? ‘No. This is my instinct screaming that those words are true.’ Especially now, as Hans was transformed into a spirit deer, he possessed sharper and keener senses than usual. Among them, the most accurate was the beast’s instinct. Instinct was not something to be taken lightly. Though Hans disliked this cursed condition of his, he definitely acknowledged its utility. Whenever he felt something ominous while transformed into a beast, it always turned out to be true. The same applied now when he felt strangely confident about something. ‘Moreover.’ Hans rolled his eyes to look at Rudger. Rudger remained silent without saying anything to Grandel’s speculation. Though it was hard to read his thoughts due to his unchanged expression, it was clear that Rudger was thinking about many things. ‘Brother isn’t saying anything.’ If it were wrong, he would have said so, or scoffed at it. Rudger, who would have responded like that, was maintaining silence. From this, Hans could hold strong conviction that Rudger also knew. Considering Rudger’s true identity and his origins, his current reaction added great credibility. It was then that Rudger, who had been quiet, opened his mouth. “Then does that mean you don’t know what non-attribute magic actually is, Master?” “I don’t know.” Grandel answered sharply. Though it might have hurt her pride as a long-lived being to admit not knowing, she showed no signs of being embarrassed about it. “To me, it’s just something like ‘that’s how it was back then,’ but I don’t know exactly what happened or what went wrong. This feels quite unpleasant. It feels like someone forcibly edited my memories.” “But you seem to know something now.” “I’ve just roughly pieced together a picture in my head based on the information you brought me. But it’s very opaque and blurry, so it’s not very meaningful.” Yet Grandel smiled broadly as if pleased. That appearance, while emanating a strange sensuality unfitting for her outer appearance, also gave off an eerie feeling that sent chills down one’s spine. “Magic cursed by the gods. What exactly that is doesn’t matter. What’s important is that the world tries to cover up that truth, and when the truth is revealed, it will greatly shake this world.” Her red pupils glowed as she stared at Rudger. “My disciple. What will you do? That truth is sealed in a place too deep and dark. It lies wrapped up tight at the bottom of that deep lake.” “......” “Will you still seek it? Can you endure the countless hindrances and pressures from those who try to cover up the truth? Are you confident you won’t be crushed by the weight after learning the truth? Are you confident your resolve won’t break halfway through?” Grandel’s voice gradually rose, revealing intense emotions. It was delight and joy, expectation burning like brilliant flames. “No one will understand you for realizing this. Rather, people will point fingers at you. Will you still walk this path that no one will understand?” The heavy questions flew. Grandel seemed to be saying: If you’re not confident about any of these questions’ answers, you too should turn your eyes away from the truth like others, that would be the best choice. “When have I ever not done so?” Rudger’s response sounded somewhat like a complaint. Hearing that answer, Grandel’s eyes widened, and then she wore a gentle smile. “Right. That’s my disciple for you.” Hans, who had watched the entire scene, trembled. Grandel and Rudger, though they were master and disciple, this was hardly a sight one could see in ordinary master-disciple relationships. “So have you found a way to solve it?” “If it’s related to the gods’ curse, I plan to use that in reverse.” “In reverse?” “A being that directly opposes the gods’ blessing. I will borrow the power of a dark magician.” Another solution would be the existence of demons but Rudger decided not to use that method for now. The demons he knew were Zero Order and Helia but he couldn’t trust either of them, especially without knowing Zero Order’s intentions in seeking Rene, it wasn’t good to reveal his cards first. “Not a bad approach. But my disciple you must not forget that it’s just a temporary measure to buy time. It can’t be a fundamental solution in the end.” “I know.” Rudger nodded. Grandel was about to end the conversation, saying that was enough. That’s when her red pupils flickered peculiarly and turned toward a certain direction. “Oh? Today seems to be particularly full of interesting events.” Grandel sensed something. At that moment, a mouse scurried over and stood in front of Hans. After listening to the mouse squeaking something, Hans’s ears perked up. [...Brother. It seems we need to move.] “What’s wrong?” [They say Pantos got into a fight with someone.] Pantos in a fight? At a time like this? Moreover, Hans’s voice seemed quite urgent. “Who is he fighting with?” [I don’t know who. But at this rate.] Hans’s answer made Rudger’s eyes widen. [Pantos might die.] * * * Pantos swung his arm at Luther. Sharp claws had grown at the tips of his thick, sturdy fingers. Sharp claws and teeth are what enable beastkin to fight even without weapons. It’s also one of the reasons they’re regarded as excellent warriors. However, beastkin don’t usually show their claws. Normally, claws are only used in life-or-death moments when they can’t handle weapons. In other words, it means their life is in danger. Proud beastkin warriors, having strong pride, hesitated to bring out their claws but now Pantos was rushing at his opponent with his claws out. There was no hesitation in that action. A dull yet intense flash like striking lightning was drawn in the air. Luther’s expression remained calm as he saw the deadly light swinging toward his head. Just as that flashing sharpness was about to touch Luther’s forehead, something unbelievable happened. -Kwaduk! Pantos’ hand struck the ground instead of Luther’s head. Pantos’ eyes widened. Did he dodge? In such a short time? Pantos thought so at first but soon realized that was a misconception. Luther hadn’t dodged. His attack had simply missed, too naturally. He definitely aimed for the head properly, so how did it miss? Pantos ignored that question and launched another attack. Five trails of light were drawn in the air as he aimed for Luther’s chest. Luther, meeting Pantos’ gaze that seemed determined to see properly this time, extended his hand in response, the hand not holding the bread bag. -Tuk. That gesture was too natural and smooth. He simply touched and lightly pushed away Pantos’ swinging hand but the result was not so simple. The five trajectories bent sharply away from Luther and headed toward an innocent spot. -Seogek. A rusty pipe on the alley wall revealed its sharp cross-section as it was cut. This was beyond just deflecting attacks. This was at the level of redirecting them wherever he wanted. It was unbelievable. Though he should have had the advantage in both power and speed, to be pushed back by Luther’s light gesture. The blood flow in Pantos’ body accelerated, his muscles throughout his body swelled as they violently squeezed out energy. He was like a wild beast with its fur fully bristled. “Kuaang!” With a beast-like roar, Pantos thrust his fist. The fist heading toward Luther’s solar plexus shot forward creating an air cavity. “Better than before.” However, Luther blocked this attack too easily. Just like before, he simply pushed Pantos’ arm aside with his hand. With just that, Pantos’ fist hit the wall of the adjacent building instead of Luther. -Kuung. The entire building shook greatly as the wall crumbled. Fortunately, no one lived there, otherwise there would have been major casualties. It was a terrifying power but it didn’t reach Luther. Thinking this wouldn’t do, Pantos spread both hands wide to try to grab Luther. If striking techniques wouldn’t work, he planned to take it to the ground. The moment Pantos thought this, his arms swept through empty air. At the same time, he felt his vision spinning rapidly. Before he could even attempt a breakfall, Pantos’ back slammed into the ground with a thud. At the end of the bewildered Pantos’ gaze, there was only Luther who had lightly extended his hand. Pantos jumped up from his spot and backed away with his claws raised, not even thinking about dusting off the debris on his back. Seeing this, Luther Wardot snorted. “Your power and speed are decent, but your technique is terrible. Or is this actually an improvement?” Right after, Pantos’ figure disappeared from his spot. Fragments scattered with a slight time delay from where he had been. Pantos circled around Luther quickly with agility that didn’t match his huge build, kicking off the wall to the opposite side, stepping on the opposite railing to the ground and jumping sideways from the ground and stepping on a pipe but Luther remained calm amid the dizzying movements. At that moment, Pantos seized the opening and rushed at Luther from behind, swinging his claws toward his nape but Luther extended his hand without even looking back. The trajectory of Pantos’ swinging claws curved as if space itself had warped and scratched the ground instead. -Karduk. Ground fragments scattered everywhere. Debris also got on Luther’s suit. “My, please be careful. These are my special outing clothes, I’ll get scolded if I go home dirty.” Ignoring Luther’s words, Pantos’ body spun like a top, and simultaneously his kick aimed for the temple. Seeing this, Luther seemed to think words weren’t getting through and changed his approach from purely defensive to offensive. -Peobeobuk! Pantos felt the world turn white for a moment from the pain in his body. Though he had swung his leg first, Luther’s strikes landed faster. Moreover, the attacks hit him three times. Even though they were just lightly thrown punches, Pantos’ body flew far backward. “Well, well.” Luther, who had thrown the punches, flexed his hand in amazement. “Your body is incredibly tough. I suppose you’re not an ordinary beastkin?” Though he had intended to properly subdue him, the sensation on his fingertips was heavy as if he’d hit a rock. “This makes it tricky to control my strength.” Luther shook his head and took a step. With just that, his form shot forward and reached in front of Pantos who was just trying to get up. Before Pantos could respond, Luther grabbed his wrist and then slammed him into the ground like a sack. -Kuung. A massive vibration arose in the dark night alley as Pantos’ body sank into the ground, and spider web-like cracks formed around him. “That’s enough. I could have killed you if I wanted to.” Though Luther warned him like that, Pantos ignored his words and tried to get up. “Damn tough. A guy like this should have joined the knights.” Luther said regretfully as he released Pantos’ wrist, then clenched his fist and pulled it back. It was a completely different stance from before with no preparation motion but just from that, Pantos felt his whole body freeze. If that was unleashed, he couldn’t dodge or block it. “Time for a little nap.” Luther muttered that and extended his fist toward Pantos. At that moment, a shadow dropped from the sky and intercepted between the two. -Kaang! Along with the sound of striking metal, the shadow slid back. Luther raised an eyebrow at the fact his attack had been blocked. Pantos also widened his eyes seeing the familiar back. “Wow. No joke.” Alex lightly shook off the sword that had received Luther’s punch. “I came because I kept hearing noisy sounds, but who’s this monster-like mister?”

Chapter 418

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