章節 617: CHAPTER 774

[T.L: punisher87]

[My ko-fi link:- https://ko-fi.com/punisher87 ]

When Maliet said that, the scenery suddenly changed.

September 7, 1391.

Five months after Maliet cursed Honka, Jin and Valeria looked around again.

Buildings were ablaze and collapsing, and screams filled the air. The smell of blood and ashes permeated the surroundings.

'...It's a battlefield. The Spectres, right?'

'It seems to be the moment when my ancestor and Zipfel are engaged in combat.'

Kwaaang-!

An explosion suddenly occurred in front of the two, revealing Maliet's figure.

She was in a state of blocking the Spectres' magic with a shield.

"I never expected you to show up here, Maliet Hister. How did you get in?"

Despite being surrounded by the Spectres, Maliet remained unfazed. Instead, she smirked and replied, "How did I get in? I simply came."

The Spectres didn't show any reaction, but they were clearly puzzled.

The current location of their battle was Drakka. Although it is on the outskirts, one of Zipfel's most wanted criminals had appeared in the capital of Lutero Magic Federation.

"Do you think I don't know that your patriarch and captain are absent? The answer is yes. So, here in Drakka, there's no force that can stop me. That's what I'm saying. So let's not waste our strength and quietly pass by. I only need to find one person."

Furthermore, there was a secret underground prison in the outskirts of Drakka.

Maliet had come to rescue Rock Hister, who was imprisoned there.

"Don't you also want to avoid unnecessary casualties? Let's consider today as a loss and just leave. After all, almost every time you fight against my clan, you guys end up losing."

"Yeah, if we think about your original battle prowess, it might be better for us. Rock Hister isn't that important. But you know, we also understand your circumstances. The blood of Kian. I don't know how you're enduring that pain, but our captain's curse on you is definitely effective."

When affected by Kian's blood, most people could endure it for a maximum of one month. It had already been two years for Maliet.

Maliet didn't respond and shrugged her shoulders.

"Well, if you're so eager to die, I can't help it."

"You're still bluffing, huh? If it were the old you, the five of us would have been dead already. Attack!"

As the leader's words fell, the Spectres resumed their attack.

The scattered bodies of Zipfel's mages were torn apart by their mana.

Maliet was engulfed in a painful sensation as if her blood was boiling due to the curse.

However, even in the midst of that, she swung her staff and deflected the enemies' magic.

Although there was no captain or patriarch, it would be impossible to survive and retreat if the battle dragged on a little longer.

This place was Zipfel's stronghold, and endless reinforcements were pouring in.

Therefore, Maliet decided to take a gamble.

Even if the curse amplified further, she judged that she would gather her mana and quickly end the situation.

Hister Secret Magic Spell: Second Succession Temple

Golden Spear

As Maliet completed her incantation, a massive cloud of golden mana formed in the sky.

Within it, thousands of small golden spears and one gigantic golden spear rained down.

Both Jin and Valeria were momentarily speechless at the power of this magic.

The golden spears, pouring down like rain, instantly tore through the Spectres' shields.

The largest spear remained impaled in the center of the battlefield, continuously radiating waves of magic power.

The Spectres, who were attempting to reinforce their shields, had no choice but to scatter and evade the shockwaves. At the same time, Maliet unleashed other elemental magics, taking them down one by one.

"Kahak...!"

Maliet spat out a mouthful of blood. She felt the curse's energy rapidly intensifying.

Among the Spectres, two people survived but both sustained injuries that rendered them unable to continue fighting.

Instead of finishing them off, Maliet moved forward and unfolded a record window.

The location of the underground prison where Hister was imprisoned was described on the record window.

The entrance to the underground prison was revealed when she broke the floor of a collapsed building.

"Who, who is it? Save us!"

"Please save us!"

The prisoners had been hearing the vibrations and noises of the ongoing battle from their cells. A few guards aimed their swords and staffs at Maliet, but she ignored them. Without daring to oppose Maliet, they quickly fled out of the prison.

"Rock! Where are you?"

Maliet shouted as she broke down each prison door.

The freed prisoners briefly expressed their gratitude to Maliet and hastily escaped.

Not hearing a response from Rock, she unfolded the record magic once again. There were numerous scattered records nearby, so it took some time for the results to appear.

After about five minutes, the record that appeared indicated that Rock Hister was already deceased. Maliet bit her lower lip and lowered her head.

Rock was her lover.

However, there was no time to mourn his remains.

Once again, she heard the noise from above.

"The underground prison! Pour your magic into the prison!"

Under the barrage of Zipfel's reinforcements' magic, the ceiling of the prison collapsed entirely. Maliet extended her shield and desperately searched for Rock's body, but most of the prison was already engulfed in flames.

In the moment when she felt her stomach churn with a sense of desperation to escape, Maliet heard a voice. It was the voice of a child, crying out to be saved.

When she opened the prison door where the sound came from, she found a child of about eight years old. She hesitated for a moment when she saw the color of the child's hair, but Maliet reached out her hand to the child.

"Let's get out of here together."

Maliet took the child and swept through Zipfel's reinforcements as they made their way out of the prison.

It took two days to successfully escape and reach her hideout. As soon as she arrived at the hideout, Maliet's body felt as heavy as a thousand pounds and collapsed to the ground.

When she regained consciousness, the first thing Maliet saw was the image of a child looking down at her with a trembling hand holding a dagger. It was the dagger that was in the hideout.

"...Are you going to stab me with that knife?"

The child did not respond and clenched their teeth.

"I knew you were Zipfel's child from the moment I found you. You were probably kept there as a punishment, either as an illegitimate child of Zipfel's patriarch or as someone who witnessed something you shouldn't have."

Maliet recognized that the child was holding a knife, possibly intending to kill her so they could return to their family.

"Put down the knife, you have not done anything wrong yet. I offer you a chance to live. Live as a human, not as a tool or a puppet of Zipfel."

The child hesitated but eventually lunged at Maliet with the dagger.

Maliet easily deflected the child's dagger with a simple motion of her hand, without resorting to magic.

The child fell down and burst into tears.

"You couldn't stab me, so you are still innocent. Let's leave it at that. As my body recovers, I will provide you with a foundation to live your life. Forget all the memories so far and make a fresh start."

Maliet harbored a deep hatred for Zipfel more than anyone else.

However, she didn't want to hold onto that hatred and extend it to innocent children who had never participated in the fierce wars between clans.

A week later, when Maliet was able to move properly, she took the child to the land of the Beastmen and disguised them.

She gave the child a new identity and forged identification documents.

Now the child would live their life like a commoner named Iello, not Iello Zipfel.

"Iello, I have lost many family members and loved ones to Zipfel in my life. Yet, the reason I saved you is because, if you look closely, you and I are in the same position. You were born as Zipfel, but abandoned by Zipfel and lost your family."

Iello burst into tears and embraced Maliet.

"Free yourself from the cycle of hatred and live your own life. Since you have no other siblings, there is no need for you to seek revenge. Both my clan and your clan need more children like you who choose to live their lives instead of fighting."

"Maliet... How can I repay this kindness?"

"The only way to repay me is by living well. And someday, when you have the opportunity, extend a helping hand to someone else, just as I did. Grow up to be bright and courageous, Iello."

After that, Maliet did not know what kind of life Iello lived.

But until the day Maliet met her scheduled death, Zipfel never found their hiding place where she stayed with Iello.

And that was how Jin and Valeria witnessed Maliet's life—all of it.

She protected numerous Histers from Zipfel and saved many people. Yet, she didn't appear burdened.

She didn't seem lonely, engulfed in sadness, or consumed by hatred, turning into a monster.

She simply looked like someone who enjoyed life. She considered every action of hers valuable, not out of duty or obligation but as a person following her own beliefs.

Even the curse of Kain's blood couldn't darken her.

December 20, 1393, winter.

Maliet finally completed the golem for her successor on the Honka Island's succession temple.

"Fortunately, I managed to finish it in time. Golem, I had planned to give you a name when you were complete, but on second thought, it's better for my successor to do it."

[Understood, master.]

"Your homeland, my succession temple, is dangerous, but if you have the skills, you will never die. Moreover, if you pass through all the trials, it will help you grow. If someone ignores the traps and takes a shortcut, check their hair and mana. If it's red and a complete mana body, then they are the successor, and you can proceed with the additional tests."

[I will remember. The shortcut user, is Zipfel. All secret traps, self-destruct devices, activate. 1st class hostility, engage.]

"Exactly. Well, I guess I have to go now... It's a pity I couldn't create more memories with you."

[It's also... a pity, master. But, you must go. To the designated place, the final destination of life.]

Maliet's curse had reached its peak, and she no longer possessed the imposing presence she once had. Her skeletal structure remained formidable, but her appearance had become grotesque. However, her eyes still sparkled mischievously.

Maliet turned her head towards the empty space where Jin and Valeria stood.

"Descendant, this will be the last thing I, Maliet Hister, will tell you."

Those burdened with a predetermined fate cannot change the world.

Even if they do, they end up deviating from their path. Do not become a monster like many of my clan members and comrades.

After speaking these words, Maliet took a labored breath.

"You don't have to become a monster to fight against the monsters known as Zipfels. Fight when you must, and show love when it is necessary. Sometimes, you must forgive the bloodline of your enemies. Don't let duty and obligation push you into a bleak and desolate existence. Live with brightness and courage."

Maliet smiled for a moment, gazing at the empty space where Jin and Valeria observed her.

Then she went outside and bid farewell to Honka.

[...Are you leaving?]

"Yes, I feel like I'll die in about five hours. I did consider spending my last moments by your side, but... I think I have to go. To Rock."

[It's a parting then.]

"Yes, it's a parting. Apart from feeling uncomfortable because you won't leave this place even if I die, I feel relieved."

Honka hugged Maliet without saying a word, just like when she first embraced him. Tears streamed down his face as her frail body touched him.

[Someday, let's meet again.]

"Yes, Honka. Oh, until you feel like leaving this island, keep an eye on the successors who come here. It's my way of saying to make sure they fulfill the conditions I left behind. It will be a small but enjoyable challenge."

Thus, Maliet headed towards the outskirts of Drakka, where she had failed to retrieve Rock's remains.

That was how Maliet's record came to an end.

[T/L: You can read more chapters and support me here: https://ko-fi.com/punisher87 & https://bmc.link/punisher87 ]

[T/L: Join $29 membership on my "buymeacoffee" page and read 55 chapters ahead and daily 1 new chapter update. I have introduced new memberships, and you can read upto 75 or 85 chapters ahead.]

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章節 618: CHAPTER 775

[T.L: punisher87]

[My ko-fi link:- https://ko-fi.com/punisher87 ]

When two of them opened their eyes, the screens were dark, and the record windows were shining blue.

Valeria couldn't take her eyes off the record windows, as if she were gazing at stars.

[How do you feel about my master's world?]

"It was incredibly beautiful."

Valeria didn't hesitate for a moment in her response to the Golem's question.

There was transparent moisture in the corner of her eyes.

Jin hesitated for a moment and then reached out his right hand and put on Valeria's left hand.

Jin's firm calluses hand scratched Valeria's back of the hand as they intertwined, and she didn't avoid that touch.

'Were my teacher's hands always this small?'

The feeling was quite different from when they held hands in their past life. That was because Jin had become a bigger person than before. In their past life, Jin relied on Valeria mostly, but now it was the opposite.

The two of them lay there for a while, looking up at the ceiling.

Do not push life into a barren and desolate place.

Maliet's last testament was igniting a fire inside Valeria, a fire that she had never experienced before.

In other words, a heart that can love the world.

Even if she carries a harsh and bleak fate from birth, loses the people she walked with, and continues to chase after revenge that seems so distant and elusive.

Still, there was a growing feeling in Valeria's heart that sometimes she needed to fill her life with something shining, a feeling that she needed to reach out to someone, passed down to her from Maliet.

Jin was also deeply moved by Maliet's great life.

Like Maliet said, there was a need for more children in the world who wouldn't be dragged into fights.

"Valeria."

"Yes?"

"I'm glad to see that you're improving day by day."

That was a phrase Jin often heard from Valeria in their past life. Every time Jin escaped from a state of being a cripple, Valeria praised him.

[Oh, what's this? It is nice to see. Ooh-ooh-ooh.]

[Hahaha, isn't this not the time to act lovey-dovey?]

Appearing like third-rate villains, Zen and Teben joined them. Jin and Valeria stood up, naturally releasing their held hands.

[So, are we ready to undergo the test we've prepared with great care?]

While Jin and Valeria were observing Maliet's life, five hours had passed outside.

Zen and Teben had spent that time carefully preparing the test for the communication device.

The Golem sighed and lowered its head.

[Zen, Teben, if they fail the test, you won't give them the communication device. You created it, claiming it would be a legacy for your descendants, and now you're acting strange.]

[Hmph! We're just taking the test, just like Maliet left the traps!]

[Damn! We can't get this chance daily.]

Teben and Zen, with faces full of determination, blinked their eyes rapidly (even as ghosts).

Jin and Valeria had already achieved significant accomplishments and had been deeply moved in the succession temple. However, it was unacceptable to leave behind the main purpose, which was the long-distance communication device.

If the test demanded physical strength like the traps in the succession temple, there would be no reason to be nervous. However, it didn't seem like the two would require combat.

'What kind of test is it?'

'It seems to be related to magic or magical engineering.'

Even if it was a test solving related problems, they had confidence in their abilities. Jin and Valeria were individuals who could score perfect marks on the highest-level exams at the Vermont or Zipfel Academies.

During the moment when a slight tension and curiosity arose, Teben stepped forward.

[Hahaha! So, now you realize the situation. Are you scared because you think the test will be difficult?]

[In this world, there's nothing easy!]

"Ancestor and Dr. Zen, what test have you prepared for us?"

[That's the word!]

[Exactly!]

[Right, right!]

[Rock!]

[Paper!]

[Scissors!]

[Go!]

Jin and Valeria were momentarily stunned, they were speechless, as Zen and Teben took peculiar poses and alternately spoke.

"...Rock, paper, scissors?"

"So, all we have to do is win at rock-paper-scissors?"

[Hahaha! Yes, rock-paper-scissors! Even if you're strong, there's no way you can win against us.]

[Well! I've come up with a fair and perfect test, and it has enriched my research life.]

[I swear by Hister's name, if you can't beat us at rock-paper-scissors, there will be no communication device!]

They spent a whole five hours contemplating, and the content of the test turned out to be rock-paper-scissors...

Jin was once again at a loss for words, but Valeria sensed a slight hesitation in their demeanor.

Valeria believed that rock-paper-scissors was purely a matter of luck. You could easily lose if you were careless.

[By the way, we have been practicing rock-paper-scissors together for the past three hundred and fifty years.]

[Teben and I are practically the demons of rock-paper-scissors. No, we're definitely demons. Do you think amateurs like you can beat us?]

"Ancestor, you just said it was a fair test, didn't you?"

[Who will go first? The rules are simple. The first to win twenty rounds will be the winner! Each person has ten lives. If you lose ten times, you're out. On the other hand, you can continue to fight with your opponent until you lose ten times.]

[Decide who goes first. Teben Hister will go first. It's customary for the strongest to appear last, so I can only…]

[What are you talking about? Zen, clearly, I am stronger than you, so take the lead and raise our spirits…]

[Hmm, it seems we have a mosquito here. Who will go first?]

Jin and Valeria exchanged perplexed glances.

Valeria decided to go first. After all, Jin was the one who remained calm at the moment.

"I will go first, ancestor."

[Yes, it's more exciting to see a showdown between Hister vs Hister. Hehehe, let's begin! Rock, paper, scissors!]

Suddenly, Teben shouted rock-paper-scissors and extended his hand, and Valeria responded with a gesture. The result was Teben choosing paper and Valeria choosing rock.

"Ugh."

[Hahaha! This is the wisdom of your ancestors. Rock-paper-scissors is actually a psychological battle. I have mastered it while you are just a beginner... People mostly throw rock when they're flustered. That's why you lost! Rock-paper-scissors!]

"Oh."

[Scissors? I chose rock! It's another victory for me. Great, next, I will choose paper. If you throw scissors, you win. Hehehe, can you choose scissors? It's not difficult. Rock-paper-scissors! Oh no, you didn't choose scissors, you chose paper? How unfortunate.]

Valeria anticipated Teben choosing rock, so she chose paper, but Teben even predicted that and chose scissors.

"You clearly said you would choose paper..."

[The world of competition is cruel. You're paying the price for not trusting your ancestors! If you had followed my words and chosen scissors, we would have had a tie at least. Hehehe, that's why you're amateurs. Rock-paper-scissors!]

Surprisingly, Teben's claim that they had been practicing rock-paper-scissors for 350 years wasn't an exaggeration. Teben relentlessly shook and pressured Valeria psychologically, seemingly reading her moves.

I am wrong, the teacher has completely thrown me off.'

Valeria continued to play rock-paper-scissors, unusually flustered.

When the match was over, Teben and Valeria's scores were 9:1. Valeria looked at the scorecard written on the blackboard and couldn't believe it. She never expected such a merciless defeat in rock-paper-scissors.

[Well done, Teben. You even have the luxury of losing one round. Is it because she is your descendant and showing mercy?]

[Ahem. Zen, it seems you won't even have a chance to participate.]

[But don't let your guard down; that guy still hasn't lost his composure.]

[Since he is not my descendant, I will defeat him by tradition…]

Now, Jin had to deal with both of them alone.

"Jin, be careful. He's a true master. How... can this happen? It's just rock-paper-scissors."

Nodding his head, Jin stepped forward. A faint gust of wind passed between Jin and Teben.

[Runcandel novice, I'll play rock.]

"Please do."

[Oh? Acting tough, huh? Kekeke. Let's see how long your boldness can last. Rock-paper-scissors!]

Teben played rock, while Jin played paper.

"Oh? I have to use more complicated psychology to trick you, huh?]

"I'll play paper."

[Rather, you're trying to provoke me in reverse? You need some etiquette training! Rock-paper-scissors!]

This time, Jin played scissors, and Teven played paper.

[...Scissors? There's no reason to play scissors here.]

"Is that so? I just decided to change it up."

[You're quite skilled... Or maybe you're just lucky?]

"Rock-paper-scissors. It's rock. As you can see, I played paper."

[What? I lost again?]

Jin swiftly killed Teben's momentum in that manner.

Teben couldn't achieve a single victory out of the remaining nine lives.

Valeria looked at Jin and Teben alternately with wide eyes.

[This can't be! You manipulated something!]

[No, manipulation. The odds are slim, but it's possible.]

[Step back, Teben. He wasn't your opponent.]

As Zen stepped forward, Teben glared at him with resentment.

[Zen, don't act like you're stronger than me!]

[Hmph, arguing about manipulation and trying to pass off a victory as luck. Disappointing, Teben. Is that all you can do?]

[That damn bastard! Ah, don't hold me back!]

As the golem and Valeria restrained Teben, Zen smiled with a sly grin.

[It feels exhilarating to meet a worthy opponent after a long time... Jin Runcandel. If you can defeat Zen Lutberh, I'll give you the communication device.]

"If you're ready, let's begin."

There was a moment of tension between the two.

In reality, Zen was the only one feeling excited and nervous. Jin had the confidence to win every round, not just ten but a hundred or a thousand times.

'It's fortunate that it's rock-paper-scissors. If we had done something like flipping a coin, it would have been really dangerous.'

Rock-paper-scissors was a game that could never be fair against a martial artist with superhuman "insight." Jin, who could see and dodge even the hand movements of a swift sword infused with the aura of a 10-star level knight, could not afford to miss the moment when the hand shapes in rock-paper-scissors changed.

Just like Teben before, Zen also had no idea about this fact, even in his dreams.

[Rock-paper-scissors!]

"Rock. I won this time."

[Argh!]

"This time, I lost."

[Rock-paper-scissors! Two consecutive wins!]

Jin deliberately staged an intense match. It was better to draw a satisfying picture for Zen and then ultimately win rather than be suspicious for no reason.

[Paper!]

"Scissors!"

[Results, 10:8. Jin Runcandel wins.]

Jin and Valeria clapped their hands and smiled, while Zen briefly bowed his head and then accepted the result.

[I should have just gone with my initial instinct... It was a good match, Jin Runcandel.]

[You have a lot to learn, Zen... Haha, well played, Jin Runcandel. Bring the communication device, Zen. It's time for the winner to indulge.]

This time, Teben pretended to be the big man compared to Zen.

[Don't get too arrogant! It's clear that I'm superior to you in rock-paper-scissors!]

[Well, how's the result of your skilled rock-paper-scissors now? That's why I suggested flipping a coin.]

After a brief exchange of banter, the two brought the communication device together.

Although some harsh words were exchanged, it seemed that neither of them was truly emotionally affected.

[I'll finally be free from my duty. Thank you for winning. My descendant and Jin Runcandel.]

[Congratulations, to the new successors.]

The golem applauded and congratulated Jin and Valeria.

[T/L: You can read more chapters and support me here: https://ko-fi.com/punisher87 & https://bmc.link/punisher87 ]

[T/L: Join $29 membership on my "buymeacoffee" page and read 55 chapters ahead and daily 1 new chapter update. I have introduced new memberships, and you can read upto 75 or 85 chapters ahead.]

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