Chapter 661: Dawn

When Oliver mentioned human sacrifice, King Beller of the Kingdom of Aizen, who had been calculating numerous pros and cons, fell silent.

He wasn’t the only one.

Other kings who were wary and a bit fearful of Oliver’s arrival on a dragon, which was actually the Flesh Cook, also fell silent as they couldn’t stop their relentless calculations.

Their once turbulent emotions, simmering with fear, crisis, and the urge for safety, suddenly calmed, and they pursed their lips tightly.

The reason wasn’t anything special.

They instinctively realized Oliver knew their darkest secrets.

They didn’t know how he figured it out, but their survival instincts, which had kept their royal families alive for centuries, told them so.

If that wasn’t the case, there was no explanation for Oliver mentioning human sacrifice immediately after cutting off Beller.

He even knew the exact location.

There was a secret altar for human sacrifices near where the Dark Sorcerers were now, prepared to ensure a good harvest.

This was a place that had been secretly passed down the Beller royal family.

Thanks to this altar, the Kingdom of Aizen was able to enjoy relative prosperity in the Central Continent.

During times of crisis, sacrificing people at the altar would lead to a good harvest, giving the kingdom a brief respite from national dangers.

That’s also why the Kingdom of Aizen actively participated in the witch hunts against Dark Sorcerers.

By creating a stir with the witch hunts, they could divert attention away from the human sacrifices.

But now Oliver, who had come to the Central Continent for the first time, spoke as if he knew about it.

Those, including Beller, who were aware of this, were gripped with an overwhelming fear, filled with only one thought.

How on earth did he know?

And the answer was simpler than expected.

“It was Idea.”

After asking the kings to allow only Roderick to stay, Oliver spoke.

“Idea revealed the truth.”

“Idea… was that the magic you used when the airship was falling?”

“Yes, that’s correct, Your Highness.”

“Idea. I know what kind of magic it is. It’s a new magic developed by the Tower of Magic, a complex formula that combines the magic of the Moirai School and Spatial Magic School, drawing out the vast mana and memories stored within the World Tree… Am I correct?”

Roderick, who was well-versed in both religious matters and magic, was spot on. Oliver nodded.

“Ha… So you used it to investigate human sacrifices? I’m impressed.”

Roderick was truly amazed.

“Using such powerful magic, which could raise an airship, for such a purpose was an unexpected approach.”

Roderick showed genuine surprise at using Idea to investigate the past.

While the use of Idea to extract not only the mana but also the memories from the World Tree was unconventional, Oliver’s method wasn’t completely out of the ordinary.

It’s one thing to understand a concept and another to fully comprehend how to use it.

In fact, Oliver’s use of Idea this way was even stranger.

Just investigating the past could have been done quite easily with Net Sailing.

Though Net Sailing might miss some details from the vast ocean of information, considering the effort and risk involved, it would have been a more reasonable choice.

However, Oliver ignored such logic. It was possible because he could simultaneously handle both Eve and Pandora, who far surpassed human capabilities.

“But what’s even more surprising is your attitude after investigating this with Xenon. Has something changed in your mind?”

Roderick noted that Oliver’s demeanor, having discovered the kings’ secrets through Idea, was more intriguing than the magic itself.

It hadn’t been long since Roderick and Oliver had met, but it was enough time for them to understand each other.

Therefore, one thing was certain.

Oliver intentionally investigating someone’s weaknesses wasn’t normal. While it might be normal for some, it was a big deal for Oliver.

After a moment of contemplation, Oliver spoke.

“I just… I thought it would be good to investigate.”

Oliver recalled the time right after he saw Pied Piper’s past and talked with the Gardener, at dawn when the light first shone on him after a long night.

Even though he had confirmed everything he intended to, he didn’t act right away. Instead, he asked for Pandora’s and Eve’s understanding to use Idea once more.

It was to gather information from the Central Continent, which he deemed valuable.

Information about who the kings were, their dark secrets, and their goals.

It would have taken days to collect such vast information in the usual way, but Eve and Pandora gathered it in an instant and vividly conveyed it to Oliver.

Oliver shared everything with Archpriest Roderick except for the details about the Pied Piper’s past and his conversation with the Gardener.

Roderick, who had silently listened, finally spoke.

“Hmm… Well, thank you for being honest. But are you sure you should be telling me all of this?”

It was a natural question. The power of Idea combined with Pandora and Eve was beyond imagination.

It wasn’t just a matter of the physical world. It was far more.

Extremely speaking, it meant Oliver had no secrets—that he was in the realm of gods.

It was better for fewer people to know about it, especially Roderick, who was affiliated with the Pater Church.

“Consider it as a reciprocation.”

“Reciprocation?”

“Didn’t Your Highness also share something with me? Deus Ex Machina.”

Deus Ex Machina.

The great plan within the Pater Church’s hardliners to artificially give birth to the son of an angel and twist the apocalypse.

It was top-secret information, but Roderick shared it with Oliver.

The reason being—

“—Your Highness, may I ask you one question?”

Oliver suddenly asked. Roderick, not at all taken aback, responded.

“Speak.”

“Were you behind the Dark Sorcerers who caused the terror incident on the airship?”

Oliver pointed out Roderick as being behind the Dark Sorcerers he encountered on the airship.

A dangerous question that was almost blasphemous towards the Archpriest, maybe even the entire Pater Church, but Roderick’s response was transcendent.

“Yes. I ordered it to make everyone understand what the Dark Sorcerers in the Central Continent truly are.”

Roderick didn’t deny it even a little and admitted it directly.

“I asked if they would prefer to die along with their families or leave their families safe. Do you think that’s too harsh?”

“What do you think, Archpriest?”

Oliver countered.

After a brief thought, Roderick responded.

“…Yes, I think it may have been a bit much. It could’ve endangered everyone on the airship. But on the other hand, I felt it was necessary. Everyone will die anyway when the apocalypse comes, won’t they? Also, thanks to you, no one was hurt.”

“The Dark Sorcerers all died.”

“Don’t worry about it. They were going to die anyway. They were criminals caught after committing countless crimes, including murder, kidnapping, and looting. What do you think? Was I too harsh?”

“I think it was… too much.”

“Too much?”

“But it’s also true that I’m not in a position to judge. Whatever it was, Your Highness is trying, in the face of a grim truth.”

This was sincere. Oliver had heard the truth from the Gardener.

“So, I think you’re someone to be admired. I couldn’t do the same.”

A silence fell.

“…I know you didn’t summon me just to help with the refugee Dark Sorcerers.”

“I’m listening.”

“It’s to deal with Pied Piper, isn’t it? For now, at least.”

“…Yes. For now.”

Another silence fell.

“So… Are you planning to confront Pied Piper?”

“Probably. It seems like it’s best for everyone.”

“For everyone…?”

Roderick chewed over the word as he nodded thoughtfully at Oliver’s subtle tone.

“I’ll cooperate.”

“Cooperate in what?”

“In dealing with Pied Piper and the related matters. Like mobilizing the army around the City, for instance?”

Roderick didn’t deny it. The army was like a spoon. If Oliver defeated Pied Piper, the Pater Church and the Central Continent’s kings could share the credit.

“I’ll cooperate as much as possible with that as well. But I have one request.”

Roderick already knew what it was.

“If… and that’s a big if, if I successfully take down Pied Piper, could you refrain from involving yourself further with me?”

Roderick stayed silent.

He could have lied shamelessly, using his status as Archpriest, but for some reason, he couldn’t.

“…It’s the apocalypse, Xenon. The apocalypse. No one is immune.”

“While I can guess what you want from me, I have no intention of doing so. And while I know what you’re worried about, I have no intention of addressing it.”

“Things don’t always go as planned.”

“But at least I can try.”

“You want to try to prevent an apocalyptic disaster?”

“Yes… It’s the best I can do.”

A long silence fell. It felt like time had stopped. After some contemplation, Roderick finally spoke.

“Can we talk again after dealing with Pied Piper?”

“Fine.”

Oliver agreed, knowing this was the maximum compromise Roderick could offer. At least the sincerity in Roderick’s emotions made it worth agreeing.

After finishing their conversation, Oliver asked for permission.

“Your Highness… would you mind if I excuse myself? I’d like to meet with my companions.”

“It’s fine. We need time to prepare anyway… Ah!”

As Oliver was making his way past the Archpriest, Roderick let out an exclamation.

At the sound, Oliver stopped and turned his head.

Roderick spoke.

“Dame Joanna should still be in that room.”

“…Thank you for telling me.”

***

After finishing his conversation with Archpriest Roderick, Oliver immediately returned to the City.

On his way back, Oliver could feel numerous eyes on him.

Civilians, soldiers, Holy Knights, priests, nuns, and even members of the royal family.

Each of their gazes was filled with different emotions.

From simple fear to wariness, contempt, awe, jealousy, and cold calculation.

However, Oliver ignored all these emotions in their gazes and headed straight for where Kevin was.

The lodging where they were staying was the same mansion on the outskirts of the City as when Oliver left. The only difference was that there were now people monitoring the mansion.

As soon as Oliver entered the mansion, Kevin spoke.

“So, you’ve decided to confront Pied Piper?”

His quick, insightful inquiry guided the conversation swiftly. Oliver decided to follow that flow.

“Yes, Professor.”

“Are you serious?”

Yareli cut in, asking with evident concern. It was a natural reaction.

She was one of the few who knew that Oliver hadn’t actually driven away Pied Piper.

To her, Oliver’s statement was no different from suicide.

Rosburn wasn’t an exception either.

“S-sir…”

Rosburn called out to Oliver in worry.

Oliver placed a hand on Rosburn’s head and spoke.

“I’ve already made the decision.”

His usual calm yet firm tone left Rosburn and Yareli speechless.

They realized that whatever they said would be of no use.

Oliver turned his attention to Kevin.

“Professor, could I ask a favor?”

“What is it?”

“Could you watch over Yareli and Rosburn for me? I don’t think I’ll be able to protect them myself.”

“It’s not difficult, but it’s unexpected. I thought you would send them back to the City.”

“After thinking about it, leaving here doesn’t seem to make things any safer.”

Oliver recalled the child who died a pointless death after eating poisoned vegetables.

It was truly futile. That Pied Piper’s son died in such a way. Perhaps struggling was meaningless from the start.

But that didn’t mean it was something he could avoid doing.

“Randa doesn’t seem entirely safe either.”

Kevin and Yareli, who were regularly updated on Randa’s situation, silently agreed.

It might even be safer to keep Rosburn within sight.

If distance equaled safety, then they would have been safe at the Ark Orphanage.

Kevin accepted Oliver’s request.

“Alright, I’ll take care of them, so focus on your task.”

“Thank you. I have more to discuss, but may I speak with you later?”

“As you wish.”

With Kevin’s permission, Oliver started to walk past him.

As Oliver was passing by, Kevin grabbed his arm and asked.

“Do you have a plan?”

“…I’m not certain, but probably.”

Kevin released him after hearing his answer, and Oliver went upstairs to visit Joanna’s room on the second floor.

“So you’ve finally returned?”

When Oliver opened the door and entered, Joanna’s expression revealed worry, concern, and fear.

The depth of her concern for Oliver was not so different from the emotions she felt for her siblings. In some ways, it was even stronger.

“Yes…”

“Leave!”

Joanna shouted so loudly it was hard to believe she was injured.

Her voice, filled with resolute determination, grew louder in proportion to her mounting fear.

What was making her so frightened?

Oliver set his quarterstaff against the wall and quietly approached Joanna, sitting down beside her.

“I just visited Ark Orphanage.”

“…”

“I also met with Director Amelin.”

Joanna’s face contorted in pain, and she covered her face with her bandaged hands.

It was a natural reaction. Just as the orphans were her siblings, Director Amelin was like a mother to her.

Seeing Joanna in pain, Oliver didn’t know what to say.

Comforting someone was still too difficult for him. So, Oliver decided to say what he originally intended.

“In the past, she told me one thing.”

Joanna, still holding her hands over her face, slightly lifted her head.

“Even if she might commit sins or become cowardly later on, she had to at least tell the children the right things. Because otherwise, the children wouldn’t even have the chance to turn out right… She said this while talking about what had happened between you two.”

“…”

“Honestly, it sounded like an excuse, no, a justification for ignoring you.”

Oliver expressed his feelings.

“Interestingly, it turns out she had a similar experience in the past. Reducing the number of children at the orphanage for its smooth operation. But now she sacrificed herself to protect the children.”

“Oliver…”

“You said you never made any vows like the Holy Knights… But I still criticized you. Now that our roles have reversed, I’m hesitating too.”

“Oliver!”

“Would you look at this?”

Oliver extended his hand.

Oliver’s hand was trembling.

“I’m scared too. I want to run away from all of this… So please, don’t tell me to leave or go back.”

Seeing his trembling hand, Joanna turned her gaze to face Oliver.

Her face was once again twisted in pain, an agony that went beyond physical suffering.

“Does the promise still stand?”

“What promise?”

“The promise to trust me. To believe in me, support me, and help me no matter what.”

“…Yes!”

Joanna wiped her tears.

“Then, would you pray for me? Pray that I have the courage and strength.”

Oliver asked for her help.

A moment later, Joanna’s fragile hands, wrapped in bandages, took hold of Oliver’s as her soft, trembling voice whispered a prayer into the quiet room.

“I will pray.”