Chapter 229 | Jormungandr in the Labyrinth River

The massive passenger ship gradually approached from the distance, thick plumes of steam billowing from its gargantuan chimneys. The designer of this ship was a mechanic hailed as a genius. He had revolutionized its propulsion system; rather than relying solely on magic, he integrated mechanical devices of his own invention, allowing such a steel behemoth to operate with almost no mana consumption.

It was truly a miracle. This magic user, whose name was etched in history and celebrated by countless mechanical masters of later generations, was named Reinhardt.

It was said that the inspiration for this improvement came to him one day in the kitchen when he saw a pot lid being lifted by steam. From that, he sought a more efficient way to convert energy through steam.

In truth, that day, Lane and Aestherin had dragged him into the kitchen to teach him how to cook. Reinhardt’s hands, so precise they could effortlessly slice through a creature's membrane, were remarkably clumsy when it came to butchering meat. After working for half the day, he had stared at the sky in boredom, forgetting to lift the lid. The rising steam sent the pot lid flying, and the boiling foam nearly overflowed.

However, if Reinhardt were to recall that day, his strongest impression would likely be how blue the sky was—just as it was now. Clo’s attention remained on the sky, though she was focused on the dark clouds in the far distance. Her brow furrowed slightly. Having not been in such a bustling place for a long time, the cacophony of noises made her feel a sense of unease.

She could not help but think back to last night...

“Taking her to the Royal Court... have you considered the consequences?” Leonardo’s expression was as calm and composed as ever. He puffed on his pipe, looking as if everything was within his expectations.

“Perhaps the answer... is truly hidden there.” Clo’s expression was solemn, a gravity she had never shown to Li Yue.

“In the worst-case scenario, the number of Calamity Warlocks and Great Mages gathered there will be no fewer than those at the Academy.” Severus, the West Academy Director, took a sip of tea. He did not particularly like the smell of smoke, so the pale blue wisps drifted away from him and toward the window.

“The Royal Court is currently embroiled in its most severe power struggle. Even within the Church, they have split into two factions due to differences in faith.” Leonardo looked at Clo. “The addition of a heretical Calamity Warlock will shatter their dynamic balance. It may only accelerate the coming storm and act as a catalyst for an explosion.”

“Is there any... way to hide myself?” Clo thought for a moment, but no solution came to mind.

“Leave your staff behind. Use simple sealing arts to hide it within the Prayer Seal Room. That might disguise your aura as a mage close to the level of a Great Mage.” Severus produced a large roll of seals, seemingly having anticipated this day long ago.

“But if you do that, the danger of your journey will increase. Without your staff, you will likely only have the strength of a weak Calamity. If you suppress several god's remains on your own, your level will drop to that of a Great Mage.” Leonardo took a drag of his pipe. “If you encounter a life-threatening danger, it might take several minutes for your staff to reach your hand after you summon it. Those minutes could be fatal.”

“However, with that person by your side, perhaps it won’t be too dangerous.” Both men understood who Severus meant by “that person.” Leonardo nodded. He was fully aware of Li Yue’s power; her level was higher than even the Lord of the Fallen Court, who could only absorb a single god's remain. She was the Divine Lord, a Calamity Warlock who had absorbed all the primary god's remains.

Although rumors claimed that powerful King did not possess a single god's remain, Leonardo knew clearly that he had absorbed a spinal bone in his youth. He was the only human in this era to have absorbed a god's remain of “Death.”

A magic user who was not a vassal could absorb at most one god's remain, whereas a vassal could absorb several. If it were a god themselves, the god's remains were merely tools to help them quickly recover their strength. Once they ascended to godhood again, they would naturally regain their divine body.

“...” Clo did not say anything more. She summoned her staff and assisted the two in beginning the tedious Staff-Sealing Ritual.

Rely on her power? No... I have studied magic for so long... I have lived through such agonizingly long years... I finally found the meaning of my life, the purpose for this power... I feel nothing for this world... I only want to protect her. That is enough.

...

Swoosh! A brilliant flame appeared on a patch of open ground. Several structures shaped like tents but on a much larger scale had been erected for rest. Guards in light armor patrolled the nearby forest with lanterns.

“Your Majesty... it is getting late. We should return to the traveling palace.” Carlo bowed, reminding the old King who was roasting reindeer meat by the campfire.

“The tents around us are already set up. Sleeping outdoors for one night is no issue.” The King’s tone lacked any rise or fall, but Carlo could subtly sense that he was in a good mood. He tactfully shut his mouth, not saying anything else to kill the mood.

“When I was young, I slept among piles of corpses several times. There was no other way.” The old King let out a hearty laugh, looking quite bold. The two young princes sat across from him, listening intently to his tale. “If you didn’t sleep inside a pile of the freshly dead, you would freeze to death. If you did, you would catch a disease. What do you think I did back then?”

The two shook their heads.

“I used their blood to condense blood crystals and rested for the night inside a small cave constructed of blood crystals. It wasn’t very warm, but it at least warded off the wind and cold.” The old King’s gaze remained dark and sinister, as if a single casual glance could see through a person’s soul.