Chapter 213: The Hidden Side of the World Unknown to Rest
In a certain kingdom, there stood a white castle constructed in a secluded location. Enveloped by a special barrier, it was a place where only those with permission could not only visit but even perceive its existence. This very place was the headquarters of the Council of Sages, a castle known as “Avalon Castle,” named after the land ruled by the Fairy King.
“…………”
Within the walls of that castle, a man suddenly appeared. With a stern expression, he materialized from the void—none other than the chairman of the Council of Sages, the greatest magician of the modern age… Leonardo Gascoigne.
“Oh, were you out for a stroll?”
An elderly man, with white hair and a matching beard, dressed in the traditional eastern attire known as “Karige,” greeted Gascoigne, who had teleported from somewhere.
“How rare it is for you to venture out alone. Do you have some business to attend to?”
“Kanehira…”
Gascoigne called out the elder’s name. The old man was Kanehira Ichijou, a magician from the Far East and a long-standing member of the Council of Sages.
“I have found a new Reincarnator… It is likely that he possesses the Ouroboros Ring.”
“Oh, is that so… the Ouroboros? That is indeed a troublesome ability to be bestowed upon someone.”
Kanehira fiddled with his beard, wearing a sympathetic expression.
“If I recall correctly, the previous owner died due to a magical power explosion… and the one before that was turned into a power source for a magical weapon, with Lord Nuada delivering the final blow. Infinite Magic Power… it would be better if such uncontrollable power did not exist.”
“That level of magical prowess… he may very well be the chosen one worthy of the Ouroboros. After all, the power depends on its wielder… Could it be that we have encountered such a being after several hundred years?”
“Gascoigne?”
“Ah, yes… If he were to stray from the path and fall into the depths of magic, I would have to take action. It is the fate of one who stands as a guardian of the human realm. It is the very reason for my existence in this world…”
“…………”
As Gascoigne muttered to himself, Kanehira furrowed his brow deeper.
“…Not again.”
“I must do what must be done… Ah, indeed…”
“Honestly… Gascoigne! Gascoigne!”
“Wha—!”
Kanehira called out loudly right next to Gascoigne’s ear. Startled, Gascoigne jumped, finally responding.
“Ah, you surprised me… What is it, Kanehira?”
“What is it indeed! You’re hard of hearing, so please don’t neglect your hearing enhancement magic!”
“Ah… I see. I had forgotten.”
As Gascoigne activated the spell, a soft light enveloped his ears.
“This should suffice. I can hear you clearly now.”
“Honestly… you’re not getting any younger, Gascoigne.”
Kanehira sighed, his shoulders slumping in exasperation. Although Kanehira had been a member of the Council for over a century, Gascoigne was even older. His body had begun to show signs of age, and recently, he had been struggling to hear conversations clearly.
“Hm… Perhaps it’s time for me to change my body.”
“Are you considering a reincarnation?”
“Indeed… The international situation has become quite precarious lately. It may be wise to update my physical form before a full-scale conflict begins.”
Gascoigne stroked his ageless face thoughtfully.
“There’s a succession struggle in the Geisel Empire, and civil unrest has erupted in the Aiwood Kingdom. I’ve also heard that a young prince in the east, Sindhu, has killed his father to usurp the throne.”
“Even in my homeland, Ashihara, there are troubling movements. I hope it’s just coincidence, but perhaps they are scheming behind the scenes.”
Gascoigne and Kanehira exchanged glances, their expressions growing serious.
The Council of Sages had an arch-nemesis. They had been battling for what felt like an eternity against those who wished to disrupt the world and bring about its end.
“They never learn… If that boy were to ally with them…”
“It seems we will be quite busy. This is going to be tough on these old bones.”
In the hidden corners of the world, the sages suffered in silence, unaware of the truth lurking beneath the surface. The truth of the world. The writhing abyss. Young and inexperienced, Rest remained oblivious to the events unfolding in the shadows.