Chapter 27: A Presumptuous Guest
Inside the Grand Sage’s residence, Abyss and his companions sat on the floor, facing Arcaiste, who was also seated.
“It would be helpful if you understood our current mission,” Abyss said, smiling and nodding.
Arcaiste nodded slightly. “I know you’re trying to save our world from powerful entities, Mr. Belator. I admire your dedication. And we’re grateful for your willingness to help us with the sacred tree and the animals. When I observed the aphid swarm in the Ossi Kingdom, I was astonished by such a display of Druidic power. It’s fortunate to have you on our side.”
Abyss sensed no deception in his words. Although Arcaiste had clearly investigated him (thanks to Abyss’s decision to make his name known throughout the Ossi Kingdom), he didn’t know Abyss’s true nature as a necromancer. Few knew his secret, and the Druids weren’t among them.
The legends circulating in Ossi only spoke of a powerful mage. No one knew his specialization. Even Givia’s miraculous recovery in the dream, her headless body continuing to fight, hadn’t raised any suspicions—after all, Abyss hadn’t used any magic. It was Givia’s own willpower.
“Since you know we have no ill intentions, that makes things easier,” Abyss said, smiling. “I have a few questions. You might not agree to help if you didn’t know our purpose.”
Arcaiste paused. “Ask away.”
The three girls behind Abyss exchanged uneasy glances. What was he planning now?
“I’d like to see the remains of your former Grand Sage, Agnes Delastir. Is that possible?” Abyss asked, smiling.
“Her remains?” Arcaiste’s eyebrow twitched. He was clearly taken aback by this strange request. “Why… Why would you want to see her remains?”
“I need her power. I can’t reveal the details, as that knowledge could get you erased by the Nine Gods,” Abyss said, his gaze sincere. “But I assure you, I have no malicious intentions. Could you allow me to see Miss Agnes? It’s very important to me. Although her burial site is unknown, I thought you, as the Grand Sage, might…”
“I’m afraid I can’t help you,” Arcaiste said, his voice hesitant, his expression troubled. “I don’t know where Agnes is buried. If you asked other Druids, like Master Mustalian, they would have told you the same. Her funeral was conducted by animals. We have no knowledge of her burial site.”
Abyss sensed his hesitation, the subtle trembling of his soul. Although he was composed, he wasn’t a good liar.
The current Grand Sage likely knew where Agnes was buried, but he didn’t trust Abyss yet.
Abyss wasn’t surprised. Trust wasn’t easily earned. His question had been a test, a way to gauge Arcaiste’s knowledge. He had achieved his goal.
“It’s alright, Master Arcaiste. My request was presumptuous. I understand. We’re here primarily to address the issue of the sacred tree. Please don’t worry about it,” Abyss said, spreading his hands.
“Well… thank you,” Arcaiste said, nodding slowly, his mind filled with questions.
What was this Belator’s true purpose? He had welcomed several high-ranking Druids to the council, some seeking knowledge, others seeking a home, some wanting rare ingredients, even a few looking for romance. He had always been accommodating. But this young man, upon their first meeting, had requested to see the remains of their former Grand Sage? Druids weren’t interested in the dead. To them, corpses were simply fertilizer.
He glanced at Abyss, noticing his unusually pale complexion.
What kind of mage was interested in the dead? Could he be a necromancer? The thought made him uneasy.
Druids despised necromancers, and Arcaiste was no exception. In his experience, they were evil, sinister, and unscrupulous. But Abyss was different—he had helped an entire kingdom, fought against an Outer God, and hadn’t demanded any reward. Was he misjudging Abyss? Was he simply mad? Or was he planning something far more sinister?
Arcaiste was conflicted. As the Grand Sage, he couldn’t openly question his guest, especially one as powerful as Abyss.
Trying to maintain his composure, he said, “Some of our members haven’t returned yet. While we await their arrival, Mr. Belator, you and your companions can stay at our guesthouse. I’ll have someone escort you there. We’ll convene a meeting soon to discuss the current problems.”
“I have another question,” Abyss said, raising his hand, deepening the frown lines on Arcaiste’s forehead.
“Ask away, Mr. Belator.”
“May I examine the sacred tree? From top to bottom?”
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