Chapter 178

Zero’s words felt eerily reminiscent of the original story. Normally, by this time, demonic beasts would begin descending from the north, gradually expanding their range until they reached the villages. The north would be teeming with these creatures, and a few would trickle into the central region one or two at a time. Then, during the subsequent hunt, Raygrain would fall. Thankfully, in the original timeline, Raygrain had been in the north, while now he was in the central palace. Moreover, he still had his sword spirit intact.

Scheuer watched as Raygrain absorbed the report, noting that while many things had changed, it was unclear whether the unexpected appearance of the tablet was a boon or a curse. The message alone didn’t clarify why Sevi intended to head north. 

‘Could it be that he plans to take refuge in the north because it will be overflowing with demonic beasts?’

Sevi was certainly the type to prioritize his own survival above all else. After all, Raygrain’s sword spirit was still intact. Scheuer quickly moved closer to him, trying her best not to interrupt his focus. Yet her small movements seemed to attract his attention. His aquamarine eyes met hers, and she raised the letter in her hand slightly to catch his eye. Zero, noticing the change, paused in his speech, but Raygrain nodded for him to continue.

“The High Priest is expected to arrive by noon. It would be best to get confirmation then.”

After reading Sevi’s brief letter, Raygrain replied,

“It certainly seems that way.”

As soon as the report ended, Scheuer quickly asked,

“Is there a chance that it could be another counterfeit tablet? ”

“I don’t think so this time. The priests have been cautious lately due to the recent spate of counterfeit tablets, but they seem to have a hunch.”

Zero smiled bitterly, seeming apologetic for delivering such news. He spoke a bit more cheerfully than usual.

“Well then, if there’s anything else to report, I’ll let you know! ”

With a simple farewell, he left the room. With that brief farewell, he exited the room, leaving behind a palpable emptiness. Raygrain, sensing her disappointment after a long night of waiting, calmly inquired,

“Are you alright? ”

I’m fine.

If Sevi, who usually only cared about his own well-being and dreamed of a carefree life, was willing to head north, then surely the north was safe enough! That alone filled her with hope.

Scheuer clenched her fist and declared, 

“Your Grace, when Sevi arrives, we should head north immediately! ”

“Indeed, Leilda will welcome that.”

However, contrary to their expectations, Sevi did not come to them upon his return.

Around noon, Tiola hurriedly knocked on the door.

“Your Grace, there’s going to be an announcement from the temple.”

“Today? Right now? ”

“Yes. The High Priest has already notified you.”

This was unusual. Even when the second tablet was announced, they had given prior notice.

If it were Sevi, interpreting it wouldn’t take long, but he wouldn’t be so diligent about making an announcement himself.

‘Is Sevi unwell?’

Or perhaps someone brainwashed him. Not understanding, Scheuer quickly finished her preparations at the call. When she rushed to the place where the square could be seen, nobles who seemed to have arrived in a hurry were awkwardly seated. The faces of Duke Netri, Lady Annabelle, and Silcaro were nowhere to be seen. ‘Duke Netri is probably on his way up from the south, but what about the others…? ’Some offered awkward greetings, but they were trying hard to hide their reluctance. ‘They’ve heard.’

Scheuer calmly took a seat next to Raygrain, pretending that the rumors didn’t bother her at all. Scanning the room, it seemed that, apart from those nearby in the central area, not many had been able to make it on such short notice.

Then she overheard someone whispering from the back.

“What’s the reason for such an urgent announcement?”

“Perhaps it’s something that needs to be shared quickly?”

“Right? The temple doesn’t usually move this fast.

However, their chatter quickly died down as the door opened. Unlike before, the Paladins were not positioned to guard. The priests looked serious, but they weren’t in a stance to capture anyone trying to escape. 

‘He really must be doing this voluntarily.’

She saw Sevi confidently enter behind the high priests who had bowed their heads. He always pretended to be merciful in public, but his tightly set face looked almost unfamiliar. Scheuer glared at him as he walked in. 

‘At least write a longer letter! Just a letter! ’She couldn’t help but feel a twinge of resentment.

Sevi seemed to notice her gaze; upon making eye contact, he turned his head away nonchalantly.

‘Looks like he has something to hide.’

Scheuer focused on one spot on the back of his head. If her gaze were light, Sevi’s back of the head might already be on fire. At that moment, a large hand overshadowed her.

“There’s no need to frown like that.”

“Your Grace! ”

“You haven’t slept well; there’s no reason to make your eyes tired as well.”

Only then did Scheuer realize that her brow was quite tense.

‘Indeed, those who frown often know how to frown well.’

Scheuer smiled brightly as if to relax her muscles and tightly grasped Raygrain’s hand. If she didn’t hold on to something, she might end up yanking on the High Priest’s robe trailing behind Sevi. In the meantime, Silcaro finally peeked through the open door.

He seemed to be late, having received guidance so suddenly. Scheuer deliberately kept her gaze fixed forward, even though she knew he had entered. Soon, the bell announcing the declaration rang, and the somewhat noisy place fell into silence.

Sevi’s voice, sounding almost sacred, resonated clearly.

“Recently, the god Raphel, observing the various chaos, has delivered the third tablet.”

It was a pointed remark about the forged tablet. Scheuer glanced at Silcaro out of the corner of her eye. He was sitting in his place, brazenly smiling. Unlike before, the lengthy speech was completely omitted. Warm sunlight shone down on Sevi’s head.

The surroundings were enveloped in light, making everything hazy, but his figure stood out clearly. Soon, Sevi’s calm voice announced the contents of the tablet.

“A black shadow rising from the north will dominate the central region. The light will guide the way, and those who follow it shall arrive in their own time.”

At that moment, Scheuer turned her head toward Raygrain. ‘Black Obsidian! ’

Raygrain, seemingly aware, patted her hands gently. They had analyzed the increase in monsters to be caused by the Black Obsidian. The monsters, having consumed the obsidian, had gone berserk due to their overflowing magic. If the mining site for the Black Obsidian in the North was interpreted as the black shadow, then the light would be the temple. Raygrain had mentioned that divine power was needed to locate the mining site using Black Obsidian.

‘This is ridiculous.’ 

The prophecy tablet said to have been used by the first emperor of the Weiker Empire long ago had foretold this period. From that time on, this moment had been predetermined. As the light faded, the announcement of the third tablet concluded amidst the cheers of the square.

Those who had seen Sevi immediately greeted him as soon as the announcement ended.

“High priest, greetings. I am Baron Rebon.”

“A fake tablet, huh? Thank you for your hard work. Who could have committed such a blasphemous act? It seems the god Raphel is angry.”

One thing was clear: the light indeed referred to the temple. Sevi kindly smiled as he received their greetings. Amidst them, Silcaro approached with a smile.

“Surely, no one is unaware of how much the High Priest cares for this continent.”

It was an ordinary topic, no different from what others were discussing. However, Sevi seemed tired and wiped his forehead once.

He even drooped his eyes as if to look pitiful. Not getting enough sunlight, his pale skin and thin silver hair combined to make him appear quite frail.

He weakly replied,

“I haven’t been well lately due to consecutive excavations of the tablets.”

It was an excuse to hide the fact that he had fled while Scheuer was in the south.

‘You really know how to make use of that.’

Even though he looked feeble during her greeting, Silcaro merely stepped aside politely.

The place Sevi staggered to was right in front of Scheuer.

“Good, you’re heading north, right? Praise it a little more.”

His expression was confident, as if to say he had never pretended to be sick.

“How is the weather inside you” – r.r