Seeking Power

Around the end of January of Year 3003 on the Continental Calendar.

Azel was laying down on a sofa and reading a book, his lips curved into a slight smile.

Yes. I

I will become a Great Sage. [1]

He didnt have to do any preparations. However, as it was going to take three days time, he did notify people that he would be gone.

To say what was there in a single word, it was science.

This was science. Not magic.

To become a Great Sage is to inherit this knowledge. Those who inherit it will, without exception, keep watch over this world. You are free to interfere if you wish, but I do not recommend doing so too often.

You will place this on your head, you will fall into a deep slumber. Once you awaken, you will become an existence known as a Great Sage.

Your level will rise rapidly due to obtaining the knowledge. I wonder, were you prepared to accept this power as well?

Serge nodded and stepped into the capsule. It was surprisingly large. Thinking about it, it was probably made so that races other than humans could become Great Sages as well.

He soon fell asleep, the torrent of knowledge beginning to rush into him.

A piece of history.

Azel was there. There was a person with black hair, probably the Hero. The Demon King looked like a demon.

The demons that appeared from beyond the permafrost were simply hungry.

This was the truth of the Millennium.

It happened in the central part of the continent. Even Oomori Woods outer fringes were infringed upon.

There was a Dragon.

With merely a breath, mountains from beyond the horizon were destroyed.

This Dragon defended the imperial capital, erasing any and all demons that attempted to draw close.

A decisive battle between the Hero and the Demon King played out.

Serge learned one thousand years of history.

And once again, he arrived at the next thousand year step into the past, two thousand years ago.

However, the past didnt stop flowing by.

Humans and demons perished, their souls entering the cycle.

He saw a woman who looked strikingly like Ria.

The battle between the Hero holding a large sword and the demonic Demon King ended, the victory going to the Hero once again.

And then Serge arrived at three thousand years ago.

Serge learned the truth about the Great Collapse.

Three days had passed.

However, she was only told that he would be away for three days time.

Where did Serge go?

She worried.

For that reason, her being out the garden wearing nothing but a coat over her nightclothes this night was not a simple coincidence.

The gate doors opened.

The vigil for the gate was never ending, so people could be allowed in at any time.

Serge!

Whats wrong? Are you alright?

Serge walked to her and hugged her tightly.

Everything, its all for the Soul Cycle

Right, right. Its impossible. But that person thinks he can do it. Even Nee-chan

Serges trembling stopped. His warm breath brushed against Chriss neck.

Mm

The two stayed like that, each holding the other.

Serge had changed ever since that night.

He would sometimes go into the forest alone, spending several days at a time doing so.

Normally, mana would fluctuate, similar to breathing. This was true for every human, regardless of how strong or weak their mana was.

She couldnt feel any movements in Serges mana, much like a pool with a calm surface.

It was said that this would happen for someone who could completely control their mana, but those who could were an incredibly small portion of the population. Those people were called Sages. In truth, Chris knew nothing more than that.

She was worried about it. The person to inquire about what happened should have been her.

Yet even so, she couldnt find it in herself to do so.

Whatever happened, it might have been something hed never be able to speak of to others.

However, on a certain day, Serge approached Chris in the arbor.

Ive become Azelford-samas successor.

Seeing how Serge had struggled over the past few days, it wasnt something too incredible to imagine.

Thanks to that, I have perpetual longevity, can understand practically all magic, and know three thousand years of history

Its like my heads all tangled up even still. But well, I chose to do this myself.

Serge shook his head.

If its your request, anything.

What would you do if I told you to let me massage your boobs?

I wouldnt though! Really!

I will truly ask you when the time comes.

That night, Serge was called into the earls study.

Serge felt that he could understand what was about to happen just by that.

The Magic City was an oligarchy. Chosen by nobles, the rulers decided its policies.

You want me to take Chris before that happens?

This was convenient for Serge. However, what pretense would the earl use?

It was something commendable for a father to do. But what about him as a noble?

My son and I will remain. That is our duty as nobles.

Truthfully, he wanted to cast aside his pride as a noble and his duties and flee to Ogress along with his daughter.

Several days later, it was announced that a special envoy would be sent to Ogress.

Serge would act as a guard and return to Ogress.

A few days before, Serge visited Azel.

Youre going?

Hed come to understand the Millenniums significance. By perpetuating the Soul Cycle, the worlds health was maintained. To that end, many lives must be sacrificed.

Even if we repeated the Millennium as we have each time before, it might not work out. In the past thousand years, the demons obtained a technological might incomparable to before.

How would they face the Great Collapse?

Doing that would likely be an even more insurmountable task than simply facing the Millennium.

Even now, Serge didnt know which side stood in the right.

The next time you come, I will transfer this towers master authority to you. When I die, those three will follow your commands.

Serges eyes shook.

Azel smiled. It was a refreshing smile, one that could release someone from the shackles of exhaustion.

Im already just praying that our enemies would hurry up.

Three days later, the group of envoys set off for Ogress.

Its alright.

Ill be with you.