Great Ancient Mage, Acknowledge (5)

A rumor spread that the second son of Sherden, Evan D. Sherden, had returned. That was exciting yet questionable news.

Whos currently in the Eternal Glacier?

Its Her Majesty, Serena.

Out of all people, she is the most carefree

Arisha confirmed the identity of the person in charge of Evan Reception to confirm the authenticity of the news, and she turned on her transmitter. Although it didnt reach Evan, the transmitter could send a message to everyone else in the Astray Knights.

Serena, I just wanted to check. Did Evan return?

[Hmm? Oppa didnt return.]

I see

[But weird things keep on appearing, so Gnar is devouring them.]

A strange story came out instead of Evan. Arisha pressed on her painful temple and asked her a question once more.

Weird things?

[Those we killed when Oppa was with us beforesimilar to that, you know? Hmm, I guess something like the rifts is being opened up. Arent there any on your side?]

Why didnt you report to me earlier?

[Aheheh.]

Only Evan let you get off with your cuteness!

Arisha gathered all related information through the intelligence gathering group in Maybells trade association. Then, as expected, she found out that rifts (considered to be from the Spirit Realm) re-appeared once again all over the continents and not just in the Eternal Glacier. However, their difficulty was lower than when she was on the hunt along with Evan.

Did Evan really come back?

Its not necessary for him to come back to the place he disappeared.

Arisha knew that Belois was very excited, although she pretended not to be. Arisha pouted but was sincerely worried about her when she looked at Belois, wanting to set off where Evan was right away.

Dont move so suddenly. It may not be good for the child in your belly.

Im in a stable period. And Ive also cast multiple barriers, so dont worry.

Yesyou know, its Evans child. I really hate you for doing such a thing at my back, but I dont hate your child.

I know.

Both of them loved the same person. Belois could clearly understand how Arisha felt without needing words.

Ive cast the same barrier on Serena.

How about Louise? Wait, that was a stupid question.

There wasnt enough time for her to cast protection to Louise in the midst of such a hectic situation. Arisha smiled bitterly, and Belois spoke in a quiet, calm manner.

Another witch is with her, so theres nothing to worry about. Ctheasil is truly an amazing witch.

Did she accompany her since she knew about it?

You wont be surprised if she created a magic tool that could trace masters genes.

You girlsdidnt make such a woman go away.

But it was very reassuring. Not just to the child Louise carried but also to the empire she built up; the existence of that witch and the other disciple of Evan would greatly help.

Thanks to that, the army led by her is called the undefeated.

Beloiss eyes sparkled as if she read Arishas mind. No, was it because most of the information she gathered was related to Merdin?

Yes, at first, I was wondering about it, but I feel somewhat relieved nowregions under Merdin have their combat powers constantly increased, so we can say that their defenses against the rifts also increase.

Its a scary ability. Commanding and strengthening such humans at will, its like a mini version of the Master.

She followed where Master goes a lot, so she came to earn a similar abilityHmph.

The rifts from the Spiritual Realm started to re-appear. Evan wasnt with the Astray as of the moment, so the responsibility of Astray was expected to fall. So naturally, other countries had to stop the rifts, which Evan couldnt handle right now. But the Merdin Kingdom had been conquering cities daily, so rifts on those lands must be handled by Louise. Other countries didnt have the power to handle the rifts anyways, so ironically, losing the war and being conquered actually saved their lives.

Did Louise expect this to happen and spoke of building an empiremaybe not.

Thank goodness history wont record her as a tyrant.

The two women laughed over a foolish conversation. That moment, a bunny girl maid jumped into the room where the two were having a conversation.

Mr. Arisha, Ms. Belois! A report came in that someone entered Sherden while claiming that he is Master Evan!

Is he really in Sherden? Evan?

Master!

Arisha and Belois stood up at once as if it were staged, but their expression was slightly off.

I would have felt more pressure if Evan came to Sherden.

A pleasant pressure that cant be hidden must have been felt.

Are you two aware of the fact that you are speaking quite impolitely towards Master Evan?

The two of them went out from Astray HQ with Diona. They were excited by the news that he had returned, but not many people seemed to have seen him in person.

Arisha and Belois became silent. Diona started to feel sorry for walking in front of them. Belois was the first one to realize Evan was coming towards them with his hood deeply pulled down. He was under the protection from the soldiersor rather, their surveillance.

Master.

Ah, Arisha!

Evan, who also saw her from the opposite side, pulled up his hood and shook his hand while brightly smiling. Long black hair and a pair of purple eyes. The small dark circle under his eyes seemed to emphasize his sexy look.

Evan?

Youve become more beautiful while I was away. As expected from my fiance.

Evans bright and clear voice caught Arishas attention. She even felt fear from Evans overwhelming charm.

Putting that aside, listen to me. I opened my eyes, and I was suddenly outside, and I thought I was dying inside a cold, moist, and dark place, really! Its great that Ive finally met with the soldiers, but they wont take me to my father or my brother, although I told them I am Evan. And they were really strongI dont know since when did our soldiers possess such power. Isnt this really strange? Even alcoholic dementia wouldnt cause this.

Evan? Is that really you?

Why are you looking at me as if you are looking at a dead person? Im not dead, and I wont die until we officiate our marriage.

Evan giggled and replied to Arisha, who mumbled in surprise. In his hand was a wooden staff. It was the basic equipment all sorcerers who handle every element used.

But this isHick!

Evan shook his body like he had seen something impossible when he saw Belois. They stood still while looking dumbfounded next to Arisha.

The Bloody Witch? Why are you here!? Whats with your outfit? You are not supposed to be here.

Evan, who became extremely nervous, shook off the soldiers at all cost and then held Beloiss arm. And he whispered to her while thinking that he wouldnt be heard by Arisha.

No, even for you, its dangerous to be in the middle of Sherden. Lets run away first. I didnt know you are a reckless girl. Dont you know how many people are after your head?

Mas-ter?

If she didnt think he was Evan, she would have burned him as soon as he grabbed her arm. But the strange feeling was stopping Belois from taking any actions. Even the fact that his loving eyes towards her didnt change made her hesitate.

You know, I really meant when I said I love you. But this is wrong. I want you to live. Its not a good idea to die with me.

What have you been saying since earlier

Ah, what a stubborn lady. That is also lovely, though.

Hey.

Hiick!

Arishas patience reached its limit. She took out her rapier in an instant and gave him a chaotic look as she aimed it at his neck.

Who the hell are you? Why are you imitating Evan awkwardly? Who are you?

Wait, I like how you hate me, but theres no reason to deny me, right?

Evan took a step back while letting go of Beloiss hand and spoke as he pathetically raised both of his arms. This assured Arisha.

Belois, dont be fooled. He is fake. Come to my side!

I already knew. From the first moment, Ive seen him. But

Ah!? Hmm, this might suffice, though.

Why? Evan smiled widely and was surprised at Arisha pulling Belois to her side. Then he burst into laughter while still standing pathetically.

Sorry. I dont know whats going on between you two, but its great that you two seem to go along well. My disappearance will make everything alright.

Stop saying strange things. Show yourself if you dont want to die.

It would be my honor to die by your hands, Arisha.

Although he was shaking pathetically, his voice sounded somewhat calm. Same with his eyes. His eyes filled with obvious fatigue and drowsiness looked very calm, which wasnt suitable for this situation.

And bloodwait, yeah. Hmmyes. Lua?

Ha.

Why are you surprised? You told me to call you by that name.

Beloiss heart sank.

Arisha is a good person. Im not sure how you made her understandbut Im really relieved.

Evan smiled.

Its really great.

He smiled brightly. Right after, someone came out and pushed Evan. It was Diona.

Im, Im sorry! I cant stand this sense of disgust. Argh!

It wasnt difficult to realize that something was stuck on Evan, who was pushed down by Diona. Diona, who stabbed Evan, didnt know what to do as she was vomiting. Arisha was dumbfounded by the sudden incident. The next moment, Belois clearly saw that the object which Diona used to stab him slowly melted.

See, it was a fake, after all.

Arisha murmured while being disoriented. Belois quietly approached its remnant and found a shining crystal from it.

Aah.

Belois groaned loudly as she cleaned it with her magic and held it towards her. In an expression mixed with happiness, sadness, hope, and melancholy.

Its a fragment of Master.

What?

It probably is a side-effect from the time magic. When that magic got activatedit connected many different worlds. I am sure of it since Ive found masters trail in an object from the other world.

Belois was amazing for coming to that conclusion just by discovering a crystal. Connecting with the other world wasnt something new since they had been handling the rifts of the Spirit Realm. But

In other words, are you saying more fake Evans could show up?

There wont be much. If so, Masters appearance cant be maintained.

Both of them couldnt speak of the possibility that Evan had transformed into countless crystals while falling into Gods Era. Mirole confirmed that she was with him in Gods Era, so they believed her. No, they had to.

Yeah, anyways, I understand the appearance of the connection to the other worlds due to the magic like the rifts, the fact that his fragments, whether they are part of Evans power or memories, have been scattered into the other worlds. But theres something I still cant understand.

Please speak.

Didnt that guy earlier sound very strange? It seemed that he looked like Evan, but not just in a negative way but also in a positive way in the context of an element that Im not aware of.

Certainly, it was weird that Evans fragment contained something unknown to them, although it did miss out on parts that defined him. Evan spoke of strange things which Belois and Arisha couldnt understand. Actually, Belois had a hunch after hearing that, Evan. She decided not to speak of it. After coming all this way, such a thing wasnt important, and it didnt matter.

He said he loves me.

And it will be his honor to die by me.

The two ladies stared at each other. Then Arisha reached out to Belois.

Give it to me.

Ill let you have the next one.

You dont know if there will be another chance!

Ill give it to you once I find it.

Arisha pointed her finger at her belly and then Beloiss belly. Belois looked displeased and offered Arisha the fragment.

Thank you.

I wontlet you have the next fragment.

Okay. But I dont want to see that kind of Evan.

Sorry. But I still want to see some part of him.

Sneaky woman.

Huhu.

Evan still didnt return. But Belois gained a little bit of hope to wait for him.

Argggggh

Diona, when will you stop vomiting? It wasnt the real Evan, so get yourself together.

I really cant standArrrrggghh.