Volume 5 Chapter 103 Tragedy of Kollon (2)

[Translator jhei]

[Proofreader yukitokata]

Pans expression was peculiar.

With furrowed eyebrows, he shuddered in fear, but his eyes continued to trace each character.

Can you read the characters?

How did you know that I was fromm the Kollon Ruins? Whomm are you guys?

With a cautious glare, Pan looked at Jin.

He remembered when he escaped his homeland that became ruins three years ago. The day he went to the Free City of Tikan to escape from the eyes of the Zipfel Clan.

Hm, whats the best way to put this Im Chief Alisas guest, this black-haired guy is a dragon, the green-haired fellow is also a dragon, and the child is clearly a 6-year-old child.

Jin revealed their identities, and Pan wasnt the only one who was startled.

Hey, hey, kid! Whyd you say all that?

What do you mean, why? Mr. Pan seems to know some valuable information about the map. Hmm, Mr. Pan. This is how we identified you.

It would be best to tell the truth. Other than the fact that Euria was Az Mils contractor.

Lathry, the green-head, is Az Mils dragon. He touched this map and saw a vision due to the resentment stored within the object. In his vision, he saw people like you who were being tormented. It was essentially a coincidence.

Huh.

Pan remained silent for a while, then spoke.

May I go have a zmoke?

Go ahead.

Pan trudged to the front yard of the restaurant. Leaning on the wall, he lit the stick.

Im pretty sure he said he didnt have any cigars, but he had them.

Jin smirked, and Lathry worriedly opened his mouth.

That man What if he escapes?

How the hell would he? This is the runts land.

Oh right. I apologize, Lord Murakan.

Apologize for what?

Oh, uh Its nothing.

After burning through the entire stick, Pan looked more composed and organizedcalmer than before.

May I azk a few things?

Of course.

Are you guys the Zipfels?

We arent exactly in good relations with them.

Do you know what thiz map meams?

Doesnt it lead to treasure?

Not a treamsure.

I see.

Jin answered and lightly shrugged. Pans eyes narrowed.

Will you harm me if I domt help?

We swear that we will not. Even after you take out the seafood stew, we will not harm or threaten you. We cant do anything about you being captured for poor behavior. Instead, our meeting will be non-existent.

Jin had no intention of lying.

Since he admitted that hes a Kollon native, Im sure he went through many things evading the Zipfels eyes. Theres no need to harass him.

Silence filled the room, and Pan was deep in thought.

Was it truly a coincidence that he met Jin, or were they hunting him down? He arrived at a conclusion.

It wasnt something he could just decide upon.

My sibling

Yes?

Everyone, I thimk we should go zee my sibling.

Jin nodded.

Then lets wait a little for them to package the food.

Pan was a talented liar.

He said he didnt have a cigar, but he had a pack. He said they should go to see his sibling, but it wasnt his sibling.

After taking his packaged seafood stew, they went to Pans home, which was located in a deep alleyway. They barely had any free space.

This is the first time Pan brought guests home. Welcome, nobles of Tikan.

The person who welcomed them was a woman who was disguised as Pans sibling.

Although she was much younger than Pan, her brother bowed in her presence.

Lady Laosa, I brought guestz without your permissiom.

Good job, Pan.

An eerie mood.

Laosas aura felt mysterious. Jin couldnt say that it was strong, but it wasnt something to approach without caution.

She overflowed with sacred energy. Usually, Murakan would say something like Why is the house so shit?, but he was watching his language.

As soon as Jin saw her, he knew.

The Kollon natives have the most noble blood. They were the god-chosen race. It seems shes the last descendant.

Laosa seemed to have deep wisdom.

The one born from the birthplace of swordsmanship and chosen by the shadow, a Black Dragon, and the Dragon of Verity as well as the beloved child of Az Mil. And Tikans Chief of Defense who always cares for Pan.

Startled.

Everyone was surprised and stared at Laosa.

How did you?

Its just a little talent. I apologize if I startled you. Pan, please get some tea.

Yesm.

As Pan poured water into a crooked kettle, Jins back began to sweat.

A little talent?

And a calm attitude, as if she already knew that they were coming.

Jin had never encountered a human like Laosa. No, he didnt even know if she was human at all.

This transcending aura Ive felt it before.

The same aura he felt the moment he contracted with Solderet in his past life.

It was weaker, but similar.

Lady Laosa, are you a god?

Although it could sound too out of place, excluding Euria, everybody else also had that question due to the stifling air.

Still, her aura was powerful. It begged the question Is she a god?

No, Im a vessel. If I were a god, then I wouldnt have lost my homeland and lived my life in hiding.

Murakan nodded as if he knew.

She was a gods vessel. Theres great wisdom remaining, but soon itll be all gone.

That is true. However, saying so makes my heart hurt, O Great Black Dragon.

Listening to all of the conversations so far, I think its pointing at the Kollon Ruins. You guys are Kollon natives. This is the first time I heard about a god who descended there. Who is it?

Even if I told you, you would not know. Besides, would you please show me the map?

Laosa extended her arm and opened her hand. Jin lent her the map.

My dead grandfather created this map. It was supposed to have two fates. And thankfully, instead of the Zipfels, it came to you. It seems my feeble devotions have worked.

May I ask what is written on that map?

(The one who reads this through a Kollons heart,

Please do not forsake us.

Please come and shout; we are mere quiet people.

Quiet people.

The god gave us a heavy order, but not enough strength to execute it.

I am resentful.)

Laosa slowly read and interpreted the sentences written in their native tongue.

Something like that.

Despite her calm voice, Laosa shed a tear. She remembered the centuries of oppression and her dead grandfather.

The order written here is to protect the item located on the X. Do you know the situation in Kollon?

Its in ruins because of the Zipfels. While at home, I have executed a mission there.

Haha Under the guise of artifact excavation, the Zipfel Clan is trying to find our sacred item. Even with their advanced magic, they are struggling to do so. However, its only a matter of time before they succeed. Since we cannot stop them.

Tssssssssss.

The kettle blew steam. Pan, who was slowly serving the tea, seemed to be holding back his tears. His back flinched every now and then.

Regaining composure, Pan distributed the filled teacups. Laosa smiled.

My grandfather was a realistic person. Without any promise of reciprocation, he begged to not be forsaken However, I am not like that. Would you like to make a trade with me?

Youre literally on the verge of losing your wisdom, and you want to trade? Just ask us for help. Were going to go to the Kollon Ruins anyway.

Although he spoke harsh words, Murakan really wanted to help Laosas helplessness.

Jin also thought that a deal was not necessary. As Murakan said, they were going to go anyway, and his original plan was to prevent the Zipfels from getting their hands on the mirror artifact.

I do not believe in favors done out of pity. Pan and I had to suffer many battles just to achieve this small house.

Oh, Lady Laosa. Please forget thoze memories. I apologize.

If you are sorry, then please stop drinking and getting arrested, Pan. Anyways, if you are willing to save my people, there is only one thing I can offer.

What is it?

I will use the rest of my divine power to call your god. Im sure its been a while since you heard Solderets voice.

Murakan and Jin looked at each other.

Hoho You seem to know a lot. How does this city have an old gods vessel and Az Mils contractor? Too many kids with clairvoyance and wisdom. Whatre you gonna do, Jin?

What do you think? Theres no reason to refuse. I understand, Lady Laosa. I will leave for the Kollon Ruins soon. However, I cant guarantee that I can save your people.

He would help them if it were as simple as fighting the Zipfel magicians, obtaining the mirror, and escorting the natives to safety.

But salvation wasnt his thing.

Going there is already enough. I will tell you more about the internal problems, so please stay a little longer.

* * *

February 20th, 1796.

Only three were going to the Kollon Ruins: Jin, Murakan, and Kashimir.

After the death of Andrei and Vyuretta, Quikantel could not show her face to the Zipfels at any moment. Gillys powers were still being suppressed, and Enya was too inexperienced to venture on such a mission.

As for Alisa, she needed to stay in Tikan to maintain security.

So, by process of elimination, the three men had to go. They disguised themselves as normal tourists and got ready to leave.

However, they already hit a problem.

Whats this? Theyre not opening the ruins to tourists anymore?

Things had changed since Jins cadet days.

The Kollon Ruins had become a restricted area that even barred people during the day.