The Regressed Mercenary's Machinations-Chapter 751: What a Curious Being (3)

Ghislain interjected casually and asked,

“Is it really something like a Spirit King?”

He hadn’t asked out of deep curiosity. He didn’t actually believe it.

Still, if—just if—it turned out to be something like a Spirit King... wouldn’t that be amazing?

Iralniel shot Ghislain a baffled look.

“Of course not.”

“...Right?”

“How did you even come across this... spirit-like thing?”

Ghislain shrugged.

“I got it by chance. It doesn’t belong to the Spirit Realm; it lives inside my consciousness. The way it uses power is similar to a spirit. It also lost its memory and doesn’t know what kind of being it is.”

Iralniel looked closely at Dark.

Dark stared back at her for a moment in a silent standoff, then slowly turned his head.

“You’ve lost your memory? How fascinating. Allow me to take a look.”

Iralniel took Dark and held him in one hand.

Dark kept his head turned with a sour expression.

“How disrespectful... Daring to lift me up like some cheap ornament.”

He grumbled just loud enough for everyone to hear, but no one paid attention.

Iralniel placed her hand on top of Dark’s head and murmured softly.

“Spirits of sleep and dreams, heed my call. Open the gates of the hidden world and drift between eternity and the instant.”

Fwaaah...

A shimmering light circled briefly around Iralniel’s hand before seeping into Dark’s body.

Dark resisted the power digging into his consciousness with fierce intensity.

Since he was a being made purely of will, his resistance to mental interference was exceptionally strong.

He could even shatter illusion magic cast by a 7th-Circle mage.

“How dare you try to peer into me!”

Even though Dark lived within Ghislain’s consciousness, the two were completely separate entities.

Just as Ghislain could block his own mind from Dark, so too could Dark.

Without permission, neither could look into the other.

Even with permission, it would only allow a brief glimpse.

Because they were fundamentally different beings, they could never truly become one.

If they did, then they would no longer be what # Nоvеlight # they originally were.

“Hooh...”

Iralniel made an intrigued expression.

The mental barrier was incredibly strong.

If she tried to force her way in, both sides could suffer serious damage.

She spoke gently.

“You said you don’t know what you are. If you allow it, I’d like to take a brief look at your unconscious mind.”

“Hmph...”

Dark turned his head away haughtily.

It was a yes.

The truth was, he was also curious about what he really was.

Fwaaa...

Only then did the spirit of dreams dive deep into Dark’s consciousness.

It was the same method Iralniel used when she looked into Ghislain’s mind after Ereneth collapsed.

The difference was, this time she delved deep into Dark’s unconscious.

A being’s unconscious typically contains its own “world.”

Ghislain had once shown Dark his world, too.

Though it had been a desolate wasteland stained in blood, it was still a landscape only Ghislain carried within him.

But—

“This is... impossible...”

Iralniel furrowed her brow.

Inside Dark, there was nothing.

A complete void, where not even silence remained.

No light, no color, no memory, no emotion—literally nothing.

She looked around several times.

Even animals would have more inside than this.

Even if he had lost his memories, a world should still exist in the unconscious.

But this space was sealed.

Thoroughly shut off.

Not even its owner could enter it.

Only then did Iralniel realize—

“His memories are sealed. And... with extreme precision and strength.”

A flicker of subtle wariness rose in her eyes.

Who could have done this?

And why go so far to hide something?

Crack!

The spirits Iralniel summoned struck the wall of darkness.

But it was sturdier than she had expected.

It was like a perfect door sealed so tight that not a single ray of light could pass through.

Iralniel narrowed her eyes and gathered power at her fingertips.

Boom!

In an instant, the darkness distorted, and a tiny crack formed.

From the gap, a faint light trickled in.

“Keeeeaaak!”

Dark snapped his eyes open and let out a sharp scream.

“Tch...”

Iralniel quickly pulled her hand away.

Any stronger, and she could have harmed his consciousness.

“...So that’s how deep it goes.”

She let out a small breath and closed her eyes.

Still, she had learned a few things.

Even though it was brief, she had sensed a faint aroma—

The unmistakable scent of a spirit.

And within it...

A sorrow and pain so vast it couldn’t be put into words.

She opened her eyes and spoke.

“This one... It’s hard to believe, but it really is a spirit.”

Ghislain looked genuinely surprised.

“Really? It’s a real spirit?”

He’d only called it that because there wasn’t a better term.

He hadn’t truly believed it was one.

He’d thought it was just some strange, spirit-adjacent being.

But Iralniel had officially recognized Dark as a spirit.

“Yes. I don’t know what kind it is, but I could faintly feel a scent that only spirits possess. And not just one... It was the scent of countless spirits.”

“Countless? What does that mean?”

“It felt like the essence of all elemental spirits was mixed inside. Fire and water, wind and earth, light and darkness—layer upon layer.”

“But Dark is just one being.”

“That’s why it’s so hard to understand. It seems like this spirit has either been corrupted or altered in some way. The wall around its consciousness is far too thick to discern its identity further.”

Iralniel lightly shook her head and continued.

“It’s difficult to say what kind of being it is for now. Its memories appear to be sealed.”

“Hmm...”

“Just for a moment, I felt an overwhelming sorrow and pain.

Something bad must have happened.”

Ghislain looked at Dark and asked,

“Do you have any sad memories?”

“Nope.”

“Are you hurt somewhere?”

“Not at all.”

“......”

Ghislain sighed.

As expected, feelings like sadness didn’t suit Dark.

Still, if his unconscious was sealed, then who knew what might be uncovered in the future?

Iralniel smiled as she looked at Dark.

“If this one ever regains its memories, it could become something extraordinary. The presence of so many spirit essences inside can’t be just a coincidence.”

Dark spread his wings proudly and shouted,

“See? This proves I’m the Spirit King! Once I get my memory back, you're all dead meat!”

Iralniel calmly added,

“Of course... It’s also possible that, once you recover your memories, you’ll turn out to be nothing at all. Perhaps just... a leftover remnant discarded by a powerful spirit.”

“......”

Dark shut his mouth at the new theory.

Being the Spirit King sounded cool.

But being someone’s thrown-away trash didn’t sit well.

Dark refused to accept that theory.

“I must’ve been someone amazing! I was definitely the king of all spirits, the one who held every attribute!”

Ghislain asked Iralniel hesitantly,

“Is there really such a spirit like that? One who has all the elements?”

“Not that I know of. But who can say? There might be mysterious beings out there that haven’t yet been discovered. Even I don’t claim to know everything about the Spirit Realm.”

“I see. But you’re saying it’s definitely a spirit, right?”

“Yes. At the very least... its origin is unmistakably that of a spirit.”

Ghislain nodded.

When it came to spirits, Iralniel was considered the most knowledgeable on the continent.

If she spoke with such certainty, there was no reason to doubt her.

Would she have figured out more if she’d sensed Dark’s original aura?

Unlike the future Ereneth, Iralniel didn’t react sensitively to Dark’s energy.

That was because Dark currently had a form shaped not by his original power, but by Astion’s mana.

Though similar to the Salvation Order’s, it was still different—so Iralniel couldn’t identify it.

As Ghislain was deep in thought, the spirits surrounding Julien began to approach Dark.

They circled him cautiously, showing interest.

But it wasn’t the kind of interest they showed others.

It was as if they wanted to become one with him—drawing even closer, trying to mingle their essence with his.

That, for some reason, thoroughly annoyed Dark, and he shouted,

“Back off! How dare such lowly spirits try to cozy up to the Spirit King!”

The spirits flinched in shock and quickly retreated behind Julien.

But even then, they couldn’t contain their curiosity and kept peeking at Dark.

Ghislain noticed that Dark was acting more irritable than usual.

“What’s with you? Why are you so on edge today?”

“Ugh, I don’t know. I’m just uncomfortable. I’m going back in.”

Even Dark didn’t know why.

This forest, the elves, the spirits—they all made him feel... melancholic.

Especially when the spirits came close, the gloom only worsened.

So he escaped back into Ghislain’s consciousness, almost like running away.

Iralniel, who had been watching, spoke.

“He’s unusually temperamental for a spirit. Normally, spirits tend to reflect the summoner’s personality.”

“...He’s been like that since the very beginning.”

“His sealed memories can’t be broken by force, but... if the right opportunity arises, the seal may eventually lift. All we can do is wait for that moment. Is there anything else you need or want to ask?”

“This is more than enough. Thanks to your help, I got the Blessing Stone, and my friend got himself a spirit. Some of the questions I had were also answered. Thank you, truly.”

Ghislain bowed his head deeply in gratitude.

And so, having gained all they came for, Ghislain’s party rested for the day.

The elves served rare fruits and herbs from the forest.

While it didn’t suit the meat-loving mercenaries’ tastes, everyone still enjoyed a pleasant time.

The next day, as Ghislain’s group packed and prepared to depart, all the elves came out to see them off.

Iralniel smiled at Ghislain.

“May your journey lead to success.”

“Thank you. I’ll come visit again sometime.”

Seeing Ghislain act like he was just leaving a friend’s house, Iralniel smiled in satisfaction.

Of all the humans she’d met, none had been as honest and forthright as Ghislain.

Unlike the others, he held no trace of guile or deceit.

How could she not grow fond of him?

Her gaze shifted to Deneb.

“You have great potential within you. I hope you use that power wisely. I entrusted the Blessing Stone to you because I believe in you.”

“Yes! I’ll do my best not to disappoint you, High Chief!”

Deneb answered energetically.

Though her divine power had returned to normal, this experience had given her a newfound sense of confidence.

Just as they were about to leave, Ghislain noticed Ereneth, standing off to the side with a sullen expression.

Hmm. Since when did she start moving with us?

He was sure they had fought together during the Great War.

He had clearly seen that scene in a dream.

But when she had started traveling with the hero’s party, he didn’t know.

So he simply went with his gut and asked,

“Ereneth, want to come with us?”

“What, me? Me too?”

“Yeah.

Didn’t you say you wanted to go out into the world?

Now that the High Chief entrusted us with the Blessing Stone, you’ve got more than enough reason to join us. Right?”

At that, Ereneth glanced toward Iralniel.

She needed permission to leave the forest.

Iralniel gave Ghislain a sideways look.

He’d known what Ereneth wanted, and still made that offer.

With a wry smile, she shook her head and said,

“Ereneth, you should go with them.”

“Ah, no... I...”

“It’s fine. I know your heart well. We can’t keep you confined in this narrow forest any longer.”

“Iralniel...”

“Go see the world. Learn much. These friends will guide you well.”

In truth, Iralniel had known.

Eventually, Ereneth would have left the forest—if not openly, then in secret.

Better to send her off with trustworthy companions like the Julien Mercenary Corps.

Tears welled in Ereneth’s eyes as she bowed deeply.

“I’ll grow stronger... strong enough to play a role in the war against the Demonic Realm. I promise I’ll come back.”

Hearing that, Iralniel smiled—tinged with a bit of sadness.

“Yes. If it’s you, I believe it.”

Now that the Demonic Realm was stirring again, strong elves were needed.

And none fit that role better than Ereneth, with her unparalleled talent in battle.

Ghislain beamed as Iralniel gave her blessing.

“Welcome to the mercenary corps, rookie.”

“Hmph. I know what that term means to humans. As a noble elf, I won’t be doing any of those menial chores.”

Such a haughty and feisty attitude—so different from the Ereneth of the future.

Ghislain found it endlessly amusing.

He shrugged and replied,

“Sure, sure. Alright then. Time to go find the next Blessing Stone.”

With Ereneth now joined, the Julien Mercenary Corps set off toward their next destination.

Iralniel watched them for a long, long time.

Even after their figures disappeared from view, she looked down at her hands.

Compared to not long ago, they bore far more wrinkles.

She murmured softly,

“It seems... the time has come to pass the World Tree to the next generation.”

And the elf to bear that responsibility—

Would be that very child, the one who would return having braved the fiercest storms of the world, stronger than anyone.