Chapter 610

Step, step—

“This place is far from an ordinary castle.”

Leo remarked softly, pacing through the royal hallway.

An intense ethereal aura saturated every corner of the Tunkan palace.

“Could this be the realm of a spirit?”

Because the heritage of Tunkan was deeply linked to the Great Spirit of Fire, the area had transformed into something resembling a mystical sanctuary.

—It appears to have completely integrated into this environment.

Elsie materialised, settling herself upon Leo’s left shoulder as she spoke.

A spirit’s domain.

In the literal sense, it referred to a territory dominated by elemental entities of a particular alignment.

This specific ground had been claimed by the Spirit of Purification for centuries.

‘Wasn’t this site originally an active volcano?’

If one mapped out the grand structure against a standard volcanic crater, the throne room would sit precisely over the central vent.

‘It feels less like a royal court for Tunkan and more like a sanctuary dedicated to the Great Spirit of Fire.’

Observing the heavy elemental pressure saturating the atmosphere, it was evident that the location had morphed into an otherworldly haven over hundreds of years.

“The ambient pressure here is exceptionally dense.”

—Naturally. A few decades back, Istar was widely recognized as an entity far superior to Undine.

Leo gave a quiet nod in response to Laruel’s input.

Generally speaking, supreme elemental entities wielded comparable levels of strength.

On rare occasions, a phenomenally dominant great spirit might emerge, though such occurrences were highly anomalous.

Given their standard equilibrium of power, their ranking was never set in stone.

Even so, a definitive apex among the great spirits always existed.

The true metric used to gauge the supremacy of a great spirit.

It came down to the sheer volume of lesser entities under their banner.

Their so-called authority.

The scale.

And the raw capability of the supernatural forces they commanded.

That was undeniably the ultimate benchmark of a great spirit’s status.

‘Magicians who forge pacts with supreme entities usually fall into two distinct categories.’

There are those summoners who maximize and channel the innate, concentrated strength of the supreme entity itself, and those who direct the overwhelming legions of lesser forces under that entity’s command.

Leo belonged to the former category.

‘Lisinas, however, mastered both approaches.’

Lisinas shifted his tactical style depending on the battlefield.

At times, he would manifest enveloped in the singular might of a supreme entity, while at other times, he would crush his foes beneath a massive army of lesser spirits.

‘Then again, during the Age of Calamity, the absolute population of spirits plummeted, forcing him to rely far more heavily on drawing out the supreme entities’ raw, core strength.’

Reflecting on the legacy of Lisinas, Leo cast a glance down at his open palm.

The pitch-black aura characteristic of Lisinas danced and flickered in perfect accordance with Leo’s intent.

This dark energy, which had taken up residence inside Leo’s core as a testament to his triumph over the realm of Lisinas.

‘Occasionally, it stirs without my prompting.’

Leo observed the dark aura in absolute silence, but it remained perfectly still.

Tightening his fingers into a fist, Leo murmured.

“That aside, what could possibly motivate Istar to abduct Celia?”

There hadn’t been a single trace of malice embedded within the elemental energy that carried Celia away.

—Istar is an incredibly prideful and vain entity. The sole reason he has bestowed his favor upon the Tunkan bloodline for generations is partly due to their ancestors battling alongside him in antiquity, but more importantly, because they carried the specific lineage capable of amplifying his capabilities to their absolute peak.

Laruel expressed her disapproval with a sharp click of her tongue.

Hearing this, Elsie showed a look of sudden realization.

—Ah, so by binding himself to the rulers of Tunkan, Istar could boast that he was the absolute strongest among the supreme entities.

To any elemental force, a summoner acts as a catalyst that magnifies their intrinsic output.

Depending on the wizard’s threshold, they can push an entity’s output far beyond its standard constraints.

—Precisely. On top of that, the sovereigns of Tunkan worshiped Istar as a divine protector. A prestigious bloodline that coaxes out his maximum potential while offering him absolute reverence. It provided the ideal environment for that arrogant parasite to entrench himself.

Laruel offered her scathing evaluation.

“But Celia lacks any real aptitude for summoning, doesn’t she?”

The forebear of Zerdenger had been granted the essence of the Phoenix.

Yet, simply because the foundation of her power originated from the mythical Phoenix did not mean she possessed the traits of a traditional conjurer.

—He isn’t the sort of individual to obsess over those details. He is merely an empty-headed narcissist who will gladly attach himself to anyone capable of making him look glorious.

Laruel remarked with absolute scorn.

As the most ancient supreme entity still active, Laruel understood the psychological quirks of her peers perfectly.

Processing Laruel’s analysis, Elsie tilted her head in confusion.

—If that’s his motivation, wouldn’t Leo be a far better option? He’s a celebrated champion and holds immense fame as an All-Class. Why go out of his way for Celia?

Laruel scoffed softly at Elsie’s line of reasoning.

—The moment Leo made contact with the threshold, Istar undoubtedly sensed my essence woven into Leo’s magical core. Along with the noisy presence of those fools as an added bonus.

Chirp, chirp—

—Hey! Watch who you’re calling a fool! Take it back!

—Ugh, look at that condescending glare from Laruel again!

Fiora fluttered her wings while letting out agitated chirps, and Kirian gestured wildly in midair, voicing his objections.

Arti wrapped his arms tightly around himself, rolling across the ground in distress.

—What does a pre-existing bond with all of you have to do with anything?

—Pardon?

Laruel turned toward Elsie, looking slightly caught off guard.

As Elsie continued to look puzzled, Kirian intervened to clarify.

—Oh, you didn’t know? I was under the impression that supreme entities are incredibly territorial regarding their contracts. Isn’t that right?

—Is that how it works?

—Indeed. Rumor has it that if a summoner has already bound themselves to the Three Great Phantom Beasts or alternative supreme forces, they will flatly reject a pact.

—Is that true, Leo?

“That aligns with my understanding of them.”

—Ah, so that explains why Ignit labeled Leo a degenerate playboy back then.

Elsie nodded to herself, finally putting the pieces together.

Watching Elsie’s casual acceptance, Laruel inquired with a hint of anxiety.

—Lady Elsie, are you truly comfortable with Lord Leo forming alliances with other supreme entities?

The truth was, when she initially bound her fate to Leo, Laruel had been meticulously monitoring Elsie’s disposition.

—Of course. If anything, it pleases me because it means the circle of companions grows larger. Besides, things have become significantly more vibrant and entertaining since Laruel entered a pact with Leo, haven’t they?

—Ahhh! Your grace and generosity know no bounds!

Laruel clasped her hands together, visibly overwhelmed with emotion.

‘Then again, given Elsie’s unique circumstances, she wouldn’t possess the typical, restrictive possessiveness found in modern supreme spirits. She came into existence during the brutal Age of Calamity.’

—Come to think of it, didn’t Lisinas successfully establish ties with every single supreme entity five millennia ago? Was that solely because the desperate circumstances left them with no choice but to cooperate?

During that dark era, Luminus, the Great Spirit of Light, sustained devastating trauma while clashing with the Legion Commander, Gluttony King Jormungand, forcing her into a deep slumber to evade total annihilation.

Meanwhile, Elsie, who reigned as the Great Spirit of Darkness, lost her life during the confrontation with the Necromancer King.

Consequently, only the primary entities representing the four base elements endured.

And every single one of them stood as a dedicated comrade to Lisinas.

Observing Elsie’s inquisitive expression, Leo offered a straightforward explanation.

“They flatly turned down the alliance in the beginning as well.”

As Leo spoke with complete nonchalance, Laruel let out a heavy sigh.

—It appears our predecessors were just as stubborn. How exactly did the King of Wisdom manage to bring all of them under his banner? Did the previous generation also find themselves deeply moved by his character?

“He used his fists to alter their perspective.”

—What?

“He thrashed them thoroughly until they signed the agreement.”

—…Lord Leo?

“I didn’t do it. That was Lisinas.”

To think that the legendary master of summoning, the revered King of Wisdom Lisinas, resorted to beating supreme entities into submission simply because they refused to cooperate. Laruel was left completely speechless, her expression blank with disbelief.

As a point of reference, individuals like Kyle and Luna, who possessed volatile temperaments, would adopt terrifying expressions when launching an assault. Lisinas, however, did not.

He would maintain a serene smile.

Which, in hindsight, made his actions infinitely more terrifying.

“The entire realm was on the brink of destruction, yet they were prioritizing their personal vanity. They had it coming.”

Leo clicked his tongue lightly as he spoke.

Naturally, the supreme entities hadn’t initially rejected the alliance purely out of stubborn pride.

There was also a legitimate concern regarding whether a single mortal vessel could stably regulate the massive, conflicting forces of four supreme spirits simultaneously.

Though, any lingering doubts regarding that capability were utterly shattered once the fighting commenced.

—I honestly can’t picture it.

Chirp…

Kirian and Fiora likewise found the concept incredibly difficult to fathom.

—Ooh! A master who will physically discipline you if you step out of line! That sounds fantastic!

Arti, conversely, seemed thoroughly delighted by the idea.

Right at that moment.

Clang, clang—

The distinct echo of scraping iron reverberated down the hallway.

Leo directed his gaze toward the source.

A squad of sentinels clad in glowing, crimson-tinted plate armor was marching directly toward his position.

“Are those elemental constructs?”

They bore an uncanny resemblance to fire spirits possessing physical suits of armor.

—They certainly don’t look like a welcoming committee.

Leo let out a quiet chuckle at Elsie’s observation.

“Clearly not.”

—Insolent rabble.

Laruel ground her teeth in irritation.

“Under these circumstances, I’ll just have to make my position clear to them through physical demonstration.”

Leo advanced directly toward the armored fire spirits.

“Whether I possess the proper credentials to be a contractor or not. Elsie.”

—Ready.

“You’re up.”

“Feast your eyes on this, young lady.”

Istar proclaimed proudly, unfurling a magnificent, radiant crimson gown with both of his hands.

“This particular garment is a dress woven from pure, concentrated embers, meticulously crafted by my very own hands, thread by thread.”

Celia instinctively recoiled, her complexion draining of color as she watched Istar step closer to her.

She experienced a visceral sense of discomfort looking at the massive, bare-chested figure advancing toward her while brandishing a dress.

“Should you accept the mantle of my champion, you will not only ascend as the sovereign of this entire Resen-tung territory, but you will also have the privilege of donning this exquisite attire of pure flame.”

“Um… to be perfectly frank, this province is technically Leo’s birthright, and I have absolutely no desire for leadership.”

“Pah! The petty squabbles of mortals do not concern me. This Resen-tung province has existed as the sacred domain of myself, Istar, the Spirit of Purification, since time immemorial. I merely permitted my refined and devoted Tunkan subjects to manage it!”

Istar let out a haughty snort and released his grip on the garment.

Fwoosh—!

Instantly, the fabric dissolved into brilliant azure fire, surging directly through the air toward Celia.

Celia gasped in surprise.

The mystical embers instantly consumed her current wardrobe before reconstituting themselves into the shape of the elegant gown.

Suddenly finding herself dressed in the burning attire within a fraction of a second, Celia stood completely bewildered.

“Ah, the contrast of dark hair and crimson eyes suits it wonderfully. You possess a most exquisite form. Splendid, splendid.”

Celia shuddered slightly, feeling thoroughly objectified under the intense, calculating gaze of Istar.

“You are precisely the kind of monarch I envisioned. Now, the next item is this blade. This weapon was likewise forged by my hand, saturated with my divine essence…”

“Given that I am entirely devoid of talent as a spirit mage, I doubt I will be of any practical use to you, Lord Istar.”

Istar offered a patronizing, subtle grin at Celia’s protest.

“That is of no consequence whatsoever.”

“What do you mean?”

“Within your veins flows the legacy of Zerdenger, who commanded the sacred blessing of the Phoenix—the undisputed sovereign of blazing phantom beasts—alongside the lineage of Tunkan, which bears the divine favor of myself, Istar, the Spirit of Purification. You may lack training as a conjurer now, but it signifies that you carry the ultimate genetic blueprint to become an unmatched spirit mage.”

“And what does that imply?”

“You simply need to produce a massive lineage! By doing so, an heir inheriting the absolute pinnacle of summoning potential will inevitably be brought into this world!”

“…”

“With that, I, Istar, the Spirit of Purification, shall utterly annihilate that repulsive entity of the deep ocean and reclaim my rightful title as the supreme great spirit! Naturally, your own lineage will enjoy boundless prosperity as well!”

Celia rubbed her throbbing temples in frustration.

It was entirely clear to her now that this supreme elemental entity was nothing more than a complete eccentric.

Right at that moment.

“Hmm?”

Istar’s facial expression hardened instantly.

“How on earth did intruders manage to breach the inner sanctuary of this castle?”

The entire royal structure functioned as an extension of Istar’s personal territory.

He detected the foreign disturbance within his domain the very instant it occurred.

“The signature of a dark elemental? Ridiculous! Laruel. Has that boy actually aligned himself with that ancient hag and that wretched rogue Ignit as well? A single summoner forcing two supreme entities into a shared contract! What an absolute embarrassment to our kind!”

Istar displayed a look of profound incredulity mixed with intense irritation.

“To think that after binding himself to the Three Great Phantom Beasts, he went on to subjugate two supreme entities, and now he has the audacity to try and claim me, Istar? Complete arrogance!”

Stalking back over to his grand seat, Istar slammed himself down onto the throne and crossed his legs aggressively.

He then shifted his sharp gaze back down toward Celia.

“Young lady. You shared your time at Lumern alongside Leo Plov, did you not?”

“Yes, I did.”

At Celia’s confirmation, the corners of Istar’s mouth twisted into a mocking sneer.

“Is that so? In that case, you must have spent your entire academic life constantly overshadowed and beaten by Leo Plov.”

Hearing those specific words caused a flash of resentment to cross Celia’s face.

It was an undeniable reality that her abilities fell short when measured against Leo’s standards.

However, having it thrown in her face so bluntly was bound to strike a sensitive nerve.

Istar grinned maliciously as he observed Celia’s irritated reaction.

“Watch closely, girl. I am about to demonstrate the staggering magnitude of power that will be yours to command if you choose to align with me.”

“What?”

Fwoosh—!

Before Celia could fully comprehend his words, a violent torrent of azure fire erupted outward from Istar’s physical form.

Crash—!

Leo seized the front of the charging sentinel’s iron visor, slamming the construct violently against the stone floor.

” Fascinating. So the elemental force is anchored directly into the metallic armor itself?”

Historically, the legendary Tusen Knights were frequently referred to as the Knights of the Fire Spirit.

Yet, following the collapse of Tunkan and the subsequent loss of Istar’s patronage, that esteemed title evaporated into history.

‘It appears the decline occurred because they lost the ability to wield equipment infused with spiritual essences.’

These suits of armor were unmistakably the signature gear utilized by the ancient Tusen Knights.

And the craftsman behind their creation was almost certainly.

‘The Spirit of Purification, without a doubt.’

He had briefly wondered how an elemental entity had acquired complex runic enchantment formulas, but it was clear this was the methodology Istar had implemented.

‘Lisinas or Luna would have been absolutely ecstatic to examine this.’

Visualizing his old comrades, whose eyes would have gleamed with intense curiosity at the sight of such novel craft, Leo focused his attention forward.

Directly ahead stood a massive set of double doors, intricately carved with elaborate, winding flame motifs.

Bang—!

Leo delivered a powerful kick, shattering the lock and bursting into the grand audience hall.

Thud—!

Leo stabilized his footing on the polished stone floor and raised his eyes.

“You finally arrive, disrespectful trespasser.”

Perched upon the high throne sat the imposing figure, his face twisted in deep annoyance.

“The Spirit of Purification, Istar.”

“Correct. Now that you recognize my status, drop to your knees and offer your submission. Do so, and I may consider showing leniency for your blatant transgressions.”

As Istar commanded imperiously while tilting his chin upward, a small smirk began to form on Leo’s face as he prepared to answer.

—Oh, really?

‘Hmm?’

—What an astonishingly insolent elemental creature.

Elsie manifested fully, taking her position directly beside Leo.

—How dare a lesser being look upon my master with such transparent, undisguised contempt?

Elsie’s countenance was completely devoid of warmth.

‘Wait. Is she genuinely furious?’

This was a side of her character that Leo had never witnessed in this current life.

No, the last time was roughly five thousand years ago.

Leo displayed a rare hint of panic at the sight, as this cold demeanor perfectly mirrored the Elsie he had encountered during their very first meeting in the distant past.