Book 1 Chapter 950

950.

Late at night, in Dwenow's workshop.

Dwenow poured tea and handed it to Leo and Kal.

"I've felt this before… but if I took the things Dwenow-nim made into the real world and sold them, I'd make a fortune."

Kal stroked his chin, looking at the teapot and teacups made by Dwenow.

All of these were handmade by Dwenow.

Naturally, as expected of something made by Dwenow, they were very beautiful.

Although their appearance was not flamboyant and seemed ordinary at first glance, they possessed a refined and profound depth.

The colors were exquisite, and the tactile sensation was so admirable it elicited exclamations.

Dwenow stroked his beard, watching Kal, who marveled at the value of the items.

"You're like a merchant."

"Ah, I apologize."

Kal wore an embarrassed expression.

Artists don't particularly appreciate their creations being viewed as commodities.

And Kal knew that Dwenow was an artist.

Moreover, a remarkably outstanding artist.

Kal, thinking his attitude might be perceived negatively by Dwenow, cautiously gauged his reaction.

Seeing Kal's apprehension, Dwenow chuckled heartily.

"Not at all. You are appreciating my work, are you not? My goal is simply to spread beauty into the world. If my works sell for a high price, doesn't that mean I am an artist who expressed beauty well? People will want to see my works, and thus, those who praise beauty will naturally increase."

"That's absolutely true!"

Kal said with a bright smile.

"They're just teapots and cups fired from clay, aren't they? Why all the fuss?"

"You, who don't know the meaning of art, shut up,"

Dwenow said icily.

Leo shrugged.

"Anyway… I heard from Lisinas that someone from the future had arrived."

Dwenow wore a surprised expression.

He had heard the news from Lisinas through communication magic and felt curious, but he had work in his workshop and had promised to meet them tomorrow.

Yet, here they were, people claiming to be from the future, looking for him.

Especially someone claiming to be the reincarnated Kyle.

'It's even more surprising if it's true.'

Dwenow stared intently at Leo.

It was an outrageous claim, but there was clear evidence.

A sword that he hadn't made, yet was undeniably his.

And the traces of it being used like Kyle.

Although Dwenow preferred to be called an artist rather than a blacksmith who forged weapons, his eyes, blessed as the divine blacksmith's, could not be deceived.

"Yes. It seems we saved the world."

Dwenow nodded with satisfaction.

"So? How many times did I die?"

Kal looked bewildered by Dwenow's sudden question.

He hadn't expected Dwenow to ask something like that.

And with such a nonchalant expression.

Leo answered Dwenow's question calmly.

"The second time."

"Who was the first?"

"Arion."

"That fool…"

Dwenow's face contorted.

It was a matter of the distant future.

But even without seeing it, he could easily guess why Arion died first.

Dwenow, with an angry expression, sighed and asked,

"Who survived?"

"No one survived."

Dwenow closed his eyes.

He had somewhat anticipated this from Leo's expression.

"…"

"After you, it was Luna, then Lisinas. And I was the only one left, barely managing to defeat Erebus."

Dwenow looked directly at Leo.

"And after we defeated Erebus, I also died."

"…It must have been hard."

"I wasn't alone, though. And when wasn't it hard?"

"That's right. It was always hard for us."

Dwenow burst into hearty laughter.

"But looking at your face, it seems you didn't defeat him completely?"

"That's right. Sealing him was the best we could do. After reincarnating, I'm dealing with the fragmented pieces."

"You should finish the job properly! Why seal him halfway and leave the danger to future generations? Or after sealing him, you should have lived on and finished cleaning up!"

"You shut up, you pervert who died first!"

"Don't you have respect for elders!"

"Attacking elders, you damn pervert!"

"Does such a bizarre concept exist in the future! Future people are so ill-mannered!"

'As I always feel… why is there no difference between our level and theirs?'

They taunted each other childishly and fought childishly.

While Kal let out a hollow laugh.

Dwenow, who stopped bickering, said,

"You're struggling alone even in the future."

"As I said a moment ago, when have we not struggled? And,"

Leo placed his hand on Kal's shoulder, reassuring him.

"You're not alone. So don't make that face. It's disgusting."

"Hmph. It seems your dirty personality hasn't changed even after dying and coming back to life."

Dwenow shook his head.

And then he asked,

"Did you reveal your identity to Lisinas and Luna as well?"

"No. I don't intend to tell those two."

"Indeed… those two might get hurt."

Dwenow said calmly.

One of the reasons Leo revealed his identity to Dwenow was that he was the most reliable friend in such situations.

Dwenow was the eldest of Arhi.

So, Lisinas often sought Dwenow's advice when making decisions.

Dwenow's advice, stemming from his long experience and deep thoughts, was of great help.

Not just Lisinas.

Luna and Arion also consulted Dwenow and confided their worries when they faced emotional difficulties.

Leo also relied on Dwenow in this regard.

"Still, don't hide it forever."

"I know."

"So? Why have you come to the past?"

"Reisarth will be destroyed in ten days."

"What? How can such a thing happen?!"

"Tartarus will summon Erebus."

Dwenow's expression changed.

And he fell into thought.

"Can we defeat Erebus with our current strength?"

"Not even close."

"Then defeating Erebus is a story for a more distant future?"

Dwenow let out a bitter sigh and looked at Leo.

"So? Did you come to the past to prevent the destruction of Reisarth?"

"Yes."

"Then the future could change, couldn't it?"

"The future will not change."

"Hmm. So the future is fixed, and even if you change the past, you can't interfere?"

"Well, something like that."

He deliberately didn't mention the world of heroes.

It would only complicate things.

"Then that's strange."

"What is?"

"Why would you take such a risk to save Reisarth? It holds no particular meaning for you, does it?"

Leo smiled at Dwenow's question.

"I don't want to lose anything more to the Black Flame. That's why."

"…"

It was a foolish answer.

But in Leo's demeanor, Dwenow momentarily saw Lisinas.

The ability to make the impossible possible.

"You've changed a lot."

"Because I came from the future."

"Do you have a plan?"

"First, we need to connect a gate to Reisarth."

"That's easy."

"No, it will be difficult. The Lord of Reisarth will block the gate."

"The Lord?"

"Yes. He betrayed the world. Not just Reisarth. All of his close associates betrayed the world."

"Tsk."

Dwenow clicked his tongue.

"We'll have to create a new gate. But it's difficult alone. We'll need Luna's help."

"No, there are times when Luna needs to go with me."

"……?"

Dwenow, looking puzzled by Leo's words, stroked his beard.

"Indeed, is it a diversionary tactic?"

"Yes."

The fact that there was unusual activity in Reisarth was something Kyle had only recently discovered alone.

A situation that Lisinas hadn't noticed.

In addition, the unexpected summoning of Erebus.

The meaning was simple.

"Yes. It must have been a thoroughly prepared operation for a long time."

There was also a plan to prevent Gardsron from sending reinforcements to Reisarth.

Indeed, two days later, information came in that a huge number of demons and monsters were advancing towards Gardsron.

A scheme to further weaken Gardsron, which had already suffered from the invasion of the Giant King.

All the legion commanders were absent from that advance.

However, for Gardsron, which lacked manpower, the sheer number of advancing demons and monsters was a significant threat.

As a result of their weakened movements, by the time they learned of Reisarth's problem, it was too late to do anything.

'But it's different now.'

Currently, in addition to himself, the allies include Azonia and Damian.

Furthermore, there are countless hero candidates and the Shadow Lord.

Their entry into the world of heroes is imminent.

'Azonia is likely to be in Reisarth.'

If so, she would join Arion and try to prevent the summoning ritual happening in Reisarth.

If the gate opens sooner, Gardsron can also provide support.

'We need to intercept the demon and monster units attacking Gardsron with myself, Luna… and a few others.'

Once freed from that danger, Gardsron can freely support Reisarth.

"Then we'll have to get help from Lisinas…"

"Kal will help."

"Huh? Me?"

Kal pointed at himself with a bewildered expression.

"Yes, Dwenow. Kal has inherited your alchemy."

Warp gates also require aptitude in alchemy.

"Oh? I thought he looked quite smart. That's good."

'It would be a great help if Chloe came over here.'

With Chloe, who excels in magic research and computational ability, things would proceed more smoothly.

"If there are others who can help create the gate, I'll send them here."

"Understood. Shall we begin making the gate then?"

At Dwenow's words, Leo got up.

'Now it begins.'

Leo looked up at the sky.

'Are the ones in Reisarth doing well too?'

***

"How is it? Easy, right?"

Arion smiled brightly.

"…"

"…"

Azonia's face was contorted, and Ar looked distressed.

At their reactions, Arion wore a puzzled expression.

"I explained it as simply as possible, but is it difficult?"

"Yes."

When Azonia answered without hesitation, Arion asked with an even more incomprehensible expression.

"Why?"

"Why? Why?! Why!!!? Are you saying that now!"

Agitated, Azonia jumped up from her seat.

The incident began like this.

Arion was thinking about how to make Azonia and Ar give up on rescuing Agon and instead find a way to discover the target of the conquest.

However, Arion also didn't directly ask what the target of the conquest was.

'It's obvious they'd hide it then.'

Arion knew that.

'Lisinas reads others' thoughts through conversation, didn't he say so?'

Arion decided to try imitating Lisinas.

Naturally, he pondered what topic they should converse about, and chose the utilization of extrasensory perception.

'Azonia uses extrasensory perception as much as Kyle. And Ar is now using all his senses.'

However, from Arion's perspective, there were deficiencies.

He thought he needed to guide them to areas Leo hadn't reached.

Extrasensory perception was originally Arion's ability as a beastman.

Therefore, it was an ability more suited to beastmen than humans.

What Arion wanted to awaken was the sixth sense.

This was also why Arion could briefly foresee the future.

Azonia and Ar showed interest in Arion's explanation.

And Arion's explanation began.

"Imagine you have an eye on your forehead."

"…"

"…"

"And imagine opening that eye. It's that kind of sensation."

"What kind of sensation is that?"

Azonia asked with a sullen expression, and Arion was taken aback.

"Um… then imagine you have an eye on the back of your head. This is easy, right?"

The more Arion explained, the more confused their minds became.

Eventually, he innocently asked, "Why can't you do it?", and Azonia exploded.

"Seriously! You've been like this since you were little! Why can't you do this? Huh? It's natural that you can't!"

"Hiiiiiik?!"

"Ugh! Azonia-nim! Calm down! Calm down!"

Seeing Azonia, who was waving her fists in anger, Ar was terrified.

Arion, frightened, dodged the punch.

'Seriously! Are you explaining that now!'

'You said you wanted to become strong, right? You can become strong easily if you do this.'

'Exactly! How do you do that!'

For a moment, a memory of a girl with brilliant golden hair getting angry flashed through his mind.

'What is this? This memory?'

*Thump-*!

At that moment, Azonia's fist hit Arion's face.

Normally, Arion wouldn't get hit by such an attack.

Because of that, Azonia, who didn't expect Arion to get hit, gaped.

Then.

*Whoosh! Thump-*!

"Gah?!"

Someone flew in and kicked Azonia in the side.

"Are you crazy, you beast? Who did you just hit?"

Demian asked with a fierce expression.

"Arion-nim!"

"That woman! She just hit Arion-nim!"

"This is blasphemy!"

Along with them, Lumen and individuals who appeared to be Azonia's students also appeared.

Among them, Nella used healing aura with a flustered expression.

"Hey! Attacking Arion-nim! Are you in your right mind?!"

Celia said with an angry face.

"Celia. Calm down first…"

"Are you taking her side now?!"

Abad, who was caught up in it, tried to mediate, and Celia glared at him.

"Be rational, Celia Zerdinger."

"Oh my? Duran-kun. You're on that person's side too?"

Nella, who was healing Arion, also wore a cold expression.

"No. Why do these kids hate me so much?"

Azonia grumbled, holding her side and pouting, when Damian said coldly,

"Haven't you considered it's the karma of your promiscuous romantic history?"

At Damian's words, Azonia pursed her lips.

At that moment, Azonia's students glared at Azonia with menacing eyes.

"The atmosphere is strange. Ar. Please mediate."

Azonia said with a small sigh, and Ar stepped forward with a *ck-* sound.

"Ahem! Let me introduce you! This person here!"

Ar pointed at Azonia.

"Is the Great Warrior Azonia!"

The atmosphere instantly solidified.

"Hero of the Great Opening?"

"Wait. Come to think of it…"

"Why didn't we know until now?"

The moment Azonia's existence was recognized, the recognition-inhibiting magic also lifted.

Ar snorted *heng-* and looked at Azonia triumphantly.

Azonia held her head, sighed, and then pulled Ar's ear.

"Hey, I didn't tell you to reveal my identity."

"This is the easiest way. And. With this much combat power, Azonia-nim should be in command. Revealing your identity is the best way to make them obey willingly."

At Ar's words, Azonia marveled.

"You're not an idiot after all?"

"Who are you calling an idiot!"

Ar bristled.

Damian, who tutted at the sight, looked around the interior of Reisarth.

"Azonia. You lead the hero candidates."

"And you?"

"I'll lead the shadow candidates."

At Damian's words, Azonia chuckled.

"Alright. It's been a while. For the two of us to go hunting."

The heroes of the Great Opening also finished preparing to move.