Steampunk: Sixth Era Epic

The music of the banquet and the clamorous sounds came from below. In fact, the dining room was not quiet either, although only Shard and Miss Aphrola were seated for the meal, the number of servants in the dining room exceeded twenty, and more amazingly, each Maid had something to do.

"The second Chosen One is very dangerous."

"But you were still able to pursue him."

Shard offered a small word of praise.

"Actually, in this event, the most dangerous isn't him, but the merman who committed suicide. A Circle Sorcerer..."

The Witch shook her head with a sense of regret, while Shard asked curiously:

"What happens when a Circle Sorcerer commits suicide?"

Among the requirements proposed by Saint Byrons for correspondence students, not traveling to the New World is merely a restriction on students, while not committing suicide is common knowledge among all Circle Sorcerers.

"Reversal."

The Witch answered simply.

"What do you mean?"

"The reversal between you and the other you. Although 'the other me' sounds dangerous, they are us. And suicide is the only way that can make the other me lose control. Once reversed, the process of the soul being split open, turning inside out, is extremely painful, so no one would normally do this. And if one successfully reverses after suicide... it's equivalent to an uncontrollable Circle Sorcerer, fully possessing the power of the Words of Ascension."

Shard gasped:

"Did that merman also undergo reversal?"

Last night he had not seen anything unusual after the other party self-destructed.

"Of course not, its soul was directly taken away by the deity."

Miss Aphrola said with a smile:

"A reversed soul is a deformed soul, even more despised than the soul of a non-believer, so normally no one would do this."

Shard nodded, finally beginning to understand the consequences of suicide. But upon further thought, the Circle Sorcerer system really was strange.

Miss Aphrola then brought up another matter:

"Speaking of Daknis, there's something even more interesting. Today, during the day, the Blood Spirit School suddenly put up a Bounty Order in the local black market, offering a reward for Daknis. This Chosen One stole all the personal belongings of the Circle Sorcerers of the Blood of Mercury fleeing to the New World, as well as three Relics that the Blood Spirit School let him use temporarily."

Shard pondered for a moment, and while cutting his meat, he confirmed in a low voice:

"Ivan Daknis betrayed the Blood Spirit School?"

"Yes, the bad guy was betrayed by someone even worse, probably seduced by that demon."

The Witch responded, and although there was a smile on her face, there was no smile at all in her eyes, which was a very frightening expression:

"I have already notified the Council that among the Relics stolen by Daknis, the Puppeteer's Script is included. If he can find the correct method of using it and can pay the price, he might be able to understand the ritual from the Relic... My people have not yet found his whereabouts; I think that after Ivan Daknis escaped from my grasp, he has probably already left Coldwater Port."

The accuracy of Luviya's Divination is astonishing.

"As for where he went after that, other witches will be responsible for the search. The boots he left behind will be an important clue. Now that the Sea Return ritual has ended and the second Chosen One has departed, my responsibility in Coldwater Port is also considered to be over."

The Witch murmured softly, while Shard raised an eyebrow, indicating that he needed to prepare to "welcome" Ivan Daknis in Tobesk.

However, Lecia would definitely reach Tobesk before Daknis, considering that Her Highness the Princess was on a special train. Meanwhile, the second Chosen One is almost in a worldwide manhunt situation, needing to constantly change transport to avoid pursuit from the Church and other forces.

Thus, by the time the latter follows the guidance of the Puppeteer's Script to reach Tobesk, it will likely be the end of the Month of Blossoms or even the beginning of the next month. By then, autumn should have arrived.

Shard truly hoped that Ivan Daknis wouldn't affect the "Big City Player" event in Tobesk, nor the letter he was to receive at the beginning of next month, and especially not his peaceful life.
Explore stories on My Virtual Library Empire

However, upon thinking of Tobesk City, Shard pondered over additional concerns:

"Demons on him seduce him, offering the ritual to become the true Chosen One through the 'Puppeteer's Script.' The ritual's three parts are: understanding darkness, obtaining an item related to Ancient God Power, and completing the final ritual... And that last ritual is supposed to take place in Tobesk."

Considering this, it was hard for Shard not to think about the uncontrollable Angel-Level Relic outside Tobesk City, that bizarre area shrouded in darkness.

"What are you thinking about?"

Seeing Shard lost in thought, Miss Hevy Aurora asked him. Their plates in front of them were being replaced, and more dishes were being brought from the kitchen. Maids were carrying the plates, changing the food, while Miss Aphrola spoke without concealing anything from them.

"Oh, I was thinking about the witches' matters. Miss Aphrola, I learned from Miss Galina that witches cultivate their own successors, so how come I haven't seen that lady by your side?"

Grand Witches are unable to bear children, so successors couldn't possibly be their own offspring. Miss Galina had not found a suitable Gifted One among the members of the Royal Family, and Lecia had joined Zaras Literary Academy after awakening her Talent, which is why she had to train her personal maid instead.

"She is my niece, managing my business in Carsonrick. With Coldwater Port being so dangerous, I didn't let her come with me."

"Then will you stay in Coldwater Port from now on?" Shard asked curiously.

"Certainly not, I have a busy business to attend to. However, because of the Coldwater Port Shipyard matter, I'll probably stay here for half a month before leaving. As for the future, I might come back occasionally."

The Witch replied, and it seemed that without Shard's knowledge, she had already reached a preliminary cooperation agreement with Lecia.

Miss Aphrola touched the gold ring on her finger, revealing only the subtle muscle texture with some fluff at the corners of her mouth curving slightly. The Witch evaluated Shard's face:

"Hamilton, you did very well this time. I know you can move between Coldwater Port and Tobesk. So in the future, if you have any difficulties locally, feel free to seek help at the manor. Even if I am not here, the manor's butler can mobilize the Aphrola Family's influence. This afternoon, I communicated with Galina, and both of us will protect your information and not disclose it to the Council."

Shard guessed that the method of communication between witches might indeed be the "Witch Council."

"Furthermore, you've provided crucial information about the second Chosen One this time, contributing to the Council. I plan to give you some gifts."

This was the reason for her good mood at the moment; even though Daknis had escaped, the Witch Council had still secured firsthand data. And speaking of the witch's gifts, Shard instinctively thought of the kiss on his forehead from the red-haired witch not long ago.

"What do you think of this manor?" the lady with the wavy brown hair asked.

"It's a very nice place," Shard honestly appraised.

"Well then, from now on when you come to Coldwater Port, treat this as your foothold. I can't give you the manor, as the maintenance costs are beyond what you could afford, but you can consider this your home in Coldwater Port. You can command the servants here, and all the facilities are at your disposal. But don't change the decor, as I still have to live here... And you can't enter my bedroom; you must respect a lady's privacy."

Shard raised his eyebrows, though it seemed he had only saved on the expense of staying in hotels, in reality, it not only represented a manor that was not registered in his name. More importantly, it meant that Hevy Aurora, the third seat of the Witch Council, had completely trusted him.

"Additionally, do you currently have any urgent need for Spirit Runes?"

"Hmm... Vibration?"

Although Shard originally intended to use "Slumber" for the Rune corresponding to the Words of Second Ring Ascension, if the witch could provide another, he could ask Lecia for guidance again in the Three Rings.

"Good, it's not a rare Spirit Rune. Within a week, I'll help you find a way to acquire it."

"Madam, you are truly generous."

Shard was startled at first but then spoke sincerely.

With her long, curly brown hair, the witch shook her head, and under the light of the golden candelabra between silver platters, she gracefully lifted the glass of red wine as if gently caressing the slender stem with the pad of her finger.

Gold and silver tableware, exquisite dishes—the everything on the table paled in comparison to the witch's visage, and she was looking at Shard:

"Shard Hamilton, you are worth this price. Although Daknis ultimately escaped, the Council is still a step ahead of the True God Church. Look, they even got the help of a Thirteen-Ring Sorcerer, a God Summoner, but still failed to catch him."

Shard wanted to steer away from this topic, so he corrected:

"But at least, the True God Church this time saved Coldwater Port and eradicated the Crimson Cult. For the benefit of the people, they sacrificed the interests of the Church; they are noble."

"No, no, no, there are two mistakes in what you said."

The witch smiled, stretching out two long fingers:

"First, only the Crimson Cult in the Coldwater Port region was eradicated by the Church. Coldwater Port has believers, but that does not mean the followers of that Evil God are only in Coldwater Port. The followers of that Evil God are widespread across the coastal areas and islands of the Old Continent, and what was removed this time was the main force on the West Coast."

Shard was taken aback, realizing his thinking was not broad enough. Not only in Coldwater Port, perhaps in the Eastern coastal towns where Miss Gawder's family and Mia's owner were from, there were also merfolk.

"Second..."

The witch, with narrowed eyes, looked at Shard:

"The one who successfully resolved 'The Shadow Over Coldwater Harbor in 1853' was that Thirteen-Ring Sorcerer, the God Summoner."

Shard was shocked, his gaze shifting from the greasy roast meat on his plate. Downstairs, the piano was playing a melody reminiscent of turbulent waves, not unlike Shard's current mood:

"But the Church did ninety-nine percent of the work. Based on what I know, even without that God Summoner, the True God Church could have stopped the final tsunami."

"You're right, but who let that Thirteen-Ring Sorcerer suddenly burst out at the last moment? People don't watch the process, they only look at the outcome. It's as if the Church cooked a lavish meal, but the God Summoner rushed forward at the last moment to plate the food. Although the Church certainly won't mind this, the name 'God Summoner of Tobesk' will definitely become known to more people."

[In the summer of the year 1853 of the Common Era Calendar, Outlanders came to this world.]

"Again?"

Listening to the voice beside him, Shard was astonished but soon regained his composure. Enjoying the night breeze coming through the window, eating delicious food, listening to music, and conversing with a trustworthy and beautiful woman—aside from the absence of a cat, he could not imagine anything more pleasant at this moment.

[The shadow looming over the port dissipated, and as darkness departed, this great harbor city that symbolized the Steam Age, revitalized with a new lease on life. In this world, you have left a new imprint, as space-time and fate gradually tilt with your every step.]

Shard cocked his head toward the window. Beyond the window was the beach.

[You may be puzzled, you may still have doubts, but go on, Outlander. The story continues, and you will witness more legends.]

The witch suddenly laughed:

"Hamilton, I guess you don't want to appear at a public banquet, so would you like to see the Mermaids?"

She asked suddenly.

"What?"

"Mermaids, those beautiful creatures. They usually don't come to shallow waters; this time, they agreed to come to Coldwater Port because I requested their help in the name of the Aphrola family. They plan to rest for the whole night before departing back to their deep-sea habitat tomorrow. Do you want to see them? The Mermaid Girls are very enthusiastic about handsome human male Circle Sorcerers."

Her tone was slightly suggestive.

"I truly am a man; that need not be verified."

Shard said earnestly.

"I didn't say you weren't a man."

Hevy Aurora laughed and then saw Shard also begin to laugh.

"Unlike Galina, I don't care why you aren't affected by the Witch's Curse. I, for one, would not want more men like you. Having one exception like you, to prove that anything is possible in this world, is enough for me."

She paused, while Shard recalled Miss Galina's appraisal of this lady; indeed, this lady truly favored women.

"After all, not all men are as interesting as you."

She chuckled to herself, her laughter sharp in the quiet dining room. Shard didn't know what to say and simply reaffirmed that the Grand Witches indeed often had mental issues.

But the major event—the Shadow over Coldwater Port—truly ended, as the Month of Blossoms at the conclusion of the height of summer approached. The merfolk's century-long plans ultimately fell through, and Shard, at the cost of losing a Relic, gained another drop of Divinity once more.

If he didn't need to use the two drops of Divinity already within his soul, this meant he wouldn't have to search for new Divinity before reaching Four Rings.

"However."

She spoke again.

"If you want to prove you are male, you may freely choose any Maid here."

Her tone was very similar to that of Miss Galina.

Shard glanced at the maids around him, admitting he was tempted but still shook his head:

"That won't be appropriate."

"Why not? Do you lack desire?"

The witch asked curiously.

"No, it's just that I know exactly what I want."

Perhaps, in this matter, Shard's most significant gain wasn't Divinity, but a clear vision of his own desires.