Treatise Of A Failed Knight

I don't know what Spell was used to protect the Vey'lithar Sanctuary, but it doesn't work on me.

The way I see it, there are at least two series of Spells.

Maybe three.

One obscures this place from view, creating an illusion in its place.

The second one serves as a protective, sturdy wall that ensures nothing can get in. There could also be a third one that disorients the senses or prevents anyone from ever finding it.

I could be overthinking it, but there's also likely to be a fifth barrier to isolate the sounds, smell, and all manner of activities within the barrier from the outside world, preventing anyone from ever noticing that there are people living beyond the boundary.

I'm sure there are Anti-Divination Barriers in place, too.

How interesting…

If I weren't a Leviathan, finding this place would be impossible for sure.

Not unless I had a team of Shamans to analyze and break the Spells, powerful Diviners to somehow overcome the interference of Anti Divination, Druids that can secure the cooperation of the Magivores, and a lot of Knights that can face off against the excess Magivores who won't easily cooperate.

I would be looking for an army if I weren't a Leviathan.

It's no wonder Brad never found this place.

But I have.

And now… I will enter.

"Here goes nothing…" I take a deep breath and command the Obsidian Steed to advance.

One step.

Two.

After a few more, the brilliant membrane of the barrier washes over me, as if I just passed through a waterfall, and a whole new world fills my line of sight.

"A-ahh…!"

My exposed eye widens to its limits as I absorb the greatness of the landscape.

The overwhelming beauty surrounding me!

I thought the Hidden Mountain Grove was beautiful because of its special trees, but even the grass in this world shines with resplendent wonder—almost as though they are precious stones.

The sky is bright pink, and the world is filled with such a pleasant smell that it nearly causes me to faint from pleasure. The sweet odor makes my body feel light, and I tremble at the warmth that now permeates my inner being.

The moment I entered this secluded place, my Armament deactivated, turning back into a statue.

Naturally, I have returned it to my bosom.

I'm currently on my two feet, witnessing this greatness by myself.

"Beautiful…"

Small hills dot the landscape, and I see streams flowing peacefully in this place. A human-looking civilization exists a small distance from the entrance, but all manner of animals freely roam around without disturbances.

From Cadre 1 Magivore… to even Cadre 4!

Plant-type and Beast-type.

They exist in all shapes and sizes, lumbering around unperturbed.

My gaze rests on the large civilization, akin to a village the size of a city. Although it has a rather simplistic design, one that perfectly blends with nature, I estimate at least a hundred thousand people dwell in this place.

There are likely even more, considering the vastness of this land.

To think there was such a secluded place on this mountain.

Unbelievable!

'And why is the sky pink? The surroundings are also different from the outside world. This isn't a separate space, but it is just protected from everything else.'

Anyone who sees the boundary from the outside would think it were a part of the mountain.

No one would dream of trying to enter its thick walls.

Even if they tried, the barrier would not let them in, so it is actually a perfect cover.

'That must mean the true shape of this mountain is actually much different from what everyone believes it to be.' As I continuously have these thoughts, I notice some figures approach me, riding what appears to be wolves.

However, these wolves are massive, as big as houses.

Each of them… is Cadre 4!

Atop each wolf are several people, all of whom have hostile expressions on their faces.

I understand.

'I'm an intruder, so this is to be expected. Just to be safe, I have made sure my Fragmented Conception is switched to Tracing, so I can escape at any time.'

Once the approaching residents finally reach about a hundred feet from me, they stop.

Only then am I able to properly observe them and their steeds.

Let's start with the wolves.

I have never seen this type before—so massive, and filled with bright purple furs.

They have bright stars all over their bodies, and on their head are two horns, as though they were dragons. Their tails are especially massive, raised to resemble small trees.

Using my Aego Sight, I can easily detect their existence.

They are undoubtedly Cadre 4 Magivores.

Now, for the residents.

'These are…'

The creatures before me are slim and slender, with tall bodies that appear even more lustrous than the Fae'lkyn. Their beautiful eyes glow with all kinds of colors, and now that they are close by, the fragrant smell in the air grows more intensified.

Could it be that the sweet scent permeating this place is actually from these people?

I look at their soft and delicate skin, and the sweat rolling off them appears fresh, like sparkling water. The fragrance grows stronger, but also more alluring.

Before I realize it, my mouth begins to water.

What in the world is happening?

I shake my head, trying to focus. However, one look at their smooth, long hair, appearing so soft like foam or cotton, makes me feel mesmerized once again.

So this is the Vey'lithar Race!

"Look at him… disgusting Nowe'arn!" One of the several hundred people before me suddenly spits in disgust, but even their saliva feels precious.

Why?

I really can't explain it.

"To think just this one invaded the barrier. How did he do it?"

"Maybe he's the survivor? There could have been others, but our dear protectors must have stopped them!"

"Still, doesn't he look weak? Maybe…"

"No, something is off about him. Let's observe him for a moment before figuring out how to deal with him."

"You're right! Just look at how he's staring at us!"

"He's up to no good!"

I deeply sigh.

It's a little disappointing to be viewed in such a light, especially by people like these, whom I hold deep respect for. Even now, although they are loosely dressed, with the women only covering their chests and lower regions with soft fabric, I am not overcome by lust.

Instead, I hold admiration.

However, they surely misunderstand my fascination.

'I don't think they know that I understand them. It's a bit difficult to follow their speech, especially with their thick accent and whispering tone, but… I'm slowly getting the hang of it.'

Before the matter escalates, I finally make up my mind and raise my hand in surrender.

"I come in peace."

The moment I say this, the Vey'lithars stare at me, shell-shocked.

They must be surprised that I know their tongue, something that isn't common in these parts.

However, this shock quickly evolves into anger.

"How do you know our language? How dare your profane lips utter those words?!"

"Did you learn from one of us? A Slave, perhaps?"

"Are they still alive?"

"Why are you here? Be honest!"

"Where are the rest of you? Don't you dare lie to us!"

Once again, I sigh.

Although these people are tall and fierce, raising their voices in all kinds of threats, my heart remains calm. Not only do none of them hold any weapons, but it doesn't look like they have fought a single day in their lives.

Their clear olive skin shows a lack of hardship, and their hands have no calluses.

They must have lived extremely pampered lives.

I doubt they could even beat me in a fight, even if they tried their best.

Still, I remain respectful.

"I was taught by a friend, and he was taught by a wandering Vey'lithar. I mean you no harm and would prefer it if we have a civil discourse. I am also not with anyone; I came by myself."

The Vey'lithars glance at each other as I speak.

They have doubtful expressions on their faces, though it appears that their hostility has lessened.

"How can we trust your words?" One of them finally asks.

Well, this is a conundrum.

Although all I have said is the truth, it will be quite difficult getting them to trust me.

'It's not like I brought Vey'lithars, whom I rescued, else they would be able to vouch for me. Looks like this won't be as easy as the time with the Fae'lkyn.'

Right as I am thinking this, a sudden bright light appears in front of all the Vey'lithars, about fifty feet from me.

Then, a woman, radiant in appearance, suddenly emerges.

Her colorful clothes seem to be made of all kinds of feathers—perhaps leaves. The short skirt is barely a few inches from her waist, and her modest chest is also covered by the multicolored fabric of nature. Her accessories include bangles, earrings, and necklaces that have glistening colors of all kinds. Attached to her short blouse is a cape that floats behind, alongside her long pink hair—both of which nearly reach the soles of her feet.

Her slender body appears taller than the rest, about eight feet in height. Her eyes glow with a bright purple, and many tattoos on her arms share the same hue.

She appears like a goddess of myth.

Her sudden appearance causes the Vey'lithars to immediately fall silent.

Ease returns to their midst.

An expression of relief and trust is shared by all of them, and staring at the Vey'lithar before me, it is easy to guess her identity.

"You are… the Chief?" I ask after experiencing a few seconds of her scrutinizing gaze.

"We are all equal in this Sanctuary." She corrects me. "But I was privileged to be chosen as the guardian of our people."

"I… see."

I nod in agreement, realizing this arrangement is similar to Brad's Village.

"I—"

Before I can speak, she raises a hand to stop me.

"Say nothing more, Javier Aditi. I know who you are." She smiles, her purple eyes seemingly glowing brighter the more I stare.

They appear unfathomable, as though they can pierce the secrets of the world.

"You…!"

It was only a suspicion at first, and I was too flustered to confirm it before, but now… There is no doubt about it in my mind.

This woman is a Leviathan!

"You're cautious, I understand. The Direwolves my people brought are only meant to serve as precautions, which I'm sure you can understand."

"I do."

"They're rather tame and non-violent. I would also advise you not to try compelling them with your existence, since it would be taken the wrong way. I hope you can understand."

"I do." After saying this, I continue. "May I ask if you are—?"

Before I finish speaking, she nods.

"You are correct. I am a Witness, just like you. I belong to the Seeker Pathway. And you… are of the Leaper Pathway, are you not?"

I am a little stunned by her words, especially the latter.

"How did you know?"

She chuckles a little before responding. "Because I can see it clearly. If I try to attack you, you will use your Conception to vanish from here. Tracing… I presume?"

"Correct…" I nod.

I indeed have Tracing prepared at the moment, but why would she not suspect that I am a Harbinger? Could it be that she doesn't know that Harbingers exist? Or are they that rare?

But this isn't necessarily a bad thing.

I don't feel the need to correct her, especially since she is so sure.

More importantly—

"Have you been expecting me, erm—?"

"My name is Ciel, and yes… I have been expecting your arrival."

My body immediately shudders.

It was only a possibility before, but now I know it has to be true. A Seeker Leviathan who knows everything I can say or do before I do it, one who isn't restricted by my Leviathan status or the rigors of Divination to peer into the world and its affairs.

I understand now.

"You can see the future, can't you?" I awkwardly smile at the woman, no, Ciel.

She merely nods gently.

"Yes, Javier… as a Seeker, I can see the past, present, and future. I know who you are, why you are here, and the fact that you can be trusted."

After saying this, she turns to the Vey'lithars behind her and tells all of them to stand down.

"This Javier Aditi is not our enemy. Please welcome him properly."

They are all stunned to hear this.

"Really? He can be trusted?"

"It's confusing, but Ciel has never been wrong before."

"Okay. We trust you."

A few seconds later, the Vey'lithars start to smile warmly at me, almost as if their previous aggression was nothing more than a deceitful dream.

It takes me by surprise.

Then, Ciel turns back to me and laughs, her clean white teeth and bright purple eyes showing me nothing but beauty and trust.

"You are quite fortunate. You came just in time for our Festival of Whispers. This will be the first time an outsider will join us for such an event, but we don't mind your presence. What do you think about it?"

"Um, how long is it going to take?" I ask awkwardly, scratching my head. "I actually have limited time, you see…"

It would be rude to refuse such a rare opportunity.

But I also have to be conscious of time.

We'll be leaving this place in about four days, and I have to keep a close eye on the students to ensure nothing happens within that time.

"I know your concerns, and you don't have to worry too much about it." Ciel smiles at me, her gaze as gentle as it is seductive. "It's only for three nights, and I also believe there are things you would like to learn during this period."

"That's true…" I mumble in response, catching the twinkle in her precious eyes.

Ciel steps closer, grabbing my hand with her soft grip.

A carefree giggle bursts out.

I smile.

She laughs.

The Vey'lithars cheer.

Amidst the joyous sounds, almost musical to my ears, Ciel's voice echoes deeply within my mind.

"So come with me, Javier. We have quite a few things to discuss."