Chapter 140

Chapter 140

The jewel of that necklace serves as a milestone for the Oracle.

A milestone?

Yes. It breaks and shatters, awakening the realization that this is not a prophecy, but reality.

The Holy Emperor did not deny being the Oracle and even went so far as to provide Seongjin with quite detailed explanations.

It was an unusual sight to behold.

However, the fact that it remains in shape despite being broken suggests that its purpose has not yet been fully served. Its coming into your possession is likely no coincidence.

That means

Seongjin paused for a moment before asking.

Does that mean I am to be the next Oracle?

The milestone of the Oracle must hold its meaning when in the hands of an Oracle.

The Holy Emperor gazed silently at Seongjins face for a moment before nodding.

Yes. You must have heard it from him as well. That is indeed the case.

It seemed surprisingly straightforward for him.

Perhaps it was because Seongjin had already received a fair amount of information from Sigurd Sigurdson.

But to think that the reckless Morres could really be an Oracle?

How could a so-called prophet live such a reckless life without a care for the future?

As you said, the storyteller of dimensions told me I am to be the next Oracle. But

Seongjin hesitated before continuing.

As you know, I am different from who I was before the fever. I dont possess abilities like foresight.

I am not your real son. So, Im probably not the Oracle.

But why would you, who know this best, entrust me with this jewel?

Do you know this, Morres?

The Holy Emperor looked at Seongjin with a deeper gaze.

The Cornsheim clan possesses the eyes to see the truth. Many of them have the ability to foresee the future. Even if its not a distinct foresight ability, they possess a kind of intuition to somewhat predict the future.

In fact, it wouldnt be an exaggeration to say that the entire clan possesses the qualities of a prophet.

The entire clan as prophets? Then why is the Oracle so special among them?

Why could Morres, without any distinct foresight ability, surpass them to become the next Oracle?

The most important quality for an Oracle is not foresight.

Seongjin blinked in surprise at this unexpected statement.

Not foresight?

Yes. An Oracle is not one who sees the future, but one who lives through it. The path he contemplates and treads becomes the future he chooses.

It seems understandable, yet not quite.

Doesnt one need to foresee the future to make proper choices and live accordingly?

Then the Holy Emperor interlocked his fingers, appearing to organize his thoughts, before posing a question.

Lets take an example. Youve met him recently, right? Livga, the leader of the Arenja.

If hes referring to the time Seongjin was possessed by Commander Bruno.

Yes, thats correct.

Yes. He is quite adept at foresight. Apart from the occasional unnecessary actions, he can be considered quite capable.

Ah, so it seems.

Livga was cautious about being discovered by the Holy Emperor, but it turns out the Holy Emperor knew all along.

So, how was it? Did his words seem helpful to you?

Hmm

If asked whether it was helpful, well, perhaps not so much?

Livga informed Seongjin that two of the missing people he was looking for were detained by the Milo trade association. He also advised meeting the Saintess before confronting Riccardo.

Wait a minute.

What was the information he provided again? Seongjin did instruct Dasha to keep an eye on them, but it wasnt information urgent enough to act upon immediately.

And what about his advice? Seongjin had ignored it, finding it bothersome, but then the Saintess unexpectedly sought him out without it being planned!

So, it really was utterly useless, wasnt it?

Can you believe that he accumulated such battle honors in just a few days? Hes an excellent warrior! No matter how strong the enemy, he never backs down!

True to those words, Owens unyielding eyes were steadily fixed on the fierce-looking Varsha warrior who had just stepped into the arena.

And then, the resounding cry echoed once more.

I want to go hooome!

With a powerful throw, the previous years wrestling champion was spectacularly slammed to the ground.

Boom!

Woaaaaah!

The cheers pouring out solely for him vigorously shook the cool air of the beach.

+++

[Special Quest Achieve more than 5 victories in the beach wrestling tournament! (Completed)]

[Quest Grade: B+]

[Summary: You have effectively impressed your toughness upon all members of the Volanta tribe. This has earned you the favor of the aggressive youths and some of the stubborn elders. This minor achievement will serve as a foundation for further solidifying alliances with the Volanta. Your record of complete victories beyond 5 wins is commendable. If not for the somewhat lacking battle cry, you would undoubtedly have received a higher completion grade, perhaps by two levels. As a token of this slight regret, a bonus cash reward is provided.]

+++

Receiving a bonus was rare enough, but a mere 20 cash seemed rather stingy.

Owen pursed his lips at the thought, but he dared not voice his opinion. After all, there had been instances where the system, seemingly taking offense, had reduced rewards by up to 50%.

[Main Stream 2 (Progress 19%)]

Nonetheless, this quest had significantly increased the overall progress.

As Owen wiped the sweat off his brow and sighed, his friend Chikundanka[1] approached him.

You were truly magnificent today, Owen.

Well, its all thanks to you for properly teaching me the wrestling techniques beforehand.

Owen replied with a broad smile.

As he turned towards Chikundanka, the sole crimson jewel hanging around his neck, exposed due to his wrestling attire, sparkled and shone brightly.

Chikundankas eyes lit up with interest at the sight.

Is that stone some kind of talisman protecting you? You always wear it.

Ah, this?

Owen lifted the necklace to show it off, grinning.

Pretty cool, isnt it? I heard it was a gift from my godfather on the day I was born.

The chieftain of Delcross? Then it must indeed be no ordinary item. It makes sense that you always carry it.

Chikundanka nodded in understanding.

But Im curious about something. Whats that chant you always shout?

Haha.

Owen laughed awkwardly, scratching his cheek.

That? Its the Delcross victory chant. Quite magical, really.

Yes. At least for Owen, it was an invincible battle cry.

He was getting so homesick for the Holy Emperor and his siblings that he was even starting to miss that reckless Morres.

Looks like all the warriors are already gathered. Since weve caught the chieftains black sheep today, you should rest up and join the feast soon.

Chikundanka patted his shoulder and turned away.

After waving back lightly, Owen checked the small window that persisted in his right field of vision with a slightly gloomy face.

[Main Stream 1 Defend the Southern Front! (Completed)]

[Main Stream 2 Form an Alliance with the Volanta Tribe! (Progress 19%)]

Truth be told, regardless of quest achievements, Owen really wanted to return to Delcross.

But here lay the cruelty of the system. It subtly revealed subsequent quests that Owen couldnt ignore.

[Main Stream 3 Rescue the Holy !]

[Main Stream 4 Rescue the Holy !]

[Main Stream 5 Defeat the !]

Owen wasnt a fool; he knew what those blanks impliedeither the Holy Emperor or the Saintess.

And it was unlikely that a quest to rescue the same person would appear twice.

In other words, the more Owen delayed, the greater the risk to both the Holy Emperor and the Saintess. How could he possibly return to Delcross with peace of mind under these circumstances!

Damn it! I miss Sisle! I miss the kids! I miss Father!

Under the star-filled beach sky, poised to spill over, the mournful cry of a young man unable to return echoed long and far.

FootnotesFirst mentioned in Chapter 120[]