Chapter 444: Human Nature

Chapter 444: Human Nature

The parchment scroll Sein received was a magic map.

When Sein touched the parchment with his elemental power, it emitted a faint glow.

Baron Sneller probably did not find the map useful.

House Sneller had been entrenched in Geyzes City on Thousand Leaf Coral Island for over a millennium and was extremely familiar with the area surrounding it.

There was no way they would consider using this map and fleeing north, where the future was uncertain.

Nevertheless, the map was treasured by House Sneller. Only Baron Sneller and his eldest son were privy to its existence.

Examining the map, Sein realized that it detailed the southern region of Blackhaven.

Although crudely made, the map was rich in detail. On it, Sein found two specific markers.

One of them was likely his next destination, and his seniors—Zorro, and Faye—were probably there.

According to the map, the area where Zorro and the others resided appeared to be quite near Thousand Leaf Coral Island, situated on the southern edge of Blackhaven. Just a bit further south lay the border with the central Western Archipelago.

Of course, the “quite near” in this context applied only to Rank One mages like Sein, capable of flight.

For those below Rank One, it would mean a daunting voyage across the ocean and at least three islands.

No wonder Baron Sneller had scarcely contemplated traveling to Blackhaven to seek assistance from Zorro and the others.

With the magic map in his possession, Sein had pretty much achieved his objective at House Sneller.

Before departing, he decided to reconfirm Baron Sneller’s identity and the map's authenticity through soul magic, just in case.

While Baron Sneller was distracted, Sein placed his hand on his shoulder.

The baron’s almond-yellow bloodshot eyes involuntarily rolled upward.

A frame with a blurry, grayish-white image swiftly materialized before Sein.

The scene captured a moment from thirty years earlier, featuring a young Baron Sneller at twenty, who had only inherited his title two years prior.

This revelation also included the fact that Baron Sneller had harbored feelings for Faye, which only deepened Sein’s disfavor towards the middle-aged man.

After departing from Baron Sneller’s residence, Sein traveled to a mountain pass northeast of Geyzes City, where a well-built manor stood.

Behind the manor lay House Sneller's cemetery.

Carefully retrieving an urn from his space bangle, Sein solemnly dug into the soil and placed it within.

Throughout the process, he refrained from using magic and did not call on Yuri and Sev for assistance.

Only after completing the task, Sein stood and bowed respectfully toward the modest, unadorned mound.

He had not erected a monument or added any decorations for Master Morsidor—knowing well that his late mentor would have preferred it this way.

After burying the ashes, Sein felt a significant weight lift from his heart. His mood lightened considerably, and his mental focus surged by a few points.

Sein did not consult his crystal ball to determine the exact increase, but he sensed it was substantial—comparable to what several months of diligent training might have achieved.

“Master, where are we headed next?” Yuri asked, stepping forward.

Dusting his hands, Sein looked toward the distant horizon and replied, “North. We’re heading north next.”

Upon hearing this, Yuri took a step backward respectfully, standing behind Sein like she was his loyal guardian with unwavering devotion.

Yuri’s demeanor reminded Sein of Baron Sneller back in Geyzes City.

A person’s heart was truly a wondrous thing.

Offering kindness did not always lead to gratitude; sometimes, it bred resentment and grudges instead.

Conversely, harshness might not result in hatred but might foster affection and loyalty—such was the perplexing nature of relationships.

This realization prompted a deeper understanding of soul magic in Sein.

Certain passages in Mirage’s Almanac of Souls that had once eluded him now began to make sense.

“Come on, let’s head north,” he said, patting Yuri’s head as she gave him a happy smile.