The Academy’s Barbarian Chapter 92

(5)

9.

Immediately after the source of the Frost Demon Dragon was shattered.

The flying dragons that filled the sky all fell to the ground. As if I lost my wings out of nowhere.

That’s not all.

All of the fallen dragons, without exception, turned into ashes and scattered around.

And this moment.

The Frost Demon Dragon also met the same end as his relatives. The gigantic body turned to ash, and all nine eyes lost their light.

Saaaaa!

Fragments of the Frost Demon Dragon falling like snow.

Facing a landscape that turned the whole world gray, Ulan fell backwards.

“Whoa.”

A soft breath flowing from the lungs.

Immediately, an immense pain struck my body.

The pain of your whole body being torn apart as your bones and flesh break apart. It was the price of using much more power than was originally given.

However, it didn’t scream unsightly.

Because it wasn’t the first time I experienced pain.

Ulan had already experienced the same pain in his past life. In the final battle of his life, against the giant king Largtan.

But one thing.

There is something different from then.

‘… … live.’

When the battle ended at that time.

Ulan realized that he was dying. His heart gradually slowed down and his entire body’s strength disappeared as quickly as smoke.

But it’s different now.

‘I survived.’

I came to the border of death, but did not cross the threshold. The proof was the violently pounding heart, clear consciousness, and remaining strength.

On the other hand, the opponent, the Frost Demon Dragon, met a certain end. Without even leaving a will, he turned to ash and disappeared.

‘I won.’

The moment when victory was certain.

Even as the pain assaulted his entire body, Ulan grinned. It was a smile full of accomplishment.

At that time, I suddenly felt a familiar presence.

[Grrr.]

It was none other than a white wolf.

The guy who got right in front of Ulan suddenly spit out something he had in his mouth.

“that… … .”

The only trace left behind by the Frost Demon Dragon.

It is the broken source.

Although it was split in half, a significant amount of magical power remained at the source. The moment Ulan recognized this, he understood what White Lang’s intentions were.

“Are you telling me to eat it?”

[purr!]

The white wolf nods its head.

It’s surprising. I would never have thought that a guy who is usually crazy about magical powers would give up the source of the demon dragon.

Ulan chuckled.

“i get it. “I will eat it.”

The heart of the prey belongs to the hunter.

It was as cold and hard as ice, but not so bad that it couldn’t be eaten. Since he was also hungry, Ulan chewed the root without hesitation.

Tsk tsk tsk! Munch!

A meal with no quality whatsoever.

Suddenly, Ulan furrowed his brows.

“… … “It’s so tasteless.”

Of all the things I’ve ever eaten.

It is so tasteless that it is by far the worst.

But taste isn’t important. What is more important than that is the enormous amount of magic power dissolved in the source.

gulp!

Eventually, after swallowing its source.

Ulan closed his eyes. It was to convert the magical energy that entered her body into his own.

‘The magic power of the abyss.’

As the Lord of the Abyss, the Frost Demon Dragon possesses pure abyssal magic.

A magical power that causes fear and despair simply by coming into contact with it. So wizards stayed away from the magic power of the abyss itself.

Ulan, on the other hand, had different thoughts.

‘Magic power is all the same.’

Just absorb and digest it well and that’s it.

Fear and despair?

Having eliminated the Lord of the Abyss, there was no need for him to be afraid of magical power. Therefore, Ulan digested the magic power of the abyss at a rapid rate.

Some time after that.

After all magical energy has been absorbed.

Ulan widened his eyes.

“Amazing.”

Just by consuming the source of the Frost Demon Dragon, the number of completed spirits increased by two.

Before the battle started, it was only 1 star, but now it has reached 3 stars. The proof is that we have a completed spirit set.

‘It’s already 3 stars.’

In my last life, I chewed the hearts of thousands of demon beasts and servants, and managed to create three spirits in my late thirties.

I never thought I could reach 3 stars with just the source.

After all, the monarch seems to be a monarch.

Ulan smiled contentedly.

Then.

“Ulan!”

I saw people running from afar.

Seorik, Noah, and Delia.

Ulan sat up as he saw the three men and women approaching. To announce the subjugation of the Frost Demon Dragon and to greet the three.

10.

Meanwhile, around that time.

The moment when Ulan completely destroyed the source of the Frost Demon Dragon, and thus all the drakes hovering in the sky fell to the ground.

Noah opened his eyes wide.

“… … !”

A drake that turns to ash and crumbles.

Seorik, who was dealing with the drake, was quite embarrassed, but it was a familiar sight to Noah.

This form of death meant only one thing she knew.

‘When the monarch meets his end.’

Subjects are beings born by receiving power, life, and authority from the monarch.

Therefore, when a monarch dies, all his subordinates also face the same death. This was the sorrow and fate given to the family.

‘Well, that means… … !’

It means that the lord of the drakes has died.

Noah’s eyes shook violently. She looked towards where Ulan had headed. Noah’s eyes then became much larger than before.

Saaaaa!

Gray powder scattering like snow.

At the same time, the frozen magical power also regained its original flow. Noah realized what this meant and muttered with a blank face.

“Really, I knocked it out… … ?”

The Lord of the Abyss, all by himself?

Without even getting help from any hero?

Does this make sense? Noah felt goosebumps rising all over her body.

Nonsense result.

This is because I was thrilled by Ulan’s achievements.

But the surprises are not over yet.

【Hidden achievement achieved.】

【Hidden achievement achieved.】

A message suddenly appeared before my eyes.

This, visible only to Noah, is the system notification from the original .

“… … ?!”

Noah was shocked when he saw this.

It was worth it.

Because the last time she encountered a system notification was about eight years ago, right after entering the game.

A system notification that appeared for the first time in 8 years.

What was more surprising than that was the content.

【Achievement】: Dragon Slayer

【Conditions】: Subjugation of the Frost Demon Dragon ‘Glesia’

【Reward】: Elixir

Noah’s eyes widened again.

The elixir of all-purpose, elixir.

Of all the consumables that exist in the original work, this potion is by far the best.

There is only one reason.

This is because when taken, an attribute, or one of the characteristics, increases to twice its maximum value.

Even permanently.

‘but… … .’

I have a bit of a tendency to get mixed up.

Because you don’t know what characteristics or characteristics will increase until you drink the elixir. In other words, it meant that random elements were included.

Plus one more thing.

There is a ‘penalty’ for each feature.

‘If you’re really unlucky, the penalty can be doubled.’

There are actually examples.

After many twists and turns, I received the elixir and took it, and I saw a post saying that the penalty doubled.

It’s truly a double-edged sword.

However, even taking this into consideration, most people take elixir when they get it. Because it is worth taking that risk.

That’s when I finished my thoughts.

The following notification appeared:

【Achievement】: Those who defy the abyss

【Conditions】: Defeat one Lord of the Abyss before the time of destruction arrives and the gates of the Abyss open.

【Reward】: The Eighth Trial of the Hero

‘It’s a really tough condition.’

It’s not just tricky, it’s ridiculous.

It’s almost impossible to encounter the Lord of the Abyss before the Abyss Gate opens, so you want to go one step ahead and subdue the Lord?

This is a ridiculous condition that cannot be achieved even with stagnant water and even rotten water.

Noah looked astonished.

However, as ridiculous as the conditions were, the compensation was so good that its origins cannot be traced back.

The proof is that her face has hardened.

‘… … The Eighth Trial of the Hero.’

In the original , there are seven fixed heroes: swordsman, witch, berserker, sniper, paladin, saint, and bard.

Occasionally, due to the death threshold, there may be six, five, or even fewer, but it has never increased beyond seven.

But one more hero is added?

Something that never happened in the original.

‘But it’s not bad.’

Rather good.

If the number of warriors increased to eight, it meant that progress would become easier.

‘Maybe me too… … .’

Maybe I can become a hero.

Noah Darshen is also a named character.

A moment when my expectations for some reason soared.

Her eyes turned round.

This is because I saw Ulan, who had defeated the Frost Demon Dragon, stumble and fall on his seat.

“Uh, Ulan?!”

After seeing this scene.

Noah, Delia, and Seorik ran towards Ulan without even thinking about who would go first.

Some time after that.

The moment they arrived at the battlefield where the battle was over, Noah and Delia’s faces turned pale at the same time.

Ulan’s body covered in blood.

To the extent that it is truly appropriate to say that he is a complete wreck. Meanwhile, Ulan, who saw the expressions on the two’s faces, said as if she was no big deal.

“I’m fine.”

“It’s okay, it’s okay!”

I was hurt so badly.

It is difficult to find a safe place.

Delia shouted with a face that looked like she was about to burst into tears. Seeing her like that, Ulan smiled and responded.

“Because I didn’t die this time.”

An honest answer filled with sincerity.

The answer that it was okay was also true.

Although his body was in ruins, his mind was very clear and clear. Thanks to absorbing the source of the Frost Demon Dragon, my strength overflowed.

Meanwhile, transparent dew flowed from Delia’s eyes. Worry about Ulan and relief that he was safe flowed out in the form of tears.

After a while, Delia buried her face in Ulan’s chest and sobbed.

“… … “Don’t ever do that again.”

Just before, he was charging alone.

Delia’s heart sank.

It was worth it. Ulan’s actions at the time seemed as if he was using himself as bait to buy himself time to escape.

“Without Ulan, I… … .”

I couldn’t even finish talking.

Perhaps because she shed tears, her voice became muffled and no longer came out. Then, Ulan’s large hand patted her head as if stroking it.

“i get it. “Keep that in mind.”

A voice as solid as a rock.

When I heard the usual tone of voice, a sense of relief came over me. So he nodded his head wordlessly.

Meanwhile, around that time.

Suddenly a strange sound was heard.

“The chasm of the abyss… … !”

The wide gap gradually closed.

This is a phenomenon that occurs when the magic power that maintains the gap is depleted. It means the battle is now over. Noah breathed a silent sigh of relief.

But then.

Seoric, looking into the abyss, suddenly opened his eyes wide. That’s not all. The hand holding his sword also trembled.

As if I had seen something scary.

Noah asked curiously.

“Lord Theorik?”

“… … “Don’t look.”

“yes? What does that mean… … .”

“You must never look in there!”

A cry let out as if squeezed out.

Despite the strong warning, Noah looked beyond the chasm of the abyss. It would be correct to say that he had already looked away before his warning sounded.

However, there was nothing to see.

Beyond the chasm of the abyss, everything was filled with pitch-black darkness. What on earth are you seeing? Noah tilted his head.

And at that moment, the reason why Seorik told us not to look into the abyss was revealed.

【Noah Darshen.】

A voice heard from beyond the chasm of the abyss.

The moment I heard the dark, heavy, and gloomy voice, goosebumps appeared all over my body.

Even though I only heard the voice, a more intense fear crept into me than when I saw the pure magic of the abyss.

【Stranger, Yumin.】

The second message I heard.

Noah opened his eyes wide.

This is because the real name, which has not been revealed to anyone since entering the game, is mentioned.

【A person who lives on the border of two worlds.】

【A being loved by Mana.】

【I remembered your existence.】

The voice of the abyss continues again and again.

Soon a dire warning was heard.

【One day, the door will open.】

【I will come find you.】

The color drained from Noah’s face. Because it was a warning scarier than any warning she had ever heard.

Abyss spoke once again.

【Wherever you run, wherever you hide】

【Even if you run away to another world】

【You will never-.】

【You will not be able to escape the abyss.】

And that moment.

Countless eyes flashed.

The bottom of the distant darkness. The five monarchs and their dependents who dwell in the abyss of the bottomless pit.

The moment our eyes met.

“―――!”

I felt like my heart was stopping and I couldn’t breathe. I felt like I was a tiny ant facing a huge beast.

I wanted to look away, but I couldn’t.

Because I was overwhelmed by the abyss and couldn’t move my body. Just before I lost my mind due to the pressure that was weighing down my very existence.

“Noah?”

Ulan’s voice was heard.

He got up from his seat and came towards Noah, who was very stiff.

“What are you doing standing still?”

Footsteps sound getting closer and closer.

Noah tried to yell at them not to come.

You should never look into the abyss.

‘but… … .’

No voice came out.

Meanwhile, Ulan had already arrived nearby.

Then, just like Noah did, he turned his gaze towards the other side of the abyss.

And that moment.

【Ulaanbaatar.】

Abyss spoke to me.

A much more gloomy and creepy voice than I heard first. Perhaps because he was next to Ulan, Noah could hear it clearly.

【A person who has overcome trials.】

【Successor of Kazan Rudrik.】

【The subjugator of Glesia.】

Just by making eye contact.

The abyss delved into the essence of Ulan.

【One day, the door will open.】

【When two worlds merge into one.】

【I will come to you first.】

What followed was a frightening warning.

Just like you did with Noah.

Facing this, Ulan just stood there and stared into the abyss.

‘No matter how Ulan… … .’

Nothing can be done before the essence of the abyss and the sight of the five monarchs.

Noah thought so.

But it didn’t take long to realize that it was an illusion.

“The sea I longed for—!”

A cry that resonates throughout the battlefield.

Noah and Seorik’s bodies flinched.

Thanks to the loud voice like a shout, I was finally able to escape the intimidation that the abyss brought.

At the same time, Noah turned his head.

It was because I was afraid of making eye contact with the abyss again. Seorik also had a similar reaction.

On the other hand, Ulan was different.

“I am! It’s here—!”

While pounding my chest with my fist.

He still stared into the abyss.

“You can’t run away!” “I have no intention of hiding!”

It’s an eerie gaze just to meet you.

Despite the overwhelming presence and countless malice emanating from the Lords of the Abyss, Ulan was not intimidated in the slightest.

“So feel free to come.”

Rather, he took a long step forward.

Then, holding on to the increasingly narrowing gap with both hands, he pushed his face towards the other side of the abyss.

“One day, when the door opens, I will split your heads off before anyone else!”

Staring into countless eyes.

Ulan roared with murderous intent.

“Everything, nothing left!”

A powerful voice that shakes the abyss.

It is a shout of proof and a roar of warning from someone who has already defeated a monarch.

And in the distant future.

Sending them to hell that will color the world.

It was a declaration of war by the barbarians.

interlude. signs of change

interlude. signs of change

One.

Immediately after arriving at the Fountain of Magic.

Deflin could not contain his excitement.

This is because I witnessed shadow-shaped monsters pouring out at the entrance to Area 2.

These guys are called monsters.

The fact that it appeared was the same as saying that the abyss had opened normally.

‘What kind of guy came out?’

There may indeed be a possibility that a descendant of the abyss has emerged. So, with a face full of anticipation, I quickened my steps.

Finally, we arrived at the entrance to Area 2.

Suddenly her steps stopped.

‘what? Magical power… … .’

Diphlin cannot see magic with his eyes.

However, since he had reached the level of an archmage, he recognized that the flow of magical power had solidified.

In other words, magic cannot be used in front of this area.

‘It will be difficult to go further.’

Deflin’s eyes narrowed.

Because there is no wizard in this world who would set foot there, knowing that it is an area where magic cannot be activated.

So, instead of entering the second area, I stood still and used magic. After a while, two spheres emitting light emerged.

『Eyes of the Watcher』

The magic of being able to see distant scenery.

Some time after that.

The scene taking place inside Area 2 was clearly captured in Diphlin’s eyes.

‘Well, that…’ … !’

Purple eyes that have become large.

A look of surprise was evident on her face.

It was worth it.

What came through the observer’s eyes was a scene where the sky was filled with monsters that had never been seen before.

When I looked at this blankly.

Suddenly, I saw a person fighting monsters.

It was Marquis Seoric al-Ghorfant, one of the five masters of the empire.

‘I wondered where he went… … .’

I never thought there would be a fight here.

She observed the battle with interest.

However, for a moment, his violet eyes became wide again at the scenery beyond Seorik.

“… … !”

A dragon as large as a mountain.

This is because they discovered a monster with nine eyes that exudes intimidation just by its presence.

Immediately after seeing it.

Deflin trembled.

‘No way, the Lord of the Abyss… … ?’

It wasn’t an excessive guess.

As for the energy and intimidation that made me, an archmage, feel intimidated for an instant, there was nothing that came to mind other than the Lord of the Abyss.

Then.

Aside from the dragon, there was one more thing that caught her eye.

‘Wait a minute, that’s… … .’

A shirtless man swinging an axe.

As far as Difflin knows, there is only one other person at the Academy dressed like that.

‘Ulaanbaatar.’

A monster who became a master at a young age.

Moreover, he possesses two magical vessels and possesses a very strange body.

However, the moment he discovered Ulan, Diphlin’s eyes were covered with sad emotions.

‘Why did you do such a reckless thing?’

If that dragon is the true Lord of the Abyss, then Ulan’s actions are truly suicidal.

From what I heard from the Abyss worshipers, it was said that a monarch is enough to destroy an empire with his mere presence.

‘I haven’t even done proper research yet.’

Difflin regained his appetite with a disappointed face.

This is because they were certain of Ulan’s defeat.

But as time passed, the situation changed drastically.

‘what?’

A dragon suddenly runs away from Ulan.

Then, a pack of wolves appeared out of nowhere and blocked the dragon’s path, and Ulan took advantage of this and got right in front of the dragon.

An onslaught poured out at the same time.

It was the final blow that put an end to a long battle. Soon, cracks appeared all over the dragon’s body, exploding in all directions as if exploding.

And the result.

Countless ash covered the battlefield.

The dragon suddenly disappeared, and what was left in its place was Ulan, covered in blood.

At this, Deflin looked blank.

This is because it was an unexpected result.

But for a moment, she nodded, indicating that she had realized something.

‘It seems he wasn’t a monarch.’

If the dragon’s true identity was the Lord of the Abyss, Ulan would have no choice but to be defeated.

No matter how much of a master he is, it would be impossible for him to defeat the monarch on his own.

So what was the dragon’s identity?

‘He was probably a member of the Abyss.’

A descendant of the Abyss Lord.

Diphlin judged the identity of the Frost Demon Dragon defeated by Ulan to be a simple servant.

Some time after that.

The flow of magic power in Area 2, which had hardened considerably, returned to its original state. Recognizing this, Deflin closed his eyes and opened his mouth.

“Special task force, enter Area 2.”

“yes! All right.”

Special task force agents rushing in.

Deflin also walked along.

A little later, when the rescue operation was completed.

She remained alone in Area 2.

In the name of investigating what happened here and the general situation. Of course, the real purpose was completely different.

While walking on the floor covered in ash.

Deflin meticulously observed the area around where the abyss had opened. Afterwards, he took advantage of a moment when no one was around and put the frost demon dragon’s ashes into a bag.

‘It’s a bit different from the original purpose… … .’

Deflin’s purpose is to measure how long the gap in the abyss lasts. And securing the abyss creatures were these two things.

Although this was not achieved, Deflin looked satisfied. Because he achieved more meaningful results than that.

‘The fact that powerful enough descendants of the Abyss can emerge not from a door, but from a gap.’

This was quite an achievement.

틈에서도 권속이 나올 수 있다면 굳이 문이 열릴 때까지 기다릴 필요 없이, 계속해서 심연의 틈만 열어젖히면 될 일이니까.

‘또 권속의 잿가루도 손에 넣었고.’

물론 힘은 모두 사라졌지만, 잿가루에서는 강력한 사념이 느껴졌다. 잘만 활용하면 재미난 실험체를 만들 수 있으리라.

뜻밖의 소득을 끝으로.

디플린은 마력의 샘을 떠났다.

이후 학장실로 돌아온 그녀는, 벽면 너머에 있는 연구실로 향했다. 서리 마룡의 잿가루를 보관할 상자를 찾기 위해서였다.

그런데 그때.

“으응?”

묘한 위화감이 들었다.

마치 누군가가 연구실에 들어왔던 것 같은 느낌. 물론 그런 느낌만 들뿐, 실제로 침입자가 들어온 흔적은 없었지만.

그냥 기분 탓인가?

그리 생각하고 넘기려던 찰나.

“어?”

문득 시선을 사로잡은 게 보였다.

연구실 구석에 놓아둔 금고. 굳게 닫혀 있어야 할 그곳이 활짝 열려 있던 것.

이 광경을 본 찰나.

“……!?”

그녀는 가슴이 철렁 내려앉는 기분을 느끼며 황급히 금고 안을 확인했다.

안에 보관하고 있던 건, 스무 개가 넘는 최상급 마력석. 다행히 마력석의 숫자는 변함없었지만, 그녀의 안색은 새하얗게 탈색됐다.

왜냐면 모든 마력석에는 단 한 줌의 마력조차 남지 않은 상태였기에.

이를 확인한 순간.

“―――!”

찢어질 듯한 비명을 끝으로.

디플린은 그대로 정신을 잃었다.

2.

한편 전투가 끝난 뒤.

울란은 종합 병동으로 후송됐다.

서리 마룡과의 전투 도중 발생한 상처를 치료하기 위해서였다. 또 딜리아 역시, 마력 고갈로 인해 함께 입원했다.

그로부터 얼마 후.

각종 검사와 치료가 끝나고 저녁 무렵이 되자, 온몸을 뒤덮었던 고통이 차츰 사라졌다.

단순히 통증만 사라진 게 아니다. 크고 작은 상처도 사실상 완벽하게 아물었으니.

“거의 다 회복됐군.”

체력도, 힘도 원래대로 돌아왔다.

전투가 끝나고 한나절 만에 일어난 일.

평범하지 않은 회복력의 정체는 모두 울란의 등에 새겨진 영웅의 각인 덕분이다.

‘영웅의 각인, 카잔.’

이를 떠올린 순간.

불현듯 뇌리를 스치는 기억이 있었다.

바로 심연 너머에서 들었던 목소리. 울란은 눈매를 가늘게 좁히며 중얼거렸다.

“……카잔 루드릭의 계승자.”

심연은 분명 그리 말했다.

그리고 여기서 말한 카잔이란, 울란의 등에 새겨진 각인의 이름과 일치한다.

이건 절대 우연이 아니리라.

그렇다면 카잔 루드릭이라는 건, 대체 뭐 하는 녀석일까? 설마 일곱 용사 이외에도 심연과 맞선 용사가 있었던 걸까?

다양한 의문이 샘솟았다.

그러나 혼자 고민해도 답을 찾을 순 없었기에, 울란은 금세 모든 잡념을 털어냈다.

대신 이곳에 오기 전의 일을 떠올렸다.

‘심연의 틈이 닫힌 뒤.’

디플린과 특무대가 제2구역에 도착했다.

이후 간단한 상황 정리를 마친 뒤, 디플린은 조사를 위해 남았고, 울란 일행은 특무대의 호위를 받으며 마력의 샘을 떠났다.

‘그리고 세오릭은…….’

제2구역에서 발생한 일을 군부에 보고하겠다며 아카데미를 떠났다. 심연이란 게 전설이 아닌, 실재하고 있다는 걸 알리기 위해서.

‘지난 삶에선 일어나지 않았던 일이다.’

인류가 심연이 실재한다는 걸 인지하게 된 것은, 심연의 문이 열린 이후였으니.

반면 이번에는 문이 열리기도 전에, 심연이 실재한다는 걸 알게 됐다.

‘만약 이 사실이 대륙에 퍼진다면…….’

지난 삶보다는 훨씬 나은 결과가 나오리라.

인류를 위협하는 적의 존재를, 무려 20년이나 일찍 알게 된 셈이니.

‘다만 이것만으로는 부족해.’

단순히 군사력을 끌어올리는 것만으로는 안 된다. 심연의 침공을 완벽히 막으려면, 심연의 군주들을 모두 없애야만 하니까.

그리고 놈들을 없애려면, 시련을 통과한 용사 일곱 명이 필요하다. 여기까지 떠올린 직후, 울란은 두 눈을 매섭게 번뜩였다.

‘동료들을 모아야만 한다.’

이곳에 없는 네 명의 용사들.

성기사와 성녀, 저격수, 음유시인. 그중에서도 성녀와 성기사는 무조건 필요했다.

왜냐면 남은 군주 중에선 물리 공격이 전혀 통하지 않는 녀석이 존재했기에.

‘망령 기사단.’

아흔아홉의 망령 기사로 구성된 놈들은, 전체가 하나이며 곧 하나가 전체인 괴물들.

나아가 오로지 신성력에만 타격을 받는다는 특징이 있다. 그러니 놈을 상대하기 위해선, 성녀와 성기사가 무조건 있어야만 했다.

‘다만 문제는…….’

둘을 어떻게 이곳에 부르느냐다.

지난 삶이라면 모를까, 현재 울란은 둘과 전혀 안면이 없는 상태. 부르고 싶다고 해도 부를 수가 없다는 뜻이다.

그래서 다시금 고민에 빠지던 찰나.

돌연 병실 문이 벌컥 열렸다.

“울란!”

덩달아 들려온 익숙한 음성.

반사적으로 고개를 돌리자, 목소리만큼이나 낯익은 얼굴이 보였다. 옅은 금발과 청록색 눈동자의 소녀, 바로 이벨라였다.

곧이어 울란과 눈이 마주친 그녀는 소스라치게 놀란 얼굴로 소리쳤다.

“대, 대체 얼마나 다친 거야?!”

그야 놀랄 만도 하리라.

지금 울란은 얼굴과 목, 팔과 상체를 비롯한 온몸에 붕대를 칭칭 감은 상태였으니.

안절부절못하며 발을 동동 굴리는 이벨라의 모습에, 울란은 대수롭지 않은 듯 말했다.

“걱정하지 마라. 이제 괜찮다.”

“괜찮기는 뭐가 괜찮아!”

이벨라가 울먹거리며 소리쳤다.

당장이라도 눈물을 뚝뚝 흘릴 것처럼.

아까 봤던 딜리아와 똑같은 반응에, 울란은 말없이 그녀의 어깨를 토닥거렸다.

이러한 행동이 효과가 있었던 걸까?

이벨라는 격해진 감정을 금세 추슬렀다. 동시에 울란은 화제를 다른 곳으로 돌렸다.

“그런데 그건 뭐지?”

바로 이벨라가 가져온 바구니.

새하얀 천으로 덮인 바구니 안에서 왠지 후각을 자극하는 냄새가 났다. 그러자 이벨라는 냉큼 바구니를 내밀었다.

“치킨 샌드위치야. 혹시 배고파할지도 모른다고 생각해서 포장해왔어.”

바구니 속 음식의 정체가 밝혀지자마자, 울란의 배에서 꼬르륵 소리가 났다.

그는 눈을 번뜩이며 물었다.

“먹어도 되나?”

“당연하지. 전부 먹어도 돼.”

“그럼 감사히 먹겠다.”

안 그래도 허기가 졌기에.

울란은 허겁지겁 샌드위치를 먹어치웠다.

그 결과, 스무 개가 넘는 샌드위치가 사라지기까지 5분도 채 걸리지 않았다.

게 눈 감추듯 식사를 끝마친 뒤.

이벨라가 다시 말을 걸어왔다.

“그보다 안에서 무슨 일이 있었던 거야?”

“말하자면 길다.”

“그래도 듣고 싶어.”

청록색 눈동자가 고집스럽게 빛났다.

이를 마주하던 울란은 이내 고개를 끄덕였다. 이벨라 역시, 일곱 용사 중 하나. 심연에 관한 이야기를 들을 자격은 충분했기에.

“알겠다. 말해주마.”

빠르게 생각을 정리한 뒤.

그는 제2구역에서 일어났던 일, 나아가 심연에 관한 이야기를 시작했다.

그러자 이벨라는 진지한 눈으로 그를 바라보며, 울란의 이야기에 귀를 기울였다.

한편 그 무렵.

조금 멀리 떨어진 곳에서 그런 둘을 빤히 응시하는 인물이 있었다. 비단결처럼 매끄러운 흑발의 소유자, 바로 노아였다.

“…….”

울란에게 시선을 고정한 채.

잠자코 이야기를 듣던 무렵, 문득 그가 다시 한번 ‘서리 마룡’이란 이름을 언급했다.

이를 들은 순간.

노아의 눈빛이 가늘게 흔들렸다.

‘……확실해.’

잘못 들은 게 아니다.

울란은 서리 마룡의 정체가 무엇인지, 정확히 알고 있다. 이를 거듭 확인하자 재차 머릿속이 혼란스러워졌다.

‘대체 어떻게?’

서리 마룡이란 이름을 떠나, 지금 현재 시점에선 심연의 군주에 대한 존재조차 알려지지 않아야 정상이다.

그런데 어떻게 이를 알고 있단 말인가?

풀리지 않는 의문에 고민을 거듭하자, 급기야 이런 생각까지 들었다.

‘설마 울란도 나처럼…….’

지구에서 넘어온 게이머는 아닐까?

문득 그런 추측이 들었지만, 노아는 고개를 가로저었다. 아마 그건 아니리라. 만약 그랬다면 진작 티가 났을 테니까.

‘마음 같아선 그냥 물어보고 싶은데.’

어떻게 서리 마룡을 알고 있냐고.

하지만 그럴 수도 없었다. 아까도 언급했던 것처럼, 서리 마룡은 지금 시점에서 그 존재를 알고 있는 것 자체가 이상했기에.

즉, 노아가 질문을 던지는 순간, 아마 울란도 똑같은 내용을 질문하리라.

「그럼 넌 어떻게 알고 있지?」

바로 이렇게 말이다.

그렇다면 노아 역시, 필연적으로 그녀가 숨기고 있는 비밀에 관해 털어놔야만 하리라.

그래야만 울란이 납득할 테니까.

‘하지만…….’

비밀을 밝히는 건 쉽지 않았다.

내가 있던 세상에서 이곳은 단순한 게임에 불과하고, 당신들은 게임 캐릭터에 불과하다는 걸, 쉽게 내뱉을 수 있을 리 없으니.

무엇보다 이 비밀을 알렸을 때, 어떠한 일이 벌어질지 상상이 되질 않는다. 노아는 입술을 잘근거리며 양팔을 감싸 안았다.

‘……무서워.’

비밀을 입 밖으로 꺼냈을 때.

자신을 대하는 울란과 이벨라, 딜리아의 태도가 달라지면 어떡하지? 이 사실이 너무도 무서웠기에 노아는 끝내 입을 닫았다.

‘울란의 비밀이 궁금하긴 하지만…….’

자신의 비밀을 밝히면서까지 알고 싶지는 않았다. 호기심을 해소하는 것보다 관계가 부서지는 두려움이 더욱 컸던 탓이다.

‘대신 다른 방식으로 조사해보자.’

어쩌면 자신의 비밀을 밝히지 않고도, 울란의 비밀을 알아낼 방법이 있을지도 모르니까.

그렇게 속으로 결정을 내린 뒤.

심호흡과 함께 평정심을 되찾은 노아는, 웃는 얼굴로 울란과 이벨라에게 다가갔다.

마치 아무런 일도 없었다는 것처럼.

3.

한편 그 시각.

대륙 북동부의 성국(聖國).

두 눈이 부실만큼 환한 대신전의 중앙에 열두 명의 추기경이 일제히 무릎을 꿇고, 머리를 조아렸다.

그들의 머리가 향한 곳에 존재하는 이는 신의 대리인이라 일컬어지는 인물.

바로 성왕(聖王)이었다.

그렇게 얼마나 지났을까?

상당히 오랜 시간이 흐른 뒤, 꼿꼿하게 자리를 지키던 성왕이 몸을 비틀거렸다.

힘이 풀린 듯 자리에 주저앉는 모습.

추기경들은 화들짝 놀란 반응이었다.

“서, 성하!”

“괜찮으십니까?!”

추기경들의 부축을 받으며 성왕은 주름이 가득한 얼굴을 끄덕였다. 이후 이마에 맺힌 땀을 닦아낸 뒤, 성왕의 입술이 달싹였다.

“……성신께서 전언하셨네.”

성신의 전언이라는 말이 끝나자마자.

추기경들은 모두 경건한 얼굴로 다시금 무릎을 꿇었다. 이는 곧 신탁이 내려왔다는 뜻이었기에.

“심연의 문이 열리는 날, 인간들의 시대는 끝을 맞이할지니. 세상이 심연으로 물드는 것을 막고 싸움에 대비하도록 하라.”

입술을 비집고 흘러나온 신탁.

추기경들의 안색은 단번에 어두워졌다.

“후우, 역시 이번에도…….”

“지난번과 똑같은 내용이군요.”

신탁은 1년에 한 번꼴로 내려온다.

그런데 10년 전부터 지금까지, 신탁의 내용은 단 한 번도 바뀌지 않았다.

심연의 문이 열릴 테니, 대비하라는 내용.

다만 이는 누구나 알고 있는 최초의 예언이자 전설이었다. 딱히 신탁으로 전하지 않더라도, 모두가 알고 있는 사실.

즉, 특별할 것이 없다는 뜻이었다.

그래서 몇몇은 노골적으로 실망한 기색을 내비치기도 했다. 그런데 그때, 시원한 물로 목을 축인 성왕이 고개를 흔들었다.

“아니, 이번에는 조금 다르다네.”

“그렇다는 말씀은…….”

“새로운 전언이 있으셨거든.”

“……!”

무려 10년 만에 내려온 새로운 신탁.

추기경들은 허둥거리며 다시 바닥에 무릎을 꿇었다. 곧 성왕의 입에서 흘러나올 신탁을 경청하기 위해서였다.

잠시 후, 성왕은 다시 입을 열었다.

“심연의 편린(片鱗)이 틈새를 넘어 세상 밖으로 흘러나왔으니, 문이 열릴 날이 머지않았음이라. 그러하니 흩어진 별을 모아, 심연을 밝힐 등불이 되도록 하라.”

새로운 신탁이 끝난 뒤.

“심연의 편린?”

“무엇을 의미하는 걸까요?”

“또 흩어진 별이란 건 대체…….”

다소 난해한 내용 때문일까?

추기경들은 저마다 고개를 갸웃거렸다.

그때 돌연 대신전의 문이 벌컥 열렸다.

“급보! 급보입니다!”

“마력의 샘에서 심연의 괴물로 추정되는 존재가 출현! 현재 제압을 완료했다고 합니다!”

창백한 얼굴로 소리치는 성기사들.

이 갑작스러운 보고에 추기경들은 모두 눈을 휘둥그레 떴다.

“뭐라?”

“심연의 괴물이라고?”

방금 성왕을 통해 내려온 신탁.

그리고 심연의 괴물이 나타났다는 보고.

공교로울 정도로 딱 맞아떨어지는 상황에, 추기경들은 잔뜩 흥분하여 소리쳤다.

“당장 조사단을 파견해야만 합니다!”

“맞습니다. 성신께서 말씀하신 편린이란, 분명 그 괴물을 뜻하는 것일 테니까요!”

“성하! 명령을 내려주십시오!”

다만 모두가 그런 건 아니었다.

이와 반대되는 의견도 나왔다.

“그런데 마력의 샘이라면, 현재 아르센 아카데미가 관리하고 있지 않습니까?”

“그게 무슨 문제라도 있소?”

“문제라면 많습니다. 아마 알고 계시겠지만, 아르센 아카데미는 중립구역이니까요.”

“멋대로 병력을 끌고 들어간다면, 이는 엄연한 국제 조약 위반입니다.”

반대 의견은 일종의 우려였다.

아르센 아카데미는 대륙 유일의 중립구역이라는 특수성을 가진 곳.

Dispatching troops to a place like this would not only cause misunderstanding, but could also be seen as a declaration of war against another country.

“No, now an oracle has come down, so what’s the point of an international treaty?”

“That’s just our opinion.”

“There are many factions in Arsene Academy who are dissatisfied with the Holy Kingdom. “It means you could get caught for this incident.”

“No matter what, the trust comes first… … !”

The venue suddenly became noisy.

Just as the argument was about to become more intense, King Seong, who had been silent, softened his lips.

“Then let’s hold an exchange meeting.”

“yes? “You mean the exchange meeting?”

“What does that mean all of a sudden… … .”

“Through Eloden Academy, sign a sisterhood agreement with Arsene Academy. Then we can officially hold an exchange meeting.”

It was judged that if the investigation team was made up of students, no major conflicts or problems would arise.

It wasn’t a bad opinion, but most of the cardinals expressed concerns.

“Well, I know what you’re thinking, but…” … .”

“This is a serious matter related to the trust.”

“Isn’t it a bit too much to entrust such a task to students?”

“It’s okay. “There just happens to be a suitable candidate.”

However, there was no change in King Seong’s attitude.

He immediately revealed the identity of the candidate.

“Let’s send Laurea.”

“… … !?”

“You mean the next saint?!”

“okay. “Don’t you think it’s a good opportunity?”

King Seong nodded.

“I am currently attending Eloden Academy and need to broaden my horizons before becoming a saint, so I think she is a suitable candidate.”

The next saint, Laurea Lo Charpel.

As she was raised as a saint from a young age, she has a much sharper brain than her peers and possesses divine power comparable to that of a high priest.

In other words, it means that there is no shortage of responsibility to lead the investigation team.

On the other hand, even after the identity of the candidate was revealed, the cardinals still could not hide their concerns.

“But wouldn’t it be dangerous?”

“No matter how much Arsene Academy is a neutral zone, as I said before, there are quite a few people who are dissatisfied with the Holy Kingdom.”

“Then I guess we can send Ian along too.”

As soon as King Seong added his answer.

All opposition disappeared in the blink of an eye.

It was worth it.

The student named ‘Ian’ that he just mentioned was by far the most skilled Holy Knight since the founding of the Holy Kingdom.

Even in terms of swordsmanship, he is an expert.

Moreover, if he uses divine power, he is a person with skills that can be considered a master.

If someone of that caliber were to follow along as an escort, there would be no need to worry about the safety of the next saint.

“If there is no disagreement, let’s implement it immediately.”

Through the exchange meeting, in order to access the fountain of magic and understand the hidden meaning of the new oracle.

The Holy King’s wrinkled eyes shone fiercely.

The day the chasm of the abyss opened.

Eloden Academy, the highest academy in the Holy Kingdom, sent an official envoy to Arsene.

Along with the agreement for sisterhood.

Chapter 24. What Happened in the Capital

fantasy,