Return from the Unknown

Leave the past behind?!

The words echoed in Alaric's mind.

For years, he had roamed the seas as a pirate, yet he remained shackled to his past. The burning ship haunted his dreams, a nightmare that refused to fade. Many had told him to let go, to move forward, but those words held no power.

How could I leave the past behind?

His father, a man who had worked honorably his entire life, had died a pathetic death, still clinging to faith in a false god—a god that had ignored his Father's desperate pleas for salvation.

Alaric's gaze fell upon Julius, his eyes betraying a longing—a yearning to believe that a true god existed. And now, one stood before him.

"It seems my past has clouded my judgment," Alaric thought, his instincts screaming that the man before him was beyond comprehension.

He had pulled him from his ship without the slightest effort, transporting him to this grand and sacred hall.

More than that, the purification ritual... it was proceeding effortlessly, without the need for complex ceremonies or incantations. A sorcerer, no matter how powerful, could never achieve such a feat. Rituals were fundamental to any magic.

Closing his eyes, he let out a sigh, running a hand through his disheveled red hair before speaking in a self-mocking tone.

"My Lord, it seems you know of my past... of my life," he said. "I had convinced myself that no gods existed in this world."

Then, with newfound resolve, he knelt. His voice was firm, unwavering.

"But after witnessing your power with my own eyes… my beliefs have changed. If you would allow it… I wish to be one of your devoted followers."

Did I succeed?

Julius almost laughed aloud. He was overcome with joy.

"From this moment, you are under my protection and blessing. As a token of my gratitude for your sincere faith… you may request a single wish, and I shall grant it."

Julius wanted to solidify Alaric's belief, to ensure that he remained bound to him. Within this Celestial Hall, his will could be made reality, so long as he had devoted followers.

But Alaric's response was unexpected.

"My Lord, becoming one of your 'Chosen' is a blessing in itself."

Alaric's mind raced.

This is a rare opportunity.

This being before him seemed like a true god, but hadn't he just said he was searching for faithful believers?

Would it not be wiser to prove my loyalty first, as one of his Chosen? And when the time comes… I will ask for his help in my vengeance.

Alaric was no fool. Now that his doubts about Julius's divinity had been erased, the plan was simple—gain his favor, receive his blessings… and when the moment was right, demand his aid.

"Clever fox," Julius mused.

But a reliable one.

It seemed his decision to read minds had paid off—he understood Alaric's intentions perfectly.

Still, there was no malice in his thoughts—only ambition. More importantly, he had truly accepted Julius as a god.

A fitting reward is in order… something befitting a benevolent deity.

Julius wondered—what level had Alaric reached in the realm of sorcery?

"I want to know his magic rank."

A whisper of knowledge slithered into his mind.

Fourth Circle Rank: Hunter

Magic ranks?

Julius scowled.

"Damn it… I've been too focused on the Forbidden Throne's power, neglecting my own magical development."

He had much to learn.

For a brief moment, a thought crossed his mind.

"Can I elevate his magic to the Fifth Circle?"

He willed it—yet nothing happened.

Then, his seal began to glow, melting away before reforming into an ancient black book.

The book from the temple?!

It had fused with his body, forming the seal on his palm… yet now, it had returned.

Julius flipped through the pages.

They stopped on one.

His expression shifted.

A ritual… a requirement.

Class: Lord of the Seas Level: Fourth Circle Current Rank: Hunter

"To ascend to the Fifth Circle, the following components are required:"

The head of a Diophil Jellyfish The blood of three different Hunters A Lentros Sea Urchin Spine A Silver Shell

"The ritual must be performed in the middle of the sea, under the formation of a superstorm, when the waters are still."

Only then… would ascension be possible.

"Damn it… it's not that simple after all."

Julius clenched his jaw.

He had assumed the Forbidden Throne's power could grant whatever he wished, but it seemed there were limits. Even divine authority had conditions to fulfill.

He sighed.

"It seems I'll have to delay his reward."

A sudden shift—

The energy surrounding Adrienne began to fade.

Alaric understood—the purification was complete.

"It only took minutes… to purify a girl without magic? That's insane…"

Then, in an instant, the energy dispersed, and Adrienne's body began to fall.

Alaric moved—instinct taking over.

With swift precision, he caught her in his arms.

"Whew… got her."

Julius, momentarily lost in thought, exhaled in relief.

"Good… she's fine."

But Alaric's expression darkened.

Something was wrong.

Her veins…

Instead of being blocked by impurities, they now pulsed with an immense flow of pure magic—an impossible transformation.

It takes months—years of training for mana to circulate this smoothly through one's body.

Yet here she was—no longer a fragile, powerless girl.

Now… she was a first-class mage.

"To perform such a miracle… one would have to be a god."

A cold realization struck Alaric.

"I almost angered a true god… if I had spoken carelessly, I might have lost his blessing entirely."

Julius felt relieved.

Not only was Adrienne unharmed, but he had secured two new believers… alongside the boy, Caleb.

Just then—

A distant star pulsed.

A whisper echoed in his mind—a prayer, a desperate plea.

Someone was calling out to him.

Julius touched the star, seeking the source of the voice.

A vision formed.

A woman, draped in a black veil, her face obscured.

"Your devoted servant, Astrea, calls upon you… I have urgent information."

Astrea?!

She had once served the God of Shadows… but now, she was his follower.

Julius exhaled.

"Important information, huh?"

He had other matters to settle here first.

Tapping his fingers against the throne, he spoke with quiet authority.

"Our meeting ends here."

Alaric understood—he had stayed long enough in the presence of a god.

Yet, one question burned within him.

"My Lord… how can I reach you?"

Julius smirked.

"Of course," he replied cryptically, allowing the Forbidden Throne to embed the knowledge into Alaric's mind.

Alaric didn't fully understand… but pressing further might be unwise.

Instead, he bowed deeply.

"Then, I shall take my leave, my Lord."

With a pulse of divine will, Alaric and Adrienne vanished from the Celestial Hall.

At last, some peace.

But now—

What was Astrea's urgent information?

...

On the Sea, Aboard the Drake Rider

A man exuding masculinity stood on the deck of the Drake Rider, his unruly red hair tousled by the wind, his dark eyes holding a depth that seemed almost abyssal. It was Alaric, who had returned to reality.

"I've truly returned to my ship… to the exact spot I stood before," Alaric muttered, a surge of exhilaration running through him.

He sifted through the memories of his harrowing journey—an unfathomable experience that led him to encounter a true god, witness miracles beyond comprehension, and ultimately become one of His believers. Yet, the most astonishing revelation was that he could now pray to Zarthos. The knowledge of the invocation symbol had ingrained itself into his mind, allowing him to reach out to the divine.

Alaric let out a silent chuckle. "So that's what He meant when He said, 'Of course?!'"

"Captain! Captain?!"

The urgent voice snapped Alaric out of his thoughts. Turning around, he saw a man with blond hair and brown eyes—Kaesel—his long-time friend, tears brimming in his eyes.

Kaesel rushed forward, throwing his arms around Alaric in a fierce embrace. His voice was shaky, carrying both relief and anger.

"Where the hell did you disappear to?! I thought you'd drowned, you bastard! We searched everywhere for you…!"

"Disappeared? Ha… Ha ha ha!" Alaric laughed. "You could say I went on a little… trip."

He hadn't yet decided how much he could reveal. This involved his fate—and angering Lord Zarthos by speaking recklessly was not a risk he was willing to take. His expression hardened as he muttered under his breath.

With some difficulty, Kaesel finally released him, still eyeing him warily.

"Even Marvos dove into the sea searching for you!"

Alaric froze. "Damn… it escalated that far?" His lips curled into a smirk. "Shall we go fish him out, then?"

"Damn you, Captain!" Kaesel spat, exasperated.

....

Oxenheim, the Hall Estate

Inside the grand estate of the Hall family, Adrienne lay fast asleep, sprawled across the ornate carpet in her room.

The door creaked open. A maid of House Hall, carrying a tray of appetizers and a drink, stepped inside. But the moment she laid eyes on the scene before her…

A bloodcurdling scream tore through the silence.

"L-Lady Adrienne?!"