429. Seeker of the Path (8)
Calipsophobia.
Although it was the official sequel created by the same team that made Psychedelia, a game Alon used to play frequently, he never actually tried Calipsophobia.
That is why, when he first heard the name “Contanias,” the only thing that came to his mind was what Evan had told him; no other memory surfaced.
However, in this very instant…
After hearing the absurd words Contanias had just uttered, fragmented memories finally began to emerge in Alon's mind.
"Contanias, the traitor of the Empire."
Of course, he had no idea why they called him that.
After all, he had never played Calipsophobia.
The only thing he knew was that he was a character who received a lot of criticism in the community for his insulting speeches. Even Alon, who hadn't played that game, had read a couple of threads out of curiosity.
'…If I remember correctly, just based on his way of speaking, they said he didn't seem like a prince, but a street thug… was that it?'
Certainly, he now had an archaic tone, but the manner of speaking was too improper for a fantasy world, which made Alon look at him carefully.
At the same time, the corner of Contanias's lips, who was also looking at him, twisted into a mocking smile. In that instant—
Snap!
With a snap of fingers, Contanias disappeared without a trace, as if he had never been there.
Everything happened so fast that Alon was left confused and looked to the side.
"My apologies."
The mask, who had been witnessing Contanias's vulgarities, bowed its head.
…What is going on?
"I thought an unnecessary fight might break out, so I sent him back."
"…Is that possible?"
"Yes, at least inside the tower."
While Alon remained surprised by the mask's words—
Boom! BOOOM!
Footsteps were heard in the distance.
In an instant, the sound drew closer.
And there appeared Contanias, running at a speed impossible for a common human.
‘…He is definitely not a normal human.’
It was evident that he possessed abilities superior to those of a simple knight.
Alon watched him approach with a fierce expression, but—
Snap!
Another snap, and Contanias disappeared again.
A moment later, an enraged scream was heard resonating from the distance.
…Isn't this already a serious anger management problem? Alon thought briefly before looking at the mask.
"But is it okay to do that?"
"What do you refer to?"
"…To Contanias."
Even without knowing him well, it was evident that he was a disaster of a person. But in an era where the Empire was divided into four, Contanias was the Emperor of the Northern Empire.
It was natural to feel worried. However—
"The Seeker of the Path does not wish for the participants to fight each other. Therefore, preventing unnecessary conflicts is my duty."
"…It seems like a somewhat violent method, to be honest."
"If I didn't do it, he would inevitably cause disturbances."
The mask spoke with total serenity.
Whatever the case, his way of handling things was firm.
And that made Alon's curiosity about the Seeker of the Path stir again.
What the hell is the Seeker of the Path?
In Calipsophobia it might have been mentioned, but in Psychedelia it barely appeared as a simple hint towards a sequel or DLC called Pact of the Path, without real information about him.
Furthermore, according to what Nangwon had told him when they climbed the tower, it had appeared out of nowhere one day.
"In any case, I apologize for putting you through this."
Alon snapped back to reality at the voice of the mask.
He simply waved his hand slowly.
"It's fine."
"Thank you for understanding. It seems today's encounter won't be pleasant, so it would be best to postpone it for another day."
"Alright."
Guided by the masked skeleton, Alon returned to his room.
Several days passed in the tower, but nothing changed significantly.
And, of course, he didn't obtain any additional information about the Seeker of the Path either.
From the time he arrived at the tower until today, he had not seen his face even once.
So Alon spent his time waiting for the appointed day, greeting newcomers as more and more people arrived.
And finally, the day came.
"The time has come."
"Are we going now?"
"Yes. It is time for everyone to gather."
Without complaining, Alon followed the mask.
"He has arrived, master."
"Welcome, friend."
Upon entering the large conference hall, familiar faces welcomed him.
The first ones he stood out were Yutia and Siyan.
"Brother!"
"Mm, go ahead, take a seat."
Behind them, Karem and Palmarian greeted him enthusiastically. Alon responded to them lightly before sitting in the spot indicated by the mask.
He had already spent several days talking with them, except for Siyan, who had arrived the night before and with whom he hadn't had time to speak yet.
When Alon looked at Siyan, she also returned his gaze with an enigmatic smile, difficult to decipher.
Then, he looked away to check who was present.
It seems it's only half full.
In addition to the people he had already spoken with, there were several strangers. Looking around, Alon noticed that the emperors of each empire had not yet arrived.
He knew this because he didn't see any bright platinum hair, the hallmark of imperial blood.
Just as he was thinking that—
The door on the opposite side of the room opened, and a man entered.
A man with bright platinum hair—without a doubt, someone of imperial lineage. As soon as he entered, the atmosphere in the room changed immediately.
Especially Yuman, Palmarian, and a few others avoided his gaze or sent him eyes full of hostility.
The mood had changed drastically.
But Alon was not surprised. He had heard it before.
Didn't they say that amongst themselves they also despised each other?
Although he hadn't participated much in meetings between the kings, rumors were already circulating. So he was prepared.
The man, who with just his entrance had dominated the atmosphere, tapped the table gently and then met Alon's gaze.
Smile~
And he gave him a bright smile.
"?"
The sudden reaction left Alon bewildered, but the man did not stop. He walked directly toward him.
"A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Alon."
He offered his hand with a flawless smile.
Surprised for a few seconds, Alon stood up instinctively and shook his hand.
"…Yes, nice to meet you."
"Yes!"
"But…"
Alon was about to ask something, but the man suddenly seemed to remember something.
"Ah, excuse me. I haven't introduced myself properly."
The innocent smile—too innocent to be normal—became even more luminous.
"I am, although unworthy, the Emperor of the West. My name is Nataman."
Bowing slightly, he introduced himself.
The Emperor of the West…? Wasn't the Western Empire supposed to have been destroyed…?
As Alon tried to remember, he felt a strange sense of familiarity.
Yes, familiarity.
As if he had seen that smile before, somewhere—
Then he understood.
…Eliban?
That smile surprisingly reminded him of Eliban.
While Alon felt that déjà vu—
Yutia's red eyes watched Nataman silently.
In silence.
Deeply.
And after that—
Unfortunately, Alon could not continue talking to Nataman.
Because immediately, the emperors representing the four current divisions of the Empire entered.
And then—
[Everyone is here.]
As if he had been waiting for this moment, a figure appeared at the head of the table, a spot that was empty moments before.
The Seeker of the Path.
Alon could not see the figure clearly.
The light of the tower should have revealed his appearance, but instead, the silhouette of the Seeker of the Path was wrapped in absolute darkness.
And the strangest thing—
…I don't feel anything.
He felt nothing from the Seeker of the Path. No presence, no trace of magic, no aura, nothing.
For some time now, Alon's eyes could perceive the remnants of people's magic. Even without someone actively using their power, he could capture certain information.
But from the Seeker of the Path…
Nothing.
As if he were not a living being.
While Alon felt a chill—
[From this moment, the Pact of the Path is executed.]
The voice of the Seeker of the Path resonated.
[Except for the fourteen rulers gathered here, the other thirty-three are considered to be failing in their duties. The pact will be withdrawn from them.]
[Those present, from now on, will be considered those who will execute the Pact of the Path.]
[Starting tomorrow you will participate in the ‘Gathering’, and afterwards, receive ‘power’ following the procedures.]
Without allowing questions, the Seeker of the Path disappeared in an instant.
"…What?"
"That was it?"
An uncomfortable silence fell over the room.
And just as some kings murmured in confusion—
[The ceremony has concluded. Starting tomorrow, we ask you to participate in the Gathering.]
The masked skeleton appeared as if it had been waiting, bowing respectfully.
The attendees frowned almost in unison.
They had summoned the leaders of various kingdoms in the middle of a time of war!
And was this it?
It seemed like a waste of time. But, with no alternatives, everyone began to rise from their seats.
"…It seems it's over, brother."
"That is correct."
When Alon was about to get up along with Yuman—
"Hey, you, there."
A rude voice called him.
Alon turned to look. There was Contanias, the Emperor of the North, looking at him with an expression full of irritation.
"What is it?"
Alon asked, and Contanias let out an incredulous laugh.
"Do they not teach manners in the Allied United Kingdom?"
"Manners?"
"Of course. If you caused damage, you must apologize."
"What damage did I cause?"
"The fact that I sat next to you and you made me feel so uncomfortable. That is damage."
Alon was momentarily stunned.
The provocation was so absurd that it bordered on comical.
And yet… he was sincere.
Alon immediately remembered what happened days ago.
Contanias insulting him, then being forcibly expelled.
Piecing it all together, Alon understood what he was looking for.
It wasn't worth responding.
But Yutia and Yuman, behind him, also hardened their expressions.
And just at that moment—
WHAAAM!
Contanias's body went flying and crashed into the table.
BOOOM!! CRAAAAACK!
He rolled violently over the long table before embedding himself into the inner wall of the tower.
Alon opened his mouth without realizing it.
Not only because of the sudden violence—or should we call it instant justice?—
But because the person who had sent Contanias flying was—
"Brother? If one speaks that badly, they must learn a lesson, right?"
Nataman.
The same Emperor of the West who a few minutes ago had greeted him with the kindest smile in the world…
Now he was smiling with a chilling expression while he smashed the face of the Emperor of the North.
"Mm?"
With that ghastly smile.
Meanwhile, Alon's mind could only think of one thing:
What the hell is going on here…?
