"Are you saying someone has summoned Them?"

"To be precise, it was an invitation."

After the two lines of dialogue, the tent fell into silence once more.

McCarthy Delin bowed his head in contemplation.

After a long pause, he asked, "That person is an Elemental Shaper."

The Knight Lord referred to that person as "ancestor," but it seemed he wasn't referring to a human ancestor, but rather a presence intimately connected to Elemental Shapers.

It is well known that Elemental Shapers are a group of non-believers who gained immense power in their pursuit of wisdom and knowledge, the oldest transcendent path in the world.

If one were to draw clear distinctions, their essence differs from other Transcendents. Most transcendental powers come from the "Divine," creating a paradoxical situation—humans today wish to break free from the control of Divine Spirits, yet they can't part with the power obtained from Them.

Without this power's augmentation, they would fall from their transcendent status into the mundane, reverting to their original selves.

The Knight Lords were the first to break these chains, and the cost of sealing the Divine is evident.

They would no longer possess eternal life; death would once again befall them.

"In theory, yes, but Kadela believes its existence predates humanity and is far more powerful."

said the Knight Lord.

People have taken to calling the current era a dark age.

As the Divine Spirits' wicked humor became apparent, they realized their puppet-like status; everything they cherished could crumble at a Divine whim. More and more people noticed the threads hanging over them, considering it the worst imaginable era.

They were actors in an impromptu stage play; when Divine Spirits needed them offstage, their lives would come to an end.

But...

But Kadela's archeological discoveries might reveal a far darker world than now.

No stage, no play—only an endless expanse of ocean and barren lands.

"It used Their power to shape the world into the form we now know."

The Knight Lord referred to the birth of humanity and civilization's rise, initially as characters on stone walls, later written in books—humans' record of the past and understanding of the world became more accessible.

"And it did one more thing." This was the purpose of the Knight Lord's journey, a truth Kadela couldn't uncover from the ancient ruins, "It created the magic network."

"Very much in line with Kadela's style."

McCarthy Delin smiled.

To him, the Knight Lord was a straightforward person, but their friend "Kadela" was different—a brooding man whose thoughts one could never know, hardly ever sharing emotions with teammates. Kadela would unexpectedly bring astonishing news every so often.

This might be the allure of "archeology."

McCarthy Delin guessed Kadela's deeper intent, "He hopes we further explore the magic network or ascertain if 'It' is still alive?"

"The seal is temporary; someday They will return."

The Knight Lord lowered his head, rarely appearing so worried, "By then, we'll be long gone."

Perhaps this war was nearing victory.

The non-human and Divine creations were retreating step by step, with the Knight Order just crushing two Bazatous creation hatcheries. Everyone witnessed the strings above them snapping, vaguely seeing the arrival of a peaceful and beautiful new era.

...Temporarily.

Kadela described the forthcoming era with these three words.

Because he foresaw a far distant future.

Amid tranquility and peace, death and destruction quietly arrive.

When the seal breaks, the people of this world will face the final catastrophe.

"I should have mentioned the risks of exploring the magic network."

McCarthy Delin said.

"You are the world's most outstanding Elemental Shaper and the most knowledgeable about the magic network; perhaps you could find the true answer there."

"Even if it might bring ruin?"

Their emotions settled in peace, "As you said, we cannot await that day's arrival, nor can I ensure how future generations will treat the magic network."

It's all beyond human control, making McCarthy Delin feel he should really find a good place for a day's fishing, allowing himself more time to ponder.

It was the first time the Knight Lord mentioned death to him.

This was the difference between himself and those comrades; they remained the same as the first meeting, but McCarthy Delin could feel himself aging continuously.

When he first met the Knight Lord, he was a young man following his teacher, looking up to these great leaders.

Now he seemed older than the Knight Lord.

Yet after they sealed the Divine Spirits with their own hands, their timelines converged once more.

The Knight Lord said, "Kadela believes it's a necessary cost."

"And what about you, what do you think?"

Compared to the brooding man, McCarthy Delin trusted the Knight Lord more, but he noticed his old friend frequently mentioned "Kadela," "You're not Kadela's mouthpiece; your followers hope for you to make the decision."

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