Chapter 125: Phantom’s Island. (2) (1/2)

The ship anchored at the Goreth Island dock. Shortly after that, Allen began carrying various documents and files off while Epherene ferried machines off the ship.

Epherene, tasked with carrying unknown machinery several dozen kilometers, felt an intense hatred toward the world, but it couldn’t be helped.

It was impossible to use devices that were sensitive to mana.

“I heard there was another team that arrived on the island.”

Ihelm pulled a leaf off a nearby tree as he mumbled. He looked at Epherene as he shook it gently.

“Hey, Leaf. You’re here?”

“…Don’t talk to me. It’s hard.”

Ihelm nodded, popping the leaf in his mouth. Then, he pulled more off and distributed them to his disciples.

“Why are you chewing that?”

“Hmm, you don’t know?Trees are the plants that best purify mana. A tree that has accepted enough mana is called a Devil’s tree. It depends on the type, but most of them purify your head just by chewing their leaves. Of course, on the continent, they are quickly cut down to make weapons and staffs….”

Ihelm pointed at Deculein’s cane.

“That guy’s cane is also made from Devil’s trees. It’s valuable, so pick a good one later and take it with you. You can’t use your magic bare-handed forever, can you?”

Epherene imagined it for a moment, thinking of using magic while swinging a cool cane.It didn’t sound bad. Ihelm smirked as she daydreamed.

“Phhh. What a simple kid.”

Anyway, they arrived at their destination: Ghost Castle. The support team from the Imperial family was already waiting at the entrance.

“Hello Professor Deculein, Lord Ihelm. It’s an honor to meet you. I’m Hesrock.”

Hesrock reached out his hand. Deculein stood there, refusing to accept his hand until Ihelm, wearing a light smile, shook it instead.

“Nice to meet you. Is everything alright?”

“Yes, it’s fine. We’re keeping the results of various investigations and explorations inside the castle. I’ll take you there.”

“…Hmm. Did you set this castle as a base camp?”

Ihelm asked the question bitterly, but Hesrock nodded without a care in the world.

“Yes, it’s more dangerous outside, thanks to the mana storms.”

“Well… it is registered as a ghost island in our textbooks. Let’s go.”

They followed Hesrock into the castle.The air changed as they crossed the threshold.

“It’s a bit dreary…”

Allen mumbled. Just like he said, the air inside was strangely chilly. Epherene and Allen stuck a bit closer to Deculein’s back and hesitantly walked forward.

“This will be your accommodations.”

He showed them to a living room on the first floor at the end of the hallway. Epherene looked around, noting the several beds placed in the open hall. Additionally, there were no doors or partitioning walls. In other words, there was no closed or private space. Ihelm spoke up.

“Are we all staying together?”

“Yes, it’s a joint residence. Since we will suffer frequent nightmares, we can wake each other up. The rule is groups of three. You’re here just in time, too.”

It wasn’t intended, but coincidentally, there were three people in Deculein’s group and three in Ihelm’s.

“As much as possible, do not leave the first and second floors, and do not close the doors. I’ll give you a more detailed explanation tomorrow morning, but this castle itself is a magical space….”

Epherene glanced at Deculein. His expression was one of near-agony with dissatisfaction about the joint sleeping quarters.

“Also, there are people from the Adventurer’s Guild in the castle.”

“The Red Garnet Adventurers.”

That elicited a response as everyone’s eyes widened slightly. Indeed, the majesty of the Red Garnet Guild was famous throughout the entire continent. Ihelm asked again.

“Is Ganesha here?”

“Yes, the Imperial Family hired them. There are more enemies on this island than you think.”

Hesrock warned them once more.

“So, do not leave the first and second floors, and try to stay only on the first floor if possible. The rules are groups of three, joint-quarters.”

As soon as the rules were laid down, Deculein spoke up.

“I’ll head up to the second floor.”

Hesrock blinked a few times.

“I’ll stay by myself.”

Shared living? It was a punishment equivalent to death for him.Meanwhile, someone was watching them with a smile from a different space in the castle.

“That Professor is here, too~.”

‘Professor Deculein, I didn’t expect to see you again in a place like this. Is this a blessing from the god of coincidences…’Ganesha, sighing, looked back to the children.

“Lia, how’s Carlos?”

“…Yes. He’s okay, for now.”

Lia was nursing Carlos, who was burning with a fever. It had been five days since they came to the island. On the fourth day, Carlos suffered a relapse and still showed no signs of getting better.

“Should we head back?”

Lia shook her head firmly.“It’s the end if we run away because we’re scared.”

She knew it.

Carlos, this blue-haired child, was an extremely dangerous Named.

That was why she had thought of killing him in the past. Before this kid grew up before he became more dangerous.

However, as time went on, she grew more attached to him and a gentler plan formed.Carlos was dangerous – no, he was a talent who could help with future quests.

So, if he were guided properly, this child would be able to live happily and prove to be a great help to the world.

“…Carlos will be able to overcome this.”

But if he couldn’t overcome it, or if they ran away because they were scared and it was difficult… that happy ending would disappear. She would have no choice but to kill this little child with her own hands.

“Yeah. That’s right, Lia is even more mature than I am.”

Ganesha stroked Lia’s head. This precocious child was too precious and trustworthy.

“But, things are going to get complicated. The Altar’s men are here, too.”

Lia’s head jerked up.

“Yup. A bunch of troublesome guys.”

Carla, known to the public as the Master, and an armed group with her brother, Jackal, as the center. She still didn’t know if they were cooperating with the Altar or if they were assigned to the Altar, but one thing was for sure. They were strong.

“If Ganesha finds them troublesome, then….”

“Don’t worry. They’re weaker than me.”

Ganesha smiled, reassuring Lia. Then she pointed to Leo, who fell asleep without a worry in the world.

“Let’s wake Leo up now. He’s going to suffer a nightmare soon.”

“Will you be okay?”

I came up to the 2nd floor. The first rule in horror movies as those who acted independently was foolish, but it was impossible.“Yes. Just in case, please leave the door open.”

Hesrock nodded and went back down the stairs.

I looked around inside by myself, thinking it was dirty rather than chilly or spooky.

Everyone’s corner was cleaned by combining [Psychokinesis] and [Cleanse].

Then, I closed my eyes. My new characteristic [Cryptograph] worked as an inventory.

When a particular object was stored in my head as mana code, it could be later materialized after decryption.

Mana was restructured as an object as its particles reassembled themselves.

Desk, drawer, bed, chair, book, fountain pen, blanket, pillow- the furniture from the Yukline mansion slowly materialized around me.As a result, a neat and modern room was completed.

I sat in the chair and looked out the window.

There was a rainstorm raging outside, lightning flashing repeatedly.

The thunder sounded like a wild animal’s screeching, and a gust of wind formed a spiral shape.

I continued to stare out at the violent scene.

Then, suddenly-Hm, training wasn’t a bad idea.