Chapter 172 - Slave Liberation 5 (1/2)
Most of its content was about myths.
Among them, there were many parts concerning artificial life.
After examining them carefully, Woohyuk came to a temporary conclusion.
'There is a high possibility that the secret weapon Melena mentioned is the Homunculus.'
Perhaps Aleister, who is well versed in alchemy, was in charge of the project.
Melena was most likely responsible only for collecting information or securing materials.
'If they abuse the Homunculus, the Eeth Continent will fall into great chaos.'
In the past, Woohyuk had restored the Nag Hammadi Chronicles, which recorded the secret knowledge of the gods.
It mentioned that the Homunculus was the fruit of alchemy and magic engineering.
The detailed manufacturing process was not described within it, but the dangers were clearly stated.
'I can see why they’re prioritizing the Edda Chronicles.'
If they analyzed the myths in the Edda Chronicles, they’d be able to locate the location of the abandoned Homunculus.
Woohyuk had also explored the location in the past, but the ruins were already empty.
Considering the information he just learned, it must have been Aleister who had taken it.
Back then, the Edda Chronicles must’ve already been in his hands.
As Woohyuk recalled his past memories, Catsy waved her tail as she emerged from the air.
“Master, I’m back!”
“What did Ganiev say?”
“He said he’d ask the other beastmen clan chiefs to find out.”
Woohyuk had asked Ganiev to find Cerberus' Flame Heart.
It was one of the necessary materials to create the Seven Color Rainbow Ring.
Previous investigations suggested that it was in some ancient ruins in the tropics.
However, the name of the site was unknown.
It seemed that it would take some time to find it, so Woohyuk needed help from people he trusted.
Ganiev valued loyalty and honor, and would not neglect this task nor try to deceive Woohyuk.
The beastmen’s autonomy had been recognized and they now occupied more than half of the Talis Kingdom’s territory.
This is all thanks to Woohyuk's compassionate decision after killing Ivanov.
Considering the treatment they were receiving before their liberation, it would be difficult to repay this grace even if they offered the heart of the Phoenix that would grant Woohyuk eternal life.
'But there is a high possibility that Ganiev won’t find it either.'
Judging from the information he had collected so far, the Lich King's Dark Crystal and Argos' Ice Heart were located in the eastern Eeth Continent.
It was most likely to be the same for Cerberus' Flame Heart.
Woohyuk spoke to her again while looking at the world map spread out on the desk.
“What’s the current status of the Izuna Kingdom’s Army?”
“The ground forces are preparing to return to their home country. The fleet is still blocking the shoreline.”
The King of Izuna did not claim any rights over the Talis Kingdom.
Thanks to Woohyuk, he was informed about Ivanov's plans in advance and did not have to suffer a lot of damage from an unexpected invasion from the Talis Kingdom.
In addition, Woohyuk had made all the important decisions and decisive actions.
'The Talis kingdom is almost fully organized now.'
With the support of the beastmen tribes, Hong Yuri became the new ruler, and the ruin exploration with Eteria Rodinus was completed.
All that remained was the liberation of the slaves.
Even though all the renowned slave traders had their properties confiscated, the root of the problem had not been resolved yet.
In truth, the Talis Kingdom was quite corrupt internally.
Catsy asked a question as Woohyuk flipped through the list of slave trader names in the report.
“But am I really immortal? I still can't feel that I’ve become an undying being.”
“… Watch carefully.”
Woohyuk pulled out the Vampiric Dagger and stabbed Catsy in the throat.
His moves were so fast that she couldn’t even react.
However, the Vampiric Dagger passed through her without injuring her body.
“Wow, that’s amazing! It feels like I’m a ghost!”
“If someone tries to harm you, don't be scared. Schrdinger's Cat will continue to exist in this world as long as I am alive.”
If Woohyuk died, the Schrdinger's Cat class would naturally disappear.
In other words, Catsy would return to being an ordinary cat beastwoman.
”Please don’t worry! I'll be a good spy so that Master doesn't die! Should I go see Cynthia now?”
“No, that’s not necessary. She's coming to us already.”
He felt the presence of someone approaching from a distance.
The movements were that of a well-trained female assassin.
Woohyuk knew that it was Cynthia.
Soon enough, they heard a knock on the door,
“May I enter?”
Cynthia's soft voice resounded behind the door.
As Catsy ran on all fours and opened the door, she stepped in and politely addressed to Woohyuk.
“I have carried out the task, Master.”
“I am not your master.”
“You are my benefactor and hero. You punished Antonius and Clyantes, who sexually harassed me every time he could while practising plays.”
“Did he use you in his plays?”
“Yes, I once appeared on stage as a beautiful but empty-headed woman who only knew how to spread her legs to men. Even though I was a slave, it was a humiliation worse than death.”
“I didn't know that happened. Anyway, he's dead now, so there’s no need to feel ashamed anymore.”
“… I am afraid. Afraid of everything in the world, including this kingdom. Since my body has already been imprinted with a slave’s seal, I feel like I cannot survive without relying on someone stronger than me. So please allow me to serve you as my master, despite my lack of qualities.”
Cynthia knelt and kissed Woohyuk's hand as she begged him.
She seemed to considerably like him.
Woohyuk nodded without much of a choice.
“If you really want to follow me, I will allow it. But if you don’t serve me, you will never return to being a slave.”