Elqueeness [EN]: Chapter 422

422.

I frowned at the incomprehensible words. In essence, Lapis’s soul did not exist in the Underworld. He was clearly dead, so how could they not find his soul? Then where was Lapis now?

“You must remember that the Underworld was sealed when he died. So the guide was dispatched a little late, and when they arrived, they couldn’t find his soul in the body. We assumed it had flown elsewhere and have been searching ever since, but we haven’t found it.”

As I listened to Perdes’s explanation, my face slowly hardened. They couldn’t find the soul, and they hadn’t discovered it. No matter how I listened, I couldn’t understand the situation. I blankly stared at Ellyuen, who opened his mouth with a slight frown.

“It seems he fell into the crack of dimensions.”

“…Crack of dimensions? What happens if you fall in there?”

“You randomly fall into any dimension.”

“Then can’t we just find him? Find out where he fell and bring him back.”

This time, Perdes shook his head and replied.

“It’s not that easy. Space and time are intertwined in the crack of dimensions. No one knows where or how it will mix. In this case, we can only wait for him to be discovered somewhere by chance. No one knows if that will be in a few years or hundreds of thousands of years.”

“That’s ridiculous. You’re telling me we just have to wait? Can’t we somehow guess where he fell and go look for him?”

“It’s not entirely impossible, but the conditions are strict.”

“Conditions?”

“The one who goes to find the soul must be strongly connected to the missing soul’s present life and strong enough to cross the crack of dimensions. They must be at least a low-level god. As you can see, Ellyuen is the only one who meets these conditions right now.”

I reflexively looked at Ellyuen. When our eyes met, he smiled.

“I’ll go if you want me to.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“No, you can’t.”

It was Perdes who interrupted the cozy father-son conversation. He rubbed his forehead with one hand as if he had a headache, sighed, and shook his head.

“Don’t complicate things, Ellyuen. You know you can’t leave the God Realm right now because you’re also serving as the Demon God. Besides, I haven’t finished explaining yet. Are you trying to make El feel guilty?”

Ellyuen’s eyebrows twitched slightly at those words. I had a feeling that the situation was not good, so I anxiously turned to Perdes.

“Guilty?”

“This is too risky. We don’t know where he’ll fall, and we don’t know how long it will take. Most importantly, we can’t be sure he’ll come back safely.”

“You’re… not sure? Why?”

“The Mortal Realm all have different time zones. So you need to know the exact return route connected to the main world to come back, but in this case, space and time are intertwined, making it difficult to find.”

A groan escaped me at the continued explanation. He might not be able to return. I couldn’t send Ellyuen knowing that. I would stop him even if he said he would go.

Then what? Lapis might be wandering somewhere, and we can’t even know where, so we just have to stand by and watch? We just have to wait indefinitely for him to be discovered by chance? My vision darkened, and my legs gave way. As I slumped down, Ellyuen glared at Perdes with a displeased look.

“Unnecessary. You’re making the kid despair.”

“I’m just telling the truth. I should tell you these important facts. Do you think El would want you to not be able to return?”

“I can’t say for sure that I won’t be able to return. We can increase the probability of returning by creating a tether.”

“…Tether?”

I asked unconsciously, and Ellyuen shrugged.

“We need to have a being connected on this side. That will be a pillar to tie the string and help with the return.”

“But the one who acts as the tether must also be connected to the missing soul. Of course, with the one who is going to find him. Besides, the one who pulls must feel a greater burden, so they must be a high-level god. But there is no one who can do this right now.”

Perdes objected again this time. Then suddenly, a thought flashed through my mind. I raised my head sharply and looked at the two gods.

“Then what if I go?”

“What?”

Perdes and Ellyuen’s eyes turned to me at the same time.

“El, what are you saying…”

“I have the strongest connection with Lapis. I’m a Spirit King, so I’ll naturally be above a low-level god. My father can be the one who pulls. It fits all the conditions perfectly.”

The more I spoke, the clearer my mind became. It was like light was dawning in the dark sky.

“Yes, that’s right. Why didn’t I think of this right away? I’ll go and find Lapis!”

“N-No way. Have you forgotten that the Spirit King must not leave Arcaedon? Are you going to bring another drought to this land?”

“There must be a way. Father, what do you think? Do you have any good ideas?”

At those words, Ellyuen narrowed his eyes and stroked his chin as if lost in thought. Perdes was busy grabbing me and shaking his head.

“El, no. That’s too reckless.”

“But it’s something I can do.”

“Still no. I’m against it.”

“What, then why did you come to tell me?”

Perdes, who had been trying to stop me, shut his mouth at my outburst. It would be a lie to say that I wasn’t bothered by his shaking purple eyes. I knew he was worried about me. But I had no choice.

“It’s not like there’s no way to find him at all. There is a way. How can I give up knowing that? If you were going to stop me, you shouldn’t have said that in the first place. You should have said that there was no way to find Lapis, that his soul was completely destroyed and there was no hope… Then I would have had no choice but to give up…”

“…El.”

“I can’t ignore Lapis. Let me find him. I’ll be back soon. I won’t get into any accidents and I’ll come back safely. So…”

“Indeed, this is how it is going to be.”

A low voice followed. Ellyuen, who had been lost in thought, raised his head and looked at me. After sending me a meaningful look for a while, he chuckled and lightly stroked my head.

“Okay, go and come back.”

“…!”

“E, Ellyuen?”

Perdes looked at Ellyuen with a shocked expression.

“What are you thinking? Do you know where you’re sending El? What if he falls into some unheard-of dimension?”

“He said he’ll come back unharmed. A father should trust his son’s words.”

“El is a Spirit King! What about Arcaedon?”

“There’s a way to deal with that too.”

Perdes gaped at the seamless answer, his face dumbfounded. Ignoring him, who was frozen, unable to find the words to say, Ellyuen looked at me again.

“You have me.”

“…!”

“I will always be on your side. Go and do what you want to do, son.”

My heart swelled, and I felt like I was going to cry. I smiled as brightly as I could and nodded vigorously.

“Yes, Father!”

After making the decision, I went straight to Isana and Sibelius to inform them that I would be away. The two of them, who happened to be together, were very embarrassed at first, but then they were even more embarrassed when they heard the purpose of my departure.

“So, Lapis’s soul has disappeared, and you don’t know where it went?”

“Yeah, that idiot fell into the crack of dimensions. He can’t come back on his own. So I have to go find him.”

“I see. Then of course you have to go.”

Isana supported my decision very simply. The Empire was not yet stable, and I was needed by his side. But he let me go so easily that I felt sorry.

“I’m sorry, Isana. I have to leave your side like this.”

“No, I’m fine. I want you to find Lapis too. El, you have to find him.”

“Yeah, I will. Sibelius, please take care of Isana while I’m gone.”

“…Okay. Come back safely.”

Sibelius, who answered, had a very heavy face. He seemed to be preoccupied with other thoughts rather than being unwilling. He kept opening and closing his mouth as if he wanted to say something.

“Hey, El. Maybe… maybe…”

“Yeah?”

“Maybe…”

“If that memory is precious, it’s better not to open your mouth any further.”

Then Ellyuen, who had been silently watching the situation next to me (Perdes had given up trying to stop me and returned to the God Realm), interrupted his words. Sibelius turned to him with surprised eyes.

“What did you just say?”

“Your current memory does not match the balance of this world. It should have been erased, but it was not erased because it was outside the rules. And it was able to be maintained because most people didn’t believe it. But if it becomes the truth, the balance will recognize you and it will be erased. I’m giving you advice because I don’t think you’d want that.”

I couldn’t understand what he was saying, but Sibelius seemed to understand the meaning. He had a confused expression, but he soon closed his mouth with a firm face. But his eyes, looking at me, were wavering as if he was about to cry, so I couldn’t help but look back at Ellyuen.

“What are you talking about?”

“You’ll find out soon anyway.”

Ellyuen gave another incomprehensible answer this time.

After that, I finished all my farewells by giving instructions to Isana and Sibelius. Only after hugging the two of them for the last time did I stand next to Ellyuen.

“Then I’ll be back.”

“Come back safely.”

Soon, Ellyuen, who had confirmed that everything was settled, reached out to me. As soon as I took his hand, the scenery changed in an instant, and a familiar view unfolded. It was a space filled with blue water.

“Here is…”

The place I arrived at was the Spirit Realm, especially the Water Realm. Moreover, familiar beings were already there before me. It was the Spirit Kings, including Miné.

“Welcome, El.”

“I thought my neck would break from waiting. Why are you so late?”

Following Miné, who welcomed me, Ifrit grumbled.

“How did you guys…?”

“I saw this day. I thought it would be good to say goodbye, so I called everyone.”

Trowell said with a smile to me, who was embarrassed and bewildered. It was indeed an explanation worthy of him, who has the ability to see the future.

“You’re leaving to find a dragon’s soul. What a reckless idea. It’s so like you that I don’t even feel like stopping you.”

“That’s right. It’s too reckless. I want to go with you too.”

“Miné, don’t agree with El while saying you’re criticizing him. One troublemaker is enough.”

“That’s a shame.”

“Well, I’m telling you it’s not a shame?”

The surroundings became noisy in an instant. As I was swallowing my laughter, my heart became lighter and my body felt comfortable. I didn’t even realize I was nervous, but I guess I was uneasy thinking about leaving for a long journey. Around that time, Ellyuen began to explain in a calm tone.

“From now on, it’s only your soul that’s going. Your body will be asleep here in the Water Realm.”

“Huh? Only my soul?”

“It can’t be helped if we don’t want a drought here. Even the king’s shell must remain for the water spirits to be maintained. Surely you weren’t unprepared for this much, were you?”

“Ah, no. I don’t care about that. Then am I going around as a soul?”

“Of course not. I’ll take measures so that you’ll have a body when you get there. I don’t know if it will be human, elf, or monster.”

No, wait a minute, what are you talking about? I can’t be a monster no matter what! I asked for it, but aren’t you being too irresponsible? Can a father do this? When I looked at him in dismay, Ellyuen chuckled.

“The monster is a joke.”

“…”

Am I just imagining that Ellyuen’s personality has changed lately? Ellyuen joking around. This doesn’t make sense. It was clear that this journey was tainted from the beginning. Ellyuen flicked his finger on my forehead, as if my thoughts were written all over my face.

“It hurts…”

“You shouldn’t look at your father like that.”

“It’s because Father tricked me first.”

“I didn’t trick you. It’s not like there’s no possibility of that happening.”

“Ugh, then could I really become a monster?”

“I can’t say for sure about the body either. But it will probably be the most common race in that world. If the most common race in that world is a monster, then that’s what it will be.”

Then I have no choice but to pray that Lapis fell into a decent world. A sigh of resignation flowed out at the bleak reality. If I’m going to be a monster, I hope I’m a big and strong monster. Monsters are a species where the law of the jungle is certain. I didn’t want to end up being eaten by a higher predator while wandering around looking for Lapis.

“However, this spell has a big weakness. It ends when your true identity is revealed.”

“Huh?”

It ends when my true identity is revealed? I was embarrassed by the unexpected words and opened my eyes wide. Ellyuen’s gaze became even stricter as he looked at me.

“When the effect ends, you lose your body. You will become a wandering soul and be trapped in that world like the guy you’re looking for. So keep that in mind, El. You must not reveal your identity to those you meet in that world. No one should know your true identity.”

“Uh-huh, ah, I got it. I’ll be careful.”

“Are you sure you understand correctly?”

“Yeah, I understand.”

Only after nodding repeatedly did Ellyuen release his firm gaze.

“First, I’m going to send you following the orbit of the connection with him. His soul is likely to be in the form of a raw stone there. If someone found it, it may have been processed into a jewel.”

“Hmm, the range is really big.”

“I told you. It will be difficult to find, but once you find it, you will immediately recognize that it’s what you were looking for. When you find it, immediately chant the return spell. I’ll pull you back here.”

“Return spell?”

Ellyuen, who nodded, taught me the details about it. He said that when I decided to go back, the return spell would automatically come to my mind.

“Keep in mind. If you don’t chant the spell, I have no way to pull you up. You must chant the spell.”

“Yeah, I got it.”

This time, I had to nod until he was satisfied. I repeated the same question until I was tired of it, but I didn’t hate it. Repeatedly confirming meant that it was that dangerous, and that he was worried about me.

“I’m sorry for being selfish.”

When I carefully apologized, Ellyuen stopped urging me, covered my head with one hand, and sighed.

“Find him as soon as possible, or I might chase after you. Anyway, that lizard is causing trouble until the end. Tell him that his afterlife will never be easy because he made you suffer like this.”

I just laughed. It was because I knew that even if he said that, he wouldn’t do it if I asked him to. After hugging him for the last time, I looked back at the Spirit Kings, who were standing with anxious expressions.

“Then I’ll be back. See you all later.”

“Ah, wait a minute.”

Then Ifrit came forward and shouted. When I looked at him in confusion, he strode closer and kissed my forehead. I was startled by the unexpected action and opened my eyes wide.

“Wh-What?”

“What else, it’s a blessing kiss.”

“Huh?”

“My ability is temporary, but it’s also engraved on the soul. It will last for about three or four years. I don’t know how long you’ll be wandering around, but I hope this will protect you during that time.”

“Ifrit…”

“It’s the first time I’ve ever used a blessing on the same Spirit King. Anyway, I’m doing all sorts of things because of you. Solve it quickly and come back soon.”

Wow, I was really touched by this. I really didn’t imagine that Ifrit would stand up for me. Then Miné also offered to give me a veil of concealment. Of course, his offer was not fulfilled because there was no way to take the veil.

“It’s unfair that only Ifrit is giving a gift.”

“Miné, you helped El before too.”

“If you put it that way, Ifrit helped first. We met at the merchant guild.”

“What can I do if that’s how the relationship is connected? I guess it’s because I’m going to be El’s mom.”

“It’s still unfair. Then I’ll be El’s dad.”

“That’s not it! El’s dad is Ellyuen!”

“Oh, is that so? Then Ifrit shouldn’t be a mom either? Ellyuen isn’t married.”

“Are you doing this on purpose!”

“Okay, okay, both of you stop. El is in trouble.”

I burst out laughing as I watched them bickering. My heart was indescribably warm. I couldn’t keep my body still because I was filled with the desire to do anything. In the end, I went to them and hugged them all at once.

“Wh-What?”

“You are all my family.”

The movements that had been struggling stopped at the whispered voice. I smiled as I met each of the gazes that were staring blankly.

“Thank you for caring. I’m so happy.”

“…Just come back safely, you idiot. I really won’t let you off the hook if you don’t come back safely.”

Ifrit, who said that, had tears in his eyes. Trowell and Miné were not crying, but they had similar faces. Especially Trowell’s expression was unstable.

“What should I do, El? I was going to send you off without showing it. No matter how I look at it, I don’t know the end of this journey.”

“Trowell.”

The golden eyes staring at me trembled. Lately, he had been looking at me like this often.

“What I know is too fragmentary. I can’t see the result at all. I’ve received so much from you, but it’s too pathetic that all I can do here is pray. I wish I could go instead. But I’m afraid of what kind of anomalies might occur if I do. I feel like I’ll lose both of you.”

“Um, it’s too difficult, so I don’t know what you’re saying. But don’t worry, Trowell. I’m fine.”

“El, promise me you’ll come back safely. Promise me you’ll come back.”

“Yeah, don’t worry. I’ll definitely come back safely.”

We hugged each other for a while and shared our last embrace. It would be a lie if I said I wasn’t anxious at all. But seeing the people who were worried about me, my heart was surprisingly light. No matter how difficult things were in the future, even if there came a moment when I wanted to give up everything. If I just thought about this moment, I felt like I could endure anything. I was so glad I was born in this world and met them.

“Are the greetings all over?”

When I returned to Ellyuen, I had cried my eyes out. He reached out and straightened my hair, as if I looked terrible.

“If you don’t want to do it now, you can stop. To be honest, I recommend that more.”

“No, I’ll do it. I’ll find Lapis.”

“I thought you’d say that.”

After letting out a low sigh, Ellyuen stared at me quietly. He seemed indifferent, but I didn’t doubt that his gaze was filled with affection. The words that followed were also kind.

“El, you are my son. Don’t forget that fact anywhere.”

“Yeah, Father. Of course. Even if Father tells me not to be his son anymore, I’ll be Father’s son for the rest of my life.”

Yeah, I’m going to stick to you like a leech. Then, for some reason, Ellyuen’s expression seemed to waver at my words. He had a look on his face as if he had been caught off guard. I narrowed my eyes, wondering if he was really thinking about it, and he smiled faintly.

“Okay, that’s enough.”

His hand covered my head again. It was still warm. I felt sad thinking that I wouldn’t be able to receive this touch again for a while, but I didn’t show it.

“Now close your eyes and relax your body.”

Following the instructions, I lay down on the floor, closed my eyes, and relaxed my body. He muttered something in an unknown language and touched my forehead, and a warm energy spread through that part. It was when my whole body became drowsy, as if I had fallen into a deep sleep.

Kugung!

Suddenly, a heavy sound rang out, and then a cold energy suddenly covered me. The sensation of being supported disappeared at the same time.

“…!”

A dizzying sensation, as if falling from a high cliff, rushed in. I wanted to scream, but no sound came out at all. It was a strange and scary feeling. Resistance didn’t work either. After that, I was helplessly dragged somewhere as if caught in a rapid current. It felt like something was grabbing me. My body flipped over violently and collided strongly.

‘Father!’

The front of my eyes quickly darkened.

That was the last moment I remembered.