Within the Royal Wizard Corps of the Bashalan Empire.
High-ranking wizards from all corners of the empire had lingered here for over half a month, yet discussions on the Immortal Summoning incident remained inconclusive. Some imperial wizards even blamed the remnants of forces that had survived the empire's founding, accusing them of meddling with forbidden powers and retaliating against the state.
This view had its fair share of supporters.
But many still found the notion of ancient god worshippers hard to believe...
Ancient gods.
This term first appeared in the research of archaeological record-keepers, who originally coined it to describe things people worshipped in ancient times—nature, the unknown, or inexplicable yet immensely powerful forces. However, most studies contained no direct records of ancient gods manifesting.
Most were man-made organizations that believed in something entirely nonexistent.
Of course, some cases were harder to explain.
Like unsolved mysteries...
But these couldn't serve as direct evidence for the existence of ancient gods. A large portion of people, who trusted only what they saw, demanded more proof. In their understanding, if gods truly existed in the world, they would have appeared long ago. Human history spanned thousands or even tens of thousands of years without a single record of such an event.
As for the deformed creatures, they could only be chalked up to nature's mistakes, not evidence of ancient gods. Thus, the discussions about the Tacoma region, though grand in scale, had made little actual progress.
Freya alone had been summoned several times, since she was the only one in Tacoma City who had witnessed the so-called ancient god worshippers firsthand...
"I've said it many times—I saw the Deep Ones and the ancient god worshippers with octopus heads. As for what they were summoning, I only saw a giant octopus tentacle!"
She had repeated this explanation countless times, even before the royal family at first.
Yet doubts still arose...
"Many others saw it too, including the captain of the Black Feather Knights."
"Of course. We're not doubting your word, Red Dragon Witch Freya. Later investigations did uncover some mutated humanoids hidden deep in the swamps."
"They're called Deep Ones, sir," Freya retorted.
"Let's set aside what they're called for now. Perhaps they're just mutated humans corrupted by magic? Like the Forest Witch or the Dragon Tamer Witch."
Sensing the pointed tone in his words, Freya replied with displeasure.
"Let me remind you again, sir. They don't belong to any human category at all. They're an entirely different species we've never encountered before."
"Many people, in moments of crisis, believe what they see is the truth. We must be pragmatic... Miss Witch," the interrogating official said with an unreadable smile, then turned to face the larger audience.
"This matter requires more evidence and investigation, but the Tacoma incident has indeed brought immeasurable disaster upon us..."
"I think the priority now is reconstruction..."
"Who's to say the same thing won't happen in other regions? I believe strengthening defenses is more important—we need more power!"
"...But that would cost too much..."
"So we need to adjust some policies, like taxes..."
"Exactly. Every lord should bolster their own defenses and recruit more talent."
"That's nonsense..."
"Everyone, quiet!"
On the high platform, a single person sat in the center, saying nothing, merely listening to the clamor below. Beside him sat another beautiful woman.
The King of Bashalan had yet to reach a decision on the Tacoma region...
Within less than a month, two unknown attacks had struck his kingdom. Explaining them away as coincidences was no longer tenable. The Bashalan Empire had abandoned its expansionist policies years ago in favor of internal development, and after two generations of kings' efforts, it had reached its current state.
But now...
It felt as if the nation's very foundation was shaken.
Nobles were demanding more lenient policies, while the empire's disasters necessitated heavier taxes.
Recently, reports of religious followers appearing frequently had surfaced, as if these two incidents had lent credibility to their previously unconvincing propaganda.
In truth, many officials present denied the ancient god theories for this very reason.
If the populace began to believe in a nebulous existence, his rule would face a crisis...
He flipped through the accounts of both incidents, comparing the events.
And found a rather interesting figure...
"Sean Wiegand," he murmured the name.
...
On the road to the southeastern region...
Sean led a team of over two hundred people on foot toward the Tacoma region. No—it should now be called the Oro Region!
Days earlier, a herald from the capital had finally reached Tylermian, announcing Sean's promotion to Count.
From then on, the Tacoma region was renamed the Oro Region...
The new city of Oro would be named after the major city of Oro, located west of old Tacoma City. This name would designate the new region and officially declare the new Count Sean Wiegand as the lord of Oro City.
Along with the herald came a force of two hundred soldiers, who would henceforth serve as Sean's personal guard. Their ranks were decent, averaging between Order Level 3 and 4...
To reach Oro City first, Sean would lead this group ahead, leaving the affairs of Tylermian Town to Luke. Once the location was settled, he would mobilize all townspeople to gradually relocate to the new city.
Sean had also specially invited the Skov siblings. Since his dealings with them in Koga City were already known to Count Hamilton, staying might bring them unnecessary trouble. Better to follow him to the new city.
To his surprise, Esmeralda agreed readily!
Thinking it over, as a merchant, she naturally chose the best option. Compared to losing clientele in Koga City and gaining a lord's support, the latter was far superior. Without hesitation, she chose Oro City, but liquidating the Skov assets would take time, and the siblings still had final arrangements to make.
As for Igunia—as the Eilintha Witch of Koga City, she couldn't leave that place for now.
At least until Eshu returned, she couldn't stray too far...
The entire team now consisted only of these new guards and a historical record-keeper from the capital.
He had arrived with the herald, but the herald left after delivering the appointment, while he stayed behind.
A man around forty years old, named Ross. He was said to be a renowned record-keeper in the capital, having compiled many historical documents.
"Have you always been in this line of work, Sir Ross?" Sean chatted idly with him.
"Are you referring to the record-keeper, my lord?"
"Both, really..."
The other smiled, a meaningful expression.
"Actually, I love my current profession. Everyone has their own glory. Guarding important history is my glory. Even without an oath, it's my lifelong creed." His expression turned serious.
"So you're quite knowledgeable about history, Sir Ross?"
"At least within the Bashalan Empire, I think I have a decent reputation," he replied with a smile.