Chapter 231 â The Core of the Founder Demon Lord
Liliyn POV
âYou have my gratitude, Cruzer-dono.â (Silva)
Even though Silva was an all-seeing existence to be feared, he bowed in front of Cruzer in gratitude for helping their escape.
âPlease donât worry. If by any chance Liliyn-sanâs warning was true, I would have troubled you either way.â (Cruzer)
Cruzer also similarly bowed with the same degree of gratitude.
âAnd apparently, they didnât seem to be looking for me.â (Cruzer)
His relief was obvious as his expression loosened. Liliyn didnât probe any further about it.
âOi Cruzer, youâre well informed about this place right? I have one question about itâ (Liliyn)
ââŠ.itâs about their purpose, isnât it?â (Cruzer)
Cruzer seemed to have anticipated her question.
âAs far as that goes, didnât those people slipped a few words related to their purpose in this place?â (Silva)
âYeah they did. I thought the reason why they set their foot in this secluded place was to search for Cruzer, butâ (Liliyn)
Those people seemed to know what they were doing.
âThey donât seem to be. RatherâŠ.. They seem to be looking for some treasure sleeping inside this cave.â (Liliyn)
ââŠâŠâŠâ (Cruzer)
Cruzer kept silent with his eyes partly closed. He placed a hand on his chins as he pondered about Liliynâs words. Because of such actions, Liliyn noticed him and awaited for his response.
ââŠ.I see, it canât be helped to have such conclusion. No one would visit this place with only sightseeing as their intentions. â (Cruzer)
It apparently seems that Cruzer as well arrived with the same conclusion as them.
âThatâs why if you know anything here that could help us, say it now. If what they are looking do exist, then we have to stop them in finding that treasure first.â (Liliyn)
âIf you say it like that, I will cooperate. However, Iâm not that detailed about this, alright? This is only based on what Iâve seen, so I have no knowledge regarding as to why or how it got here.â (Cruzer)
And so Cruzer spoke about the treasure sleeping inside the ăShanjuumon Caveă
A long time ago, this cave was just a usual cave. It was said to be a hiding place of a Demon Lord. This person had placed a mysterious force that prevents intruders from invading it using an unknown high-level magic.
TL Note: (Please note that this Demon Lord is not Eveam. I know who it is, but consider this one as some other Demon Lord in the past.)
In other words, an optical illusion magic that changes interior of the cave every time an intruder enters.
âImpossible! I was fooled by a magic that I was specialised in!â (Liliyn)
Liliynâs unique magic was called ăFantasia Magică, a magic that spites illusions towards selected enemies while the caster is unaffected by it.
Of course, she knew that there were other people out there who uses a similar magic, however even if they could use it, at the very least, it shouldnât have worked on her. Liliynâs sixth sense would have instantly told her and see through the illusions.
So Liliyn couldnât entirely believe this baseless rumors that she was deceived by such magic. But she still couldnât escape the illusion even if she was trying to breakthrough the magic. If she used her magic, her sixth sense should have already told her where that treasure was located.
Liliyn did not expect that there was a magic existing beyond her unique magic. This was making her conflicted.
âI understand how unbelievable this seems, Liliyn-san. I do believe that your ăFantasia Magicăis the only one that exists in this world. And itâs very strong so to speak.â (Cruzer)
She pouted as if to say âThatâs natural. Itâs my unique magic.â
âHowever, if you know what kind of treasure is sleeping in this cave, Iâm sure you will also agree with me.â (Cruzer)
ââŠâŠâŠ..what do you mean?â (Liliyn)
Cruzer paused for a bit, and began to speak in a deep quiet voice.
âThe treasure that lies inside the ăShanjuumon Caveă isâŠâŠâŠâŠâŠâŠâŠâŠ the ăThe Core of the Founder Demon Lordăâ
(Eh? Did I hear that correctly..? He..he said the core of the FounderâŠ. Demon Lord?)
Liliyn instinctively asked Cruzer again to confirm if she heard those words correctly.
âLike I said a while ago, the treasure that lies in this place is the core of the person who founded ăXaousăkingdomâŠ. Demon Lord Adams.â (Cruzer)
Liliyn grinded her teeth unintentionally. Her arms trembled as she made a fist.
âYou understand right? No, you may have already arrived at what Iâm trying to point out. Because Adams specialises in a unique magic as wellâŠ.. Iâm pretty sure you are aware of that, am I right Liliyn-san?â (Cruzer)
ââŠâŠâŠ.â (Liliyn)
(TL Note: The author used ćœŒć„ł | Kanojo. This means Adams is a woman.)
(Of course I knowâŠ. Because that Adams isâŠ..)
âShe was renowned to be the strongest Demon Lord who reigned over anyone. Her magic too made her known as the ăQueen of Dreamsăbecause that magic wasâŠâŠâŠâŠâŠ ăFantasia Magică. Yes, she was the ăSuccubus-kină whom Liliyn-san inherited her unique magic.â (Cruzer)
(TL Note: ć€ąéæ means Dream-Demon Kin. So it can either be an Incubus or Succubus.)
Silva who knew this quietly watched the conversation of the two people. Liliyn who had a face that wonât recognise this rumor, glared at Cruzer.
She stared at him for awhile, until she leaked a exasperated sigh. His eyes wasnât lying.
ââŠâŠ.does that thing really exists in here?â (Liliyn)
She asked with a depressed tone.
âYes. That thing exists in here. Although I donât know the reason why it is in here, the effect towards us is already credible proof thatâs in hereâŠâŠâŠ Iâm certainly sure of this.â (Cruzer)
ââŠâŠI see.â (Liliyn)
âMiladyâŠ.â (Silva)
Silva seemed to have been worried about Liliyn due to her obvious bewilderment about this.
âYou said you were certain about this? Then it means you have confirmed it with your own eyes? (Liliyn)
âI did. Despite how I look right now, Iâm very proficient in searching mysterious things.â (Cruzer)
âOh, now that you mention it, your family was also like that.â (Liliyn)
She shrugged her shoulders as if to say âCanât be helpedâ. Cruzerâs family descendants were appraisal experts, so if Cruzer says he confirmed it, then it is very reliable indeed.
âAnyway, with this, we have already grasped their intentions. Those guys are surely aiming for the ăCore of the Founder Demon Lordăif it really is here.â (Liliyn)
âI agree.â (Silva)
âThat Predecessor Demon Lord probably ordered this retrieval. Although I donât know what they will use it for, itâs obvious itâs going to be something bad. Its importance is also supported by sending a ăSpiritănamed Abyss.â (Liliyn)
If he sent a ăSpirităin his place, then he would not have any worry of getting lost because of the clairvoyance of that being.
âAre we going to chase them out?â (Silva)
Liliyn pondered for a little, before she shook her head in face of Silvaâs question.
âLetâs leave them be.â (Liliyn)
ââŠ.are you fine with it?â (Silva)
Because of her unexpected reply, Silva exaggeratedly asked in surprise.
âYeah, although that Abyss guy was certainly a ăSpirită, those guys, or at least, those two wonât be able to get it, if we are talking about theăCore of the Founder Demon Lordăof course.â (Liliyn)
âYou donât seem to be lyingâŠâ (Cruzer)
Cruzer who had been listening to this, lightly made sigh as if to say âI give up, you win.â. Although she said that, she was a little irritated for not being able to return the payback to them.
âOf course I am. Even I was deceived by it. I would be running over there if I could feel it right now you know?â (Liliyn)
âOh dear, I knew you were going to say that.â (Cruzer)
âStill Milady, what if those people were able to reach the ăCoreă, are you sure they canât obtain it?â (Silva)
âLet me see, if those guys really did reach its location thenâŠâŠâ (Liliyn)
3rd Person POV
âOi Abyss! What is the meaning of this!â (Iraora)
The reason why Iraora was shouting is due to him being speechless by the spectacle stretched in front of their eyes. However, Abyss who was besides him, didnât respond and stared at it quietly.
âWhat the heck is this! WhaâŠ.why are there so many ăCoreăin here!â (Iraora)
As for their current location, they arrived at a place they were unfamiliar of as numerous bluish black gems greeted them in every direction.
âHow is this supposed to be a cave when itâs this utterly wide! What the hell is going in here!?â (Iraora)
ââŠâŠ.â (Abyss)
âOi Abyss! Open that fucking mouth of yours and do something about this!â (Iraora)
Although the situation had become too confusing, Abyss wonât answer him even with his frantic shout earlier. It was making Iraora more irritated.
âWhere the hell is the real ăCore of the Founder Demon Lordă! Arenât you a ăClairvoyant Raceă? Then find it already!â (Iraora)
However, Abyss still didnât respond as he continued looking at the shining gems around them. And finallyâŠ.
ââŠ.this is quite astonishing.â (Abyss)
âHah? What the heck are you talking about?â (Iraora)
âThis spectacle⊠should I say as expected of the Founder Demon Lordâs powerâŠâ (Abyss)
Abyss who said such word, then approached and touched one of the gems. He took it with his small hands easily.
âOh! Is that the real thing!â (Iraora)
ââŠ.no, you are mistaken.â (Abyss)
âHah? But isnât this the illusion of that guy? If you can touch it like that, isnât that the genuine one?â (Iraora)
Abyss dropped the gem and broke like a shattered glass bead when it hit the ground.
âOnce you have mastered magic, it is very difficult to tell it apart from reality. It can dominate oneâs inner soul and manipulate their feelings. Thatâs magic. For instance, I want to touch the gem, and when I try to touch it, it becomes possible to touch it.â (Abyss)
ââŠ.?â (Iraora)
Iraora inclines his head as if to show that heâs having difficulty understanding Abyssâ words. But Abyss ignored him and continued with his explanation.
âHowever, if we think about it oppositelyâŠâ
The moment he said that, he reached to another gem only to be in vain. His hands passed through it like touching a reflection of it.
âIt becomes an illusion the moment I convinced myself it was just a fake.â (Abyss)
ââŠâŠ..then what does this mean?â (Iraora)
âIn other words, this is a space created by the real ăCoreăâs magic where your inner thoughts are reflected real time.â (Abyss)
ââŠwait, then isnât the solution easy! Letâs just think that the real thing is in here!â (Iraora)
Though he thought the solution was that simple after that complicated explanation but,
âListen, even if we perceive these gems as the real one, do you think that is the genuine one?â (Abyss)
ââŠhah?â (Iraora)
âWhat you will experience is probably an illusion that gives you the real thing that you most desired.â (Abyss)
Iraora couldnât understand it still, so he stared blankly in puzzlement.
âThen let us assume then. Assume that you are under the impression of an illusion that makes you think this is the real thing. Then this moving world that we are now is just an illusion set to makes us think we are in here.â (Abyss)
âI somehow get the idea.â (Iraora)
âIn short, with this illusion in place, it is impossible to find the real thing.â (Abyss)
âH-h-hey! Are you saying weâre on a stalemate here! What happened to the ăSpirităcan see through this and that! There is a limit on how one can be useless you know!?â (Iraora)
âăSpirităâs are not omnipotent. This is something that cannot be seen even if you have a ăClairvoyant Visionă. In order to break through this magic, it will require power that defies common sense.â (Abyss)
Abyss leaks a sigh of amazement as he looked at the wide space in front of him.
âIf itâs theăFairy Queenăor theăSpirit Kingă, they might be able to understand this kind of phenomenon. Unfortunately, that level of perception is out of my reach.â (Abyss)
âW-what the fuckâŠâ (Iraora)
âThis is obviously beyond my powers. No, it might be because His Majesty predicted this would happen that he sent us towards here.â (Abyss)
âHah? Whatâs your point?â (Iraora)
Avoros had something to them before they went to this place.
ăAbout that thing I requested, if you can get it, will you pick it up for me and bring it back?ă
Thatâs what he said.
âIn other words, His Majesty may have visited this place once before us. And similarly, he fell in the same situation as us and abandoned it with regrets. And so he thought that if a ăSpiritălike me is dispatched here, then there would be a chance.â (Abyss)
âThen that means, we failed this fucking mission. No, wait a minute. Didnât you have a ăMagic-Nullificationătrait? Then why are you affected by this kind of magic?â (Iraora)
It was as he said. ăHigh-Ranking Spiritsăare existences who have an ability inside their body called ăMagic-Nullificationă.
âPerhaps this magic has the power to invalidate ăMagic-Nullificationăâ (Abyss)
âHey hey, isnât that even possible!â (Iraora)
âYes they do. That category of magic is called ăAbsolute Magică.â (Abyss)
âWhat the heck is that?â (Iraora)
âAnother name for it is ăSpirit Magică. Iraora, do you know of the phenomenon called the ăRed Raină?â (Abyss)
âHah? You mean that rain thatâs considered a magic but also can invalidate magic?â (Iraora)
âWell with that recognition, thereâs no doubt thatâs the one, butăSpiritsăcan use magic under that rain. Thatâs because the magic ăSpiritsăhandle has an effect that invalidate all other interferences. Even if itâs ăMagic-Nullificationă, it is powerless over ăAbsolute Magică.â (Abyss)
âThen canât you cast your own magic since it can nullify interferences?â (Iraora)
Though Abyss could understand where he was going with this, he had a rather complex expression about it. What Iraora meant to say is that if Abyss uses his ăSpirit Magicăthen wouldnât they be able to break past the interference.
âCertainly we have that kind of option.â (Abyss)
âThen why donât you use your magicâŠ.â (Iraora)
âHoweverăAbsolute Magicăacknowledges superiority and inferiority.â (Abyss)
âHah?â (Iraora)
âIf someone strong is capable of causing this phenomenonâŠ.â (Abyss)
ââŠâŠâ (Iraora)
âThen the current me is unable to invalidate this kind of magic.â (Abyss)
ââŠ.tsk, what a useless guy! Then that means all we did were in vain!?â (Iraora)
Iraora clicks his tongue as he put sarcasm in his words towards expressionless Abyss.
âNot really. We were able to accomplish the mission of confirming our goal so that we can prepare counter-measures in the future. Although it would have been better if we could get the real thing, at least we got information about this.â (Abyss)
âThen what are we going to do nowâ (Iraora)
âFor the meantime, let us report back to His Majesty and wait for further instructions.â
ââŠâŠâŠtsk, this mission is troublesome, fuck!â (Iraora)
The two of them returned their heels back towards the exit as they left the widely broad area before them.