[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-advent-of-the-three-calamities":3,"chapter-advent-of-the-three-calamities-advent-of-the-three-calamities-chapter-453":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Advent of the Three Calamities",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},758888,1005,"Chapter 453: The ring trembles [3]","advent-of-the-three-calamities-chapter-453",453,"\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't know if it would work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking about it, I had only ever tried the third leaf on humans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what if...? What if I could use the third leaf on objects? Would I be able to go to the past\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>and see what had happened with it? Would I learn more about the sword?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wasn't sure, but it was worth a try.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was for that reason that I pressed onto the third leaf.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>11\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All I was met with upon pressing the third leaf was silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I waited for a few minutes, hoping for something to happen, but nothing happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Maybe it'll happen soon?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wasn't disheartened. Considering how in the past two occasions it took a little bit of time for the third leaf to display to me the past, I just thought that with time I'd be able to relieve the hidden past of the sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'I'm curious as hell.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking about it, I knew nothing about the sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All I knew was that it was precious and was used to kill me in the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'... Knowing its capabilities will help me understand why it is so precious and why it was used to kill me.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was all I really wanted to know at the moment and hence why I decided to wait patiently for the effect of the third leaf to appear. I thought I'd appear soon enough. Perhaps in a few hours, or even half a day later, but...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing within the confines of the palace within the ring, nothing happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even as the next day approached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nothing?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was disappointed by the outcome, but not surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, I was already mentally prepared for such a result. It would make sense considering that I had tried it on an object instead of a human.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I guess it doesn't work.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>... Or perhaps objects took longer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whichever it was, I could only sigh to myself and go out of the ring space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A blinding light seeped into the room as my eyes fluttered open, forcing me to squint against the sudden brightness. As my vision adjusted, I took in the surroundings of the medical ward, the faint scent of rubber hanging in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room was silent, save for the soft rustle of the curtains as a faint breeze drifted in, causing them to billow gently like ghostly silhouettes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recalling my position, a long sigh escaped me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was to remain in this place for as long as they could ensure that the 'soul' within me was contained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>About that...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Things aren't looking so good.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Julien was indeed sealed, it wasn't to a high degree. Due to Ivan's interference, the original spell that was supposed to seal him was only half-completed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chains that were currently binding Julien were rather weak, and it felt like they could break at any second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ideally, I'd ask them to redo the spell, but with everything that had happened, I wasn't so sure this was a good idea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'In the end, I still bought myself some valuable time.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What I really needed to do was get Kiera to help me with the Mirror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then would I be able to truly have some breathing room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, I'll leave it that for now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For now, I just wanted to go back to my own dorm. Of course, I knew things wouldn't be so simple. The Pope was dead, and Ivan and the Keeper were both aware of my involvement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was still confused as to why Ivan suddenly left, but I didn't really have much time to dwell on that matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I needed to think of a way to sort out this situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But how exactly can I-\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To Tok-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sharp knock echoed through the room, followed by the door creaking open. A figure stepped in, his long blonde hair catching the light as his golden eyes softened upon meeting mine. His very presence exuded a serene calmness, and the faint smile tugging at his lips felt oddly\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>reassuring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Looks like you're feeling better.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....A bit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's good.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Atlas walked towards the nearby chair and took a seat. As if he could sense my worries, his lips parted open as he spoke,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I've already handled everything. You don't need to worry.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....Uh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Handled everything?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was he...?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ivan won't give you problems and Keeper Matthias will be released next month. The Church\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>of Oracleus has been silent regarding this matter so neither you nor Keeper Matthias will face\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>any trials.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Church of Oracleus has been silent?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could it be that they were aware of what had happened?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If so...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But-\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You don't need to worry too much about your identity. I've also handled that matter. You\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>should thank our leader for that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....Ah.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sudden lump formed in my throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recalling the scene that I had witnessed with the sword, my heart almost leaped out of my\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>chest. Could it be...?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He handled all the troublesome matters. I'll take care of the rest so you don't have to worry\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>and just rest.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pausing, Atlas looked directly at me. Or to be more specific, through me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....Regarding the soul within your body. I won't ask since it doesn't necessarily concern me,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>but can you handle it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I nodded slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if Kiera didn't help, I had my own ways to handle it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's good.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Appearing satisfied, Atlas stood up from his seat and prepared to leave. Just as he arrived by\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the door, his feet came to a sudden stop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, right. I almost forgot.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His head slowly turned in my direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We've found the whereabouts of Mortum.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Scribble~ Scribble-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A gentle scribbling sound echoed within the silence, its rhythm steady and soothing as it\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>echoed softly through the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pausing, Hollowe dipped the pen into the nearby ink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as the pen was about to touch the paper again, a soft voice quietly echoed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You've been quite busy, Hollowe.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....Sir, Ivan.\" Halting his movements, Hollowe looked up and immediately lowered his head to address the\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>approaching figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is a pleasure to see you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ivan's every movement exuded an effortless grace, like that belonging to a top noble. Yet an\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>oppressive aura clung to him like a shroud. It was a weight so heavy that it seemed to seep into the air, suffocating anyone who dared to meet his gaze for too long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You don't need to be so formal with me, Inquisitor. The two of us have known each other for\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>quite some time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\".... It's only appropriate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, alright.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ivan waved his hand and sat down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he did, his eyes paused on the letter Hollowe was writing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you writing a report on the situation?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, I have been asked to report all the details of the situation. Especially given the final\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>verdict of the situation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mhm, I see.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ivan sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I tried my best, but given the produced evidence, this was the best I could achieve. Thankfully the Church of Oracleus has been rather quiet. Within a month, we can get Matthias\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>out. That's all that matters.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, we're truly fortunate for that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a faint smile, Hollowe began to write again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His movements were smooth, and the ink glided across the papers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Scribble~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ivan remained quiet while Hollowe started writing again. He simply closed his eyes and\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>relished the quietness of the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you think?\" Eventually, he broke the silence, prompting Hollowe to stop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"About...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Matthias's involvement. Do you really think he's guilty?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, I don't think Matthias is guilty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then are you saying that a mere cadet is capable of killing a Pope and subjecting Matthias to\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>such an unfavorable situation?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hollowe remained quiet for a brief moment before placing the pen down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don't know. Truthfully, I'd like to think its impossible, but after hearing Matthias's words,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>perhaps it's possible.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh? What did Matthias say to you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He said that it felt like he could see.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hm?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ivan raised his head, meeting Hollowe's as he frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He said that it felt as though he was being read like an open book. As though he knew in\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>advance what his every move would be.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hollowe's tone was serious, and just for a brief moment, the room turned completely quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neither side said a single word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually, however, Ivan stood up and the tension shattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I guess that's that. I think it's time for me to return.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You will be returning? So quick?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, I have several things to handle.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, that's a pity.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Carefully dipping the pen in the ink and placing it on the holder, Hollowe stood up and bowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you for bestowing upon us your presence. I will never forget your favor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't worry about it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ivan dismissively waved his hand and turned around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm just doing my job.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the last echoes of his words lingered in the air, his figure dissolved into nothingness. A\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>heavy, oppressive silence descended over the room, broken only by the faint creak of the chair\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>as Hollowe leaned back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haa.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a tired sigh, he reached for the pen once more, the quiet scratch of its tip against paper\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the only sound accompanying his solemn expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's as you've predicted, Sir Ivan...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He mumbled,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Your clone has been brainwashed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Was there any reaction?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Holding onto the communication device, Atlas's face turned weird. He thought back to the\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>moment he revealed to Julien the news about Mortum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For lack of better words...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He looked confused.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Mortum? The god? He's alive?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These were the exact words he had said upon hearing such words. The confusion on his face\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>also looked genuine. -Confused?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, I'm quite sure.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Hmm, I see. Perhaps I was overthinking things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Atlas's eyes narrowed faintly upon hearing such words. He was still confused as to why he had\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>been asked to tell Julien of such an event.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could it be that he suspected Julien of being related to Oracleus?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-It never hurts to try anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Sithrus's tone grew light, Atlas's head turned to face a certain direction. There he could\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>feel a powerful silhouette leaving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ivan has just left the Academy premises. The situation looks to be resolved.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-I'm glad to hear that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sithrus replied, his tone carrying hints of amusement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-...It's unfortunate that you don't have much time left. I'm afraid it won't be long before the\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Academy will be put under heavy scrutiny. Try to find the artifacts before then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pardon?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Atlas showed hints of surprise upon hearing those words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is something going to happen soon?\" -Possibly. Sithrus replied bluntly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-I'm quite far so I couldn't exactly tell but Ivan's body felt more like a very well-made clone\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>than a real person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well-made clone?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Atlas's brows furrowed. How come he couldn't tell?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-I wouldn't be surprised if you couldn't tell, Dawn. After all, only in the Mirror Dimension\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>can you fully utilize your powers. Had you been in your normal form, you would've been able\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>to tell instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....Yes, but if it's a clone, how come you let it be?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Why?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With an amused chuckle, Sithrus replied,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-They've gotten a little arrogant lately. I just wanted to play with them for a bit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Could it be...?\" Sithrus's next words made Atlas's entire body freeze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-They certainly won't forget me after all of this.\u003C\u002Fp>",1902,"2026-06-02T12:40:56.143Z",1,"novelbin.me","47e5247961a12f120b540d0ad0c09649b3fd51d3242ad48a57065f6c9d174a47","advent-of-the-three-calamities-chapter-454","advent-of-the-three-calamities-chapter-452",876,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fadvent-of-the-three-calamities-cover.jpg"]