The 9th Class Swordmaster: Blade of Truth

Chapter 41: The Secret of Tatur

Chapter 41: The Secret of Tatur

"Everyone's gathered here," Karyl remarked.

"Why does your face look like that?" Dushala asked, noticing Suan Hazer, who stood behind Karyl with a disheveled face.

"It's nothing."

"It's clearly not nothing. You obviously had a fight. And here I thought you were on the kid's side. Was I wrong?"

"Choose your words wisely. He's now the master of Tatur. Call him Master."

Dushala seemed taken aback by Suan's firm voice. "Well, then..."

"If it doesn't come naturally to you, feel free to speak as you please," Karyl spoke nonchalantly, seemingly pleased with Suan's changed demeanor.

"I will reveal to you a secret of Tatur that you are unaware of. Though I've become the leader here, I do not take your roles as administrators lightly. Moreover, I believe this secret will deepen your loyalty to me."

The more he spoke, the more curious they became. What could be this secret of Tatur that even they didn’t know? And how could a newcomer know about it? The two looked at Karyl with a mix of curiosity and fear.

"Just a moment!!" That's when someone was seen rushing towards them from a distance.

"Kamma?"

"Geez, isn't this too much? Why am I always left out? I'm an administrator here too!" Kamma exclaimed, paying no mind to the mud staining his long robe as he gasped for breath.

"How did you even find out about this?"

"I have people scattered all over the streets. I knew you'd try to do something behind my back."

"Such a pointless effort..." for new novels

"Pointless? How dare you! Being by the Master’s side even at this hour holds significance!" Kamma said, smiling sheepishly at Karyl. "The title seems to suit you perfectly, Master."

"Crazy..." Dushala snorted in disbelief at Kamma’s behavior, but the tension seemed to ease slightly thanks to him.

"It’s good to have you here. I figured you'd come even if I didn't tell you."

"Ha, haha... Is that so?"

"Kamma of the slums has an unrivaled information network, after all."

"Oh, you flatter me." Kamma bowed again and again, nodding repeatedly at his words.

"Let’s Proceed."

***

"Do you know when Tatur was built?"

"I'm not sure..."

"I've heard it's an artificial island, but we don't know the details. The Fonein River flows so strongly around it that it's considered forsaken land," Dushala said, as she followed Karyl.

"It's not properly documented in history books either. Though, even if it were, I doubt we'd pay much attention." Suan and Kamma nodded at her words.

For them, who had to struggle to survive each day, reading books was a luxury they couldn't afford.

"The empire was founded about 250 years ago. The Grand Sorcerer Kaye Aesir, and the Emperor, Parson Shutean, who was known as the Great Emperor, unified the large and small territories with immense power."

The three nodded in agreement.

After all, you were the helmsman of this ship in my past life. He found Suan’s question funny.

Suan Hazer had once been hailed as the reincarnation of Nelson Howard, the Island King, who ruled over the western archipelagoes of the continent thanks to this ship.

This will serve as the cornerstone of the invisible empire I will create.

Karyl remembered how Suan once steered this ship across the continent. "This is the mana battleship."

The heavy chains fell to the ground, causing the underground hall to shake, and dirt fell from the ceiling.

"W-Wait, don’t handle an artifact from the Magical Era so recklessly..."

About a thousand years ago, in an era when elves, dwarves, and various other species thrived, magic was far more prevalent than it is now. The magic that exists today was established by the Seven Elders, known as the Original Sorcerers. However, many of these spells are no longer in use.

That's why artifacts from the Magical Era are so valuable, like those in the imperial treasury.

Occasionally, artifacts from the Magical Era are discovered in ancient ruins or dungeons.

For many, the Magical Era felt like a distant dream, causing them to handle these artifacts. But Karyl held a different perspective.

What’s the point of hoarding valuable items in a treasury if they're never put to use? Every artifact from the Magical Era is far more useful than modern items.

The empire, principality, and three kingdoms all possessed these Magical Era artifacts. Among the most notable was the Staff of Infinite Breath, made from a special mineral called Clear Distilled Water, that was stored in the imperial treasury.

It's frustrating. Even the best tools are useless if not used. Only the court magician, Kadin Luer, has the skill to use the Infinite Breath, but the emperor hides it out of fear of the chancellor, Karyl thought smiling bitterly.

I will be different. I'll use everything at my disposal.

To be in a position where fear is rendered unnecessary, to have dominion over swords, magic, and all forms of power—that is what truly matters.

“What will we do if Dushala, who commands even the nobles of the empire, gets scared by something like this?”

"W-Who's scared?" Dushala said, stepping back slightly behind Suan.

"It’s functional, but it can't be used right away. First, summon the dwarves from the black market to repair it."

"Is it safe for them to see it?"

"We have no other choice. Thanks to special methods involved in them, only dwarves can work on Muir's creations." Karyl shrugged. "Also you're good at keeping secrets. And remember to appoint the dwarf from sector 5-UK-37 as the manager. That'll keep things quiet. Although not from Muir's clan, they've served the royal family for a long time."

"Right."

Dushala eyed Karyl, who spoke about such matters so casually. How does he know so much, even about the black market's sectors?

"The legacy of Muir will ensure that they keep things quiet."

"Umm... Ca-Can we go inside?" Suan asked, his eyes shining.

"Of course you can. But remember, don't take it out of here until I say so, or it might become a target of the empire."

"Understood."

Karyl patted the ship's side. "Aren't you curious? Just imagine the reaction across the continent when this battleship is revealed."

"Well, it’ll be very interesting," Dushala responded, trying to sound nonchalant, but the smiling lips hidden behind her veil betrayed her gratitude.

The arrogant nobles and those who had exploited her as if she were an insect, the thought of getting revenge on them made her want to leap in joy.

As if aware of her thoughts, Karyl spoke calmly, "You can look forward to it. This is just the beginning."