Chapter: 702
Kagan was not only the leader who first unified the great plains but also the best warrior in the northern region. Religiously, he served as the ‘high priest’ of the Eternal Blue Sky faith, similar to a pope in the Dawn Sect.
As the head of the state, the mightiest warrior and a religious leader, there’s no way his weapons could be ordinary. Indeed, Kagan’s greatsword and sickle were sacred relics of the Eternal Blue Sky—a collection of items infused with divine aura and favor.
‘But they have fallen to mere ordinary weapons since the faith declined.’
However, Kagan and the northern forces were defeated in war, leading to their downfall. During this chaos, the Eternal Blue Sky faith crumbled as well, and its sacred items lost any divine essence they once held. In fact, my sword that had slain Kagan might be closer to a holy relic.
Thus, Kagan’s once-sacred weapons transformed into mere artifacts of scholarly interest—
– Although it seems the faith is reviving along with the relics?
Since the Council, the Eternal Blue Sky faith has been gradually recovering, acting as a variable.
So the question arises: If the faith crumbled and the relics lost their value, does that mean restoring the faith can reacquire the relics’ worth?
‘…It seems the faith has indeed made some progress.’
– Exactly! My temples in the north have been rebuilt, and thanks to Jiz, my name is even known on the opposite side of the continent! It shouldn’t be tough to revive a single relic!
The Eternal Blue Sky responded with a tone full of pride.
Well, that makes sense. It’s been leeching off the World Tree’s faith, and if there’s been an increase in belief directed toward it, the ripple effects would be significant. Gerhardt, who touched the relics, could even hear the voice of the Eternal Blue Sky.
‘But can just touching a relic really allow someone to hear a god’s voice? Especially someone like Gerhardt, a believer in the Dawn Sect?’
Still, I pressed on with some skepticism.
It’s true that the relics are precious, but if simply touching them lets anyone hear a god’s voice, the world would be filled with saints and holy figures. Was Gerhardt’s ancestor perhaps a priest of the Eternal Blue Sky or something?
– I find it amazing too…
The Eternal Blue Sky paused for a moment, then sighed deeply before continuing.
– You see, this guy cares a lot about the north for a believer. Honestly, I think he’s even more passionate about it than the living nomads!
‘Well, that seems accurate.’
– Probably while researching the north, he learned about me, and that sparked faith in him.
It’s not a completely compelling theory, but I reluctantly accepted it. Honestly, now that he’s heard the voice of a deity, the exact reason isn’t hugely significant, considering there’s no other hypothesis available.
I just felt a bit pity for Gerhardt, who probably has a stronger faith than any local nomad. In time, this bizarre belief might reach a normal level.
“Gerhardt.”
“Yes?”
After wrapping up the discussion, I looked at Gerhardt.
His rigid expression made me feel a bit guilty. Suddenly hearing a strange voice in one’s head during a conversation can definitely be concerning, especially for him.
So, I quickly explained. What he’s experiencing isn’t a serious issue but instead a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as a northern researcher.
“From now on, anything I say must remain a secret.”
“Yes, I promise.”
Gerhardt nodded seriously at my request for confidentiality.
“The voice you just heard, Gerhardt, comes from the Eternal Blue Sky.”
“Pardon?”
“Actually, the relics of the traitor are sacred items of the Eternal Blue Sky faith. By touching them, it seems a small connection has formed between you and the Eternal Blue Sky.”
“…Huh?”
His mouth fell open in confusion.
I totally understand. I felt the same way when I first saw the Eternal Blue Sky.
*
The next morning, Gerhardt left the mansion, carrying Kagan’s relics, which had been magically lightened.
His expression, which had seemed complicated the night before, was now as bright as could be. It seemed he had quite a conversation with the Eternal Blue Sky during the night.
‘If he can make proper use of it, this could be the best advice ever.’
I might consider myself a northern expert, but my knowledge has mostly been limited to the Great Subjugation War. I’m practically clueless about the history and culture of the nomads before that.
But having a god who has watched over the nomads from the beginning offers invaluable assistance in northern research. Gerhardt could become a walking Akashic Record and the ultimate expert in the field. This would create a terrifying expert that never previously existed and likely won’t in the future.
‘He might even convert.’
Gerhardt has been a believer in the Dawn Sect his whole life, but he isn’t particularly devout. He was just born into it and went along with it.
If a god offering crucial help for his research suddenly appeared, it wouldn’t be surprising for him to switch faiths. From a scholar’s standpoint, having a deity provide endless material for papers is just too good to pass up! If gods help with writing papers and research, naturally, converting becomes the sensible choice.
‘It could be mutually beneficial.’
As Gerhardt’s studies become more vibrant, it also benefits the Eternal Blue Sky. Once the glorious past of the Eternal Blue Sky faith is shared with people, the unknown north will start feeling familiar, leading to increased conversions.
Moreover, the Winter Tri-nations are already developing faith in the Eternal Blue Sky. Just because it’s happening in distant lands doesn’t mean it couldn’t occur within the Empire.
‘Used to be a god leeching off others’ faith.’
Suddenly, it felt like I could tear up. How heartwarming for that once pitiful god to finally have this day come.
Reuniting with a sibling thought dead, receiving recognition for a faith previously treated as heretical, and having belief revival happening all over the continent…
‘Hang in there.’
Honestly, it might be impossible to return to its prime due to the firm hold of the Dawn Sect, but at least a foothold within the local culture could be solidified.
*
Today, the sky looked especially wide and blue. Probably because I was receiving grace from a god of all beings.
– What should I tell you first? The progenitors of the nomads? The first tribe of the north? The beliefs that flared up in the north? Just say the word!
Hearing such blessings made my heart race, and I couldn’t help but smile.
Grace, truly grace. To hear the history of the nomads from a deity that has witnessed their birth and evolution—what greater blessing could there be?
Truly, the Judicial Minister is my benefactor. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t have amassed knowledge of the north over three years at the Academy, received assistance for field studies, secured relics of the traitor, or even heard the voice of a god. One person’s influence has drastically transformed my life.
‘If I’m not being rude, may I ask about the bloodline of the traitor? To be able to dominate an entire tribe in an instant implies a notable lineage, but details about the traitor’s ancestors are unknown, and I’m quite curious!’
As I expressed gratitude towards the Judicial Minister, I also asked something that had always piqued my interest.
It’s a common belief that only nobles prioritize bloodlines, but in reality, nomads value bloodlines extremely highly. Since nomads operate in family, clan, or tribe units, they are naturally sensitive to blood ties.
Therefore, the bloodline of the traitor couldn’t possibly be ordinary. No matter how strong a presence is, without lineage backing it, the Gaar tribe or the north would not have followed the traitor.
– Sure! I can tell you all about that!
The Eternal Blue Sky accepted my request willingly—
– First, let’s go to the north! I’ll share the area where the Udesr clan’s progenitor operated!
“Yes?”
I was thrown off guard by how detailed the answer was beyond my expectations.
No, it would suffice to just narrate it; I didn’t need to go that deep… knowing up to the fifth ancestor would have been enough…
‘Starting from the progenitor, huh?’
– Yup! When discussing lineage, you need to start from the very top! Suddenly, the lineage could split at any time, you know!
While I didn’t entirely disagree, I nodded in a daze.
Between clans or tribes, marriages, distribution of property among children, the formation of new tribes from the combination of different tribes—the nomads were organic beings that frequently assembled and disbanded.
– We’ll have to travel around quite a bit, so I should probably get Jiz to carry us!
‘Jiz?’
I scrambled to recall who Jiz was; I had definitely heard that name before.
*
Gerhardt had teleported to the Baronage of Barandi via a teleportation magic circle located in the capital. Since it was information relayed directly from the Baron himself, it was definitely reliable.
What a diligent gentleman. I never expected him to head straight to the north after we parted.
‘That shows how high his expectations are.’
I felt a bit pleased. My assistance had ignited the scholarly enthusiasm in him. A true testament to my qualifications as a professor of the Empire!
—Or so I thought.
– I’m currently roaming around with Jiz! For on-site studies, flying is much better than teleporting!
I was left speechless when I realized Gerhardt had hopped on Jiz’s back. Who would have figured he’d just pile Gerhardt onto Jiz like that? As much as Jiz enjoys flying, she’s not the kind to carry just anyone casually.
Though with the plea from her sister, the Eternal Blue Sky, she might have done it willingly, I worried more about Gerhardt than about Jiz.
‘He’s going to be completely disoriented on his first ride.’
Soaring through the sky on an eagle at breakneck speed—only the bravest of souls could withstand that experience.
What if he faints on Jiz’s back? Will he end up with a twisted jaw after being slapped by the harsh wind up there? What if he suddenly develops acrophobia? My mind buzzed with worst-case scenarios, but I couldn’t bring myself to intervene.
The Eternal Blue Sky seemed swept up in excitement.
‘…Well, he’ll probably get used to it if he keeps riding.’
And as the Eternal Blue Sky suggested, seeing it from above will be more beneficial for Gerhardt than teleporting sporadically.
So hopefully, for his own sake, he’ll acclimate to the heights.
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