Sovereign of the Ashes

“May I ask where you’re headed?” Sein asked since the giant tortoise had just saved his life and was friendly to him.

On top of that, a casual conversation could build a friendship between them.

“I’m returning to the Western Archipelago. Why do you ask?” the giant tortoise replied honestly, leaving Sein to wonder whether it was simply naive or viewed humans as too insignificant to be cautious around.

Sein was pleasantly surprised by the revelation. With a smile, he asked, “I’m also bound for the Western Archipelago. May I travel with you?”

The giant tortoise looked at him with its large, round eyes before replying, “Of course, and no need to speak formally—you’re making me nervous.”

Mages are known for being recluses, often secluded in their laboratories all year, and Sein was even more withdrawn than most. Yet, his lifestyle paled in comparison to the giant tortoise before him.

The tortoise claimed it had been helping the Summer Guardian in suppressing the eye of the sea for a millennium, but it had actually spent much of that time slumbering in its depth.

Although the giant tortoise was friendly toward Sein, it was not as sociable as Master Medich.

The tortoise was straightforward and direct. This might be due to its immense power, which could make social pleasantries seem unnecessary.

“Thank you kindly!” Sein expressed his gratitude once more.

“You can call me Tourmaline,” the tortoise said.

It was a strange name, but Sein committed it to his memory.

Sein’s journey to the Western Archipelago would be a lot safer with this mighty companion.

From their conversation, Sein learned that Tourmaline’s home was in the Western Archipelago.

However, it was likely not located in the more infamous Blackhaven in the northern part but rather in the expansive southern region of the Western Archipelago.

The Western Archipelago was a special region within the Magus World, known for its vast southern territories that eclipsed the infamous Blackhaven in both influence and size.

Sein’s late mentor, Mosidor, hailed from Thousand Leaf Coral Island, nestled in the heart of the Western Archipelago—an area not typically associated with the Blackhaven, at least not on the map.

Mosidor’s transformation into a black mage had always been a mystery to Sein, likely tied to his early life experiences.

Nevertheless, Sein recognized the immense benefits of traveling with such a formidable giant tortoise, both during their journey to the Western Archipelago and upon arrival.

“Why do I feel a sense of familiarity with you?” Sein inquired curiously.

Sein’s inquiry was not just a bid to uncover unknowns; it was a bridge to closer relations.

Despite his reclusive disposition, Sein did not lack social skills. He knew how to navigate social waters, often better than most.

He had proven as much during events like the one celebrating his father’s promotion to Rank One, hosted by his great-grandfathers and attended by numerous Rank One and Two knights.

Sein managed to interact with the guests quite well during that event. So, it was not a question of whether he could handle social situations, but rather if he chose to engage in them.

“That’s because we share a kinship as beings favored by the will of the Magus World,” the giant tortoise explained, its voice tinged with wisdom.

“However, I possess more of the plane’s origin energy, thanks to my lineage’s contributions to the Magus World. You might be less powerful, but you’re quite likable. Don’t worry, I’ll look out for you from now on,” the tortoise offered generously.

The offer of protection was unexpected—a rare boon Sein could not have anticipated.

His excitement bubbled at the generous offer, though he lamented his lack of knowledge about the tortoise’s interests, which could have deepened their budding alliance.

***

The surrounding storms had dissipated, leaving behind calm seas bathed in the warm, golden glow of the sun.

The sun was setting.

The giant tortoise named Tourmaline wielded power to manipulate the storm and sea—abilities far beyond Sein’s current understanding.

He realized that comprehending such abilities might only be possible once he reached Rank Three or higher.

Sein tended to the injuries of himself, as well as Yuri, and Sev. Although the giant tortoise named Tourmaline offered assistance, Sein politely declined.

The giant tortoise had already helped him a great deal, and it would be unwise to ask for more.

Moreover, Sein’s refusal was strategic and underscored his larger ambitions.

He recognized that it would be wasteful to use the tortoise’s goodwill for something as trivial as healing his injuries!

He was determined to reserve such favor for a higher-level request, one that would truly warrant the generous aid of Tourmaline.

Before identifying a way that could significantly impress the giant tortoise, Sein was cautious not to incur any debts lightly.

Sein’s polite refusal left the giant tortoise feeling apologetic for not being able to help.

Moments later, it said, “Those Silver Spirit Apricot Trees on my back were gifted by my big brother. They’ve been growing for years, so feel free to pick some fruits. They should help with your recovery.”

This time, Sein accepted the offer without hesitation. Perhaps, it was more accurate to say that he could not bring himself to decline the offer.

On the back of the giant tortoise, there were several rare trees that resembled coconut palms. Sein and the black mage had noted their magical and unique qualities even before their confrontation.

After expressing his gratitude to the giant tortoise, Sein flew to the trees and carefully picked seven fruits.

However, he had no intention of consuming them immediately. Instead, he intended to study their medicinal properties and components first.

Considering Master Lorianne’s expertise in plant cultivation and her extensive world laboratory, Sein wondered whether she would be able to put these fruits to good use if he were to give them to her.

Despite the fortuitous discovery of the “Silver Spirit Apricots”, Sein had not forgotten about the Rank Two black mage, whom the giant tortoise had swatted into the sea.

Naturally, he was as good as dead after that.

In the face of the giant tortoise’s overwhelming power and presence, a Rank Two mage’s ability to elementalize their body seemed insignificant.

From the giant tortoise, Sein observed another limitation of the elemental body.

It turned out that the elemental body of Rank Two mage was not completely immune to physical damage. Most of the time, the physical harm they endured was simply not significant enough to be a concern...

However, if struck by a being as immense and powerful as the giant tortoise, not even a Rank Three mage could withstand such force, let alone a Rank Two mage.