Chapter 120: Siegfried's Visit, Dragon Kin

Setting aside the Void Research Notes, Wang Yu leaned back into the sofa, lost in contemplation.

It seems that when it comes to the Void, this legendary figure Roland truly differs from the mage known as Yegor. According to Roland, the wizarding talent Yegor called Void Affinity should perhaps be termed Void Authority.

Wang Yu had been spending his spare time studying the notes he had acquired from the Minister of Finance, a foundational work on the Void penned by Roland.

Within these pages, he discovered that Roland’s conclusions diverged significantly from the mage’s notes he had first recovered from the bandit stronghold.

Wang Yu had always considered Yegor—a mage, not a wizard—to be a genius. Despite lacking any innate wizarding talent, he had used his sheer passion for the craft to research a wealth of knowledge regarding the Void.

He had even gone so far as to attempt to use soul magic to seize Avia’s wizarding talent—the very Void Affinity he spoke of.

In truth, Wang Yu had successfully embarked upon his own path as a wizard by following the research of this mage, even obtaining the Arcane Energy that marked the beginning of the wizard’s journey. Yet, because Yegor was not a wizard himself, his research had stalled at the very foundations.

Consequently, Wang Yu’s subsequent training had come from the library in the forest cabin; it had nothing to do with the genius mage who had mapped out the wizard’s path, and he had rarely thought of the man since.

It was only upon reading Roland’s notes recently that he realized how vast the chasm was between Roland and Yegor, even regarding the fundamentals of wizardry and the nature of talent.

The old mage Yegor reduced Void talent to an innate, static capacity—Void Affinity—whereas the legendary Roland viewed wizarding talent as something akin to an access privilege.

Both theories agreed that this talent was difficult to cultivate; generally, it was determined at birth, much like mage talent, and could be confirmed through testing.

The difference lay in their perspective: one viewed the Void as a sentient entity whose favor determined one’s affinity, while the other treated the Void as a machine—the higher your authority, the more power you could extract, and the greater your talent.

Wang Yu was no professional wizard, and his own talent was abysmal; he could hardly judge which theory held the truth.

Though Roland was undoubtedly one of the most legendary wizards, his era had passed. For a long time, his successors had built upon his work, and perhaps Yegor had truly succeeded in uncovering a new, correct path.

However, the concept of authority seems closer to the truth. Setting aside my own peculiarities, can the limit on the Void energy I plunder using the Void Blade gauntlets after killing those Void entities be considered a theft of their authority?

But then the question arises: who grants this authority? The Void itself? If so, we are right back to the concept of affinity—it gives to whom it favors.

Wang Yu felt a sense of futility; it seemed no answer would be forthcoming today. He had begun this research primarily to determine whether he possessed a soul.

As it stood, he could manifest no power related to the soul; neither out-of-body experiences nor soul vibrations were possible for him. The conclusion seemed to lean heavily toward the answer that he had no soul.

Yet, both Roland and Yegor’s research indicated that without a soul, one could not become a wizard. Elemental beings possessed wisdom, but none had ever become wizards. If Wang Yu lacked a soul, how had he managed to walk this path?

Damn it, this is maddening. It’s a closed loop. Wang Yu slumped against the sofa, frustrated. Despite gaining more knowledge, he felt no closer to the answer.

Forget it. These philosophical musings aren't worth overthinking. As long as it doesn't affect me, it’s fine.

He shifted restlessly on the sofa, as he had grown accustomed to doing back on Earth, then sat up. His frustration stemmed only from the feeling that his long hours of study had been in vain; he was certainly not troubled.

Wang Yu usually appeared calm and serious, but in reality, he was a man of normal emotions, merely possessed of a terrifyingly strong mind.

He sat for a moment, considering his next move, and decided to continue his training.

Just as he prepared to rise, his Ripple perception caught something. Wang Yu turned toward the door, but upon sensing who it was, he relaxed his guard, replaced by a flicker of confusion.

Knock, knock. The door opened, and Professor Zig’s voice came from outside: Wang Yu, are you there?

I am. Wang Yu opened the door to find Zig standing there in a thick coat, wearing his signature smile, though a hint of exhaustion clung to his eyes.

Where is Miss Avia? Zig asked casually.

She is at the academy, continuing her studies in magic and alchemy. The girl’s diligence was on par with Wang Yu’s; she never ceased her efforts to grow stronger.

How industrious, Zig sighed.

Come in, Professor. Wang Yu invited him inside.

Thank you. The professor pulled the person behind him into the room.

Who is this? Wang Yu had noticed the figure behind Zig from the start; it looked like a child.

Oh, this is my sister, Noelle Anri. My visit today concerns her as well. Zig introduced the girl standing before him.

Noelle pulled back the gray hood she had been wearing, revealing a face of a girl around seven or eight years old. She had fiery red hair, somewhat like Wendy’s, but longer and silkier.

Her features were still soft with youth, yet she was undeniably beautiful, a promise of the woman she would become. Most striking were the two small, protruding horns on her head, and her golden eyes, which clearly displayed the vertical pupils of a dragon.

Wang Yu didn't quite understand why Zig had brought his sister, but considering Zig’s identity, he asked a question born of curiosity: Professor, if you don't mind me asking, how old is your sister?

Er, by dragon years, Noelle is just eight. But by human standards, she should be a bit older than you.

The professor’s reply was tinged with embarrassment. Despite his wisdom and learning, living as a human for so long made such moments awkward.

Wang Yu clicked his tongue. If she was eight in dragon years, one could infer her true age—and it was certainly not just a bit older than him; she was likely over fifty. The dragon race was truly absurd.

I’ve come to ask for your help. The professor adjusted his glasses. Once inside, he no longer felt the need to maintain his facade, and the exhaustion in his tone and posture became plain.

It could be said that once Wang Yu became your friend, you didn't mind showing your true self in front of him.

Of course, I’ll help if I can. But Professor, you look exhausted. Wang Yu set out some cookies Avia had baked. The professor didn't touch them, but Noelle, who had remained silent, began to eat happily.

It’s unavoidable. The kingdom’s internal purge has run into serious trouble. Many families are compliant on the surface but continue their own agendas in secret. How did you put it?

Feigning compliance.

Exactly. This is a problem accumulated over a long time. The Charlemagne dynasty has ruled for so long that the great families have amassed significant power during this period of stability.

The war in Sevintan was merely a fuse; in reality, even without external problems, the internal situation would have eventually descended into chaos. One could even say that the war suppressed the outbreak of civil strife to a large extent.

But this winter has given these families a chance to recuperate and form factions. As an organization that remains somewhat independent of the aristocratic system, Night’s Edge has naturally been targeted by these families. Whether through enticement or threats, we must tread carefully.

Thinking about it, that made sense. The temporary truce this winter had allowed the great nobles to recall their conscripted private armies from the front lines.

Even Avia’s grandfather had likely managed to reclaim most of his forces. Ambitious families would never let such a rare opportunity pass them by.

War brings losses, but those with enough influence can profit greatly. This included the great families and the powerful ministers surrounding the King—the Minister of Finance’s investment in Wang Yu had been partly an attempt to win him over.

These families would certainly not pass up the chance to court Night’s Edge, an organization that was both transcendent and powerful. It was no wonder the professor was so exhausted.

That sounds exhausting, Wang Yu remarked.

It is. I envy you, actually. Aren't you worried? Charles has returned to his family, though he’s reluctant—his father is paying him quite handsomely. There’s no news from Edward, but the status of the Lionheart King is unshakeable; even if the person on the throne changes, his position remains secure.

I am not a citizen of Alastair. I serve Night’s Edge largely because of Avia and friends like you. In the end, I’m just a worker; I have little connection to this kingdom. Their petty squabbles have nothing to do with me.

Of course, I know that I’ve been spared much trouble because you and the others have shielded me. So, if you need help, I certainly won’t refuse.

Wang Yu smiled, explaining his lack of concern. He was not a man of this kingdom, and Alastair’s fate mattered little to him; he worked hard simply out of a sense of duty.

Yet he knew well that his ease was a luxury provided by the professor and Hughin, the higher-ups of Night’s Edge, who had drawn the attention of those families away from minor members like himself.

Without them, Wang Yu could not have lived so freely.

He knew who had helped him, and therefore, he would not refuse Zig’s request.

Ah, right. You were never a citizen of Alastair, were you? The professor paused, then nodded with a weary smile.

Wang Yu’s reminder had struck a chord; Zig realized that Wang Yu was truly free, brought here by Father Fang, and could leave whenever he chose.

Actually, aren't I the same? But after staying in one place for so long, there are things one cannot simply abandon, are there not? Zig shook his head. His situation was similar to Wang Yu’s, yet he had ties he could not sever.

Very well. The truth is, the entity that tried to kill me that day—you saw it. It targets not only me but my family: my sister, and my elder sister.

Noelle’s current appearance is a measure to protect her. Only half-dragons with impure bloodlines manifest as half-human, half-dragon. True dragons, when they shapeshift, bear no draconic features.

This has led to much discrimination at school, and I cannot guarantee her safety. I hope she can stay at the Nightfall Church for a time to learn.

And if Lady Night is willing to grant her protection, that would be even better. The Dark Dome that appeared that day must have been her doing. Please convey my gratitude to her.

Zig explained his request. Recalling the terrifying entity that had sought to kill him, Wang Yu was more certain than ever that Zig’s identity was far from simple.

He glanced at Noelle, who was still eating her cookies—a sister Zig had never mentioned before. He suspected that the sudden summoning of "Him" had forced Zig to face the encroaching pressure.

It was hardly a matter of great consequence, and for the superior who had always shielded him, Wang Yu found no reason to refuse. "No problem at all; how could I possibly decline such a small favor, given that I am an archbishop in name only?"

"Thank you!" Sieg rose to express his gratitude, warmed by the lack of hesitation in Wang Yu’s response.

"Wait—hold on. This is quite a coincidence; I actually do need to pay a visit to the Church of Night." As Wang Yu prepared to continue, he suddenly froze. Within the sanctuary of his mind, an image transmitted by the Lady of Night flickered into existence, and his gaze sharpened with a sudden, dangerous intensity.

(Hmm, it really is quite pleasant to talk with Wang Yu. Also, it has been a long time since I asked for comments, so please, leave a few! Thank you—anything at all would be wonderful!)