Shepherd Wizard (Novel) - Chapter 130

Chapter 130

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Naturally, the Arabion mages didn’t immediately agree with Turan’s words, nodding and saying, “Ah, so that’s how it was!”

After all, they had been briefed in advance that their target, Turan, was an illegitimate child of Zahar who had seduced their family’s heir while hiding his identity in an attempt to gain recognition from his own family.

“What nonsense…”

“If the upper echelon of the main house are white elves, shouldn’t the woman next to you have her ears examined? Or perhaps she wasn’t born of the family head’s seed?”

But Turan calmly continued his explanation, ignoring their negative reactions.

He elaborated on the irrational attitude the Arabion upper echelon had shown toward Meisa in the past.

He laid out all kinds of corruption and slander within the family that he had already exposed on a large scale, while appropriately misdirecting their purpose.

When Solif, who claimed to be the Baraha heir, added his testimony that similar things had happened in his family too, even those who had been sneering began to take on more serious expressions.

After delivering such deceptive words for some time, someone finally spoke up in support of Turan’s claims.

“Now that I think about it, there have been some suspicious things…”

Surprisingly, it was the Frost bloodline vassal who had been most vehemently condemning Turan just moments ago who spoke up.

This noble, who was over two hundred and fifty years old, said he had known several Arabion executives including Kadram since their youth.

“I have felt that some nobles from the main house have changed in personality and speech patterns at some point. At the time, I just thought it was a natural change that comes with age.”

He was saying that after hearing Turan’s words, he now realized how stark those differences had been.

After all, how many times had they successfully carried out such deeds?

Not just one or two, but if there were more than three or four similar individuals within, it wouldn’t be possible for all of them to avoid showing signs.

Hearing this from a fellow warrior who had been fighting alongside them until just recently, and someone far older than them at that, doubt began to appear on the faces of the other mages.

Turan drove in the wedge with another lie to seal the deal.

“And what about that technique that Kadram and that nameless Nagin mage showed earlier? That is precisely the secret technique of white elves.”

He continued explaining that the true identity of that special magic used by the gods was a wicked skill combining spirit magic and normal magic, which could only be used when white elves controlled human bodies.

Surprisingly, this lie aligned quite well with the truth in that it did involve using the power of souls.

At that moment, one of the Arabion mages tilted his head and said:

“But you used a similar technique yourself, didn’t you?”

Being knowledgeable high-level mages, they couldn’t help but point out that Turan himself had wielded equally bizarre powers.

To this, he nodded and pulled out an excuse he had created on the spot.

“That’s because of the Holy Relic I possess.”

“A Holy Relic…?”

“It has the ability to mimic others’ powers. Didn’t you see the magic I used just now?”

Turan demonstrated before them flight and invisibility, the Light of Judgment, complex earth manipulation from the Earth Guardian bloodline, and even the Beast Handler ability originating from the Nagin bloodline.

Since there was one person who had contracted with a magical beast, he showed them breaking the contract and then reconnecting it.

Seeing him freely wielding five or six different bloodline abilities, not just one or two, made it impossible not to believe Turan’s words.

Watching this, Solif whispered:

“Is it okay to show all your cards like this?”

“The Arabion side already figured out that I have the Mimic’s power. I’ve already gained all the benefits I could from keeping it hidden.”

“Well, I suppose that’s true…”

Besides, he had already shown everything he could during the previous battle, and the Arabion-Nagin faction’s backers could access all the necessary information through Ymir, who had returned alive.

They would also learn that Turan had gained the ability to handle souls since he had captured Kadram’s soul.

After elaborating more persuasive stories, Turan judged that the time was ripe and personally released the restraints binding the mages.

His calculation was that those who could be convinced would have already had seeds of doubt planted, while those who would never believe them would be a waste of time regardless of how long they were kept bound and lectured.

“This is…”

“For now, return to your main house and discuss this with your families. You may spread this story widely, or keep it secret among those you know. Just remember one thing: that this could be true.”

This attitude of not insisting that their words were the absolute truth, but rather seeming indifferent about whether they were believed or not, actually made them more persuasive to the mages.

As everyone stood in a daze, one noble asked in a stunned voice:

“But if what you say is true, what can we possibly do?”

Although it was a mage’s mission to confront other races, if the upper echelon of the great family Arabion was controlled by another species, they wouldn’t dare to stand against them.

Even the god-like Arabion family head, Badal, was said to be in on it.

No matter how powerful the young nobles before them were, they weren’t sufficient to challenge someone of that caliber.

“Even a family head isn’t invincible. If they were, they wouldn’t need to build factions or belong to any. The power of many united is not weak, even if each individual is.”

Of course, most of the surviving mages were nobles, and among them, those with mid-tier or higher abilities could hardly be considered weak.

But these words resonated strongly with them now.

They had keenly felt during the recent battle that they were mere supporting characters who were swept away like common knights.

Everyone wants to be recognized as somewhat more significant, as someone more important.

And so, Turan planted the seeds of rebellion within Arabion.

* * *

Before sending the Arabion mages away, Turan’s group made one final gesture: they asked those who hadn’t reached their magical limits to accept the magical power from the lower-ranked nobles.

Since absorbing that level of power would hardly help them at all, it was more of a goodwill gesture.

Of course, the magical power from the three highest-tier mages and the mythical magical beast became entirely Turan’s group’s possessions.

Given that weaker individuals’ magical power becomes less efficient for stronger individuals, Meisa hardly made any progress, Solif gained a little, Turan achieved a reasonable amount, and Bije made considerable advancement.

After collecting a few undamaged magical devices as well, they retrieved Melo, whom they had buried in a cave far away, and returned to Jabilin City.

The Berk mansion in the early morning became noisy with the heir’s return… “No, young master…!”

“I’ll call the family head right now!”

Despite a knight’s exclamation, the Berk family head couple and the family’s executives had all been awake all night with sleepless eyes.

“Me-Meisa, my dear… no, Meisa. Is it really you?”

“Yes, Aunt. It’s me.”

“Your voice is exactly the same. Yes, it really is you…”

The Berk couple’s emotional reaction to Meisa’s return with her healthy appearance was momentarily set aside, as there was a more urgent matter to address first.

That was treating Turan and Solif, who were severely injured.

Fortunately, the healer lady Lua Manag, who had previously treated Solif, was staying at the mansion as a guest, so they could receive her help.

The problem was…

“Is this the best you can do?”

“Yes…”

Lua, who had placed her hands on Turan’s shredded chest, nodded while sweating nervously.

Although the wounds could be seen slowly healing, it looked like it would take ages before they fully recovered.

“I can’t completely heal them with my power… especially since it seems you’ve injured your lungs, you’ll need a more powerful healer.”

Of course, given the resilience unique to nobles, lung injuries wouldn’t immediately cause illness or death, but it seemed that they would have to accept reduced physical capabilities until recovery.

To heal this, they would likely need to visit the Ravitas family again soon.

After addressing their physical condition, they discussed Melo’s kidnapping and what had happened in the forest.

Surprisingly, the Berk family executives were quite well-informed about this incident, as Asiz had tried to persuade them to dispatch Haram and other capable individuals to help.

“Asiz.”

“I-I’m sorry. But I was so worried…”

“It’s fine. The outcome wasn’t bad in the end. But don’t do that again next time.”

Since they would need to explain the related story to persuade these people anyway, it could be considered a time-saving measure.

Turan appropriately supplemented what Asiz had forgotten or omitted, then clearly conveyed the current situation to them.

“It’s no longer safe to stay here in Jabilin City.”

“Hmm…”

Though they groaned, no one opposed his words.

After all, the family heir had been kidnapped and returned severely injured.

While there were opinions expressing reluctance to leave this city where they had been established for over a thousand years, doing so would mean directly confronting the great family Arabion.

According to Turan, the Nagin family would likely join forces with them as well.

“So if we leave, where should we go?”

“I recommend Kalamaf.”

The place Turan suggested to them was Kalamaf.

A neutral city in the gray zone, situated between the territories of Arabion and Zahar.

It was also where Turan had once ruled directly, and was now governed by Zahar nobles impersonating his identity.

“Isn’t that too ambiguous a location?”

“That’s precisely what we’re aiming for. Arabion and Zahar, as I mentioned before, once joined hands but have now separated. Of course, if they discover that I was the cause of this split, the story might change… but it will depend on how we persuade Zahar.”

In truth, his initial thought had been to send the Berk family to the hideout where Solif’s parents were staying, but the Berk family was simply too large for that.

No matter how remote the location, it would be impossible to hide the traces of over a hundred people staying there.

Yet taking only a few executives from the Berk family wouldn’t work either, as their bonds with the family’s knights and dependents were too strong.

Those left behind would inevitably face cruel retaliation, so how could they possibly flee with peace of mind?

So the next best solution he came up with was to create a third force to balance between the two great families of Arabion and Zahar.

This would have been impossible before, but now Turan was confident he could achieve it.

‘This recent battle has significantly reduced Arabion’s forces, and I’ve learned how to bind gods’ souls. Plus, I can soon teach Meisa how to handle the gods’ magic… if we can persuade Zahar properly, this is entirely possible.’

Of course, if the heads of several great families descended upon them together, they would inevitably be overwhelmed, but Turan considered this unlikely.

Hadn’t the Baraha family head recently left his headquarters and paid a severe price for it?

If they truly decided to come, Turan would rather fly on Bije to their headquarters and launch a counterattack.

If they experienced the loss of their soul’s nesting place, no one would dare leave their headquarters again.

After discussing for about three more hours, the Berk family expressed their intention to immediately relocate their base according to Turan’s suggestion.

Turan bowed his head to Family Head Midela in gratitude.

“Thank you for accepting.”

“We should be the ones thanking you. You’ve shown us truths we didn’t want to see but needed to, and even pointed out our path forward…”

Recognizing that Turan had become a powerhouse comparable to a great family head, beyond just being her son’s friend, Midela now spoke with formal courtesy unlike before, lowering herself by bowing her head in return.

While an ancient family with the Enchanter bloodline would be respected even by high nobles, power dynamics were ultimately more important.

“Then let’s move right away. We don’t know when Arabion might reach out.”

* * *

The Berk family’s relocation proceeded faster than expected.

Since they already had many carts prepared for transporting magical devices, these were now loaded with the family’s magical artifacts en masse.

“What? You’re leaving Jabilin?”

“Don’t abandon us, my lord!”

“Young Master Asiz!”

Having ruled Jabilin City for over a thousand years as benevolent lords, the citizens shed tears trying to dissuade the Berk family from leaving.

The emotionally sensitive Asiz wept profusely while embracing an unknown commoner girl.

“Those who wish to follow may come! But be prepared for a long and difficult journey!”

Without exception, the Berk family’s servants and knights chose to follow, but naturally, no commoners took up this offer.

Thus, a company of about two hundred people departed through the south gate of Jabilin City and moved onto the main road.

“It’s been a while, Tilly.”

As Turan greeted and stroked her, the massive horse neighed in response.

The Berk family’s horse magical beast, Tilly.

The creature he had first met when rescuing Asiz was now pulling an enormous cart behind her.

It was a reinforced cart made with magical devices, of such size and weight that only a powerful magical beast like Tilly could pull it.

“Would Bije like to say hello too?”

-She’s too weak! If she becomes my subordinate, I’ll have to train her!

Bije, who had shrunk to the size of a kestrel, perched on Tilly’s forehead and spoke in an arrogant tone.

After winning an aerial battle against four Arabion high-ranking mages in the recent fight, Bije’s pride had soared to unprecedented heights.

She had even grown stronger after absorbing the magical power of several highest-tier mages.

“Yes, yes. Since you’re the leader, take good care of her.”

Of course, Tilly couldn’t hear these words, so she simply continued pulling the cart, unconcerned about whatever had landed on her nose.

The Berk family’s migration procession moved incomparably faster than that of ordinary people.

This was because many of the commoner servants rode in the cart pulled by Tilly or were carried by knights.

They had discarded most of their heavy luggage, and Turan’s group stored the remaining items in their large-capacity pouches.

Thanks to this, they were able to move quickly, traveling more than four hundred kilometers in just two days, rapidly moving to a valley in the southeast of the Dakein Plains.

Meisa looked toward the distant north where the Arabion main house was located and said quietly:

“They’re not pursuing us as quickly as I expected.”

“They must have a lot to think about right now. They committed substantial forces but were completely crushed, so they need to figure out why, and they also need to control the information I spread among the survivors.”

Turan had deliberately spread information to the Arabion survivors and released them for precisely this result.

The more internal chaos they faced, the harder it would be for them to project power externally.

Additionally, the fact that Kadram’s soul hadn’t returned likely hindered their plans significantly.

Their mindset had always been that if things went wrong, they could simply die and return, but now the revelation that they might not be able to return would be troubling them.

Considering that thousands of years of comfort wouldn’t have built their courage, they might now be fighting over who should take action.

“Um, Lord Turan.”

At that moment, Melo, the heir of the Berk family, approached him.

Having regained consciousness a day after his rescue, he still seemed somewhat intimidated by Turan, showing a strangely subdued demeanor.

Remembering how numerous and powerful the Arabion nobles who had kidnapped and abused him were, he could imagine how formidable Turan must be to have driven them away and rescued him.

Like Midela, he too found it difficult to treat Turan merely as his brother’s friend.

“Yes, what is it?”

“You can speak more casually… More importantly, it seems we’re about to reach the mountain range boundary. What should we do now?”

To go from the Dakein Plains where Arabion was located to the gray zone where Kalamaf was, one would normally need to travel south and then move east through the forest region.

This was because moving southeast would eventually bring them to a mountain range blocking the path between the gray zone, the Dakein Plains, and the Carmine hills.

While this mountain range wasn’t as impossibly high and treacherous as the Sky Mountains and could be crossed by capable nobles, it was certainly impassable for a refugee procession like theirs.

Of course, Turan wasn’t foolish enough to insist on this route merely because it was the shortest path on the map.

“We’ve arrived faster than I expected. Now, let’s fly over.”

“Fly…”

As Melo was thinking “we’re not Arabion nobles, how could we possibly…” his eyes suddenly widened.

He had spotted the massive golden eagle standing at the front of the refugee procession.

“Let’s give it a try, Bije.”

The enormous Bije, looking somewhat incongruous with her slender neck, roared with all her might.