Liam went over what he learned and thought of the criminal’s motive.

The exact function of the light and dark element spell present on the dead body evaded him, but he understood the general function. The first spell modified the lifeforce and pushed mana into the mutated body part, while the second one isolated the organ and made sure it sustained itself.

His thoughts were speculations as mana vision couldn’t see lifeforce, but he didn’t think he was wrong. Frowning, he thought of the implications of what he understood. The criminal’s mastery of light and dark elements was off the charts. That kind of skill and mana control were rare even among the elves.

A head-on fight against someone like that would end in a disaster. Liam tried to think of anything he could do to even the field.

The trusk laughed. “You don’t have to worry about it.”

“What?” The sudden statement out of nowhere confused Liam.

“The opponent doesn’t have a high level of light and dark elemental mastery. Rather than a human, he’s more like a corrupted. The spells are etched into his body, and he can use them naturally. In fact, I think he is a corrupted. From the information I gathered, the repository of his spells is limited.”

Not responding, Liam silently gazed at the information broker. He was the second person to put up the mind-reading act and tried to act mysterious. People really had a flair for the dramatic. “I thought the investigators failed to ascertain the spells used by the criminal.”

“They did, but they lacked a live specimen.” The trusk nodded towards the survivor. “I learned a lot from keeping him alive.”

“Isn’t the information valuable?”

“It’s completely paid for and exclusively for your use.”

“Anything else?”

A piece of paper floated towards him. “It contains details about the Ternac killer’s battles. I procured it from a variety of sources and haven’t ascertained everything. I’ve also added my speculations, but take them with a grain of salt.”

Liam didn’t remove his eyes from the old man while accepting the paper. Understanding came to him after noticing the way the trusk manipulated mana. The entire time, he raked his brain to figure out the information broker’s identity. There was an inherently familiar feeling with the old man’s mana flow, but he couldn’t quite remember where he saw it. When the trusk used mana, the truth struck him like a bolt of lightning.

“I thought only four races survived the war against the Rift, but” —Liam channeled mana into the rune etched into his neck. A book-shaped rune hidden under his hair shone with a bright yellow light— it seems like most people don’t know the truth.

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Liam transmitted the last part of the message directly into the trusk’s head.

The old man was shocked by the sudden exchange.

Watching Liam leave, he deliberated for some time before reaching out to a consciousness he hadn’t contacted in centuries.

“Her chosen’s here.”

He waited for an answer, but silence was the only response. After a long while, the ancient one sighed. “And so it begins. Stopping it is no longer possible. Spread the message and prepare everyone.”

“As you command.”

A downcast mood washed over the ancient one.

Bound by his obligation, he reached out to the four people he had to pass the message to.

“What is it?”

“The end of the third cycle is upon us. Spread the message and prepare yourselves for war.”

The silence that followed was deafening.

A gentle and melodious voice broke it. “We’re always prepared. Remind the short-sighted ones of the consequences. They’re too blind to see beyond their rivalry.”

“Stop actin like you’re any better. You’ve been like that since always, you old bugger. Ain’t nuthin you lot can do. A wee bit of knockin’ with my hammer might help.”

A gruff voice chuckled. “Big words for someone so small.”

“It ain’t like your hulking figures are much use. By the maker’s beard, I expected more from your men.”

A tense and pregnant silence followed. Before things could escalate, the ancient one terminated the connection with the three of them.

After a long period of silence, he ventured forth. “Aren’t you going to say something?”

“Give me a name.”

“You know, I can’t do that.”

The beautiful voice chortled. “Really?”

“I am but an extension of her will. Everything I do is predetermined. Going against her is something I can’t comprehend and neither should you.”

“I’ll have to find it out myself then. How hard can it be?”

“Please don’t waste your time. She is someone beyond your comprehension. You are but a child who learned about her from ancient books. Only those who met her could begin to gain an understanding of her. Trying to break away from the boundaries she set is impossible. You can only go along with the flow.”

The ancient one heard a chuckle before he was left alone with his thoughts. The news brought to the forefront of his mind, memories he would rather forget. His mind replayed the awful sights of battles, death, and destruction. The hordes of enemies covered everything as far as eyes could see. The alliance formed to resist them and fought tooth and nail to survive. Even so, it was a hard-fought victory. The coming war would make the previous ones look like child’s play.

The faint sounds of children’s laughter diverted his mind. Walking towards the window, he stared at the children laughing and playing amongst themselves. The peaceful scene registered in his eyes but did not reach his heart.

He didn’t know if finding her champion was a good thing or a bad thing. It was both an opportunity and a calamity waiting to happen. Her chosen was Onterrath’s only hope of continued survival. Otherwise, like many of the unfortunate worlds, they would cease to exist.

It was his job to make sure no one figured out the identity of the child. A lot of people would kill him to delay the war. Foolish and desperate, but he could understand their reasons. No one in their right mind would want to participate in a war that determined everyone’s survival.

Gazing at the sky, he sighed. “I hope you can lead us to victory.”