Infinite Mage [Remake]

Canis had been silently listening to others appraise someone else's belongings.

He had no intention of selling his master's relics. The reason for his silence was to imprint the sacrifice he was about to make. It was a declaration of his will to reach Heaven, even if it meant revealing ancient artifacts.

"Hmm, X-machina. And this is the Metagate," Shirone muttered, then turned to look at Canis.

"Wait, how do you know their names? Arcane said he erased your memories, didn't he?"

"It was written on a note. Just a series of words, but enough to make it impossible to deduce anything even if someone found the hidden place. It's just like Master's meticulousness."

"What else was written on it?"

"Nothing particularly significant. There was no explanation about Heaven at all. It seems he didn't want to reveal much. But we can explore it ourselves. Because we have the Metagate. What do you think? Is this enough to make a deal for the Immortal Function?"

There was room for consideration. The fact that Heaven, which had once only inspired fear, now stirred a small thrill within him was proof enough. With Canis by his side, the chances of survival would increase dramatically. But… what would Canis gain from this?

"Why do you want to go to Heaven? Just because Arcane went there isn't enough to convince me. You don't have any detailed information either. I need to hear your motivation for wanting to go to Heaven before I can make a decision."

Shirone's persistent questioning of the possibility of a trap actually made Canis trust him more. If they were to venture into a dangerous place, it would be far more efficient to have Shirone as a companion rather than some reckless mage.

2. The Gate of Gephin (2)

"It's estimated that Master went to Heaven about 80 years ago. Do you know what that means?"

"No, I don't."

"The Master before going to Heaven and the Master who returned from Heaven had different ranks assigned by the Magic Association. In other words, he became an Archmage after realizing something in Heaven. Every mage dreams of becoming an Archmage. Knowing this, it doesn't make sense not to go to Heaven."

Shirone had to admit it. If Arcane, who returned from Heaven, became a 3rd-rank mage, it meant that something in Heaven had awakened him.

Seeing Shirone waver, Canis revealed the last bit of information he had.

"Most of what was written on Master's note were just words, but at the end, there was a single sentence."

"What did it say?"

"It was something like this: 'That place is the origin of all things. The source of Schema and…'"

Rian's eyes lit up.

"Schema?"

Canis ignored him and continued.

"The forgotten ancient magic…"

Amy interjected.

"Ancient magic?"

"The silent ancient weapons…"

Tess exclaimed.

"Ancient weapons!"

Canis frowned.

"Are you guys doing this on purpose?"

"Hohoho! Sorry. Go on, tell us."

Though annoyed by Tess's antics, Canis finally recited the entire sentence.

"'I leave this Metagate behind.' That's what was written on the note."

It was a memo left behind to ensure that only those who knew about Heaven could access the information.

Even Harvest, who had inherited Arcane's memories, had to wander the continent before finding this secret place. The fact that Arcane had gone to such lengths to keep this hidden showed just how much he didn't want this knowledge to be revealed.

Yet, he had left this record behind… Perhaps it was the mischievous nature of a troublemaker that couldn't be helped.

Though it was just a single sentence, the note contained crucial information. First, Heaven has Schema and magic. Therefore, it's highly likely that humans live there. Moreover, there would be mountains of ancient relics.

Arcane was conveying this through his words: "To the swordsmen and mages of the world, beyond the Metagate lies a mountain of ancient relics."

But what exactly are these ancient relics? There's no record of them in any history book.

Shirone began to grasp what Heaven might be like.

"Ancient magic. Ancient relics. The origin of all things."

"Yes. Master knew. Since when have humans learned Schema and wielded magic? If it were a biological principle, Schema should manifest in animals as well. But no matter how far back you go in history, there's no record of the birth of Schema or the Spirit Zone. Do you know what this means?"

"Humans have always known. It's contradictory, but that's what you're trying to say, right?"

"Exactly. To put it more precisely, Schema and magic existed even before humans. Kadum called Heaven his homeland. Though it's just a myth, we must now use that myth as our compass."

A world before history awaits them. The origin of humanity, which no scholar has ever uncovered, might be hidden there. Somewhere among the stars in the immeasurable sky.

"I've told you everything I know. The conclusion is that we're going there. Not only to carry on Master's will but also to further enhance our magic. Arin and I have already agreed on this. No matter what happens, we won't blame anyone."

"I want to go too!" Amy declared her intention to join.

Opportunities to elevate one's magical abilities don't come often for mages. The fact that Canis and Arin were rivals from the same school also played a part in swaying her decision. No matter how dangerous the place might be, they had the Metagate, didn't they? It would be foolish not to even attempt it when there was a way back.

"If Amy's going, then I'm going too! Shirone, let's go!" Tess sided with Amy. There was no reason not to go when ancient weapons, waiting without an owner, were calling.

The value of the Metagate alone was immense. Ancient weapons were made of metals that didn't exist in this world. Just picking up a single pebble from there would be worth it.

"No. I'm not taking anyone with me. I'm not going either. It's too dangerous. I don't think going to Heaven is the right choice for us."

Everyone was stunned by Shirone's words.

It was too much to give up now. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that no other mage in the world would ever get. Hadn't Arcane himself ascended to the ranks of Archmages after gaining enlightenment in Heaven?

"I know it's dangerous. But Canis has a way back, right?"

"That's not the issue. Whether there's an exit or not doesn't matter. The fact that we can open the gates of Heaven isn't enough for me to put you all in danger."

Canis gritted his teeth.

He had known about Shirone's altruistic nature since the moment he jumped off the cliff into the abyss below the bridge. That's why he had strategized to bring the situation this far. But even this wasn't enough to break through Shirone's ironclad resolve.

"If you're that scared, then don't go. But we made a deal. You have to help me and Arin enter the gates of Heaven."

"No. I'm not sending you either."

"You bastard! Are you betraying us now?"

"You can think that if you want. But now you're a fellow student at our school. I can't open the gates and send you to your death."

"Who asked you to worry about my life? I'll take care of myself! And we can come back anytime!"

Amy, who always respected Shirone's decisions, sided with Canis this time.

"Come on, Shirone. This is a great opportunity. And we knew there would be risks from the beginning, didn't we? You came all this way to learn about the labyrinth, right?"

Shirone's voice rose.

"Put yourself in my shoes. If it were you, could you ask us to enter the gates of Heaven? Could you ask us to go to that star we just saw?"

'No, I'd never do that.'

That was the problem. It wasn't just about the danger.

If Shirone had come alone, and if the current situation had been set up, he would have entered Heaven without hesitation.

But as an Unlocker, taking his friends' lives into his hands was an immature act. Shirone had the responsibility to make the most mature decision among them.

As Shirone was lost in thought, Amy flicked his forehead. Shirone, holding his stinging forehead, looked at her in disbelief as she spoke.

"Of course, I'd ask you to go to Heaven. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Amy was lying.

Worrying about a friend's safety also hinders clear judgment. She thought it was better to lighten the burden first.

But Shirone had already seen through her.

"Don't lie. This is really dangerous. Even if we have the Metagate, do you know where that place is? It's not like we're going there and coming right back. The more you want to go, the higher the risk. Why can't you understand that?"

"Then why did you bring me this far?"

"What? That's…"

"You said it yourself, didn't you? That you could trust me. That's why you came to my house, right? Or what, were you just planning to take a girl on a sightseeing trip?"

Amy aggressively pressed him. It seemed to work, as Shirone was left speechless. He had brought a graduating student, whose time was precious, to the island, so he had a responsibility to her.

Tess pounded her chest, adding to Amy's argument.

"I feel the same way. Even if you're the one opening the gate, whether I follow or not is entirely my decision. You don't need to worry about that. Besides, if we're going anyway, Rian and I will be a great addition to the team."

In any party, swordsmen are crucial. They possess a bravery and animalistic instinct that mages lack. The one-second opportunity they create could be the turning point between life and death for a mage.

As Shirone was struggling with his decision, someone knocked on the door.

Canis hid the Metagate. But the person knocking didn't open the door until permission was given.

When Shirone allowed entry, Mahatu came in. He was an unwelcome guest, to say the least.

As Shirone's group stared at him blankly, Mahatu hesitated before speaking.

"I apologize for my behavior earlier. I came to formally apologize."

"It's fine, I've already forgotten."

Of course, Amy hadn't forgotten. But she decided to let it go, thinking that Mahatu's visit wasn't just for an apology.

As expected, Mahatu got to the point.

"Are you planning to go to Heaven?"

Shirone didn't answer. Though swayed by his friends' strong persuasion, he was still filled with doubts.

"Don't go."

His friends' faces twisted in confusion.

According to the chief, Shirone held the key to the rise and fall of the Kergo tribe. Mahatu, who knew this better than anyone, advising against it was unexpected.

Canis, who thought Shirone was almost convinced, was annoyed by Mahatu's interference.

"What are you talking about? Don't go?"

"Excuse me for a moment."

Mahatu crossed his arms. As he inhaled, his muscles swelled, and a powerful energy emanated from his eyes.

It was overwhelming pressure.

Shirone's group felt as if their bodies were being pushed back. Perhaps they were already falling. If he had added killing intent, they wouldn't have been able to breathe.

Mahatu, who had no intention of humiliating them, quickly released the pressure. But the air was still heavy.

"I apologize. I showed off my crude skills out of turn."

No one believed Mahatu's apology was sincere.

Though there's no absolute in strength, there's a clear line between masters and amateurs. Someone of Mahatu's level would know his own strength.

"I cannot go to Heaven. I failed to prove my strength in the Hall of Achievement and Sacrifice."

Shirone understood Mahatu's intention. He was using his own strength as a benchmark to show the difficulty of Heaven.

Though warriors and mages couldn't be compared by the same standards, it was persuasive enough.

"Do Kergo people also take the test?"

"Of course. If you prove your strength in the Hall of Achievement and Sacrifice, even Kergo warriors are granted the qualification to go to Heaven."

"But to go there…"

"Yes. You must have an Unlocker. When the gates of Heaven, buried in volcanic ash, were restored, many set off for Heaven. But almost no one returned. That's why Lady Miro created the Hall of Achievement and Sacrifice to verify one's strength. Of course, Unlockers are exceptions, but if you're not strong enough to pass, it's better not to go."

The fact that almost no one returned was shocking, but what was more surprising was that Miro's name came from Mahatu.

"How do you know Miro? Did you meet her?"

"No. But most of the executives know about her."

"Can you tell us more? We came here to learn about Miro."

"I see."

Mahatu realized why Shirone hadn't been swayed by gold or women. Someone involved with Miro would definitely be different from the decadent Unlockers.

"500 years ago, a civil war broke out in Kergo. It was a conflict between those who followed the angels and those who opposed them. The anti-angel faction won. But a sudden volcanic eruption brought the tribe to the brink of destruction. The angel faction interpreted the volcanic eruption as a calamity sent by the angels."

The scholars' view that the Loop had caused the civil war was wrong. Just the inclusion of the word "angel" showed that this was a top-secret known only to Kergo's leadership.

"250 years after that, an outsider came here. His name was McClain Gephin. Like Shirone, he was an Unlocker. He restored the Kergo ruins buried in volcanic ash and opened the gates to Heaven. We call that gate the Gate of Gephin. But ultimately, that event caused another disturbance. The conflict from 250 years ago began to resurface. This time, the angel faction won. The regime changed. That's the current Kergo."

2. The Gate of Gephin (3)

"So the current leader of that faction is Chief Kadum."

Shirone recalled the two types of gazes he felt at the banquet. The elders who welcomed Unlockers must be from the angel faction, while those who looked at him with disdain were from the anti-angel faction.

By that classification, Chief Kadum's father, Hashid, was from the anti-angel faction. And so was Mahatu.

"Chief Kadum is ruining Kergo. It's ironic for me, who deals in Loop, to say this, but entrusting the fate of the tribe to the messengers of God is something that should never happen. In fact, I am of anti-angel lineage, and I was destined to be a slave. You must have heard about the human trafficking committed by the Galliant autonomous government. Most of the victims were from the anti-angel faction. My mother was also kidnapped by outsiders."

Amy decided to let go of any lingering resentment towards Mahatu. If his parents had suffered such a fate, it was understandable that he would harbor hostility towards outsiders.

"100 years ago, the Kergo tribe was shaken by the infiltration of civilization. When the Galliant autonomous government began hunting humans, the anger of the anti-angel faction grew. It seemed like a third civil war was about to break out, and extinction was inevitable. But there was someone who turned it all around. The person who designed the Hall of Achievement and Sacrifice to stop the reckless journey to Heaven and end the civil war. That person was Lady Miro."

Shirone recalled Miro's appearance. He had sometimes felt a chill from her eyes, which seemed to undergo drastic emotional changes. But before entering Miro's spacetime, she had been a very human-like person.

"In fact, there are still conflicts even now. But it's much better than before. Thanks to Lady Miro. If it weren't for her, I would have been nothing more than a slave."

"Where is Miro now?"

Shirone knew that she was staying in the intermediate dimension of Istas. But he also thought she might exist everywhere.

"After designing the Hall of Achievement and Sacrifice, Lady Miro entered the Gate of Gephin. I wasn't there, but I heard she left a message saying she was going to meet Gephin."

Amy asked, puzzled.

"Wait, Gephin lived 250 years ago, right? How can she meet him?"

"I don't know either. But the records clearly state that."

Shirone thought it was entirely possible.

The fact that Gephin had installed the Gate meant he was an Unlocker who used scale magic. If Miro was strong in spatial magic, perhaps Gephin was strong in temporal magic?

He thought of Armin, the Contemplator of Eternity. He had used stop magic to meditate for over 100 years, so it wouldn't be strange if Gephin was still alive in some form. Even Archmage Arcane had survived for 150 years using only his biological abilities.

Canis wasn't interested in Miro. But the Hall of Achievement and Sacrifice she designed was an important clue in deciding whether to go to Heaven.

"Then where are the people who passed through Miro's spacetime waiting? Since Shirone is here, shouldn't they go together?"

Now that he mentioned it, Shirone was also curious.

The people who had proven their strength in Miro's spacetime. If they were still here, they could get more clues.

"Whether they accompany you or not is up to the messengers of God, but currently, there's no one. The last team left for Heaven two years ago and never returned."

Two years ago was shocking. People were heading to Heaven more frequently than expected.

The reason Kadum had hidden this fact was because he was from the angel faction. He wanted more people to go to Heaven.

Amy asked another question.

"Don't all Kergo people believe in La? How could an anti-angel faction exist?"

"Even though I'm from the anti-angel faction, I don't know