An Zheng's skin drifted across the surface of the sea.
The sky was filled with brilliant colors formed from pure elemental energy.
That thin, human skin slowly opened its mouth.
"…You… really are… the strongest mage… of this era."
Iz: "Mm."
"…I… underestimated you."
Iz: "I never lied to you."
An Zheng: "If only… I could be like you… Heh… there I go, fantasizing again."
Iz: "You're about to die. Think whatever you want."
"After all… magic itself is born from imagination."
As Iz's calm words fell, the floating skin upon the sea went completely silent.
Iz raised his hand and retrieved An Zheng's storage pouch.
There wasn't anything particularly valuable inside.
Just—
A large number of images and photographs from An Zheng's younger days.
…Hugging different women in various pictures.
He really had been quite the romantic mage back then.
Hm…
There were also many letters of gratitude, along with medals and banners symbolizing honor.
It seemed An Zheng had traveled to many places, accomplishing deeds worthy of recognition.
There was even an adventurer's guild emblem, along with a group photo.
These must have been his companions from long ago.
He had once been an adventurer.
Photos with his wife.
A map marking his daughter's grave.
Commendations from the White Tower.
Letters from old acquaintances…
Every single item spoke of his past.
An Zheng…
He was just a mage.
He had failed on the path toward the Origin.
Attempting to pry into it had been his final hope.
He simply wanted to walk that road to its very end.
That was all.
It was hard to call him truly evil…
"…What a shame. The Secret Sand Archipelago has already been destroyed."
"There's no way to bury you properly right now."
Iz collected the skin and placed it into a separate storage pouch.
Crimson sheathed his greatsword onto his back and walked over.
"What's next?"
Iz replied:
"We wait. Just for a bit."
"I'm actually curious to meet the two who were supposed to help An Zheng on March 31."
"One of them is an Executor from the Church of Death. Might as well deal with him while we're at it."
Iz glanced toward Kumira.
Since they were already here—
They might as well help her eliminate a major problem.
"Moonsea — Loren Continent"
After being teleported to the Moonsea, the first thing Kanzaki Rei did was gather information about his surroundings.
Even though he planned to live a secluded life—
Even if he traveled toward the Moonlit Point as nothing more than an ordinary tourist—
If he didn't understand the environment, danger could still find him.
After using three simulations, Kanzaki Rei gained a general understanding of the region.
To the west of the Loren Continent lay a massive landmass—far larger than Loren itself.
Its name:
"Misrishia."
It was populated mostly by beastfolk, though humans made up a comparable proportion.
To the south was the Reflecting Moon Continent.
It was governed primarily by a church known as the Moon Prayer Church.
Its reputation in surrounding regions was relatively neutral.
Neither righteous nor evil.
They seemed to worship the moon, seeking power through it.
They performed different rituals depending on the moon's phases—
But these rituals were normal prayers.
Not like cults that required killing or skinning people.
To the southeast lay a long, narrow island continent.
Rumor had it this place was a pirate stronghold, densely packed with pirates.
It was even said that the Pirate King there was Level 6.
…Level 6?
Isn't that a bit weak?
Shouldn't a Pirate King be at least Level 9?
That was Kanzaki Rei's honest thought after hearing the intel.
Still—
It was worth marking.
The more dangerous a place seemed, the safer it often was.
Level 6 pirates?
Not a threat to him at all.
To the north lay the familiar regions of the Secret Sand Archipelago.
As for the Moonlit Point, it required traveling west from Misrishia—
Across an unknown distance.
To get there, one had to board a special vessel that sailed the Moonsea:
"Moonsea Ship."
…A rather plain name.
Nothing special at first glance.
But in reality—
During its voyage, space itself would fold.
From an outside perspective, the ship would appear to stretch forward across vast distances in an instant.
Its speed far exceeded most forms of flight.
Further west beyond Misrishia…
There was said to be a ruined continent.
A land destroyed long ago, filled with ancient ruins.
But even without going that far—
Misrishia itself was already a treasure trove of mysteries and ruins.
"…What a pity."
"I have zero interest in ruins."
Ruins could hold treasures.
Lost ancient inheritances.
Or even relics left behind by Yakaktikto.
Exploring ruins was the dream of most adventurers.
But for Kanzaki Rei?
"Rei."
Knock. Knock. Knock.
A soft knock came from outside the door.
Kanzaki Rei turned his head toward it.
His perception passed through the barrier—
It was Yuna.
"Yuna?"
Swish—
With a single thought, Kanzaki Rei teleported her directly onto his bed.
"You're still here!"
"What is it?"
"If you're going traveling… can you take me with you?!"
Yuna asked with bright, determined eyes.
Kanzaki Rei: "…Uh."
"You're going to the Moonlit Point to meet up with them, right?"
"If that's the case, you'll definitely be leaving Loren!"
That was true.
He was heading to the Moonlit Point.
It was the agreed meeting place.
But…
He had no idea what dangers lay ahead.
Bringing someone like Yuna—who had no combat ability—
Would make it harder for him to protect her.
And worse—
She could become a weakness.
Sometimes, the reason a strong person loses…
Isn't because they're weak.
It's because someone seized their vulnerability.
Yuna wasn't quite that level of weakness to him—
But the fact remained:
She needed protection.
"Yuna…"
Kanzaki Rei began to speak—
But then he saw her expression.
Firm.
Resolute.
There was no brushing this off.
"Yuna, traveling with me will be dangerous."
"I can't guarantee your safety."
"If you encounter Eltimi… I'd have no choice but to watch as you're skinned alive."
He continued:
"And I already promised Kumira—I'd ensure the safety of both you and Reina."