The Great Mage Returns After 4000 Years (Web Novel KR)

Lukas decided to voice all the questions he had without holding anything back.

“It sounds like you’re saying the Absolutes will all pick a person or a group and will only watch on without participating.”

[That’s not so. The Absolutes are also allowed to participate. Of course, your power will have to be limited to an extent.]

“Then the faction that wins the competition…”

[Will at least be able to determine the fate of this universe.]

No one would object to this declaration.

Like Letip and Nodiesop, most Absolutes valued the words of the Rulers more than their own lives. Even if a Ruler ordered them to die, they would accept it without even a frown.

“Where will the qualifiers be held?”

[It’s already been created. It’s a personal space, an independent space that is completely separate from this universe.]

Personal Space.

It was a special space that could only be created by those who had the power of creation, which was rare among the Absolutes. However, for Rulers who stood at the pinnacle of Absolutes, creating a personal space was a simple task.

The Lightning God chuckled slightly.

[I’m sure it will be a very interesting space.]

No ominous aura could be felt from the Lightning God’s laughter.

In fact, it felt like he was filled with innocent excitement as if anticipating a surprise.

Nevertheless, the words innocent and Ruler went together as well as oil and water.

“…”

Lukas couldn’t help but feel a bit uncomfortable.

The entire situation had suddenly shifted in his favor for seemingly no reason. And this fact bothered him. Until just recently, he was still in a pretty bad situation.

The temporary alliance of the Demon King and Nodiesop was a great threat to him, so much so that he had been prepared to use his trump card.

Then Letip appeared as if he had been waiting for the perfect timing. He quickly mediated the extreme situation and took them to meet the Rulers.

And now, the Rulers seemed to be helping him overcome his desperate situation.

‘The Great Game is about to begin…’

He didn’t know what it would be like.

Among the Absolutes in this universe, it was clear that Lukas was at the greatest disadvantage. However, it was possible that the qualifiers for the Great Game could become the tool that would help him overcome his disadvantages.

This was why he felt uncomfortable.

[Suspicious?]

It was the Sun God. The feeling of having his inner thoughts read was certainly not pleasant. Nevertheless, regardless of how powerful the Rulers were, it was impossible for them to truly read his mind with just their wills.

Lukas turned to the crimson throne.

“Right.”

[You should know that we wouldn’t go back on our word.]

“That’s no reason to not be suspicious.”

[…you truly are interesting.]

The Sun God’s deep voice carried a tinge of curiosity.

On the other hand, Nodiesop wasn’t too pleased to see such a reaction.

He’d thought that all the Rulers were hostile towards Lukas, but the only one who actually expressed any hatred was the Black Horned Demon God.

The Lightning God had practically concealed this entire universe, concealing Lukas’ exact location from the other Rulers in the process. And now, the Sun God, who was also a Ruler, was showing curiosity in him.

Of course, there was nothing Nodiesop could do about it.

He had no intention of expressing his dissatisfaction or questioning the actions of his master, the Sun God.

[Five. Not counting yourselves, select five persons who will represent you in the qualifiers. The entrance… Right, let’s set it in the place you all are now. I will leave the door open for a week.]

Crackle.

Sparks of electricity began to bounce across the gold throne, filling the space with a strange sound.

[This should be enough time for you to think hard and prepare properly…]

Lukas couldn’t help but think that this sound was similar to snickering.

* * *

All the Rulers left.

Or at least, that’s what they thought. After all, the heavy presences that filled the temporary dimension had all disappeared.

The four Absolutes remained in that space for a while without saying anything.

They would have a four way fight during the qualifiers for the Great Game.

No one knew what the qualifiers would entail, but at the very least, the four of them were now enemies.

“They saved you.”

Nodiesop turned to Lukas as he said that.

He wasn’t necessarily wrong.

If they were to continue fighting, Lukas would have had to risk his life.

Nevertheless, the thing that came to Lukas’ mind at that moment was the image of a black haired girl, his daughter, who had been groaning in pain on the ground with most of her limbs missing.

As he recalled that scene, his head became strangely cold.

“I will never forget that you tried to kill Sedi.”

Perhaps his feelings were reflected in his voice. Or perhaps it was shown in his expression.

Nevertheless, Nodiesop noticed it, and a small smirk spread on his lips.

“I was only trying to show some mercy. Rather than that, I’d like to ask. Don’t you think you are insulting her too much?”

“Your justification is flimsy. Did it seem like Sedi wanted to die?”

“She didn’t. But her fall to mortality must have interfered with her way of thinking. So it’s not strange that she would be afraid of death now.”

“…”

Lukas’ expression twisted to one of disgust.

This kind of verbal back and forth was just pointless and annoying. Tiring arguments like this shouldn’t be carried on for too long.

With a sigh, Lukas decided to simply state his thoughts in a clear manner.

“Nodiesop.”

“What?”

“I will kill you in the qualifiers.”

“…”

The smile on Nodiesop’s lips became brighter.

“That’s something we can agree on. I pray that we will see each other soon.”

Shuk-

After saying his piece, Nodiesop left.

Even if they were to meet in the outside world, he probably wouldn’t attack Lukas anymore.

The next to come to him was Letip.

“Aren’t you glad you followed me?”

“What are you planning?”

“What do you mean?”

“Among the Absolutes, you are the only one whose goal is unclear.”

“…”

Before responding, Letip smiled slightly.

“What I want is what my master wants. So, for now, there are no conflicts between us.”

“…”

“It must be hard for you to think of me as an ally.”

“I don’t.”

“You will.”

Letip chuckled slightly as he said those words.

Lukas couldn’t help but feel that he was very similar to the Lightning God. He couldn’t speak for his appearance, but at the very least, Letip’s personality and speech patterns seemed to be heavily influenced by the Lightning God.

Letip then disappeared in a bolt of lightning.

He too had left.

Now, Kasajin was the only one left.

He spoke without looking at Lukas.

[The qualifiers will be a much longer and tougher battle than you think.]

“Are you giving me advice?”

[You can take it like that. After all, I don’t want you to die at the hands of another Absolute.]

“…”

After saying those words, Kasajin fell silent for a while. As he stood there, clenching and unclenching his fists.

This was a habit that Kasajin displayed when he was struggling with something.

[…don’t just base your selection on strength alone. Otherwise, you will miss this opportunity.]

“What?”

[It’s too much to explain.]

Kasajin shook his head.

[I’m taking Kran with me. If you want him back, then you’ll have to win the qualifiers. Then, I’ll give him back to you.]

Shuk-

With that, Kasajin also disappeared.

Lukas was now the only one left in this vast space.

For a while, he just stood there, his eyes on the huge thrones that floated there. His gaze finally turned to a turquoise throne at a far corner.

The Seven Fanged Dragon God.

It was the throne that had been prepared for the last Ruler, who hadn’t shown up.

“…”

After staring for a while, Lukas finally left that space.