Kismet looked at Saul with a somewhat complex expression.
âVery well, my dear master.â
Both figures disappeared simultaneously, reappearing at the top of the Purity Wizard Tower.
âLetâs make a deal.â Saul raised his hand, and a dark red hardcover book suddenly appeared in his palm.
The Dead Wizardâs Diary.
The first time it officially appeared in this world.
Previously, it could only be seen by its own master.
But now, Saul could brazenly take it out without restraint, even making it public wouldnât matter.
Because now he finally clearly sensed the diaryâs existence.
It was a substantial power, no longer an untouchable phantom.
Actually, Saul had clearly felt the diaryâs transformation as early as when he successfully sealed the Storm Eye.
No longer the aloof, cold prophet.
But truly controllable power.
Although the diaryâs complete power level was at least fourth-rank, and his current strength couldnât fully command it, at least it wasnât like before when he knew nothing, acting blindly and passively following the diaryâs instructions.
Now, with Herbert dead, Peiâer out of this world, with no way to return temporarily, and Rhine Lakeâs pollution crisis resolved, Saul finally had time to deal with the diary⊠and Kismetâs problem.
âHonestly, I didnât expect you to still be here.â Saul opened the diary, this time gently turning the white pages with his own fingers.
The pages felt delicate, like an infantâs skin.
Saul looked at the text in the diaryâhis past adventures and death-defying experiences.
His heart was filled with emotion.
âIf Iâm not mistaken, when I emerged from the Storm Eye, your connection with the diary had already been severed. However, before it was severed, the information transmitted to me revealed that you were actually⊠originally a fourth-rank wizard, werenât you?â
âYes.â
Unlike when facing Opheliaâs divided consciousness, Kismet now appeared very honest.
As if he had become a different person.
âWhile seeing the diary clearly, I also saw the chains binding you to it. So everything you did before was in service to the diary.â
Kismet touched his nose. âIt wasnât quite that miserable.â
Saul chuckled softly, not reminding Kismet how many times he had previously lamented his tragic fate.
âNow, all the chains binding you to the diary have been severed⊠but you havenât completely escaped the diary, have you? Otherwise, you should have immediately left the diaryâs vicinity the moment you broke free, completely unsealing yourself.â
âHaving just mastered the diary, youâve already discovered so much information?â Hearing Saulâs blunt words, Kismet exhaled. âMy dear master, youâre truly suitable to be the diaryâs new owner.â
âThe deal you want to make with me is to help me completely escape the diary, isnât it?â Kismet had already guessed something and asked in return.
âCorrect.â Saul nodded. âI donât know how the diaryâs original controller sealed part of your soul within the diary, but I do indeed have a way to help you retrieve that part of your soul.â
Saul extended his hand, and the diary in his palm flipped rapidly until reaching the last page.
After the fourth black page was turned, where the bookâs back cover should have been, a fifth black page suddenly appeared.
Unlike the previous pages, this page seemed to have been torn in half by someone, leaving only half remaining.
But even this half was completely different from the other somewhat rough-edged black pages.
It was like carefully cut black obsidian, crystal clear throughout, yet with metallic elasticity.
Saul flicked it lightly with his finger, producing a clear, string-like sound.
âThe wizard who created the Dead Wizardâs Diary was truly remarkable, controlling consciousness entities as powerful as you. However, for me, though youâre powerful, youâre uncontrollable and no longer suitable to continue residing in a diary that completely belongs to me.â
Saul gently waved the black page in his hand, watching Kismetâs gaze follow the pageâs movement.
âMoreover, if I continue using this black page to control you, I will only be counterattacked by you who is now free control, right?â
Kismet touched his chin. Since Saul had already discovered the truth, he no longer needed to consider how to deceive him.
Perhaps sometimes, being sincere and straightforward could be more efficient.
âWell, you already know almost everything. So, what do I need to exchange for my freedom?â
After speaking, Kismet sat down directly, elbows on his knees, chin resting on the back of his hands.
He was waiting for Saul to name his price.
âOf course, something of equal value.â Saul put away the diary, and it disappeared from his hand as if it had never existed. âYou help me advance to fourth-rank, and you, the fourth-rank wizard, can regain your freedom.â
Kismet: ââŠâ
He really wanted to ask Saul where the equivalence was between these two things.
But looking at Saulâs demeanor, he probably had no room for bargaining.
If Saul still didnât know about the part of his soul in the diary, Kismet would have had opportunities for schemes, but nowâŠ
âThen letâs sign a contract.â Kismetâs face once again showed a smile. âOtherwise, how can I trust you?â
Seeing the leisurely smile on Kismetâs face, Saul didnât feel the security of a completed deal.
Having dealt with Kismet for so many years, he had gained some understanding of this personâs character.
When he smiled like this, he was probably already scheming in his heart.
But Saul wanted Kismetâs assistance in continuing his advancement.
This task was difficult and full of danger. The slightest oversight could result in death.
He didnât want Kismet to have any ulterior motives or leave any hidden dangers regarding this matter.
So, Saul summoned the Dead Wizardâs Diary once more.
Kismet looked up, seeing the diary in Saulâs hand again, a flash of wariness passing through his smiling eyes.
This little masterâs actions often exceeded his expectations, causing Kismet to maintain full vigilance when facing him.
However, when he saw Saulâs next action, he was completely stunned.
Saul actually opened the diary to the last page again⊠then, he tore off that half page as crystal clear as black obsidian.
With a light flick of his index and middle fingers, the half page shot toward Kismetâs face like a dart.
Until the last second, until that half page was almost about to pierce Kismetâs forehead, he finally reacted and caught Saulâs flying page.
This time Kismet was truly confused and stunned by Saulâs operation.
Even after catching the half black page that sealed his soul, he couldnât believe what had just happened.
âYou⊠whyâŠâ
The thing he had yearned for hundreds of years, the soul he thought would require decades more scheming, had just so lightly returned to his hands.
Unlike the wild joy when the chains snapped earlier, Kismet now only felt⊠empty.
As if everything was just a dream that would end with a blink of an eye.
âNo particular reason.â Saul said calmly. âIâve completed my part of the transaction. Now itâs your turn to slowly fulfill your promise.â
âI havenât agreed yet.â
Kismet pouted, his tense back also relaxing.
Though he hadnât agreed verbally, his hand tightly gripped his half black page.
Saul wasnât as relaxed as he appeared on the surface.
What he had just thrown out was probably worth half the Borderland.
He looked at Kismet, slowly narrowing his eyes.
In his vision, he once again became a complex tangle of light lines, while Kismetâs body also tremulously showed a semi-transparent light line, hesitant yet having no choice, extending toward Saul and connecting with one of the line ends from Saulâs light tangle.
Fate Lines Second Application: CausalityâAchieved!
(End of Chapter)
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