The violent storm that came to destroy everything had passed. Through their beloved son's divine wish, Leone and Maria were granted another chance at life. With both parents fully healed, thanks to Ashan's miraculous intervention, Solomon performed his final checks and confirmed their complete recovery.
The guests, except for the lords and their families, departed, expressing heartfelt joy for Leone and Maria's recovery. Grateful for Solomon's assistance, Leone extended an invitation for him to stay the night at their mansion. Solomon accepted, and after bidding farewell, the lords and their families promised to visit again soon.
Ashan stood on the balcony, watching as their carriages disappeared into the distance. His eyes wandered to the mansion's garden. Nature appeared transformed. Flowers that should have withered were in full bloom, radiating an unusual brilliance. The entire garden seemed to pulse with life, and even the moon held an ethereal glow.
Nature feels different. My instincts are warning me—something strange is happening. My gut never lies. What happened after using the power of truth defies understanding. That divine power was unlike anything I've seen before. It manifested in a way it never had in my previous lives.
Ashan's thoughts deepened. I've never used the power of truth in a world so infused with unnatural forces. Now I know: if I use it again, the results may be unpredictable. I'll need to tread carefully in the future.
Suddenly, a surge of mana nearby interrupted his thoughts. He turned to see Solomon standing behind him, his expression serious and his eyes sharp with suspicion.
[Subspace Magic: Time Bubble]
Solomon tapped the floor with his staff, and the world around them turned black and white. Time slowed to a crawl.
He's created a subspace spell. Is he suspicious of me? Ashan wondered. Though his mind raced, he maintained a calm demeanor, bowing respectfully to Solomon.
"Sir Solomon, may I ask what brings you here to see me?" Ashan asked politely.
Solomon's gaze never wavered. After a moment, he spoke.
"You. Who are you, child?"
Ashan's heart skipped a beat. Something was amiss.
"Pardon me? I'm not sure I understand what you mean," Ashan replied.
"Don't play coy," Solomon said firmly. "I saw everything with my own eyes."
Ashan's mind reeled. Does he mean…
"The dark magic you used. That was no ordinary spell. What you performed was Eternal Void, one of the most advanced and forbidden spells of dark magic. And then there was the divine power—a power only gods can wield. That's not something a mere child could accomplish. So I'll ask again: who are you?"
Solomon's piercing eyes seemed to judge Ashan's very soul. For a moment, Ashan's shock showed, but he quickly composed himself, a charming smile spreading across his face.
So, he's seen through me. I underestimated him. If he resisted the Eternal Void spell, he's far more powerful than I thought. Still, he's the only one who knows. What's done is done. I'll handle this.
"Sir Solomon," Ashan began, his tone calm and measured, "I am Ashan Rontera, the only son of Leone and Maria Rontera."
Solomon scrutinized him in silence before closing his eyes briefly.
"So, you expect me to believe that a seven-year-old boy accomplished all that?" Solomon's voice hardened. "Perhaps I asked the wrong question. Let me be direct: are you an apostle of a god?"
An apostle of a god? Ashan thought, startled. I've never heard of such a thing in this world. This must be something that happened after my previous life here. The gap between my past and current lives must hold many changes. I need to know more.
"An apostle of a god?" Ashan repeated aloud. "Sir, I don't understand. If it's not too much trouble, could you explain what that means?"
Solomon's face showed genuine surprise. After a moment, he nodded.
"Very well. About three hundred years ago, beings capable of wielding divine power began communicating with this world. We call them gods. Most are benevolent, though a few are malevolent. Almost every kingdom except Verdalis has divine churches where these gods are worshiped. While some follow evil gods in secret, their influence persists. Those born with the ability to use divine power are called apostles. When I witnessed your power, I believed you might be one of them. But there's one question I cannot overlook: how can someone of your age wield such advanced magic?"
Ashan turned away, gazing at the moon in silence. After a long pause, he turned back to Solomon, a serene smile gracing his lips.
"Archmage Solomon," Ashan said, his voice steady yet commanding.
Solomon tensed, clutching his staff tightly. An inexplicable pressure seemed to weigh on him, sending shivers down his spine.
"Yes? Speak," Solomon replied, his voice faltering slightly.
"I have decided to tell you the truth," Ashan declared. "Not out of fear, but because I believe you are a noble man who can be trusted. But first…"
Ashan snapped his fingers. A glowing red circle appeared on the floor between them.
"A lie detection circle?" Solomon remarked, a faint smile on his lips. "Even after witnessing your dark magic, I'm impressed. But why create this?"
"Because what I'm about to reveal is so unbelievable that even oaths would seem like lies. This will prove my words."
Both entered the circle. Ashan's expression turned serious.
"Before I reveal the truth, I have a question. Do you know of Archmage Arcane?"
Solomon nodded. "Archmage Arcane was the first in history to master dragon mana and integrate it into magic. He founded the Archmage Council and brokered peace between Dragoria and Shenzurai."
Ashan's face lit with satisfaction. "That will suffice."
He raised his index finger, drawing a glowing yellow pattern in the air. As the intricate design formed, Solomon's eyes widened in shock.
"Wait! That… How do you know this?" Solomon stammered.
Completing the diagram, Ashan smiled. "It seems you recognize it. This is the body flow pattern Archmage Arcane developed to amplify dragon mana. It's gifted to every sworn Archmage of the council."
"And that was a proud decision that I made, Solomon."
Solomon's voice quivered. "No… It can't be. That means…"
Ashan's smile deepened. "Yes. I am Archmage Arcane."