Infinite Mage [Remake]-Chapter 158: The Gate of Gephin (Part 1)

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

"No, I don't."

"The master's rank in the Mage Association before and after going to Heaven was completely different. 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 had returned from Heaven as a third-rank mage, it meant there was something in Heaven that had awakened him.

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

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

"What did it say?"

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

Rian's eyes lit up.

"The 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 all doing this on purpose?"

"Hohoho! Sorry, go on."

Though annoyed by Tess's antics, Canis 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 of Heaven's existence could access the information.

Even Harvest, who had inherited Arcane's memories, had wandered the continent before finding this secret location. The fact that Arcane had gone to such lengths to obscure the truth showed how much he wanted it to remain hidden.

Yet, he had left this record behind... Perhaps it was the mischievous nature of a troublemaker.

Though it was just a single sentence, the note contained crucial information. First, Heaven held the Schema and magic. Therefore, it was highly likely that humans lived there. Moreover, ancient relics were likely piled up like mountains.

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

But what exactly were these ancient relics? No history book contained any records of them.

Shirone began to grasp what Heaven might be like.

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

"Yes. Our master knew. Since when have humans learned the Schema and wielded magic? If it were based on biological principles, even animals should be able to manifest the Schema. But no matter how far back we go in history, there's no record of the birth of the Schema or the Spirit Zone. Do you know what that means?"

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

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

A world predating history awaited them. The origin of humanity, which no scholar had 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 our master's will but also to further improve our magic. Arin and I have already agreed to this. No matter what happens, we won't blame anyone."

"I want to go too!"

Amy expressed her desire to join.

Opportunities to elevate one's magical abilities didn'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 was, they had the Metagate, didn't they? It would be foolish not to at least try 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 without owners were waiting for them.

The Metagate alone was of immense value. Ancient weapons were made of metals that didn't exist in this world. Even picking up a single pebble lying around 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."

Everyone was stunned by Shirone's words.

It would be a waste to give up now. This was an opportunity that no mage in the world would ever get. Hadn't Arcane ascended to the rank of Archmage after gaining enlightenment in Heaven?

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

"That's not the point. Whether there's an exit or not doesn't matter. I can't put you all in danger just because I can open the gate to Heaven."

Canis gritted his teeth.

He had known about Shirone's selfless nature ever since she jumped off a cliff to save someone. That's why he had strategized to bring the situation this far. But even this wasn't enough to break through her 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 gate to Heaven."

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

"You brat! Are you betraying us now?"

"Think what you want. But you're now a fellow student at our school. I can't open the gate 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 wonderful opportunity. And we knew it would be dangerous from the start, didn't we? You came all this way to learn about the maze, right?"

Shirone raised her voice.

"Put yourself in my shoes. If it were you, could you ask us to enter the gate to 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 danger.

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

But as an Unlocker, it would be irresponsible to risk her friends' lives. Shirone had the responsibility to make the most mature decision among them.

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

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

Amy was lying.

Worrying about her friends' safety was also hindering her ability to make a cold, rational decision. She thought it would be better to ease the burden first.

But Shirone saw right through her.

"Don't lie. This is really dangerous. Even if we have the Metagate, do you know where it leads? It's not like we'll go and come back right away. 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, did you just bring a girl along for sightseeing?"

Amy aggressively pressed her. It seemed to work, as Shirone was left speechless. She had brought a graduating student, whose time was precious, to the island. She had a responsibility for them.

Tess thumped her chest and supported Amy's opinion.

"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 powerful addition to the team."

In any party, swordsmen were crucial. They possessed a bravery and animalistic instinct that mages lacked. The one-second opportunity they created could be the difference between life and death for a mage.

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

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

When Shirone allowed them to enter, Mahatu came in. He was an uninvited guest.

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 about it."

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 her friends' strong persuasion, she was still filled with doubt.

"Don't go."

Her friends frowned.

According to the chief, Shirone held the key to the rise and fall of the Kergo tribe. The fact that Mahatu, who knew this better than anyone, was discouraging her was unexpected.

Canis, who had 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 took a deep breath, 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. They might have even been 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 was no absolute measure of strength, there was a clear line between masters and amateurs. At Mahatu's level, he would have known his own strength.

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

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

Though warriors and mages couldn't be compared by the same standards, his argument was convincing enough.

"Do the Kergo people also take the test?"

"Of course. If you prove your strength in the Chamber 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 gate to Heaven, buried under volcanic ash, was restored, many set out for Heaven. But almost no one returned. That's why Lady Miro created the Chamber of Achievement and Sacrifice to test one's strength. Of course, Unlocker are an exception, but if you're not strong enough to pass, it's better not to go."

The fact that almost no one had returned was shocking enough, but it was also surprising that Miro's name had come up.

"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 connected to Miro would undoubtedly be different from the usual debauched Unlockers.

"About five hundred 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 eruption as a divine punishment."

The scholars' view that the Loop had caused the civil war was wrong. The mere mention 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 you, Shirone, he was an Unlocker. He restored the Kergo ruins buried under volcanic ash and opened the gate to Heaven. We call that gate the Gate of Gephin. But ultimately, that event caused another conflict. The strife from 250 years ago began to resurface. This time, the angel faction won. The regime changed. That's the current Kergo."