Chapter 303: Death

Chapter 303: Death

The taste of facing death was not pleasant, especially without any mental preparation. Even though he was used to seeing death, Kano still felt a chill shoot from his feet to the top of his head. The Pool Water was now empty, and his expression turned extremely ugly. A gloomy aura emanated from his body, and a heavy, oppressive atmosphere enveloped the surroundings.

Kano stood there blankly, his gaze still fixed on that spot. The Priests were intimidated by his presence, each holding their breath and following his eyes to look at the pool, but the Pool Water was calm, clear, and bottomless.

No one knew what Kano had discovered, but everyone knew it definitely was not good news.

With a sigh, Kano’s expression returned to normal. He waved his hand, signaling everyone to leave first, then turned his gaze back to the Pool Water. He silently asked in his heart again, “What will happen?”

The Pool Water showed no reaction now, and Kano knew the clue was broken. Unless he could recreate everything that just happened, it would be difficult to get an answer again.

He stood quietly by the poolside, trying to recall every detail from before, but ultimately had to give up helplessly. Among the thoughts and decisions of every Priest beside him, a path of Death had already been laid out.

He tried to comfort himself: luck wasn’t that bad; maybe an accidental turn would avoid it.

But the vision he just had could not be hidden; he had to pass the message to the other Saints. Perhaps it was time to hand over the Key he carried.

He could no longer clearly remember the situation when he received the Key years ago, only remembering that door, and only remembering the place behind it that the elders called paradise when he first saw it. If that place was truly paradise, then soon he would fall from paradise into hell.

But all this still needed judgement. Many Saints would decide his fate, would grab fragments from the Pool of Foresight, evaluate him, and select a new person capable of inheriting this Key…

Everything after could only be left to fate. If they were lucky and couldn’t find a successor for a while, they would temporarily protect him until a new successor appeared.

Yet he couldn’t leave everything to fate. Ancient lore told of another path of ascension, one that could be nurtured from within a Wizard. But this path involved many taboos, and its secrets were known only to the few old survivors still lingering until now.

Kano carefully recalled, where did his predecessor go after handing over the Key?

Perhaps he could personally go to the Desolate Continent to seek answers.

But as soon as this thought arose in his mind, his own corrupted and dried-up face also appeared. Kano suddenly found himself in a dilemma. As a superior and an observer, he had judged too many people’s life or death, gain or loss, but now he had to experience all this firsthand.

It was just that most people in those situations were unaware of the true circumstances; they enjoyed the feeling of being valued in ignorance. But he had to endure the torment in full awareness.

A few days later, the Sacred Mountain of the Dragons welcomed a guest—Kano.

The scenery in the Sacred Mountain remained the same, the lush Ancient Trees still blocked out the sun and sky. Several magnificent halls were scattered sporadically among them, sometimes revealing a corner, sometimes showing a roof ridge.

At the mountain peak, several massive High Towers appeared thick and weathered under the baptism of time. Thick vines tightly wound around the tower bodies, becoming part of them over countless sunrises and sunsets.

Several young dragons were playfully climbing clumsily along these vines, then, from a not-too-high position, flapping their still-weak wings and leaping down. Below the towers was a lush and thick grassland, with its natural softness and fragrance gently catching these adorable little creatures time and again.

Kano took a deep breath. Ever since handing over the Key, the original Mana was gradually leaving him. In his sense of loss, he found himself useless, and his power was not as strong as he had believed.

From the moment he handed over the Key, he suddenly understood many things. As fellow Saints, those true old Monsters who had survived until now remained safe and unmoving. And they, the newly promoted ones, were merely carriers, vessels, a group of seemingly glorious puppets. That power was just a fleeting glimpse; he had never truly possessed it.

Some questions were already hard to get answers from his own people, so he decided to seek advice from the Dragons. But when he landed, he suddenly realized his current status was somewhat awkward.

Fortunately, the Dragon did not let the awkwardness last too long. A soft chime sounded in his ear, bringing the Dragon’s greeting: “What troubles you, my old friend?”

Kano sighed, “Now I have lost my power and can no longer be called a Saint.”

“You have entered there, touched the gates of paradise, so you are a Saint. If you still remember that feeling, can still hear the call from there, then do not doubt your identity.”

Kano frowned, “Nita, you don’t seem surprised by my arrival.”

“I foresaw this moment, foresaw that Death would bring you to my side.”

“Will I really die?”

A teasing reply came, “Yes! Everyone will.”

Kano couldn’t help but chuckle, “You know what I’m asking, and you know my situation is quite bad, so I really need some guidance.”

The Dragon Nita sighed softly, “Every once in a while, someone comes running to ask me similar questions. With doubt, dissatisfaction, and the sudden realization of seeing the truth of things. But before answering, I want to confirm once more: have you truly seen the truth of things, and do you want to know the most honest answer?”

Seeing Kano nod firmly, Nita spoke again: “Those old fellows really mean well for you. Some things, only when you make up your own mind, can you possibly take that step. No one can help you with this step, or rather, all that could be done for you has already been done.

Your desire for them must overcome the fear of Death, then follow the call. But under the protection of those old fellows, you all progressed too smoothly and have gradually lost your courage.

There is no secret. At this step, you can only rely on your own courage to face life and Death.

As I speak these words, I foresee your Death. Because after this sudden realization, you will surely make a choice, even if I warn you—you will definitely die.

Everyone who accepts my guidance ultimately walks towards Death, even if some initially follow my advice. But after a while, they ultimately cannot resist the attraction of that place.”

Kano stood there stunned, and anger welled up within him. “Why did you tell me? Wouldn’t it have been better to say nothing?”

The Dragon Nita let out a burst of laughter, the sound echoing in the Sacred Mountain’s canyon, filled with thick mockery. “I am a Dragon, not one of those old fellows from your race who cherishes the younger generation. They can silently bear your resentment, silently endure the whispers below, but why should I bear these?

You came seeking guidance. If I ignored you, it would only bring pointless resentment. But now, I have given the most honest answer, without any deception. So, it’s time for your regret.”