Legacy of the Dark Sage

Kyran frowned at what Zephyr said. He took note of the phrases 'a winner has appeared' and 'one could go to the Higher Realm.'

But he did not voice his doubts because those phrases might not mean a thing. He could only be making a mountain out of a molehill. Besides, he was getting increasingly interested in the War of the Sovereigns.

Initially, he did not care about it. But that was only because he had little information about it.

Even now, he only vaguely understood what it was all about. And from what little information he had, told him how pointless it was. Then again, maybe to those Sovereigns, fighting each other and winning planes was important.

But not Kyran.

Having a place he could call home was enough. It did not matter to him if it was on a different plane as long as his family was there and everyone he held dear.

As a matter of fact, Nolan was the same, which was why he did not accept Loar's invitation.

If Cade were a Sovereign, he would not bother with the war as well. To him, protecting one plane was already exhausting. Why would he want to fight with others and win more planes?

Nevertheless, even though Kyran felt this way, he also had an inkling that there was more to the war. If not, why would Haylee fall under Layla's control?

Unbeknownst to Kyran, he was the reason why Haylee had fell.

Haylee, indeed, disagreed with Layla's plans. She understood the truth behind the War of the Sovereign's 'objective' and ultimately decided to have her own plan.

A plan where no one would have to sacrifice.

However, she faltered when the key person who could help her ended up as the same person she wanted to rid of because of his 'troublesome' identity. And that hesitation caused Layla to gain the upper hand and take complete control of her body.

It was unfortunate that Kyran and Haylee did not get a chance to talk without any prejudices. If they had, maybe the 'war' between them would have ended differently.

Then again, Stella would have done everything she could to direct the situation in that route if the result of their 'talk' was positive. But since she did not, there was a high chance it still ended badly.

As a matter of fact, as long as Haylee discovered Kyran's identity as Tyr, she would end up falling under Layla's control, and whatever agreement they initially had would end up null.

If only someone would tell Kyran what Haylee planned, maybe the former would put more importance on the War of the Sovereigns.

Unfortunately, those who knew were either dead or caught and were forced into a deep sleep.

This had been the fate of almost all the Boyd Family members and Lira.

'What do you know about the War of the Sovereigns?' Kyran asked, curious whether Zephyr's regained memories included information about the war.

Zephyr shook his head.

[I know what you want to know. But I only remembered bits and pieces that did not make much sense. Well, apart from that phrase, I told you.]

'What do you mean by that phrase? Don't tell me someone from the Higher Realm prepared 'phrases' that would entice Sovereigns into going to war.'

As Kyran thought this, he felt annoyed. No matter how he looked at it, the War of the Sovereigns was entertainment for those in the Higher Realm. He could even imagine those people placing their bets on who could open that path leading to their realm.

Sensing Kyran's displeasure, Zephyr heaved a sigh.

[I understand why you feel that way. I'm sorry I can't give you an answer either. If I regain more of my memories, I'll let you know.]

Kyran shook his head, 'It's fine. That war is not my priority. You can tell me anytime. There is no rush.'

Zephyr looked at him with a bitter smile.

[You can't brush it off as 'not my priority.' You possess the Shaiha. Not only that, your identity has attracted almost all the Sovereigns in the Lower Realm. It is impossible for you not to get involved.]

'It's not that I don't want to be involved,' Kyran explained. 'I will. But not now. I have to search for Neah first.'

[Alas.]

Zephyr sighed with emotion.

[The mistress has been rash, thinking she could solve the problem if she leaves. But I don't really blame her. The previous Soul Emperor was not exactly a nice person.]

Kyran did not respond as he recalled his predecessor, Caelan.

How could such a person be blinded by his feelings and not kill Layla? Based on what Kyran knew about Caelan, the latter suffered because of his identity as a 'normal person.'

Kyran experienced the same. At the same time, it was a little different because, compared to Caelan, Kyran's family loved and protected him.

But Kyran's family knew he had magic, unlike Caelan's family, who believed he was good for nothing.

Could Layla's frail and gentle attitude at the start be why Caelan was fooled time and again?

Maybe.

Maybe Layla's gentleness was Caelan's refuge from his family's mistreatment.

But what about Zane and Stella?

Were their company, not enough?

Thinking back on it, both had powerful magic, unlike Layla, who initially was like Caelan— a person with no magic.

'... A person with no magic,' Kyran repeated this and felt something amiss. He sensed he was on to something but could not grasp it because he still did not understand things— especially about Layla.

It made Kyran recall Caelan's words when they talked in his sea of consciousness.

Although Caelan's words did not target Layla, Kyran had an inkling its meaning was relatively close.

It was about how Void magic was not all about destruction.

What if Layla was not initially evil, but like how Haylee succumbed to Layla's control, she was the same? What if there was another person or an 'entity' that changed her?

But then the question was, who was it?

Kyran inwardly shook his head, ridding his mind of unnecessary things.

There was no point in dwelling on this matter at this point in time. Kyran would solve the mystery behind Layla at another time.

First, he had to find Cyneah. And along the way, he would try to gather more information about the War of the Sovereigns.

Kyran paused as he thought of Loar.

'You know. We might not need to wait for you to remember. I might be able to find the answers if I meet Loar.'

Zephyr raised his brows questioningly.

[Whose that person with a boorish-sounding name?]

Kyran looked at him incredulously. He did not know why Zephyr thought Loar's name was boorish. In any case, he did not want to know. Thus, he ignored that part and replied,  'I met him when I was training. Now, he is a new Sovereign in the plane where he came from.'

[A Sovereign? You have a friend whose a Sovereign?]

Zephyr's eyes almost popped in surprise.

[Why did you not ask for his help when we were having problems?]

'He's not my friend... at least I don't think we are that close...' Kyran's voice trailed off, feeling a little awkward about considering Loar a friend.

They had only met once in the Tower of Tribulations, and although they talked, it did not seem like they connected that much.

[Then why did you think he would entertain your questions when you asked him about the War of the Sovereigns? Did I not tell you that your identity had attracted almost every sovereign in the Lower Realm? What makes this Loar person different?]

Zephyr paused as if thinking of something and then added.

[Actually, scratch that. He might already be up to something if he wanted to be friends with you!]

Kyran looked at him incredulously. He belatedly remembered Zephyr had trouble trusting other people because of how the Templar Code treated him all those years after they discovered the Shaiha Ruins.

The only ones Zephyr opened up with not much resistance was probably Cyneah.

'Ease up on those thoughts, will you? Besides, if he truly is plotting something, why would he go about it in such a roundabout way? He could have taken advantage of the situation when Flos and Obstruction were here.'

[You can never be too sure!]

'Don't worry. I can take care of my self.'

[Your complacency is worrying me to death, master!]

Zephyr shook his head and declared.

[This is no good. If you meet with that person, you have to bring me along! While sir True Void is still sleeping, I will protect you with my life.]

Kyran sighed. He found Zephyr's loyalty a little troubling at times.

'There is no need for that. Loar is a pretty chill guy. He will not plot against me even if he knew my identity.'

He refrained from telling Zephyr that when Loar discovered his identity, he was very respectful of him.

Kyran was afraid Zephyr would make a huge deal out of it.