Marvel's master of cosmic magic-Chapter 782
"So the crown really is working with them."
Rowan Mercer finished sifting through Pennatia’s memories and let out a slow breath.
His earlier suspicions had been correct.
The royal family had partnered not only with the Witch Sect, but also with the Aurora Society.
The plague fog served several purposes. It accelerated ritual preparations. It concealed large-scale human trafficking. And it diverted the churches’ attention away from the hidden mausoleums scattered across the capital.
Afterward, the Aurora Society would publicly take responsibility for the disaster.
They didn’t fear being hunted.
They had always been the churches’ primary enemy.
In exchange, the royal family would assist with something far worse.
The descent of the True Creator.
The Aurora Society had already chosen a vessel.
Someone Rowan knew well.
Lanreus.
The con artist who had once swindled Rowan’s parents. The man who had been manipulated by Adrian Crowe into impregnating Rowan’s cousin, turning her into a sacrificial container.
Now Lanreus was being held in the docks by Aurora Society operatives, waiting to be used.
Rowan’s expression darkened.
"Perfect."
He glanced at the unconscious Pennatia.
"Take her to the Church. That secures my demigod potion. And with what she knows, I’ll get the clues I need for future advancement as well."
The Church of Night didn’t possess the higher-level Seer formulas directly, but they did have information about where such things could be found.
And Rowan now held leverage.
Information about the royal family’s collusion with secret societies.
Information about preparations for two apocalyptic descents.
That was more than enough to trade.
As for how the Church chose to act afterward?
That was their problem.
If they failed...
Rowan already had another method in mind.
Using Roselle’s return to shatter King George’s ambitions.
Rowan smirked faintly.
"Maybe I’ll replace the entire royal family someday."
Holding Pennatia by the collar, Rowan turned into a streak of fire and vanished.
He appeared inside a cathedral of the Church of Night.
Creste was in the middle of mobilizing Red Gloves.
"Rowan," Creste said quickly. "We’re heading to the eastern district. We need your help."
"No need," Rowan replied calmly.
He dropped Pennatia onto the floor.
"I already caught her."
Creste froze.
Rowan continued, "Witch Sect demigod. Pennatia. Codename: Despair Nightingale. She was the one who released the plague fog."
Shock rippled through the room.
They had barely begun organizing a response.
Rowan had already finished the job.
Creste stared at the unconscious witch.
"I’ll file an application for your demigod potion immediately."
Rowan shook his head.
"Later. I have more important information."
They moved into a sealed chamber.
Ten minutes later, Creste’s expression had turned grave.
"If this is accurate, it’s enough to exchange for the clues to your pathway’s next formulas. I’ll report everything to the archbishop."
"Good. I’ll collect tonight."
Rowan vanished in fire once more.
Back home, Rowan activated a small flame bead.
"Bernadette. Come to Backlund. I’ve found the Nameless Island. Same place as before."
There was no reason to delay.
Roselle’s soul was still resisting corruption.
But resistance did not last forever.
Better to act now.
On Backlund Bridge, space rippled.
Bernadette stepped out of the spirit world.
"You’ve found my father’s resting place?"
Her voice trembled.
"Yes," Rowan said. "And he’s not dead."
Her eyes reddened instantly.
"Then let’s leave at once. We go to Intis, then by ship—"
"No need."
Rowan interrupted gently.
"I can take you directly."
She stared at him.
Then nodded.
Rowan paused.
"One more person should come with us. Someone who has ties to your father."
Flames flared.
Rowan vanished.
Tingen.
Klein felt the familiar heat behind him.
Rowan stood there.
"You’re coming with us," Rowan said.
Klein blinked.
"To where?"
Rowan smiled.
"To meet a legend."
