SSS Talent: From Trash to Tyrant Chapter 529: Beneath the Restored Stone

From atop the flying vessel's deck, the Thal’zar castle at last appeared in sight.

Trafalgar recalled it clearly—not in its present form, but as it lay after the war's ultimate confrontation, torn apart by power so immense that even a Great Family bastion seemed fleeting in its wake.

’The massive gap Valttair carved out looks fully mended already.’

Beside Caelum he positioned himself as the ship sliced through arid winds, his eyes sweeping over towers, walls, battlements, and the outer terraces previously half-destroyed. Now visible was no rushed patchwork meant for show. Repairs were executed meticulously. Stones aligned perfectly. Fortified zones blended without visible marks. Viewed from high above, the castle seemed completely restored.

"Caelum," Trafalgar remarked without shifting his stare from it, "what are your thoughts on the Thal’zar repairs?"

In his typical calm voice, Caelum replied. "On initial inspection, they’ve performed superbly. The pace by itself proves remarkable, yet the craftsmanship matches it. They fixed it all in hardly any time." His eyes flicked once over the walls underneath. "Truthfully, the outcome impresses greatly."

Trafalgar nodded subtly. "Yeah. Same here."

From the rear, the vessel's captain drew near and bowed his head. "Landing soon."

"Got it."

Right after the alert, Trafalgar drew his hood back over his head.

He aimed to avoid broadcasting his arrival to meet Darian. Not with possible Thal’zar siblings, branch kin, or survivors from Kaedor’s faction still roaming the grounds. The wives had probably vacated the main seat already, yet eyes to evade might linger.

Lowering the hood further to shadow his features, he then turned to peek at Caelum.

For an instant, laughter nearly escaped him.

Caelum’s look had transformed completely.

From his head protruded two wolf ears now, while a black tail flicked once behind before halting. The change flowed so smoothly it mocked the laws of nature. He resembled a lycan native to this world.

A soft exhale huffed from Trafalgar’s nostrils. "Your class truly is absurd."

Caelum dipped his head, showing no vanity or humility. "It’s the bare minimum for serving you effectively, Young Master. I’ve employed it like this forever. "

"Yeah," Trafalgar muttered. "I see that."

With steady power, the vessel dropped and touched down in a castle garden.

As the ramp descended, warmth ascended from the stones below, bearing scents of parched dust, manicured plants, and ancient walls weathered by endless trials. Together Trafalgar and Caelum disembarked, their escort poised ahead to direct them further.

"Follow me, please," the guide instructed. "Lord Darian du Thal’zar awaits in his office."

Hood concealing most, Trafalgar tilted his head down while they proceeded, traversing portions of the estate, entering the castle proper—then bypassing the prominent upper floors to descend instead.

Deep down.

Through the stronghold’s buried veins.

That explained it, Trafalgar mused.

Here lay the castle’s true core always. The imposing exterior above retained significance and symbolism, yet these formed its vital pulse: tunnels, sealed halls, vital supports, passages sunk so profoundly that invaders could raze the surface layers without grazing what bound it all.

Deeper they ventured, Trafalgar examining the surrounding rock.

’Repairs here were truly flawless.’

This area he knew too. Or its remnants post-battle. Parts of these passages had crumbled amid Valttair’s duel with the intelligent void creature. Shattered vaults. Imploded routes. Choking debris and groaning rock. Cleanliness prevailed now.

Suddenly his mind pivoted.

’Come to think of it... the intelligent void creature hasn’t stirred since.’

The guide pressed forward, Caelum trailing a pace back and offset, allowing Trafalgar a chance to murmur without the words traveling ahead.

"Caelum," he whispered, tone hushed, "any fresh details on the intelligent void creature? I doubt it perished. Probably endured the injuries."

Without faltering, Caelum responded.

"None, Young Master. No updates on that front. All remains quiet." His voice stayed poised and restrained. "The sole linked event is the Council of Sages’ upcoming force announcement. Designed specifically against repeats of such catastrophes. That’s the one notable tie to it."

No reply came from Trafalgar.

He simply continued onward.

Tunnels twisted endlessly with countless bends, weaving through refurbished passages and intersections reinforced by ancient stone pillars and modern braces wherever required. The further they ventured, the less the castle resembled a grand noble residence and more like a creature that had endured a brutal operation, opting to conceal its wounds deep within its flesh.

Finally, they arrived at the office.

The guide flung open the double doors and stepped to the side.

Trafalgar stepped in first. Caelum trailed behind.

The chamber ahead lacked any lavish display. This simple fact revealed something telling about Darian. It featured only the bare necessities and little extra. A spacious desk. Papers arranged in tidy piles. Bookshelves lining one wall. Just enough chairs for notable visitors without transforming it into a spectacle. It resembled a space dedicated to genuine labor, not mere showmanship.

Trafalgar drew back his hood.

Behind him, Caelum allowed the lycan illusion to fade away, his ears and tail evaporating as though they had never been there. In mere moments, he transformed back into the silent, flawlessly attired companion Trafalgar had deliberately chosen to bring.

Darian stood from his chair the instant he recognized them fully.

"Trafalgar du Morgain," he said. "I’m glad to see you well."

Respect colored his voice, yet it carried more than simple courtesy. Wariness. Recognition of the visitor who had entered his domain and the long-buried memories trailing in his wake.

Trafalgar held his stare steadily.

"Lord Darian du Thal’zar. It’s good to see you too." His gaze swept the room once before locking back on him. "I think there are matters we need to deal with."

Darian dipped his head a fraction. "Please, take a seat." He motioned to the chairs opposite the desk. "I’ll have something brought for you to eat and drink. This conversation will likely take some time."

Trafalgar took his seat.

Caelum stayed upright behind him.

And so, the true discussion at last commenced.