Trash of the Count's Family Vol 2. Chapter 359: No, Then Whatever (1)

“...You’re planning to examine every single one of these?”

The Mercenary King hurried after Cale, who was making his way toward the core of the vast chamber, a space crammed with thousands upon thousands of books. He appeared to be quite agitated.

“Cale, I haven’t forgotten our arrangement when you approached me.”

Bud Illis recollected the words Cale had spoken during their initial encounter.

“You mentioned needing to consult the Directory.”

Accessing the Directory was not something the Mercenary King could readily grant. Nevertheless, he had guided Cale here, even taking precautions to ensure their expedition remained discreet.

The underlying motivation was quite straightforward.

“You stated your intention to uncover the White Star’s history.”

Cale turned his head, his gaze meeting the Mercenary King’s.

The Mercenary King visibly flinched.

For a fleeting instant, Cale’s eyes seemed to lose their human quality.

They were piercingly cold and devoid of emotion, as if he were observing an inanimate object.

However, this unnerving perception vanished as Cale began to speak.

While Cale had disclosed only a limited amount of information regarding the White Star to the Mercenary King, the moment had arrived to reveal more.

“The White Star is a reincarnator, having lived through numerous lifetimes over the span of approximately 1,000 years.”

This revelation was sufficient.

Cale registered the shift in the Mercenary King’s expression before turning away and proceeding towards the archives.

Bud remained fixated on Cale’s retreating figure, seemingly lost in thought.

Pat. Pat.

It wasn’t until the ancient Dragon gently patted his shoulder and moved past him that he snapped back to reality and spoke. The ancient Dragon was heading towards Cale.

“...Eruhaben-nim, are you implying that the White Star is an entity who has repeatedly perished and been reborn?”

“Indeed. He has reincarnated cycle after cycle.”

Eruhaben glanced at Cale, who had paused before a reading desk, surveying his surroundings, before continuing his explanation.

“This is precisely why we’ve come to seek records pertaining to him. It’s highly probable he left behind traces across both the Eastern and Western continents during his successive lives.”

Bud quickly interjected.

“...It seems unlikely that no records exist for such a formidable individual.”

Yet, Bud’s lips moved several times, forming unspoken words, before he finally overcame his hesitation and continued.

“However, finding any mention of him within these tens of thousands of volumes is nearly an insurmountable task.”

As the current Mercenary King, his familiarity with these archives surpassed that of any other living person.

“Each tome contains entries for hundreds of individuals. It is… frankly, bordering on the impossible to sift through records of hundreds of thousands of people.”

He subtly glanced towards Ron Molan before resuming his explanation.

“Naturally, I possess comprehensive knowledge of all prominent figures from the past fifty years. This information is categorized as ‘currently being recorded’.”

Ron Molan served as an example of a powerful individual from the Eastern Continent whose history had become obscured.

This was the reason the Mercenaries Guild maintained his records under the ‘currently recording’ designation.

“...A period of around two hundred years might be manageable, but a millennium is simply…”

“Bud.”

Someone interrupted his thought.

It was Cale.

“Where can I find the earliest records?”

“Haaaaaaaaa.”

Bud released an exasperated sigh as Cale indicated his intention to begin his search from the very first entry. He quickly moved to Cale’s side.

“Cale, do you intend to spend the next several years confined within this library? Hmm?”

Bud’s patience was wearing thin.

He couldn’t comprehend why an individual of Cale’s evident intelligence would choose such an arduous method.

“I concede that delving into the past of a reincarnator like the White Star could prove beneficial. However, we are dealing with records spanning 1,000 years.”

Bud lifted a book from a nearby shelf and opened it.

“Each entry details an individual’s birth, lifespan, and a general overview of their experiences. Furthermore, we also document the specific abilities they wielded. Every volume contains hundreds of such accounts.”

The sheer immensity of the archives had initially felt suffocating to Bud when he first assumed the mantle of Mercenary King and entered this repository.

He had been utterly overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information.

Simultaneously, it provided him with a profound understanding of how the Mercenaries Guild had maintained its standing as a dominant force on the Eastern continent, despite possessing no territorial holdings.

They held records that were as valuable as any land.

In certain respects, this represented the most formidable power of all.

Such was the overwhelming nature of these meticulously kept records.

Bud proceeded to enumerate the various obstacles inherent in Cale’s proposed plan.

“Even if you were to commence reading from the very first record, it would be a monumental challenge to retain the details of the initial notable individual detailed within a book by the time you reached merely one-third of its contents.”

Even for someone possessing an exceptional memory, recalling the specifics of more than thirty individuals would prove exceedingly difficult.

Merely browsing through three such volumes would likely lead to considerable confusion regarding the attribution of information.

“Moreover, how do you propose to identify the White Star’s lingering traces? How will you ascertain which formidable individual corresponds to the White Star’s inaugural incarnation?”

Bud recalled having detected a multiplicity of distinct essences emanating from the White Star.

Cale possessed a diverse range of ancient powers, making it challenging to categorize them all precisely.

“Besides, Cale, don’t you need to apprehend the White Star swiftly? What you intend to accomplish will demand a substantial team working continuously for months, perhaps even years.”

It was an insurmountable task to simply read and internalize all these records.

Collaboration with others would be essential.

Bud then voiced the inquiry that puzzled Cale the most.

“Surely you are more aware of this than anyone else. So, why are you undertaking this endeavor?”

Cale retrieved the book that Bud had presented and began to flip through its pages.

Shhh.

The pages, preserved in pristine condition by potent preservation magic, rustled as they were turned one by one.

Observing this, Bud could not restrain himself from speaking again.

“Cale Henituse, this–”

“It is manageable for me.”

Bud startled.

He was not the sole individual to react.

The remainder of the group, who had been examining their surroundings, shifted their focus to Cale.

Bud directed his question towards the composed Cale.

“...What did you say?”

‘What was that declaration?

Is he truly capable of achieving what I just described?

But how is that possible?

...I detect no such power emanating from him.’

Bud watched Cale’s smile as the latter ceased examining the book and turned his gaze back towards Bud.

“One week, initially.”

Cale had no intention of lingering in this place for an extended period either.

“I will locate the first within that timeframe.”

The formidable individual he believed to be the White Star’s initial incarnation.

Once the birth and demise of that person were discovered, Cale would merely need to pursue subsequent information based on the recorded time of death.

Cale’s companions were privy to the White Star’s Dragon Slayer abilities and ancient powers. Naturally, Bud lacked specific details, as none had been disclosed to him yet.

Cale’s group possessed considerable knowledge regarding the White Star’s capabilities.

This understanding was instrumental in the potential discovery of the first incarnation.

“...How? How will you discover the first incarnation?”

Cale let out a chuckle, observing Bud’s bewildered expression.

It mirrored the looks people had when Kim Rok Soo first awakened his abilities.

Kill or be killed.

Live or let others perish.

The perpetual conflict between monsters and humanity.

The ceaseless battles among humans themselves.

A world rife with devastation due to these very conflicts.

Kim Rok Soo had been determined to have awakened a power deemed ineffective in such a world, an ability suited only for a peaceful existence.

Yet, paradoxically, that very power had enabled Kim Rok Soo to survive against all odds.

He responded with certainty to Bud’s perplexed query.

“Take a look.”

Then he inquired,

“Where is it located?”

Bud remained still for a moment before gesturing towards a specific area.

“The rearmost shelf. The first book on the bottom left.”

Cale proceeded towards the spot Bud indicated.

“That particular book contains the initial record.”

Bud’s voice reached Cale from behind as he withdrew the foremost book from the shelf. He then commenced turning the pages.

Flip, flip.

Silence prevailed, broken only by the rhythmic sound of turning pages.

Cale stood transfixed, engrossed in his reading.

“...Ho.”

Bud exhaled in surprise at Cale’s actions. However, after meeting the eyes of the others, he began moving towards the innermost bookshelf himself.

His intention was to assist Cale.

He could not simply stand idly by.

Nevertheless, the approaching group found themselves compelled to halt.

Bud was the first to stop.

Following him were Eruhaben, Choi Han, Ron, and Beacrox.

Even the children, who were approximately nine years old, flinched.

Flip, flip, flip.

All they could discern was the rustling of pages.

This was precisely why they sensed something amiss.

Flip, flip, flip.

An eerie quiet enveloped Cale.

He was simply turning pages with effortless grace.

That was the peculiar aspect.

Bud found himself compelled to ask.

“...What’s with his speed?”

Flip. Flip.

Initially, his pace did not seem particularly unusual.

Cale was turning pages at a steady cadence.

‘...It was as though he were perusing a novel.’

It was then that Bud realized the abnormality had been present from the outset.

Flip. Flip. Flip.

Cale’s page-turning became progressively faster, as if he were merely glancing before moving on.

Bud even entertained this thought:

‘Is he not meticulously examining and memorizing the particulars of each formidable individual?

Is he merely skimming through the content?’

However, the aura emanating from Cale did not convey such superficiality.

He appeared to be reading with profound concentration.

“Cale.”

Upon hearing his name called, Cale looked up.

The ancient Dragon observed Cale’s eyes, a peculiar expression on his face. Cale’s outward demeanor remained unchanged, yet his gaze held a chilling intensity.

The ancient Dragon, constrained in his questioning, relied on his recollection of Cale’s past actions as a basis for his inquiry.

“You are retaining all of it, correct?”

‘You are not merely skimming; you are genuinely remembering the information, aren’t you?’

Cale responded to the ancient Dragon’s question.

“Naturally.”

Cale replied in his characteristic unconcerned manner before returning to his reading. His reddish-brown eyes scanned the text within the book.

Flip.

He turned another page.

The information on the page was imprinted in his mind. The pace continued to accelerate.

Bud could only watch Cale in silence.

‘...What a frightening ability.’

He genuinely found this ability to be terrifying.

It differed from flashy magic, destructive aura, and even various ancient powers. This ability was something unseen.

It was so inconspicuous that one wouldn't even realize he was using an ability if they «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» didn't observe him closely.

While not an ability meant to kill, Bud believed this was truly the kind of power that could easily lead to the demise or control of others.

Everything would be stored within the user's mind.

Bud could only swallow and observe.

Soon, however, he heard footsteps approaching.

“Cale-nim.”

Cale looked up upon hearing the cautious call. Choi Han stood before him.

“What is it?”

“I wish to assist.”

Choi Han offered an awkward smile to Cale, who was observing him, and continued speaking.

“Although I am a slow reader and my memory isn't particularly sharp, I thought I might still be of some help.”

Cale’s thoughts drifted to past memories.

‘Team leader-nim, shall I help?’

‘Isn’t it time to head home?’

‘Nah, it’s alright.’

‘Like hell it’s alright. Doesn’t your child await you at home? Go home.’

‘But...’

‘It’s most efficient and accurate for me to handle this. You don’t need to worry about this part.’

He mentally shifted the conversation he'd had with one of his subordinates to a corner of his mind as he raised his hand.

He then indicated the second bookshelf.

“I believe it would be wise to examine that section.”

It was unusual for Cale to not offer more specific instructions.

Nevertheless, Choi Han smiled and proceeded to the second bookshelf, with Eruhaben and Beacrox following close behind.

Ron remained by Cale’s side, simply observing him.

Ron’s gaze prompted Cale to speak almost involuntarily.

“...What is it? Are you surprised I possess an ability like this?”

Cale immediately clamped his mouth shut, realizing he had spoken words he shouldn't have.

He then heard Ron’s reply.

“Well, I am sure you merely kept it hidden, young master-nim.”

Ron maintained a gentle smile as he added.

“It’s not as though you ever explained how you acquired all those ancient powers either.”

The shield, the fiery thunderbolt, the Super Rock, and so forth.

Cale had never disclosed to the group the methods by which he obtained each ancient power. He would invariably disappear, only to return with an additional ancient power.

Cale had a passing thought that being a member of his group must be frustrating. The old man continued speaking, making it even harder for Cale to find words after that realization.

“Examining books like the others is not my designated task.”

Ron addressed the twenty-year-old Cale, who was quietly regarding him.

“I am your servant, young master-nim. My role is to attend to your needs by your side.”

With that, Ron stood quietly beside Cale.

Cale observed Ron for a moment in silence before returning his attention to the books.

“...I suppose that is your role.”

Cale also acknowledged his own role in the situation.

Flip. Flip.

He rapidly turned pages as another voice chimed in.

“I, the great and mighty Raon Miru, can read swiftly! My memory is also excellent! I am intelligent, great, and mighty! Therefore, I shall participate too!”

“...I... I learned to read from Hans and Grandpa Ron! I’m going to help too!”

“I’m already reading one!”

“Noona, you truly are amazing!”

Cale let out a chuckle, listening to the children who appeared to be around nine years old.

However, the vast record library soon fell into silence.

Flip. Flip.

Only the rustling sound of pages being turned could be heard.

Cale then heard Beacrox pose a question.

“What precisely are we searching for?”

Cale considered the White Star.

“Gather any records pertaining to powerful individuals who wield the Dragon Slayer's abilities or ancient powers.”

A response came from someone else.

“Is that particular power the Dragon Slayer’s ability?”

It was Bud. He touched his nose as he approached the second bookshelf.

“The White Star possessed a distinct scent, alongside the aroma of ancient powers. In that case, I should also lend my assistance.”

Bud reflected on the information he had gathered about the White Star through its scent and turned a page.

Yet, a unique sound accompanied this process.

Flip, flip, flip.

It was the sound of pages being turned with exceptional speed.

Bud envisioned Cale becoming a living repository of knowledge as he concentrated on the record before him.

* * *

‘Mm.’

Ron inwardly groaned.

This was an area where the temperature was consistently maintained.

There should be no reason for anyone to be sweating.

He moved his hand.

The handkerchief in his grasp landed on someone's forehead.

‘...Why is he sweating so profusely?’

Ron Molan observed Cale, who was drenched in sweat.

Cale's face had also become extremely flushed.

Though the records storage area was cool, Cale was heating up as if he were unwell.

However, he did not cease his efforts and continued to record the information.