Apocalypse Online: Regression of SSS-Class Summoner

Chapter 131: Memorial Grove

Lord Cassian could always remember how he kept convincing Arlen to surpass him, so he could kill a lot of demons.

He was successful, until Arlen suddenly told him he wanted to become a rune mage instead.

He couldn’t resist being disappointed by his decision that he became distant to his own son.

Still, he accepted and allow Arlen to pursue his goals.

As he was lost in thought, he finally snapped awake and realized Max was pouring his own cup with tea pot.

Lord Cassian coughed.

"I’m sorry I lost myself for a moment."

Max shook his head and drank the tea.

He joked. "While you were, I already depleted a large amount of your tea."

Lord Cassian laughed, causing Max to smile.

Lord Cassian gazed at Max and asked, "Did Arlen leave his things to you?"

Max was already prepared for his question.

"He did, but those are mostly rune books. He just wanted me to become a rune mage.

But I already followed a path of my own.

Those rune books I then granted to a rune mage who showed potential, not a natural talent but from his character.

There is, however, left that I should give."

Max recalled that among those personal things Archmage Arlen found in his storage ring was old toys and other things that he possibly held dearly.

Max hadn’t touched them at all. He didn’t even place them in his eyes and was more taken aback by the number of rune books inside.

Thankfully, he didn’t throw them carelessly as he bought a new storage ring where he stored them all in one place.

Aside from visiting his grave, the storage ring was one of his main purpose.

The storage ring’s contents only consisted of invaluable objects for Max, so he would rather give them to the individual who could possibly reward him with it.

He pulled out one of his ring from his finger and placed it to the table.

He said, "Aside from the rune books and some of his gold coins, what stored in the storage ring are his personal things I have already decided to give it to you."

Lord Cassian’s eyes widened.

He trembled, extending his hands as he grabbed the storage ring.

He swept his mana sense inside and was filled with emotions after spotting most of the familiar objects.

His eyes couldn’t stop from forming when he saw the toys he bought for Arlen.

He smiled, not knowing his tears were already flowing.

He didn’t mind that he couldn’t see a single coins from Max, as the latter had probably spent them, as they were invaluable compared to what was inside.

He glanced at Max with an expression that conveyed extreme gratitude as he said, "From the bottom of my heart, thank you."

Max smiled. "You’re welcome."

Inwardly, he heaved a sigh of relief. Thankfully, he didn’t question about the gold coins Archmage Arlen has.

Until now, Max decided to address his master as Archmage as he wished him to be.

Lord Cassian didn’t imprint his soul mark into the storage ring as he simply shoved it to his pocket.

He glanced at Max and said, "Do you want to stay here?"

Max shook his head. "I already have a place to stay. I also won’t stay here for long. I want to visit Archmage Arlen’s grave first."

Lord Cassian mumbled. "Archmage Arlen..."

He smiled. "I have not regretted in choosing to write the title of Archmage rather than Grand Runesmith for him.

Let me accompany you to his grave."

Lord Cassian stood up and Max followed him...

...

The Memorial Grove was located in the easter grounds of House of Mireth Manor.

It served as the ancestral cemetery of House Mireth.

It was exclusively reserved for direct descendants and individuals formally adopted into the family.

It was regarded as both a place of remembrance and a historical archive of the family’s lineage

As they walked towards the memorial grove, Lord Cassian said, "Unlike the stone crypts favored by many noble houses, our family buries its dead beneath an open grove, reflecting our long-held belief that all mana eventually returns to the natural flow of the world."

They followed the narrow stone path from the manor to the grove, as it gradually descended into a quiet clearing.

That was then they finally arrived in the memorial grove.

The cemetery resembled a peaceful botanical sanctuary more than a conventional burial ground.

Ancient trees form a natural canopy overhead, softening sunlight into scattered rays that illuminate the polished stone monuments below.

The air was noticeably cooler than the surrounding gardens.

There were polished monuments with flowers and incense in front of it.

Lord Cassian paused and said, "If you noticed, the ambient mana remained remarkably stable due to centuries of carefully maintained elemental formations.

There are seasonal flowers that blooms throughout the year, selected for their resilience rather than extravagance.

Small streams fed by underground springs weave through the grove before converging into a circular reflecting pool at its center.

There are no towering mausoleums or elaborate statues. Every feature is designed to encourage quiet reflection..."

As Lord Cassian continued to provide knowledge of the memorial grove to Max, he finally proceeded to his son’s grave.

When they arrived, Max’s read the texts written in the monument.

"Arlen Mireth.

Born: 38th day of 14th month of year 1253.

Died: 57th day of 19th month of year 1265.

Arcane Title: Archmage

"Forever an Archmage. Died chasing his dreams. Love by his family eternally."

Max’s heart ached when he read the short family epitaph.

He also read the date and remembered that in the game’s date—-there were exactly 24 months and 59-62 days of different months.

Archmage Arlen was still indeed young. If he was only given a long life, he could definitely reach S-Rank.

He’d be a force to reckon with.

Max inwardly sighed.

He didn’t feel pity, though. The world was already just a simulation from a random game anymore.

Max paid his respects to the polished monuments alongside Arlen’s father.

It took them half an hour.

When they were finished, a solemn quiet atmosphere descended.

After a while, Lord Cassian faced Max and said, "I have a request."

Max was a bit surprised.

He smiled. "What is it?"

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