“……?”
Enrite felt a moment of doubt. Did he mishear? Why was it so unexpected? Why did the suggestion to go for a walk come up suddenly? Most importantly, it wasn't something for which one would invoke power or authority.
"...Wouldn't you be unable to go alone anyway?"
"Isn't it a bit different? I'm asking because I want to go."
"Do you mean the subject is different?"
"I'm the one requesting, so if you accept, you'll be following my lead. It's my request."
"Where do you want to go?"
Enrite, lost in thought, gave her a suspicious look. Surely, she wasn't planning to leave Alain Kingdom's capital. He wouldn't allow it, but he had to understand her reason.
"I don't have a specific place in mind. Just walking around would be fine."
"Why do you want to go for a walk?"
"Reason? Um... because I dislike staying here? You seem stressed? Hmm... what else..."
"......"
Enrite remained silent, waiting for another answer. The reasons were so simple and ordinary. If she had asked for something difficult, it would have been more convincing.
"I don't think we've ever had a proper walk together. Wouldn't it be nice to try now?"
"Is there no other reason?"
"Do I need more reasons?"
"...That's not what I meant."
Enrite finally set his pen down, continuing to ponder. She didn't seem to have any bad intentions, but he couldn't simply relax. Despite proving herself, there was still the shadow of Exceed Rain.
‘I still doubt her even now.’
It wasn't exactly Lesia he doubted; it was closer to not trusting himself. He had journeyed through many changes and transformations, understanding that his judgments weren't infallible and that outcomes could twist unexpectedly.
‘I've achieved nothing on my own. I just happened to meet Zion and Hanette.’
From the Shadow Dragon to the Slime Dragon's subjugation, Zion and Hanette were there. They were present against the Abyssal King, Ocean King, and Demon God. Though he participated in battles, his contribution seemed minimal compared to theirs.
‘Zion said he trusted Lesia.’
Zion's trust in Lesia was simple yet clear. She hadn't caused any trouble, betrayed anyone, and cooperated well. Moreover, Zion mentioned a subjective reason, adding to the trust.
‘I can’t base trust solely on resemblance.’
Of course, he didn’t just mean physical appearance. It was about atmosphere, innate feelings, and instincts. Zion trusted Lesia because he trusted Enrite.
‘If I trust myself, can I trust Lesia too?’
Enrite couldn't trust himself but could trust Zion. However, if he trusted Zion, he trusted himself. Consequently, he had to trust Lesia as well.
‘...I have to trust her.’
Enrite closed the document and slowly stood up. It was a contradictory logic, but it made sense to him. He had been too weak, always swayed by worries and fears. Zion Laird, the Black Knight, had spoken, so he had to agree.
"You asked to go, so I’ll follow. Lead the way."
"Hmm... when should we return?"
"You earned this request with your achievements. You contributed greatly, so I should follow your lead."
"Even if we walk all day?"
"...I will follow your wishes."
"Uh..."
Lesia, surprised by the unexpected answer, hesitated. She wanted to go out briefly, as Enrite had things to do. But he offered to spend the entire day with her, making her more hesitant.
‘I just wanted to let him relax for a bit...’
Of course, she didn't dislike the idea of leaving. Staying in one place was tedious, and she wanted to do something different with Enrite. What was Enrite thinking when he agreed to her request?
"I might not just walk around..."
"I have money. Do you want to buy something?"
"Not necessarily, but..."
"I don’t enjoy spending money, but I never felt lacking. As long as it’s not too expensive, I can buy it for you."
"We might meet those guys on the way..."
"You mean Zion and Hanette? There's no reason we can't meet them, but we should send a letter first."
"I'm not insisting on meeting them, but..."
"You asked me to walk with you. This kind of opportunity doesn't come often."
Enrite pushed firmly with a calm voice. Lesia, unable to refute, eventually turned and walked forward, Enrite following with a soft laugh.
‘Sometimes, this might be okay.’
Walking somewhere with someone. He had never experienced such a thing and couldn't even imagine it. It was an unexpected situation, so he decided to go along.
‘Having a desire...’
He had always envisioned annihilating his enemies but never thought beyond that. Although other monsters wouldn’t disappear, humans could live more peacefully. Perhaps that too was part of living as a human.
‘When it's all over... should I find a new goal?’
Duke Adelaira's Mansion, reception room.
Enrite visited Duke Adelaira's mansion shortly after going out. He had sent a letter ahead and confirmed that Zion and Hanette were not away. Lesia, after pacing around indecisively, reluctantly agreed to visit Duke Adelaira's mansion.
“How are you feeling?”
“Much better, thanks to you, White.”
Zion smiled, bowing his head. Enrite had been checking on him frequently and had been visiting Duke Adelaira's mansion whenever he had time. Although Enrite could have sent another holy knight, he chose to examine and treat Zion personally.
“Hanette, don’t worry. Zion is recovering well. His mana circulation is improving, and he’ll be back to normal soon.”
“Yes, thank you, Sister.”
“...Ahem.”
Enrite, feeling embarrassed, turned away. Lesia, watching, felt an odd sense of loss. Shouldn't it be Enrite or herself saying those words? Why was Hanette doing it?
"That... by the way. I have something to ask you."
“Me? What is it?”
“If I’m right, you’ve awakened Brecht. The color of your flames has changed, and their power has increased. But why don’t you summon the Magic Sword?”
This was crucial to Enrite. When a Magic Sword was awakened, it became more powerful and often gained special abilities. Generally, Magic Swords were used by summoning their physical forms. Both Enrite and Zion materialized their Magic Swords. However, Hanette still used flame magic without showing her Magic Sword.
"Didn’t I show you back then?"
“To me?”
“Lesia, you saw it too.”
“...What did I see?”
“Zion?”
“I know nothing.”
"......?"
The four exchanged puzzled glances, each trying to understand. Three of them didn’t know what they had seen, while one tried to find the reason. Hanette pondered briefly before realizing the misunderstanding.
“Oh, you thought of it as a sword because it’s called a Magic Sword?”
“...Hm?”
Enrite recalled the moment Hanette had enveloped herself in golden flames, transforming into a bird and flying. She had also used flame wings and thousands of flame shards against the Slime Dragon.
“Let me show you again.”
Hanette created a golden flame on her palm and lifted it into the air. The flame grew, shifting into another form.
“Unexpected.”
“This is a Magic Sword?”
"......"
Zion stared at the table in silence. On the table sat a bird made of flames. Despite touching the table, it didn’t ignite or even produce smoke. It must have been a unique trait of Hanette’s flames and the Magic Sword's established presence.
“This is Brecht.”
“Sister, can this be considered a Magic Sword?”
“It’s a Magic Sword. Its title has also changed. It’s no longer the Flame Magic Sword but the Heavenly Flame Magic Sword.”
The three still couldn’t accept Brecht. They had seen the bird fighting but still denied it. It was too small and alive to be a Magic Sword.
"...You don’t believe it? Come here."
Hanette extended her hand, calling Brecht. Brecht flew over and perched on her palm.
“What should we do? Everyone seems to think you’re strange.”
Hanette gently stroked Brecht with her fingers. Brecht accepted the touch, rubbing against her hand. Enrite, with a dazed expression, watched the scene.
‘A moving Magic Sword... A bird made of flames!’
Enrite had encountered other Magic Swords during his time as one. He had faintly felt their forms and auras, recognizing them more clearly after becoming human. But Brecht had lost its original form and now flew around as a small bird.
‘It exudes the aura of a Magic Sword. Brecht is real.’
Enrite couldn’t deny the reality. The bird carried the aura of the Flame Magic Sword. It seemed to have completed its bond with Hanette and, in some ways, had developed a consciousness.
‘There’s no need to think further. The answer is clear.’
Enrite shifted his thoughts, accepting the reality before him. Among the seven Magic Swords, only Brecht had taken a different form. Like El Tesoykve and Exceed Rain, it had completed its awakening, leading to a singular conclusion.
‘Hanette Adelaira, can you create salvation?’
The Demon God knew it wouldn’t perish immediately. Combining the powers of the Demon God and the Dragon would take considerable time. It had to wait, enduring patiently until the moment arrived.
“The end... is near...”
His senses were gradually fading. Though it meant he wouldn't suffer, it also meant he would soon lose awareness of himself. He would simply become a component for the worst monster, ending his existence.
“This is... my end...”
The Demon God slowly slumped, letting his arms fall. He hadn't regained power from the Three Demon Kings, and the Four Calamities had been eradicated. He wanted to see this world reduced to ashes by his hand. But now, that desire seemed futile, and he had to sacrifice himself to create a possibility.
“Why do I... desire destruction...”
He knew nothing about his origin, and his desire for destruction was innate. Even after being defeated by humans and Magic Swords, he left the Three Demon Kings to revive again.
“There’s no need for a reason... It must be...”
Inevitable, fated, absolute. This world must be destroyed. Regardless of what happens along the way, the outcome must remain unchanged.
“Destruction will lead to... creation...”
Even if this world and life perished, their form wouldn't remain fixed. It would instead lead to another result, attempting to create a new world and life. No logical reason was needed for this. It was the governing principle and providence of this world.
“After that, destruction. Reaching creation... will again lead to destruction...”
The Demon God fell deeper into his desire, knowing this fact. Whatever he did, the principle wouldn't change, and he couldn't go against his desire. Thus, to prove his existence, he faithfully fulfilled his role.
“To me... destruction is everything...”
The Demon God murmured pitifully. No life form could understand him. He was the enemy of all life, seeking to overturn its foundation.
“If not for destruction... why do I exist...”
His senses had completely dulled. He couldn't see, hear, smell, or feel. Unable to feel his body moving, he knew he was heading toward the end.
“My destruction... will herald the world’s destruction...”
**Changes Applied:**
- Brandish's gender changed to woman.
- Gloné's gender confirmed as man.
Royal Palace, Royal Study.
Brandish called Enrite to discuss the battle with the Slime Dragon again. Enrite explained Zion and Hanette's situation first, adding the truth afterward. Brandish, having expected this, wasn't greatly surprised.
“So, you couldn't tell me at the time?”
“At that time, Hanette Adelaira was dead, and Zion was about to sacrifice himself to kill the enemy. Without seeing it myself, I couldn't believe it, and it was an emotional reaction, so I couldn't report it to Your Majesty.”
“What you said isn’t wrong. Didn’t Zion hold the enemy until Hanette Adelaira revived?”
If she nitpicked, Hanette lied to her. But it was an urgent situation, and they were too busy to scrutinize every detail. Moreover, the extraordinary events made Enrite’s story seem doubtful.
“If they had been even a little late, Zion would have died. The enemy would have died too, but it would have been a sad event for some.”
“I won’t blame them. Didn’t I allow it through the oath?”
She had already decided, so there was no need to worry. She had granted permission through the royal command. Neither she nor any official or knight should criticize the two.
“Even if Zion hadn’t become Setinos Quasar, he would have fought. Hanette Adelaira is the same, isn’t she?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I believe so too.”
“They have done much for this country. To punish them for such a thing would make future generations criticize me.”
Of course, she wouldn’t tell anyone about this. The knights present might have seen it, but not in detail. This oath and secret would go to her grave with her.
“But... they must be admonished. There were other ways to work with the knights. If you charge recklessly out of anger, you can't win a battle. Zion may have risked his life to kill the enemy, but it was the wrong approach.”
“Your Majesty is right.”
“This time, I’ll let it slide. You, Enrite, must admonish Zion in my stead.”
“I accept the royal command.”
This concluded the matter smoothly. Brandish remembered the oath she had made with Zion. More importantly, she had clearly pointed out what needed correction, giving Zion a warning.
“I’ll leave Zion’s matter here. There’s something else I must ask you.”
“What are you curious about?”
“...There’s still no sign of it. Do you think the Demon God is involved?”
Enrite fell silent, pondering the meaning. The words left by the seven Magic Swords. Like her, Enrite also seemed conscious of their contents.
“Zion had a similar thought, Your Majesty.”
“Hmm... What do you think?”
“I also suspect the Demon God. Though weakened now, it once shook the Karonbelaz continent. It might try to gain power through other means.”
Brandish paced around the desk, turning her back. She had ensured the Abyssal King and Ocean King were eradicated and suspected the Immortal King was absorbed by the Demon God. They had destroyed two of the three artificial Magic Swords, with Lesia wielding the last.
Despite all plans failing, a vague unease persisted.
“Should we go to the front lines to find the Demon God?”
“I humbly advise against it. There are still monsters beyond the front lines. The environment is uninhabitable for humans, and prolonged battles would increase our casualties.”
“...You mean we must wait for the Demon God to attack?”
“If you wish to defeat the Demon God, you must.”
Simply killing the Demon God wouldn’t ensure Alain Kingdom’s victory. Minimizing casualties, protecting innocent civilians, and maintaining the kingdom's foundation were crucial. They couldn’t sacrifice what they had to exterminate the enemy.
“Your advice is sound. Simply defeating the Demon God won’t end it.”
Brandish turned slowly to Enrite. His words were sensible. There was no reason to take unnecessary risks beyond the front lines. It was better to wait, despite the slight loss, for the Demon God to approach.
“And this is all speculation. The event hasn't happened. We don't know how long it will take without a fixed time and place.”
“That is also true. The sign might appear long after I’m gone.”
Despite her words, Brandish couldn’t shake her unease. The Slime Dragon alone had shaken Alain Kingdom and threatened its strongest. What would the result have been if Zion and Hanette had perished?
‘They would have been wiped out. Even if they won, the losses wouldn’t be small.’
Such a strong enemy. Yet, the sign hadn’t appeared even as the Slime Dragon perished. How monstrous must the next enemy be for the words to come true?
‘If Zion and Hanette are the mentioned ones...’
The two had already proven their skill and potential. They fit the conditions and held great possibilities. Perhaps they alone could overcome the crisis.
‘I cannot rely solely on them.’
She must not assume anything. She had to act cautiously, considering every possibility. A wrong choice could bring the worst outcome.
‘I must keep them safe this time.’
She couldn’t let such valuable individuals die in vain. They had engraved numerous achievements in history and would continue to fight for Alain Kingdom. But the real reason was more personal.
‘They won’t be allowed to die before the wedding.’
Ryvdad Magic Association, Training Room 1.
Walter had sent a letter to Hanette and cleared his schedule. He knew Hanette had grown stronger and her mana had changed. Driven by a wizard’s curiosity and questions about the two types of mana, he arranged this meeting.
“Do you know why I called you, Miss Hanette?”
“...Because of the two types of mana?”
“There’s one more reason. I want to know how strong you’ve become.”
Hanette sensed the tension in the air. Walter, being a wizard, would have immediately perceived the changes she underwent. Moreover, the two types of mana posed an intriguing mystery, compelling Walter to investigate further.
“Last time, we stopped the duel because of the magic's power. But... the reinforcement work is done, so there’s no need to worry.”
Walter looked at Hanette with anticipation. He could feel the altered mana radiating from her even now. Though the second mana wasn’t apparent, it would surface in a clash of magic.
‘I’ve never seen elemental magic’s color change.’
Typically, the color of elemental magic remained fixed. Though the color and density of mana varied by wizard, the end result was consistent, thus unchanging. But Hanette had changed the color of her flames, using them to incinerate the Slime Dragon.
‘It must be a talent. Though I can’t replicate it, understanding the principle is key.’
Two types of mana, altering elemental magic’s color. She had accomplished what no one else could, twice. Learning even one of these would revolutionize magical history.
‘No matter how long it takes...’
“It’s not possible. This won’t withstand it.”
Hanette, without changing her expression, firmly declined.
Once magic was activated, Brecht’s flame would inevitably be imprinted. Though she wished to control its destructive power and range, she couldn’t fully suppress the Magic Sword's added force.
“What do you mean?”
“If I misuse magic, the building will burn down. Are you still okay with that?”