Chapter 252: One Step Closer (2) |
* * *
“Hello.”
Lucion smiled at Heroan and J.L.
“My name is Lucion Cronia.”
[Haha! I can’t believe it! Just look at their frozen faces.]
Russell couldn’t hold back anymore and burst into laughter.
Unlike Lucion’s relaxed smile, Heroan and J.L. stood frozen, staring blankly at him. They seemed completely speechless, occasionally glancing at Troy, who was seated behind Lucion.
“H-Hello! I’m Heroan!” Heroan suddenly sprang from his seat and bowed deeply toward Lucion.
‘He’s never acted like this before.’
“I-I’m J.L., responsible for overseeing the commerce of Organization Ale!”
Though he stammered, J.L. managed to introduce himself more smoothly than Heroan.
—Hehe! Everyone’s so funny!
Ratta giggled, shifting her gaze between Heroan and J.L.
[They’re completely stunned. I was worried for nothing.]
Only then did Bethel sigh in relief and chuckle.
Lucion extended his hand.
“Thanks to you, I’ve received a great deal of help. I truly appreciate it.”
“W-What do you mean? I’m just doing my part for the ‘Peace and Freedom’ that Ale stands for!”
‘Ha… this is ridiculous.’
Lucion barely suppressed a laugh at Heroan’s words. The idea of peace and freedom coming from Heroan’s mouth was almost comical.
-Lucion, you look really happy. They all seem like good people.
Noticing the softened expression on Lucion’s face, Troy smiled.
“If the world can become peaceful, there’s nothing better than that. It’s truly an honor to be of assistance, Saint.”
Unlike the still-flustered Heroan, J.L. maintained his composure and shook Lucion’s hand.
“J-J.L.! You…!”
Heroan gasped, calling J.L.’s name as if his handshake had been stolen.
“There are two hands,” Lucion said with a slight smile, offering his other hand to Heroan.
“Ah… Now that I think about it, you seem familiar. Haven’t we met before, Mr. Heroan?”
“You’ve s-seen me before? W-What an honor!”
‘Heroan has no eye for people.’
Lucion finally realized that Heroan’s grand words were just empty bluster—and he couldn’t be happier about it. Hadn’t he just gained a lifelong source of amusement?
* * *
“Carson.”
Standing outside, Heint finally spoke after a long silence.
“What is it?”
“I still… can’t believe it.”
“Still?”
Carson questioned him, but Heint’s eyes were filled with uncertainty.
It was shocking enough that Lucion could hear the Divine Beast’s voice, but what astounded him even more was the Divine Beast’s actions.
Surely, the Divine Beast must have known Lucion was a warlock. And yet, it had chosen to bless him, allowing him to stand as a saint.
“Why are you still saying this after seeing it with your own eyes?” Carson asked, his gaze fixed ahead.
“I feel like everything I believed in is crumbling.”
“Lucion is still Lucion, whether he can hear the Divine Beast or not.”
“I know that. But I can’t help but feel like everything I’ve understood about the relationship between light and darkness has just been overturned.”
“Who was the first to claim that truth?”
“Nevast.”
“Then it’s obvious it was nonsense from the start. So why do you still believe it?”
“…True.”
Heint frowned.
“The fact that I was led around by that damn logic infuriates me.”
“You’re going to be Lucion’s escort again, right? Take the opportunity to hit them or just beat them up directly.”
“And you?”
“This will be my last outing. My duty is at the frontier.”
“Why? Aren’t you worried?”
“Lucion isn’t weak anymore. You saw it yourself, didn’t you? Now, I can finally feel at ease—at least a little.”
Carson recalled the moment Lucion had stood his ground, locking eyes with the High Priest without wavering. That sight alone helped erase the memories of the fragile, timid Lucion from his past.
Lucion was no longer weak. Not anymore.
“And besides, even without me, you and Shaela will be by his side, won’t you?”
“Sh-Shaela is coming too?” Heint stammered, suddenly alarmed.
“In a few days, the Magic Tower’s restriction on leaving will be lifted. Once Shaela returns to Cronia, do you really think she’ll sit still? She’ll follow Lucion. And that puts me at ease.”
“…Wow. That’s kind of terrifying.”
“What’s so scary about Shaela?”
“No, well… just…”
Heint chuckled nervously as Carson shot him a piercing gaze.
“But still, keep an eye on Lucion. Remember what I said.”
“Carson, be honest. You’re really worried, aren’t you?”
Heint poked Carson lightly. Seeing Carson hesitate to respond, Heint’s expression softened.
“Don’t worry. Lucion isn’t weak—just like you said.”
“…I know.”
A faint smile appeared on Carson’s lips. No matter where he went, Lucion was a brother he could be proud of.
* * *
<The purification process is progressing smoothly, much to Hamel-nim’s concern. Unfortunately, there’s no way to measure the full extent of the Sea of Death, but from a visual estimate, at least 5% has already been purified.>
Leaning against the balcony railing, Lucion listened to Kran’s report.
‘That’s a relief.’
Lucion let out a quiet breath.
The Sea of Death had to be purified at all costs.
If Veronia’s actions through Nevast had merely been to pay a price, then the Sea of Death—long considered an impassable boundary—was, in truth, the very price Veronia had claimed ownership of.
“That’s fortunate, but don’t let your guard down. The situation could shift unexpectedly and turn into a major problem,” Lucion warned.
<Understood. I’ve been reminding everyone to stay vigilant. Of course, we’re also ensuring they take turns resting.>
“Good. You’ve worked hard, Kran.”
<I heard that Heroan and J.L. brought back some warlocks, and now several of them are heading west again. Should I send them?>
“They must be going for the same reason—out of unease. Consult with Delos and send a few to the west.”
The Sea of Death was important, but the warlocks were even more so. Lucion had no desire to manipulate people’s emotions arbitrarily.
—Lucion, Lucion!
Lucion turned to see Ratta scurrying toward him, a ball clutched in her mouth.
<Hamel-nim.>
“Yes, Kran?” Lucion sat down, stroking Ratta as he responded.
<We’d like to join this journey as well.>
“Then come along.”
<Are you serious?>
“I’ve never lied to you before… Well, except for the part about being Hamel.”
<I know! That’s why I’m so surprised right now…>
“Is it really that shocking?”
<Of course! You always try to handle everything alone! I’m so happy!>
“That’s not… entirely true.”
Sniff. Sniff.
—Hume is here! Hume brought snacks! Ratta is so excited!
Ratta dashed off, still gripping the ball.
“Hold on a moment, Kran.”
Lucion waved lightly as Hume entered the room, carrying a tray of snacks.
Looking around, Hume asked, “They were here before I left. Where did they go?”
Lucion pointed to the ceiling.
“Ah, so they stepped out to let the young master rest, and yet here you are, working again.”
“That was a very polite way of scolding me.”
“I—I have never laid a hand on you, Young Master!”
Startled, Hume hurriedly set the tray on the table before kneeling before Lucion.
“Have I ever accidentally touched you?”
—No, never! Ratta knows!
Beep! Roar!
Ratta answered, still gnawing on the ball.
“It was just a joke, Hume.” Lucion chuckled.
If Hume ever realized that words could be just as powerful as physical blows, he might never speak freely in front of Lucion again.
“Oh. That was a joke? I was really startled.”
Only then did Hume smile.
Knock. Knock.
“I’ll check.”
Hume placed the tray in front of Lucion and walked toward the door.
<Are you working again?>
“No? I’m sitting still right now.”
Lucion picked up a cookie.
—That’s right. Lucion is sitting quietly. Ratta is watching.
Munching on the cookie Lucion had given her, Ratta sat obediently on his lap, wagging her tail.
Crunch.
After meeting with J.L. and Heroan at the temple, Lucion had briefly spoken with Troy. Throughout their conversation, Troy had patted him gently.
At first, it felt awkward, but the soft touch of Troy’s paw was oddly comforting. Even when Russell teased him with laughter, Lucion didn’t mind.
-Lucion, you are different from me. If you die, you won’t return as I do. More importantly, you are the only one. Unlike me, you cannot multiply, and no one can take your place.
Troy had been worrying about him constantly. So Lucion had asked—what would happen once he gathered all the black orbs?
-Do not worry, Lucion. What awaits you is only the truth.
Kran’s voice suddenly interrupted his thoughts.
<Really?>
Troy had lost his memories due to being reborn, but he knew far more than just darkness. The voice that told him not to worry was still tingling in his ears.
“Yes, Kran. Do you want me to hand the comm to Hume?”
<No, Hamel-nim. I would never doubt you.>
“But you just did.”
<Then, where should I contact?>
“It’s Mr. Heint.”
Hume approached, informing him of the visitor waiting outside.
“You’re getting sly, Kran.”
<That’s just your imagination. I am always thinking of Hamel-nim’s safety and well-being.>
“That’s true. In fact, all the snacks the young master has been eating were made with healthy ingredients secretly mixed in by Kran.”
At Hume’s words, Kran quickly accepted the compliment.
<See, Hamel-nim? I hope you now realize how much I care about you.>
Hearing Kran’s self-satisfied tone, Lucion simply got to the point and ended the call.
“I’m meeting with Brother Heint now. I’ll pass on the message and contact you later.”
***
“What? You’ve been in contact with Mr. Kran like this?” Heint asked, stepping into the room still dressed in formal attire.
“Yes. Surprising, isn’t it?”
“Yeah. Everyone thinks you’re resting.”
“Did you just arrive?”
“That’s right. I came straight here so you wouldn’t have to wait too long.”
Crunch.
Lucion took another bite of his cookie, then offered one to Heint.
“Would you like one? You heard earlier, didn’t you? It’s packed with healthy ingredients.”
“I don’t refuse what’s offered.”
Heint sat down on the floor, wiped his hands with the napkin Hume handed him, and took a bite.
Crunch.
“To put it simply, His Majesty has agreed.”
“‘To put it simply’?”
Lucion’s eyebrows twitched.
“He said there aren’t enough escorts, so he wants Organization Ale to accompany you.”
“I was just considering expressing my opinion on that through you as Hamel. That works out well.”
Lucion smiled briefly before shifting his gaze slightly.
“Things are falling into place so suddenly. It feels a bit strange.”
“That’s a good thing. And it’s not an enemy but a strong ally we’re talking about.”
“…Does His Majesty know my identity?”
At Lucion’s serious question, Heint paused mid-motion while reaching for another cookie.
“No way. He probably just wants to strengthen Ale, the first allied organization. You wouldn’t know since you were unconscious, but Ale demonstrated its strength—practically on par with the 9th Order of the Knights.”
“That makes sense.”
“Exactly. …Oh, there’s something I want to ask you. Is that okay?”
“Yes, I assume it’s about Troy. He chose me knowing I’m a warlock. That was the first time I realized I could hear his voice. You must be quite confused.”
Lucion chuckled.
“The confusion has passed. I’m just surprised. By the way, can you read my mind too?”
“Unfortunately, I don’t have that kind of black magic. Ah, I’m also collecting holy relics right now.”
“…!”
Heint took a deep breath.
“Troy asked me directly.”
Lucion heard Heint take another deep breath.
Ratta seemed amused and giggled.
Lucion brushed his forehead.
“Thanks to Troy’s blessing, I’m fine. So, for now, just eat.”
“Unbelievable. Truly.”
“There’s more.”
“Ha, let’s take it one step at a time. At this rate, I might pass out.”
Despite his exasperation, there was no real sting behind Heint’s words.
Lucion simply nodded and chuckled. For some reason, he felt relieved.
* * *
“Teacher.”
In the quiet of the early morning, when everyone else was asleep, Lucion softly called out to Russell.
[What? Do you want me to sing you a lullaby? Why aren’t you sleeping?]
Wearing a displeased expression, Russell descended from above.
“The Sea of Death… and the lives of an empire and two great kingdoms—what could one do with such a cost?”
[Many things. Even things beyond our imagination.]
“It ended with Nevast and Neubra’s victory. No—his victory.”
In the previous world.
Lucion left that part unsaid.
[Then he already paid a heavy price once.]
“How does the darkness know? Do you have any idea?”
How does the darkness recognize that the world has repeated?
At Lucion’s question, Russell took a deep breath.
[I’ve been pondering that. But for now, it’s just speculation based on my fragmented memories, so don’t take it as absolute truth.]
“I understand.”
[To put it simply—it’s me.]