Chapter 512: At Lindel (3) |
“So you ended up staying, Father Basel…” I[1] muttered.
“You decided to stay as well, Miss Oscar,” Father Basel said.
“The Continental Union is afraid, but they’re staying. In addition, no leader in the world should run away for the sake of their own survival. I’ll go down with the Democratic Country; I’ll die with my people. That is my final role as an incompetent leader,” I said.
Father Basel nodded in response. His temper had always been compared to fire, even in the Vatican, so the fact that I couldn’t see any traces of his temper meant that he was truly worried.
He looked like he had aged a few years in advance, and his haggard look seemed to represent his feelings.
I was sure that it simply wasn’t because of the demons. Father Basel had never gotten any proper sleep since the incident started. When the news about Father Lee Ki-Young’s abduction made rounds, Father Basel locked himself up in the prayer room.
The goddess statue shed tears of blood once more, which led Father Basel to become even more ravenous in his prayers. He was so desperate that he had no idea that he was breaking down.
“We have the same thoughts. I’ve gotten old and weak to the extent that I can’t even cast a holy spell properly. The fact that we can’t stand on the front line together is a curse, so how can I escape the Sacred Democratic Country just to survive? I’m sure… I’m sure we’ll win,” he said.
“So you haven’t given up.” I pointed out.
“Yes?”
“I received a call from the Guild Master of the Blue Guild,” he continued.
“The Guild Master of the Blue Guild…” I repeated.
“Yes, the Swordsman of Light. He told me to trust him and to pray for him,” he added.
“Ah…”
“He told me that Father Lee Ki-Young is still fighting the demon inside of him. Apparently, Father Lee Ki-Young had visited him and told him not to give up. He also told me that Father Lee Ki-Young wanted me to pray for him so that he’ll have enough strength to resist the demon inside of him,” he said.
“I see,” I commented.
“I’m ashamed, Miss Oscar,” he said.
“Sorry?”
“I’m very ashamed,” he repeated.
“Father Basel…” I called out.
“I’m ashamed because it felt like I was caught red-handed. I felt like the young hero had caught me red-handed on the verge of giving up, and I felt like he noticed my growing resentment toward Benigoa,” he explained.
“I’m certain Father Lee Ki-Young will overcome this,” I told him.
“Of course. I know he will. Father Lee Ki-Young will definitely overcome this. Goddess Benigoa will never abandon her servant. Of course, but…” Father Basel trailed off.
“We must overcome the issue before us,” I said.
“Yes, I believe in the goddess, the warriors who are fighting for the future, the continent, and in Father Lee Ki-Young, who is definitely suffering a lot as we speak,” he confessed.
“Me, too…” I mumbled.
“...”
“I feel the same way,” I emphasized.
I had to suppress my bitter smile and look forward quietly. The people of Lindel could run away, but I didn’t see anyone running away. Everyone knew that Lindel was about to be enveloped by darkness, but I still saw people gathering in the square to pray.
“This battle will determine the fate of the continent,” Father Basel said.
The troops were the ones who would fight on the battlefield, but they weren’t the only ones who were fighting. I was sure that the denizens, who were waiting for the start of the decisive battle here, knew what was going on. I was sure of it. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be here.
A woman was looking up at the sky while holding her child. There were young priests praying, and soldiers were staring intently at the approaching darkness on the horizon.
I saw a couple holding hands and a young man helping out an old couple. Everyone was doing their part. I was sure that they believed that the continent would overcome this crisis and that this wouldn’t be any different from the past incidents.
And that was why I had to be steadfast…
Unfortunately, I couldn’t stop my tears from falling down my cheeks.
‘You have to be safe, Father Lee Ki-Young.’
I clasped my hands and prayed desperately.
‘Please… please, Goddess Benigoa.’
I prayed for the sake of many things—for the sake of the continent, for his peace, and for him to have enough strength to overcome his trial—I prayed for him so that I would one day hear him calling me Lady Aris once more. I prayed for the holy army in Lindel; I prayed that they would overcome the upcoming trial.
***
- Don’t be nervous, my friends. The Goddess Benigoa and the Swordsman of Sunset are with us. We will never fall. We will never give up on the light we have lost until the continent is peaceful once more.
“Whoo… whoo…
Boom. Boom.
“Whoo…”
Boom. Boom.
“Are you all right?”
“Yes, I-I’m fine.”
“You must be a volunteer.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“You seem kind of old… Actually, more importantly… You should have retired a long time ago.”
“Yes, it’s been a while since I retired. The more I climbed up the ranks, the more I realized that I couldn’t handle the responsibilities…”
“Why are you here? I don’t remember forcing people to stay here, and you’re not in the condition to fight. Those shoulders… aren’t you injured?”
“I’m from Laios.”
“I see…”
I was kind of relieved to see the soldier nodding slowly because I had an idea why the soldier was here, despite his injuries. I was sure everyone had their own reasons for staying here, but I was sure that this man had a different reason for coming here.
He was from Laios, and the man started talking. I didn’t really ask him any questions, but I had no choice but to listen. He looked nervous, but everyone here was probably nervous because of the incoming army of demons.
The hearts of the troops of the Continental Union in Lindel pounded madly against their chests with every footstep the demons made, and the darkness they brought with them instilled fear in us. I was trying to distract myself by listening to the anxious soldier.
My legs were trembling, so I couldn’t move properly.
However, I was sure that the story he was about to tell me would give me strength.
The soldier told me his story, and I instantly knew what kind of story it was.
“Father Lee Ki-Young saved my wife and daughter.”
“...”
“I’m sure he doesn’t remember. Actually, he probably has no idea that someone like me exists. I’m sure that I’m just one of the many people who owe him their lives, but I’ll never forget what Father Lee Ki-Young looked like that day. He emitted so much holy power that his body started melting from the burden. He protected us from the spell that the demon legion had cast. It was a sight that I’ll never forget.”
“That’s a good reason to wield your weapon once again, but are you not… scared?”
I sounded like I was asking myself as well.
“Of course I’m scared. Why won’t I be scared? But… I don’t regret my decision to come here.”
“You’re brave.”
“It’s more like a sense of guilt than bravery. If Father Lee Ki-Young hadn’t gone overboard that day to protect Laios, I’m sure all this wouldn’t have happened in the first place.”
“There’s no need to feel guilty about the past. That’s why you’re here, anyway.”
“But…”
“It’s not just you. I’m sure everyone thinks the same. I’m sure many people are indebted to him. He must have helped them indirectly or saved them from a huge incident.”
“I see...”
“The three guilds of Lindel, the denizens of Lindel, the adventurers of the continent, and the priests following Goddess Benigoa. They’ve gathered here to save him, and he’s still fighting as we speak. Apparently, he appeared in the Swordsman of Sunset’s dream and gifted him the power to save the continent, and I also… heard his voice.”
“Yes, I heard it as well...”
“I’m sure he’s desperately waiting for us, and I’m sure he believes us from the bottom of his heart, so we cannot afford to lose. Trust the people here and your comrades who will fight with you on this battlefield.”
I patted his shoulder to comfort him, and he nodded, looking as if he gained a bit of courage.
I felt a bit relieved because I didn’t say all that just to comfort that soldier.
“I’m sure your feelings will reach Father Lee Ki-Young.”
“I’m sure it will.”
“Ah…”
“They’ll reach him, so don’t worry,” a voice chimed in.
I turned around and saw a familiar face. The speaker was a large-framed man carrying a shield that seemed to be even heavier and larger than his frame.
The large-framed man walked slowly while carrying the massive shield as if it weighed nothing. He eventually reached me and smiled before patting my shoulder with his large hand
“T-Thank you very much about b-back then.” the volunteer next to me stuttered.
“I didn’t do it. Our hyung-nim did. I was just lucky that I was there. Anyway, thanks for coming. I’m sure hyung-nim will be happy, and I’m sure that your voice will reach him.”
The large-framed man stared at the horizon, and we eventually heard the deep sound of a horn.
Otherworldly monsters from beyond the walls ran toward us while roaring.
The earth started trembling, and I frowned at the monsters’ roars.
However, I had to bite my lips and be courageous because this battle was extremely important for mankind.
The volunteer next to me released a frightened shout and took a stance with his spear, but I was sure that everyone felt the same as him. Protecting Lindel meant protecting the light of the continent, but the question was…
‘Can we win?’
Could mankind truly beat those strange monsters?
The holy guardian dragon of the Sacred Democratic Country was circling us from above while covered in the greenish energy of plague. Meanwhile, the symbol of Benigoa was looking down at his hometown with hostility while wearing a corrupted half-mask.
He was the light of the continent, and we had lost him. Considering that, could we really overcome this crisis? My head became filled with useless thoughts as the enemies got closer.
My strong faith and belief were replaced by fear and anxiety. My legs trembled vigorously, and I broke out into a cold sweat at the horrifying sight. My ears started ringing as well, and the ringing got so loud that I screamed furiously.
Booooooooooooom!!! Booooooooooooom!!! Booooooooooooom!!!
The ringing in my ears was vanquished by explosions. We didn’t get bombarded by magic, but before I could compose myself, I heard someone’s roar.
“Prepare for battle! Prepare for battle!”
My expression turned awkward as I tried my best to compose myself, but I decided to abandon that idea as I shouted at the top of my lungs, “Prepare for battle! Prepare for battle…!”
I shouted so loudly that people started looking at me. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that I was forcefully trying to improve the morale of the troops. I also looked more desperate than relaxed when I started shouting, but I gripped my weapon even tighter.
The large-framed man’s shout made me feel better for some reason.
[You have been affected by the Legendary attribute, Morale Shout. Your stats have been greatly increased temporarily.]
“Hahaha…”
I couldn’t understand the emotions welling up inside of me, so I looked at the large-framed man next to me in disbelief.
“I’m sure we’ll win…” he muttered.
And just like that, the battle that would decide the fate of the continent began…
1. Oscar’s POV ☜
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