Chapter 497
"Well, you reap what you sow," Ian said with a low scoff. "It's a shame. It was a chance to see if you could withstand Karha's divinity."
Yog flicked its tongue once more.
—So this unpleasant residual heat is...Yes. I'm curious too. Just how fiery it must have been.
It seemed fairly certain that it would have survived. Indeed. It wasn't the type to be burned to death so easily.
"I'll make sure you experience it next time. So for now, open up that bundle of dark knowledge of yours. From now on, you're not the only one who needs to be careful of the gods," said Ian, nodding toward Seren.
Yog turned its gaze and let out a low laugh.
—Thankfully, this one's an easy request. All we have to do is deceive the gaze of the gods, right?
"You mean to disguise?" Seren asked, catching on quickly.
—Yes. You all think the gods watch over everything, but in reality, that's not the case at all. Most of them are as blind as a bat.
Yog, having uttered such a blasphemous statement so casually, leisurely flicked its tongue.—So, even just by disguising yourself, you should be able to deceive them easily. As long as you don't run into those who act as the eyes and ears of the gods.
It was likely referring to the apostles of the gods, or those who serve them closely.
Seren scratched her chin awkwardly. "It's embarrassing, but... I don't know the method. In fact, I've never even felt the need for it until now."
Yog scoffed openly.
—I didn't expect you to. Don't worry. I know how. I can even carve a spell on you. If you give me permission, my friend.
Yog looked up at Ian.
Instead of answering, Ian glanced back at Seren, reaching for the cigarette in Diana's mouth.
Seren lowered her head slightly, and Diana, after blowing out a puff of smoke, readily parted her lips to offer the cigarette.
Bringing the cigarette to his mouth, Ian shrugged. "Then do it."
Yog slithered into the gap of his vambrace. A stinging sensation spread, and then, turning into a wisp of smoke, the creature flew to Seren.
—I'll carve it on your palm. Be careful not to get your wrist cut off from now on.
Seren quickly extended her left hand. Yog, which had reformed on her palm, crawled between the gaps of her glove.
—Let it resonate with your stigma. I need to connect your chaos with the spell.
Nodding, Seren closed her eyes. Ian's essence bead, which had been silent all along, let out a faint vibration, and a dim purple light spread over her.
Ian, paying no mind, took a drag of smoke and offered the cigarette back to Diana. "This is my first time in the South. You'll have to continue guiding me."
"Of course. Don't worry. Although I don't know the geography of the desert very well either..." Diana took the cigarette in her mouth and jerked her chin to the side. "We should be able to pass through just by walking west."
Her tone suggested she wasn't at all worried about the process of crossing the southern front and entering the Empire's territory. It was clear she believed the entire process would be smooth if Ian and Lucia were with her.
Perhaps that was the biggest reason she had asked them to accompany her.
Feigning ignorance, Ian said, "Once we're past the front lines, we'll stop by the nearest city. One with a temple or church of the Radiant Goddess. Make sure you guide us properly."
"It won't be difficult, but is it necessary?" Diana murmured, tilting her head.
Ian nodded. "It is."
"Alright. I'll make it happen." Diana didn't press further. Perhaps it was because of the subtle shift in Lucia's gaze.
Swoosh—
It was then that a violet mist began to billow thickly around Seren. And with it came the change.
Crunch… Crackle…
Her skull twitched and shifted as though breaking apart and reassembling. Her face began to writhe in strange, uneven motions.
Finally, as her sharp, curved horns shrank as if burrowing into her head, the purple fog completely swallowed Seren.
Crunch… Crackle…
Eerie sounds continued from beyond the churning fog.
Diana's face contorted in disgust, while Lucia stared at the fog with eyes that held a strange tension.
Swoosh—
It wasn't long before the fog scattered in all directions. Beyond it, the figure of the transformed Seren was revealed.
"Hmm..." Diana let out a low exclamation of admiration.
Gone was the half-demon. In her place stood a female knight, her skin smooth and pale, with deep navy-blue hair cascading past her shoulders.
—How is it? Perfect, right?
As Yog boasted, Seren opened her closed eyes.
Ian tilted his chin and asked, "How do you feel?"
"A bit stuffy. My body feels heavy, too." Seren answered, looking over herself. Her frame had grown smaller, and her armor clattered slightly in places where it no longer fit snugly.
"But I feel like I've become human again." A faint smile formed on her lips. It was a smile that felt bright and gentle, rather than fierce or ominous.
So she was originally a soft, sweet-looking type.
—You've really become weaker. It's an unavoidable part of hiding your true nature. Just make sure you're extra careful in that form.
Yog, adding irresponsibly, turned into smoke and shot back.
With that rather irresponsible parting remark, Yog shot back through the air and reformed atop Ian's pauldron.
—This should be satisfying enough, my friend, right?
Ian, with the cigarette in his mouth, shook his head.
"There's still Moro."
—Moro? That one just needs your command. It already knows the way.
"It already knows?"
Yog chuckled as if in mockery.
—Yes. You could say it's more competent than this Halfwit.
Ian looked back at Moro in the distance. The creature snorted and staggered to its feet. Then, the bead of chaos essence resonated softly. It seemed to be asking for Ian's permission.
Shwaaa...
Ian extended his hand and emitted a wave of chaos. Moro's eyes instantly darkened, and a purple fog spread from its churning mane.
Crunch… Crack…
As if its bones and muscles were twisting, parts of Moro's body bent and writhed grotesquely. It was shrinking as it did so, but in any case, it wasn't a pleasant sight. Perhaps the purpose of the violet mist was to obscure the gruesome process from view.
Shwaaa....
After a few minutes, the fog cleared away neatly.
Lucia's eyes widened. "Was that really your true form?"
Standing revealed was the sleek black steed Ian had once seen in his dreams—Moro, now clad in shadowy barding. The only difference from the dream was the dark armor wrapped around its frame.
The corners of Ian's mouth also curled up slightly. "I've got a transforming horse now."
Moro let out a soft snort and sank back to the ground, looking visibly exhausted. Then Seren stepped forward, placing a fist over her breastplate.
"Thank you for the help, Agent of the Saint."
—I think you should be thanking me, not him, you Halfwit.
While Ian simply nodded, Lucia suddenly stood. Turning away, she took a few steps and bent down. The others watched as she straightened her back again.
"Even if we're parting ways...".
In her hand, revealed from between the folds of her cloak, was the tail of a roasted scorpion that had been half-buried in the sand. She looked back at the group and waved the scorpion in her hand.
"Let's have the meal we were going to have before we go."
***
After the meal, they took the chance to sleep. It was the natural next step—everyone was extremely tired.
Of course, it was also out of consideration for Seren. It was also for Seren's sake. Once they parted, a peaceful rest wouldn't come easily to her.
The first to wake up was, of course, Ian.
I thought I'd feel relieved once the wall came down.
It was also because he had a mountain of problems to think about. Leaning against Moro, he took the time to organize his thoughts with a fresh cigarette in his mouth. Of course, it was also enough time to chew over just how much of a mess the situation was.
"My goodness..."
A soft sigh escaped Seren just as Ian's cigarette burned more than halfway down. She slowly rose to her feet, eyes fixed on the sky.
"The sun is rising."
The day was dawning. Although the sun wasn't visible due to the thick, dark clouds, for someone who had spent over a decade in a world where night was perpetual, even this was a moving change.
"Seeing you rejoice at the coming of morning, you're definitely not a corrupted one," Ian murmured with a faint smile on his lips.
"I was half afraid it might be a dream, but I guess not," said Diana.
She, too, was looking up at the gloomily brightening sky. She even took off her mask and breathed in deeply through her nose. The air probably still reeked of salt and sand, but she didn't seem to mind.
"That's right. It's not a dream." Lucia also pushed herself up with a rustle. She was stretching as if to loosen up.
Looking at his companions greeting the morning in their ways, Ian said, "There will be plenty of time to appreciate it later, so for now, let's get ready."
The group quickly stirred into action. Preparations were finished before Ian's cigarette burned all the way down. Diana, her mask now hanging from her neck, took the last few puffs of what was left, treating the stub like a treasure.
"Until we meet again, please take care of yourself, Agent of the Saint," said Seren, now in her human guise, placing her left fist over her breastplate.
A flail hung at one hip—Lucia's gift—and a short sword on the other from Diana. Slung across her shoulder was a leather water pouch that Ian had given, filled with enough water to last her several days.
That should be enough to get her out of the desert.
"You as well, sir," Ian answered with a nod, staring into Seren's blue eyes. "Do not forget that you are the messenger between me and His Highness. That means you should value your life. Do you understand?"
"Yes. You'll be able to sense my presence whenever you wish. I will continue to remain as your vassal, Agent of the Saint."
"Be careful. You won't be able to receive my power whenever you want."
"I will keep that in mind. I just hope we do not have to meet as enemies."
"That doesn't seem to be up to me."
Seren, who smiled bitterly at Ian's reply, turned her gaze to Lucia, standing beside her.
"I hope to see you again, Priestess. There were many things I was grateful for while we were together."
"The same goes for me, sir. Thanks to you, I was able to overcome many prejudices. Let's meet again." Lucia smiled brightly. They hadn't spent much time together, yet her eyes glistened faintly with emotion.
Seren smiled faintly at the sight, then turned to Diana. Their farewell was not very long.
"I hope you find peace in your hometown as well, Sir Diana."
"I wish you good fortune in battle," said Diana.
Ian, with a nod, turned and leaped into the saddle.
Moro was already facing west, waiting. Lucia climbed up behind, and Diana stepped forward with practiced ease, taking the reins.
"Give my regards to Yog," Seren added from behind.
Yog was asleep. It was still unknown whether it was due to the aftereffects of being trapped in the pocket dimension and having a spell carved, or because the sun had risen.
"Until next time. Hopefully, for something good," Ian added, patting Moro's neck.
Moro snorted and walked as if it had been waiting. For a while, they planned to follow the coastal dunes.
"Let's definitely meet again, sir," said Lucia, waving her hand while Diana strode forward with a cigarette in her mouth.
Seren, who bowed once more to the departing group by bending her knees, turned her back on them and walked away, not once looking back.
"It's a shame. She often reminded me of my sister, so I grew quite fond of her," Lucia murmured.
"I never once thought there was anything similar between us," said Ian.
"Fragile, loyal… things like that. I hope I get to see her again—like you said, Sir Ian, under better circumstances."
Ian just shrugged, turning his gaze away. He had a feeling that he would meet Seren again someday. However, he honestly couldn't be sure if it would be for something good.
By now, the Dark Prince would be gathering his scattered forces. Once that was done, it was only a matter of time before they moved toward the Empire.
I don't know how he'll get the corrupted ones out of the black land, but...
The Hyked Ian had seen would surely have devised some method. It wouldn't be surprising at all if he was already prepared.
And after that, there would probably be a war waiting. A civil war dividing the Empire in two—a war between brothers. A clash between the forsaken and the ones who forsook them. Light against darkness.
No one could say what name history would give it, or which side would emerge victorious.
Before that, the monsters might turn the continent upside down first.
Ian sighed through his nose. There were too many unpredictable variables. The archdemons Akihatara and Dharmaraja were among them.
Just like Bukikia, it wouldn't be strange at all if they, too, tried to advance outside the demonic realm.
Perhaps even out there is already…
Ian turned his gaze as if to shake off his thoughts.
Beyond the dunes, the dark blue sea with its churning waves filled his vision. It was fortunate that there were waves. Otherwise, it would have looked like nothing but a dead sea. Of course, that would only be its appearance. Beneath the surface, it was surely still teeming with mutated creatures.
Which meant the nearby waters would remain cursed for a long time yet. No matter how great the Order's purification squad was, they wouldn't be able to purify the inside of the sea.
It's gloomy, just like my future.
Ian turned his head slightly. A faint ripple stirred in his eyes, and the cigarette Diana had been holding slipped from her lips, floating cleanly into his waiting fingers.
Diana, her eyes shooting open, looked back at him. Her gaze was somewhat dumbfounded, but Ian didn't so much as glance her way. He placed the cigarette between his lips. It was nearly finished anyway.
He inhaled the smoke, feeling the lukewarm wind.
"Though I really am happy to be out here again," Lucia said, hesitating for a moment before adding, "Will the Platinum Dragon be okay?"
"Well. We'll know for sure when we meet it," said Ian. His eyes twitched subtly, but his voice remained calm.
"Meet the Platinum Dragon?" Diana asked, whipping her head around.
Ian shrugged, blowing out smoke. "Don't worry. I'll introduce you."
"What? No, no. I'm fine. I wasn't asking you to introduce me. Just a little surprised," Diana stammered, hastily shaking her head, her jaw still slightly slack. It wasn't just an empty protest.
Funny. Most people would kill for the chance to meet the Platinum Dragon.
Ian, who let out a faint, dry laugh, finally looked back. "Anyway, it seems the Wall fell faster than we expected, Lucy."
"So you saw a vision too, Sir Ian," said Lucia without any sign of surprise.
When Ian nodded, she added, "I saw a temple. The sacred fire was burning in the brazier again."
"Then the priests must have found out you're alive."
"Probably. No, definitely."
That explained her calmness.
Ian smiled as he inhaled the smoke. "That's good. The ones farthest south were the first to learn we survived. I saw Hope City."
"Really? That's a relief. Word will spread across the North soon enough, and everyone should wait quietly with no trouble."
"I suppose so, as long as it doesn't take too long to figure out our whereabouts," said Ian.
Lucia, who had been nodding readily, suddenly paused. "The inland sea. Won't it be difficult to cross the inland sea?"
She was likely thinking of Bukikia and the sea beasts. After all, they'd need a ship to return from the South.
"Well. I don't think it can occupy the entire sea, but even if that happens, it won't be like there's no way to cross the sea at all." Ian said calmly and shrugged, looking back at Lucia. "Let's just wait and see how things go. Maybe just meeting the Platinum Dragon will solve it."
They had seen the Platinum Dragon use teleportation magic more than once. Now that it had even destroyed the Black Wall, it was highly likely that it would transport them to the mainland with no trouble.
"Of course, something must've gone wrong. The fact that it happened sooner than expected means it wasn't fully prepared. But whatever it is—"
"We'll have to help him. The Platinum Dragon must have hurried for your sake, Sir Ian." Lucia finished his sentence.
Ian, who was nodding, suddenly looked at Diana. It was because her eyes, looking up at him, were narrowing slightly.
"Don't worry. After we meet him, I'll take you to your hometown first," said Ian with a tilt of his chin. It wasn't just because of the quest she had given him.
"I've got friends to visit too."
"I'll say it again. I'm going back to live the rest of my life quietly, Ian Hope. I'm going to retire," said Diana.
"Who said anything? Don't worry. I'll pass the message to your elder properly."
"Please, I beg you. Of course, before that, I'm counting on you to get us through the desert and the front lines."
"Don't worry about the front lines." The one who answered was Lucia, who peeked her head out from the side.
With a smile on her lips, she added, "You'll see the gates fly open and the commander come running out. Because the Superhuman of the North has returned."
Ian, who had spat out the cigarette butt, which was now just a filter, listlessly blew out the remaining smoke and murmured, "Whether my name works in the South, too, is something we'll have to see when we get there."