Chapter 495
I was afraid of the final battle. The thought of possibly having to face Ellen someday filled me with dread. In my current state, there was no way I could stand against Ellen or a dragon. If things continued as they were, I would have to sacrifice my life and draw out Alsbringer’s true power, which was why I had come to Rijaiera, seeking the next step.
However, regardless of what I achieved in my time in the village, I knew I would participate in the final battle. What I possessed wasn’t courage, but rather recklessness or stubbornness.
Because I had Alsbringer, all my actions inevitably leaned towards recklessness. I had resolved that if everything went wrong, I would ultimately use Alsbringer, which meant I couldn’t truly possess genuine courage.
“Fear and terror... It’s not about abandoning them, but facing them despite holding onto them. That’s what courage is,” Luna said, and I nodded slowly.
It wasn’t about discarding fear and forgetting terror, but embracing them and confronting head on the suffocating fear and dread emanating from an opponent. That was the condition necessary to be chosen by Alixion.
In the end, Alixion was a holy relic similar to Alsbringer. Just as Alsbringer chose a master who would willingly die for the world, Alixion would appear in response to the desire of someone who demonstrated true courage.
If I understood what true courage was and showed that courage while facing the dragon from the other world, would Alixion appear before me, according to my wish? But then, what would change?
“What is the true power of Alixion?” I asked.
“The holy spear Alixion is a relic that seeks out those who feel true terror against an unbeatable enemy, and yet stand against it. So, what should be given to such a person? What would they need?” Luna replied.
It was a divine gift bestowed upon those who showed true courage. The condition would already be met: true courage drawn out through genuine fear. There was only one thing it could and had to give.
“Power to stand against whatever the opponent may be,” Luna said plainly. “That’s all.”