Chapter 120
Chapter 120
Ru the Luminescent was sitting above the clouds, observing the humans below.
Perhaps it might have been better to completely erase the corpses of the kin.
However, as the overseer of order, she could not let her personal emotions stand out in any way.
'Uriel Astille would not have been able to reveal the prophesied future to the outside,'
Ru the Luminescent did not particularly blame Uriel Astille for the current situation.
It was never right for those who live in the present to dig into the future.
Such an act fundamentally violated the law of nature, and restrictions were inevitable.
'That's why she only discussed the outcomes that I would try to bring about.'
It was probably the best choice for Uriel Astille.
She had to provide information regarding the result, without explaining the cause or process leading to it.
That was why, even now, Ru the Luminescent wanted to closely observe the unfolding situation.
'...... If one accepts the power of a dragon, one inevitably strays from humanity.'
Ru the Luminescent knew that the Knight of True Flame had surpassed his limits.
Though he maintained a human appearance on the outside, inside he must have been twisted by the raging currents of mana.
If he continued to absorb the powers of other dragons like this, he would inevitably face destruction.
'Still, for a human, he is enduring well. His inherent ability must differ from that other human.'
Ru the Luminescent had long since been aware of the existence of the Frost Witch.
She had forcibly taken Tiksa the Frostbane's power but had been unable to control it completely.
Instead, she had been seized by severe aftereffects, and in the end, provoked the monsters of the northern territory.
Of course, Alter Radiant had resolved that matter, so there was no need to scrutinize the details.
'Tiksa...... Your descendants are inevitably bound to collide with the kin. Had you foreseen this outcome?'
Ru the Luminescent reflected on the past but soon dismissed such thoughts.
Tiksa the Frostbane had cherished only one human, treasuring him dearly.
In fact, back then she could not have predicted the inheritance of a mixed human and dragon lineage.
'It isn't your fault. It was the dragons who invaded humanity first.'
Ru the Luminescent turned her gaze upon Alter Radiant, probing his latent mana.
The dragon's aura was thicker than before.
Nevertheless, his body's form had not collapsed, and the concentration of mana only grew denser.
'...... Can he not drive out that flame?'
Ru the Luminescent had sensed for a while that the Knight of True Flame was in the lead.
He was reproducing dragon fire with exquisite precision, and the swordsmanship mastered as a human was also fiercely storming forth.
To command two realms alone—no one could hope to compete with that.
'If Tiksa's descendant dies, that would be rather regrettable.'
Ru the Luminescent harbored considerable curiosity toward Alter Radiant.
But if he were to perish like this, there would be nothing left to observe.
Still, he had inherited the dragon's blood—was it right to leave him unattended like this?
'I must prioritize law over my own judgement. I cannot violate neutrality.'
Even if Alter Radiant were to meet his death, he too fell under the law of nature.
Having chosen to stay in this world, he had to abide by its law.
For a dragon to twist the law of nature would be nothing more than petty arrogance.
'If Uriel Astille had foreseen the situation this far...... Hm?'
Ru the Luminescent witnessed the change occurring in Alter Radiant and felt a sense of kinship without realizing it.
Though they were only half-formed horns and wings, it was nonetheless the form of a dragon.
And since he had overwhelmed the Knight of True Flame, perhaps she had to acknowledge it just a little.
'Still incomplete, but worthy as Tiksa's descendant. Has he reached out to dragons as a human?'
Only then did Ru the Luminescent catch a glimpse of Uriel Astille's will.
Alter Radiant must have inherited Uriel Astille's intent.
Thus, this result was fixed by fate, and would surely intertwine with another ending.
'Even I cannot be certain of it. I suppose I must continue to remain neutral.'
* * *
Alter was still in the southern region, quietly observing the situation.
Soldiers had been stationed around Grafden the Deep, and until its mana was thoroughly depleted, strict vigilance was required.
The Knight of True Flame might attack again at any time, so a battle posture had been established in advance.
'It won't regenerate immediately, I'm sure.'
The cold air he had previously emitted was densely compressed.
Even the Knight of True Flame could not so easily subdue such potent cold.
Moreover, being right-handed, he would not be able to face the enemies and forces with fire alone.
'I only managed to delay him for a moment...... But this should suffice.'
He would probably have to continue keeping the Knight of True Flame in check.
After all, that one was surely aiming for the power of the other dragons as well.
Of course, it was hard to predict his moves, so the conditions might become unfavorable depending on the situation.
'So, there are three left, then?'
Mwin the Thunderstorm, Ru the Luminescent, Lailnetia the Devouring.
If he counted Ru the Luminescent as neutral, there would essentially only be two to face.
Still, he would be facing dragons, so it was bound to be difficult.
'Benelrode the Incandescent was severely injured, and Grafden the Deep was under control. But the other dragons are entirely unscathed.'
The remaining dragons were in perfect condition, allowing them to wield their full strength.
So, in the event of all-out war, severe loss would be unavoidable.
Normal tactics would not work, and even an increase in soldiers would only result in them being wiped out all at once.
'Maybe...... it would've been better to leave the Knight of True Flame as he was.'
It was only natural; the more powerhouses there were, the easier it would be to stand against the dragons.
Especially in the case of the Knight of True Flame, he had already reached an extraordinary realm.
If it were the Knight of True Flame, he could possibly foresee victory in a battle against the dragons.
'I still lack so much......'
"Isn't it hard for you? You're pushing yourself again, aren't you?"
"It's not so much pushing myself. I just haven't adapted to my power yet,"
Alter replied calmly, turning his head slowly.
Brillie Illenat sat down next to Alter and gazed at him cautiously.
He seemed somewhat gloomy, which made her feel somewhat sorry for him.
"I was worried about what would happen if you were cut by the sword. You know, scars wouldn't be very nice."
"Even if a scar remains, my feelings won't change."
"Even so. I don't want to show my fiancé an ugly side of me."
"......"
Surrounded by silence, Alter moved his right hand.
He held Brillie Illenat's hand naturally and felt the clear warmth.
It had felt awkward at first, but now he had come to accept it as a familiar act.
"Lady Brillie, you've always been beautiful. A mere scar cannot conceal that."
"Don't say things like that. It's a bit embarrassing."
"But I can't just lie to you, can I?"
"Well, that's true......"
Brillie Illenat lowered her gaze slowly, looking at the hands they held.
Her small, white fingers gently touched his calluses.
If it were her fiancé, perhaps even unsightly scars would become part of what she could embrace.
"More than scars, I'm worried about you getting hurt, lady Brillie. If you were to die, what would I do?"
"Why talk about dying? I'm not fighting alone, and there are clerics as well, aren't there?"
"But I can't say you'll be safe for certain. The same goes for me."
For a moment, Brillie Illenat froze and met Alter's gaze.
His navy blue eyes, at some point, had taken on a cold yet sorrowful hue.
No doubt he was feeling indirect pressure from the recent battles.
"I... I don't want to lose this warmth."
"......"
"It's the only warmth I have. If I could hide it somewhere, maybe I'd feel at ease."
"......"
"But I can't do that. Even in the face of danger, lady Brillie, you would never retreat."
"......"
"So, I will protect you, lady Brillie. No matter what you say, this is the one thing I won't give up."
Alter spoke earnestly, his voice carrying resolve.
After all, he could not be sheltered indefinitely by Brillie Illenat.
Even if he used up all his mana, he would ensure that, at the very least, she survived.
"I told you, I won't die. I haven't even married you yet, so how could I possibly die?"
Brillie Illenat respected Alter's determination, but couldn't wholeheartedly accept it.
He had undoubtedly grown healthier than before, achieved distinguished feats, and had been chosen as the next great mage.
But to her, he still appeared as a fragile nobleman she had to protect.
"It's not that I doubt your abilities, lady Brillie. I just have my worries......"
Suddenly, Alter wavered and his body tilted over.
Brillie Illenat gently held him and slowly turned her head.
No matter what happened, she wouldn't let go of her fiancé.
"All you have to do is stay in my arms. So don't say anything."
"Still......"
"Shh."
"......"
Alter fell silent and looked up at Brillie Illenat.
She was gazing at him softly, her hands holding his shoulders.
It seemed he had no choice but to go along with this mood for now.
'I understand what she means, but... is it really alright to let things go this far......?'
* * *
The Knight of True Flame was hurriedly hiding, regenerating his right arm.
If given the chance, he would immediately seize a dragon's power.
But the cold would not subside easily, and only diminished his body's regenerative abilities.
"Alter Radiant......"
The Knight of True Flame murmured the name unconsciously.
Back then, his body had been frail from illness, and he couldn't even manage to go out.
Yet at some point, Alter Radiant became the next great mage and ended up standing in his way.
"I betrayed the Empire to gain this power. Did you pay a price as well?"
The Knight of True Flame, seized by a sense of emptiness, recalled their previous battle.
He had struck blows against the Sword Saint and the holy apostle, and had even easily pushed aside Sword Flower.
But the next great mage, even with a miniature breath, froze his right arm.
Originally, flame should have neutralized the frost, yet instead, he'd been devoured by the cold.
"You must have paid a price. You've suffered hardship since you were young...... Kuku......"
The Knight of True Flame scoffed at himself, clenching his fist.
He had swordsmanship, polished over the years, and mana stolen from Benelrode the Incandescent.
And yet, he couldn't overcome a single mage.
Where had it all gone wrong?
"All I have left is this...... but you possess everything."
Aware of the gulf between them, the Knight of True Flame slammed his fist down.
Dragon's power, nobility as an aristocrat, the fame of the powerful, a companion full of affection.
Why had he discarded all that just for raw strength?
"I can't let it end here. I must prove I was right."
Clinging to obsession, the Knight of True Flame let out a torrent of fire.
He had to get rid of this cold at all costs.
If only he could become stronger, then even his mistakes would be meaningless.
"All I need is power. I will reach the summit......."