Chapter 609
"Exactly what I said. The heavens will never forgive me. I have, after all, completely shattered the continent's balance with my own hands. I've committed the very act they feared most and warned against countless times." Archeas shrugged.
Listening with a frown, Ian said, "The balance was already broken long before that."
"The heavens' perspective is different from ours. As I've said before, to them, the continent's chaos likely seemed a perfectly natural flow. Just as the Round Table Parliament intended. Besides, they finally have a way to get rid of me from your side, don't they?"
"As if I’d ever—"
"I know a mage like you would never accept divine revelations. But that’s still just your perspective. Whether you like it or not, you’ve already drawn their favor and their protection."
As Ian's frown deepened, Archeas added in a soft, whisper-like tone, "And I want you to keep it that way, Ian. I believe you are the hero of this age who will quell the continent's chaos. But you cannot achieve that great feat if you turn your back on the heavens. So, do not interfere in matters between me and the heavens. The last thing I want is for you to be harmed because of it."
"So are you saying you intend to live here, confined in this underground nest alone, forever?" said Ian.
"... Ian."
"And I'm supposed to just carry on, acting the hero, using your name and receiving the heavens' protection as if nothing is wrong?"
"That is not what I meant."
"From my perspective, it's the same. And I refuse," Ian said firmly.
Archeas stared at him for a moment before squeezing its eyes shut and sighing.