The Great Sword is not the Main Body!

Rubia and Noah completely distanced themselves, and after seeing their figures fade, I let go of the smile I had been wearing and returned to my usual expression.

"Kent. So, what happened to that body?"

Kent, who had approached silently as usual, gave a slight nod and then spoke.

"According to the investigation team... there was no trace of Carpen. It was determined that the body was damaged solely by the greatsword. Even after death... approximately thirty-nine strikes..."

"I see."

I remembered the pieces of meat scattered on the ground.

The limbs had been torn off, the intestines ruptured, and the body was so crushed that the bones and flesh were separated.

"Apparently... the person who was next to the priestess earlier—"

I raised my hand slightly, stopping Kent’s words.

"There are many ears around. Lower your voice. So, did the villagers see the body?"

"Ahem, some witnesses saw the act of the murder. I’ve told them to remain silent as much as possible... but the rumors have already spread."

"It seems hard to keep it completely hidden."

"I’m sorry."

I recalled the voices I had overheard.

"So, that’s how this atmosphere was formed..."

There were certainly voices that seemed friendly, but they were in the minority.

The majority of the villagers were trembling in fear, shouting that everything was our fault.

Considering the state of the body, it wasn’t entirely incomprehensible.

But wasn’t it too harsh for the heroes who protected the village?

"Sigh..."

Yesterday and today.

I recalled the girl I had spoken with.

Her bright smile and her petite body that seemed too small compared to others.

She had a very timid and pure nature.

Then, there was the greatsword, which was too large for her, dragging on the ground...

She was a girl who seemed completely incapable of imagining a scene of killing someone.

Yet, how could such a girl have committed such an act?

A normal person should have at least some hesitation when killing another human being.

Looking at the state of the body,

there was not just no hesitation, but it almost seemed like she had enjoyed it.

"Tch."

There was nothing to change by thinking about it any further...

I widened my vision to take in all the traces of the battle with Carpen.

Then, I used my second unique ability to read the flow of magic.

I began to piece together the battle in my mind.

The first battle was with Carpen... Lucci, and Heinzel.

The second was with the greatsword... Noah.

Then...

Faint traces of magic and bloodstained arrows.

An impairment robe.

Enhanced wild horns.

And from the body, I saw...

The corners of the mouth twisted upwards.

The black sun’s mark, engraved in my brain.

"Is it certain that no one has seen this mark?"

"Yes, it’s certain."

"Then, that’s a relief... but please, do whatever you can to prevent the rumors from spreading."

"Understood. I’ll do my best."

"No. Don’t just do your best. Do it well. Very well."

"...Understood."

I turned away, waving my hand dismissively.

"I’ll be going now."

Kent disappeared, and I let out a deep sigh.

I pictured Lucci’s last battle.

Cutting down Carpen.

Then, following that...

The marks of the sword that cut through the world.

Not the path of Heaven, but the traces of defiance against Heaven.@@novelbin@@

Not a 'master' who has mastered everything.

But a ‘challenger’ who reversed the world and defied Heaven.

I recalled Lucci, who had died with a bright smile.

Eyes wide open, staring at the sun.

A sun that would fall someday.

The evil god, Lilith, was being watched.

The fifth nightmare came to an end by the new challenger.

And so...

Four nightmares remained.

Five challengers remained.

The balance had been broken.

The awakening of the end.

The false paradise’s descent had begun.

"The prophecy... it’s diverging too much."

The birth of the sixth challenger.

The disappearance of the fifth challenger.

The girl, Noah, whose true identity was still unknown.

And...

The priestess and Noah, heading towards the Karahan Mountains, where the fifth challenger had disappeared.

The world, which had been flowing according to the prophecy, had completely changed with Noah’s arrival.

The prophecy was wrong.

I closed my eyes and drew up my magic.

"Aah, can you hear me? This is Jur."

Far away, in Alrva.

To the first challenger.

I reported the incident.

The beginning of everything.

I informed them.

"Report starting now. Hermeila."

"The fifth nightmare has ended."

At the top floor of the Erden Temple.

In the hall surrounded by stained glass on all sides.

Alstein, dressed in a white ceremonial robe, was kneeling and praying.

"And... a new challenger has..."

Blood burst from his body, and the red letters appeared on the 'Revelation' in his hands.

[I'm disappointed. Alstein.]

"Ugh... s-sorry."

Blood flowed from Alstein’s face.

His nails fell out, his fingers twisted, his toes were pulled out, and his intestines were crushed.

If you are reading this translation anywhere other than Novelight.net or SilkRoadTL, it has been stolen.

[Did I not tell you that the awakening of the end is still premature? And didn’t I also tell you that Erden’s descent isn’t ready yet?]

"S-sorry... I’m sorry..."

[Ah, sorry. It’s understandable. I didn’t know about ‘her’ existence either, so it’s natural that you didn’t know. I got a bit emotional. Hehe.]

Alstein’s blood...

Flowed back into his body.

His crushed intestines straightened, the pulled-out toes returned, and the twisted fingers twisted back again.

New nails grew.

"Thank you for your mercy..."

[I trust my apostle, Alstein. You’ll do well this time, won’t you?]

The pain-ridden face transformed into one filled with intense joy.

"Of, of course!"

Alstein’s golden eyes glistened.

[Then, Alstein of Erdenshute. As your master, I command you. Restore the balance of the world.]

[Kill the fifth challenger and spread despair across the world.]

[And retrieve the lost fragment of the end.]

"I accept the command."

Alstein, who had been praying with his head bowed, now raised his head with a face full of ecstatic madness.

He gazed up at the heavens and revealed his soul.

"All for Erden."

And the Revelation, which had been glistening with blood, turned back into pristine white paper.

At the same time, Alstein’s expression became masked.

The heightened emotions faded, and his raised voice softened.

Returning to his usual self, Alstein turned toward the door and spoke with a devout voice.

"Well... come in."

One of the many stained glass windows opened, and a man fully armored in black entered.

Every time he moved, there was a chilling sound, like nails scraping metal, that scraped against my eardrums.

The sword hanging at his waist creaked and shook.

The breath that tore through the lungs filled the hall.

"It’s been a long time, Lord Kalte."

Alstein smiled and extended his hand.

But the man, Kalte, standing before Alstein, ignored the greeting and quietly stared at him.

"It’s the first time I’ve seen you since you became a master... but... you’ve changed quite a lot."

"Stop talking and give the command."

Kalte’s neck made a sound no longer human.

"Ah... your neck is in terrible condition. Shall I heal it for you?"

"Command."

Kalte’s hand moved toward the hilt of his sword.

"You seem upset. I overstepped, haha. Now, I’ll deliver the Goddess’s command."

With an imposing air, Kalte knelt down, breathless, and lowered his head.

Alstein, with a satisfied smile, continued.

"Master Kalte. Immediately, kill the fifth challenger at the top of the Karahan Mountains... 'Yuria.'"

Alstein’s words were infused with divine power.

"And recover the lost fragment of the end."

The divine power entangled Kalte’s body, squeezing and crushing him.

"All for... Erden..."

"All for Erden."

Once Alstein’s words finished, the divine power that had been pressing down on Kalte’s body seeped into him.

"Ha..."

His rough breathing calmed down.

The trembling sword quieted.

"What’s the timeline?"

His voice returned to normal.

"In fifteen days."

"...What about the aftermath?"

"Erden will take full responsibility and resolve it. Even the compensation for the family."

Kalte’s face contorted.

"Go."

"Please, be careful."

The carriage moved slowly through the rough plains.

Hephaestus was nestled into my arms, sniffling, while Rubia watched us with a subtle expression.

"Mm... Rubia...?"

"Yes?"

Her voice sounded a little... sharp.

"Do... do you want some jelly?"

I carefully pulled out the jelly from my pocket, the one I had been squishing earlier.

I wasn’t sure about giving it to her... but it’s the only thing I have left...

"It looks... strange."

"Uh... it’s probably because it was in my pocket... maybe it got squished."

Rubia moved a bit closer.

"It’s squished in the shape of your hand... didn’t you squish it, Noah?"

"Ugh... um... I... was just bored earlier... but my hands were cleaned properly... is it a bit weird to eat it? Then I’ll just..."

As I tried to withdraw my trembling hand back into my pocket, Rubia suddenly leaned forward.

"Ah—"

She swiftly grabbed the jelly from my hand.

Her slippery, moist, and soft tongue... licked my hand with a whoosh...

"Rubia...?"

"It tastes like peach."

"Eh, uh... Peach...? But... I thought we ate all the peaches...?"

I rubbed my damp fingers on my clothes.

"Hmm... it’s definitely peach-flavored. Does that mean Noah’s fingers taste like peach?"

"Eek..."

I quickly curled my hand and shoved it back into my pocket, avoiding Rubia’s teasing smile.

"Sis... Ugh... can I have some jelly too...?"

Hephaestus, who was next to me, extended her snot-covered hand.

"Do... do you want some?"

"Yes..."

I took out one of the less squished pieces of jelly and carefully placed it in Hephaestus’ hand.

Careful not to touch the snot...

"Thank you... sniff..."

Hephaestus, breathing slowly, finally stood up.

Ugh... the spot where Hephaestus was sitting is all damp...

"Are you feeling better now, Hephaestus?"

"Ah, yes... I’m sorry..."

Once Hephaestus moved away, Rubia’s expression softened.

Was she upset about her clothes getting dirty because of the tears?

She always washes my clothes, so that’s understandable...

"Phew... I have something to tell you..."

Hephaestus took a deep breath and pulled a small letter from her pocket.

"...This is the reason I’m going to Karahan... I thought I should tell you, though."

Rubia nodded and carefully accepted the letter.

"Hephaestus. Can I read it out loud?"

"Ah... it’s fine."

She probably wants to read it to me because I can’t read...

But... saying the contents out loud... might be too embarrassing, right?

"Uh... if it’s something embarrassing, I can explain it to you later..."

"No, it’s fine, Noah, you should hear it too."

But Hephaestus gently smiled and shook her head.

"Then, I’ll read it. Ah... it’s a letter from my master."

"Yes, that’s right."

"And... my master’s name is..."

Rubia slowly unfolded the letter and continued.

"'Yuria.'"