Chapter 67

Every time she heard the rumbling sound coming from afar, Flamm felt a sense of urgency.

She wondered if it was right for her to just stand there alone.

But this was also an important role.

She couldn't abandon Slau and go to help.

"Still, the fact that Origin actually exists is the biggest surprise for me. I always thought it was just a figment of imagination."

"I was surprised by that too, but more so by the fact that it's actually a villain that destroys people... well, that's a common story too, I guess."

Her palms were sweating from tension.

If Luke were in human form, it wouldn't be a problem, but he would undoubtedly abandon his human form to face her.

In the case of Mute, his abilities had changed, absorbing the power of the humans around him and turning it into his own.

He might not be limited to just manipulating "rotation."

If that happened, could Flamm protect Slau and fight at the same time?

"It feels like a fairy tale, with God as the enemy or someone being of royal blood. It's hard to believe."

"You must be the most unsuitable king ever."

"Ahaha, I think that's for sure!"

She felt stronger.

Not just the equipment, but her knight sword skills had improved significantly compared to before.

But still, it wasn't enough.

To become even stronger—however, what awaited at the end of that path was probably the same as the Children, a being that had abandoned humanity.

The regeneration ability was convenient, but each time she used it, she felt like she was becoming something inhuman.

It wasn't a physical change, but a mental one.

Once she got used to fighting by sacrificing her body, it would be hard to go back.

"By the way, how is Slau's mother doing?"

"Seems like she's hiding somewhere in the capital. Wellsy went to check her house yesterday, and there was a note saying she's safe and wants us to be reassured."

"Is that reassuring, then?"

"Well, they probably won't target her specifically, so I need to worry about myself for now."

Flamm was fighting to achieve a peaceful life after defeating Origin.

Even if she reached that point, if she lost her humanity—

"Um..."

"What is it, Flamm?"

"Is the enemy approaching or something!?"

"No, not that. I was just wondering why you can't wait inside."

Flamm was at a loss.

Eira and Slau were sitting on the stairs in front of the entrance, chatting.

She had told them to wait inside because it was dangerous.

"Having Flamm outside and us inside makes me feel pretty uneasy."

"Right, the enemy might suddenly burst in."

Flamm couldn't argue with that, as it wasn't impossible.

But she couldn't just sit around like this either—she was at a loss for words, as she couldn't explain her reasons well.

Without a convincing argument, Flamm's words wouldn't change their minds, and they would likely stay there until Luke arrived.

"Besides, if I'm about to die, the Chimera will save me, right?"

"That's just a guess, it's not guaranteed!"

"There's no need to get so worked up. The danger is the same no matter where we are."

"That's true, but..."

The more he insisted, the more she couldn't say anything.

Slau, as usual, asked a question with a carefree tone.

"Anyway, if you want to protect me, wouldn't it be safer to put me somewhere safe?"

"I wanted to create a connection between us and Slau."

"For what?"

"Staging. To make you a hero who protected the king, not just in the capital but in the kingdom."

"True, a hidden episode between the king and the hero would make a dramatic and appealing story. Plus, being a man protected by a hero adds prestige."

There might be other reasons, but that was all Flamm could imagine.

Slau seemed to understand, nodding in agreement.

"By the way, I understand why you're fighting the Children, but why are you fighting Satooki too?"

"Why...?"

"Because he's fighting the Pope's faction, I don't think he's the enemy."

Satooki was indeed fighting the Pope's faction, which currently controlled the church.

If things went according to his plan, he would likely become the supreme ruler, overshadowing the Pope and the king, who were losing their influence.

And he would probably do a good job.

When the existence of necromancers was revealed by Wellsy's article, Satooki's response was swift and precise.

While that was the correct approach for a cardinal, the current Pope and king worshiped Origin.

Flamm believed they had been brainwashed by Origin in some way.

Thus, they didn't care about the people.

They ran the country for Origin, and were indifferent to the sacrifices of the people.

If the Pope and king were removed and Satooki took their place, the kingdom would likely become more prosperous and develop.

However—

"I don't think Origin's power can be controlled so easily."

"You don't trust him? Then why is the Chimera obedient to Satooki now?"

"He's trying to start a war with the demons to fulfill his father's wish. We don't know how strong the Chimera is, but if it's strong enough to defeat the demons—"

It was strong enough to overwhelm the Children.

While there was no evidence of a second core being used, it was believed to have considerable combat ability.

If hundreds or thousands of such beings were mass-produced, it might be possible to defeat the demons without significant human casualties.

"Origin might be lending its power to revive itself."

"Revive?"

"There's no proof, but it seems the main body of Origin is sealed in the demon's territory. The journey to defeat the demon king, which Kiril and I were sent on, wasn't really for world peace. It was to break Origin's seal."

Eira and Slau listened solemnly.

It was a far-fetched story, but coming from Flamm, who had fought Origin, it had a strange persuasiveness despite its lack of realism.

"What will happen if Origin's main body is revived?"

"I don't know, but there's one thing I can say for sure."

Flamm looked at the smoke rising from the east and thought of the city's destruction from the battle with Mute.

"Many people will die, far more than now."

The capital would be engulfed in flames and blood.

The destruction would spread to the surrounding villages, and countless senseless deaths would occur.

There was no reason.

If anything, it was just "because they were there."

By chance, just being there would be enough for Origin to kill.

Flamm couldn't allow such a being to be revived.

"That's why we can't let the Pope, the king, or Satooki do as they please."

"Hmm... I don't like the idea of many people dying."

"That's a stupid comment."

"Eira, in such a situation, you should say it's simple and kind."

Eira's interjection ruined the serious conversation.

But in this situation, they could still joke around, showing their optimism and resolve.

Flamm couldn't help but sigh.

"By the way, Slau, you seem to accept the idea of becoming king easily. Aren't you scared?"

When asked by Eira, Slau thought for a moment before answering.

"I'm not scared, it just doesn't feel real. But being a king means I won't have to worry about money, right? Then I can make my mother's life easier, so in that sense, I'm actually happy."

He said this with a smile.

Flamm was both amazed and exasperated by his carefree response, and Eira sighed as well.

"Did I say something weird?"

"You did."

"You did."

Rebuked by the women, Slau tilted his head in confusion.

Talking to them made Flamm's tension ease.

The sounds of battle were intensifying, and Flamm felt increasingly uneasy about being in this place alone.

Then she noticed the tension in the air around her.

It was a presence.

Flamm's expression changed.

"Both of you, go inside."

The authority in her voice left no room for argument.

They nodded and hurried inside.

After confirming the guild entrance was closed, she drew a black blade from a subspace and readied herself.

Moments later, a blond boy jumped from the roof, hands in his pockets, and walked towards her, greeting her casually.

Despite the impending battle, he acted as if meeting a friend.

Flamm glared at him in silence.

Luke smiled sadly.

"Don't ignore me."

"We're not on terms to exchange greetings."

"True, but can't we talk a little before we kill each other?"

"What do you mean?"

"I wanted to do something human before I disappear."

He took a black crystal from his pocket.

Inside, a black spiral swirled—the "second" Origin core.

Like Mute, he had come to Flamm with the resolve to die.

This conversation was his last human act.

While there was no obligation to listen, Flamm understood his feelings as a fellow human.

She relaxed her stance and faced him.

"Nekt said you were surprisingly reasonable, and it turned out to be true."

"Being praised by someone like him doesn't make me happy."

"Haha, I guess not. But it's rare for Nekt to praise anyone."

"Whatever, do you have something to say?"

She was willing to talk, but not to waste time.

Flamm coldly dismissed Luke's attempt to expand on Nekt.

"Alright... then let's start with Mute. What happened to the body?"

"It's stored in the guild. I'll bury it after the battle, as promised."

"Good to know."

Luke smiled in relief.

"Next, is Ink there?"

"No."

"Did he leave the capital?"

"Did you think I would tell you?"

"No, I just asked. But from your reaction, it seems he evacuated from the capital."

Flamm was irritated at being seen through.

"I wanted to see him one last time."

"That's not the reason... or maybe it is. I wanted to see his face one last time."

"He's doing well."

"Good to know..."

Luke sighed in relief.

"Then... I don't have much left to regret."

"Can I ask you something, then?"

Flamm's interest surprised Luke, but she was more surprised by her own curiosity.

"Why is the atmosphere different from last time? I thought you'd come straight for Slau without hesitation."

"It's a simple reason. I have a personal goal that takes precedence over killing him."

"Personal goal?"

"Killing him is the Children's collective will. But this is different. I want to do this for myself, to stake my life on it."

As he spoke, he pressed the core to his chest.

It slowly sank into his body.

"What is it?"

The battle was about to begin.

Flamm gripped her Soul Eater and readied herself.

Luke laughed bravely, as if to boast that he had no fear of losing his self.

"I won't die in such a pathetic way. Flamm, I will defeat you and kill Slau. That's my proof of living—Luke Foolup's proof of living."

The core embedded itself.

The two Origin powers resonated within him, granting him transcendent power at the cost of his existence.

"O... Oooh, gah, aaaaah! Gah, giiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii