Chapter 119
Chapter 119
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 119
Chapter Title: Guide's Gift (5)
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‘Just a record, after all.’
The thought remnant Kallos had left in the ruins of the Balan Forest was a ghost-like entity capable of thinking and conversing on its own. But in truth, it merely conveyed recorded images and voices to Azel.
Realizing this brought a bitter feeling. Even though it was a ghostly thought remnant, he had been thrilled at the idea of conversing with a friend.
-If you’ve obtained this, it means… my predictions have come true in the two most positive ways. Someone didn’t find and take this before you arrived. And you got your hands on the map from where you were sleeping.
Kallos had made various arrangements in the ruins of the Balan Forest where Azel had been asleep. Azel hadn’t obtained anything except the Dragon Sword, but pointing that out to a thought remnant that only relayed records was pointless.
-I don’t know how much time is left, but please obtain the rest as well. I considered gathering them in one place, but decided the risk was too high, so I scattered them here and there whenever I had the chance. I used to wonder why ancient mages built so many facilities to be excavated as ruins for future generations… Now I understand their position all too well.
Kallos’s thought remnant gave a wry smile.
-Ah, I should explain what this is. It’s designed exactly like the White Dragon Armor, but you could tell at a glance that it isn’t the original White Dragon Armor.
This was a replica of the White Dragon Armor that Kallos had created with the help of his comrades. Yet despite being a replica, its performance surpassed the original.
-It cost a pretty penny to make. You could probably buy a castle with what it’s worth? Ah, don’t actually sell it. Only I could make something like this, even if you paid.
‘…….’
Azel let out a chuckle. Decades must have passed since the time he knew him, yet how could he remain so unchanged?
-Azel, I truly hope the things I’ve left behind will help you even a little with the trials you’ll face. It’s regrettable that I can’t be there with you in my aged body.
With its purpose fulfilled, Kallos’s thought remnant vanished, and Azel’s consciousness returned to reality. Looking at the White Dragon Armor that accepted him so readily without resistance, Azel murmured bitterly.
“Me too.”
8
Azel changed into the White Dragon Armor right there. He shed his original leather armor and recited the designated keyword……
Clank! Clank clank!
The White Dragon Armor disassembled into parts, enveloped his body, and assembled into perfect form. Kairen’s eyes widened at the sight.
“Azel.”
“Yes?”
“This is the first time I’ve envied something you own.”
“Haha. Even if you say that, I won’t give it to you. My own defense was a bit lacking…….”
“No, that’s not the point. Armor that puts itself on and takes itself off—this is revolutionary. Damn.”
“…….”
Full plate armor was notoriously difficult to don and doff. During wars, knights would wear their armor for days without removing it, living in filth, and there were reasons for that. It forced them to agonize over whether to relieve themselves inside the armor when their bladder was about to burst or endure the immense hassle of removing it to preserve their human dignity.
For reference, the original White Dragon Armor had no such automatic donning and doffing function. Back then, Azel had found it so bothersome that he used Spirit Order telekinesis to put it on and off, greatly increasing his proficiency in the process.
Suddenly, Laura spoke.
“It really is the same…….”
“Hm?”
“Azel Karzark.”
“…….”
Unlike others, Laura had seen footage of Azel from the Dragon Emperor War. With his identical appearance now clad in the same design of armor, it was as if the figure from the records had leaped into reality.
She continued.
“Now that I look, the cape is different.”
“This isn’t anything special.”
During the Dragon Emperor War, Azel had worn a red magical cape made of dragon hide. But the cape left here alongside the White Dragon Armor replica had some magical treatment, though it wasn’t anything remarkable.
‘No, but this guy… Did something change in his mindset as he aged? Waterproofing and heat resistance are one thing, but stain-proofing?’
The cape had been enchanted with stain-resistant magic to prevent easy soiling. The automatic donning function on the armor was similar—traces of obsession with practical, everyday conveniences were evident.
‘He used to be all about performance…….’
When Kallos obtained or crafted magical tools and gave them to someone, complaints were common. It seemed absurd—receiving a precious magical item and complaining?—but giving a thick, heavy sword to someone skilled in precise swordsmanship was bound to provoke that reaction.
‘What right does a mere human have to critique a precious magical tool? Don’t like the magical tool? The magical tool won’t like you either. Shut up and adapt yourself to it. If not, I’ll give it to someone else. You rejected it once, so you’re off the list? Let’s see if your turn comes again before this damned war ends.’
Seeing that Kallos—who had been like that—now left behind items maximally considerate of the user’s convenience felt strangely complex.
Suddenly, Azel looked at Yuren.
‘This guy, exactly…….’
What was the Guide’s true identity that he knew the locations of Kallos’s arrangements, even including how to dispel the protective magic here?
‘Could it be Kallos… was this your arrangement too?’
The thought crossed his mind. There was no basis for it, but looking at Yuren—who resembled Kallos and claimed to be his descendant—inevitably evoked memories of Kallos in life.
Yuren smiled faintly.
“Anyway, what do you think? Like it?”
“Hm…….”
Azel gazed at him with a complicated expression for a moment, then nodded.
“Thanks. It’s the best gift.”
At the very least, he had to acknowledge that the gift Yuren prepared pleased him. This armor that evoked the past, and even Kallos’s thought remnant left here……
9
There was no reason to linger once business was done. The group soon exited the cave.
“You’re out quicker than expected. I was worried I’d have to wait days for such a well-hidden ruin.”
They encountered a stranger sitting on a rock, chin propped in hand. Azel flinched.
‘What is this guy?’
He was clearly human. Yet Azel hadn’t noticed him until the distance shrank to ten meters.
The man appeared to be in his mid-to-late thirties. He had long brown hair and a beard, and wore metal armor head to toe, suggesting he was a knight.
What was odd was his eyes. His face was turned toward Azel, yet his eyes were closed.
“Before I introduce myself… let me prove I mean no hostility.”
At that moment, whispers like children gathering began echoing around them. From all directions emerged Shadow Guardians, cloaked in pure white robes shrouded in mysterious darkness.
Seeing them, Azel realized one thing.
‘This guy is similar to the Shadow Guardians.’
He was unmistakably a living human with flesh and blood. Yet his presence was so faint, like the Shadow Guardians, that Azel’s senses had overlooked him while he sat still.
The qualifier “while sitting still” was because Azel detected his presence the instant he stood. It was still hazy, as if there yet not there, but no longer evading Azel’s senses. And…
‘He’s a Prophecy Guardian.’
Azel recognized him as a Prophecy Guardian at a glance. Like Lennon, he exuded the aura of Dragon Demon energy.
Still with eyes closed, he approached Azel and spoke.
“I am Balsel, Prophecy Guardian of the Shadow Guardians. This is our first meeting in person. Azel Zestringer, who may be the person of prophecy we’ve awaited.”
“I…….”
Azel looked at him and said,
“I’m getting used to being called by such long, cumbersome names. You Dragon Demon Worshippers, and now you lot.”
“If it’s unwelcome, I’ll keep it short. Sir Azel. Is that acceptable?”
“Then may I call you Sir Balsel?”
“Call me whatever you like. It’s been fifty years since I last acted as a knight.”
“…….”
Azel flinched at those words. Balsel looked no older than mid-thirties outwardly. Had he aged that much?
“…Are you like Lennon?”
“Indeed. Our time stops the moment we become Prophecy Guardians. We died as humans long ago.”
“You don’t seem undead.”
“That’s so we can do what corpses cannot.”
“And what is that?”
“I believe you already know the answer to that question.”
“You won’t tell me unless you’re certain I’m the person of prophecy.”
“Correct.”
“Fine. Why are you here? Come to complain about Laura?”
Azel spoke while scanning the surrounding Shadow Guardians. They radiated blatant hostility toward Laura. It was clear they were restraining an urge to attack right then.
Balsel replied,
“That matter is quite displeasing, but I respect your choice. If it turns out you’re not the person of prophecy, we’ll act then.”
“Hoo.”
“At least, I have no intention of fighting you here, so please sheath your killing intent. Truth be told, I feel the same as these Shadow Guardians but am trying not to show it…….”
“Your tone sounds like nothing but provocation to fight.”
“If it bothered you, I apologize. As an excuse, all Prophecy Guardians lost everything to Dragon Demon Worshippers in the past. So it’s hard to act rationally with one right in front of us.”
He spoke calmly, his expression and voice serene. The disconnect was so stark it heightened Azel’s wariness.
“…The more you talk, the more irritated I get, so just get to the point.”
“I came to deliver important information. I couldn’t trust the Shadow Guardians to relay it understandably.”
“…….”
It seemed even the Prophecy Guardians knew Shadow Guardians weren’t suited for relaying messages. As Azel and Kairen nodded in a hundredfold agreement, Balsel continued.
“The Plains of Darkness has revived Dragon Demon General Reygus as an undead. Far more powerful than other undead.”
“What?”
Azel was stunned. But that shock was nothing compared to what followed.
“He asked us where we hid Kallos.”
“…Kallos?”
“He spoke as if certain Kallos was alive, or existing on the earth in some form. Sir Azel, do you have any inkling?”
“What do you…….”
Azel, who had been dumbfounded, unconsciously looked at one person. Yuren wore a surprised expression where his gaze landed.