Revelations from the Past
Several stories were exchanged. Tales of the Starting Knight, Liberatus, and how he came to meet the six heroes. Unknown facets and pasts of those six heroes as well.
In particular, the revelation that Parrel—the one known as the strongest in martial prowess among the six heroes—was actually the one with the least talent came as a shock to Professor Nah and Nadan in many ways.
"It's shocking in so many ways... Even Lady Adalin Cielm was a former battle slave?"
"Yes. Her joining completed the gathering of the six heroes. I've only experienced up to that point myself, so I don't know what comes after."
"Hmm... This is interesting in its own right."
Watching the two gaze at him with intrigued eyes, Ludenberg thought it was about time to bring up Raha as well.
"By the way, there's one more thing I should mention."
"Hm? What is it?"
At Professor Nah's question, Ludenberg pulled Liberatus's diary from his bosom.
"This diary."
"The one that was placed by your bedside when you woke up?"
"Yes."
"Why the diary?"
"I was debating whether to tell you, but I figured it was best to share with you and the big guy."
"...?"
"This diary was given to me by a transcendent being who calls herself 'Raha.'"
"...Raha? A transcendent being... like a god?"
"Yes. She told me the name of this sword, Libera, and imposed a trial upon me."
"A trial?"
"The reason I could experience the heroes' pasts directly in my dreams was because Raha sent me into the world of trials."
Ludenberg laid out words that were hard to grasp in many ways, but Professor Nah and Nadan focused intently on his story.
"What's this world of trials?"
"It's the dream world I just described—the world of a thousand years ago where the heroes lived. I go there, inhabit Liberatus's body, endure the hardships and trials he faced, and overcome them."
"Hold on. So what do you gain by overcoming that trial? It can't just be knowledge of the past."
"Simply put, my own growth."
"Growth... I see. So there's a reason for your abnormally immense strength."
"Yes. And the ruins where I obtained this sword, Libera."
"Right."
"Those ruins seemed to be the temple where Raha originally resided."
"What?"
"Whenever I meet Raha in my dreams, the place where we face each other is strikingly similar to the altar where I drew Libera."
Professor Nah and Nadan fell into thought at his words.
"Perhaps our discovery of those ruins is connected to you as well."
"Raha said as much. That she guided the two of you."
"As expected... Alright, I understand. Thanks for the valuable information, Ludenberg. It'll be very helpful for the academic conference."
"Please keep the part about Raha under wraps."
"Of course. For the conference, the main focus will be the connection between the six heroes and Liberatus, and how you've inherited his legacy."
"That'll suffice."
"Now, let's start reviewing the research materials. Ancient books first."
"Understood."
Ludenberg opened the ancient book. As expected, he could clearly read the words inscribed within.
The passage Professor Nah had first mentioned came into view. Back then, he hadn't understood it, but now, having experienced Liberatus's life to some extent through his body, he knew why such words were written.
Draw your sword for the fallen.
Give hope to those who crave life.
Starting Knight, you shall become the vanguard that leads hope.
He was the hero who saved humanity from the erosion beasts and the one who assembled the six heroes. Ludenberg once again realized how extraordinary the legacy he had inherited was.
He read on to the next part of the passage. But something felt off. The continuation...
It was strangely familiar.
The knight's resolve shall never break.
Even if he perishes on this battlefield and is forgotten.
Saving those lost in despair
Is by no means a meaningless act.
Armor torn to rags.
A sword broken, unable to cut anything.
Heavy feet that can scarcely take a step.
Truly pitiful sights.
Yet in each of your ragged footsteps, salvation dwells.
The more your sword tip shines, the more lives look to the future.
Starting Knight.
You shall witness the end of gods and usher in the world of man.
"...Why is Kyle's song here? And why does it say 'Starting Knight'?"
Beneath it, the name of the singer was inscribed.
-Istradim Seta.
"Istradim?"
"Did you find something?"
"Uh... yes. Could you take a look at this?"
"Even if you say look... You’re the only one who can read it. Our entire order barely deciphered the first passage."
"Ah. No, I mean... Below the first passage you and the Setra Church deciphered, Kyle's song is written."
"What?"
In an instant, confusion crossed the faces of Professor Nah, Nadan, and Ashytara.
"Kyle's song?"
"Yes. But where it usually says 'Solar Knight' in Kyle's song, here it says 'Starting Knight.'"
"Any other differences?"
"Yes. At the end of Kyle's song, instead of 'Solar Knight, you shall kindle the eternal flame of hope,' it says, 'Starting Knight, you shall witness the end of gods and usher in the world of man.'"
"Witness the end of gods and usher in the world of man...? What does that mean?"
"I don't know either. And the name of the one who composed this song... is Istradim Seta."
As the confusing information piled up, the expressions of those gathered in the room grew increasingly bewildered. It was only natural, as the knowledge they thought they knew kept twisting.
"...Hmm. Let's investigate more for now. We still have time before the academic conference..."
"Understood."
"Once you've translated it all, could you write it down? It’ll be a hassle, but we can't read it ourselves."
"I'll transcribe the book first, then Liberatus's diary after."
"Good. Thanks."
Raha smiled from her jade throne, gazing at Ludenberg.
"The road ahead is still long."
Leven spoke to her as she murmured.
"Still, he's drawing closer to the truth step by step."
"True. Though he won't reach the most fatal truth yet. He'll only touch it after passing the final trial."
"The final trial... Indeed, how much longer must we wait."
"It's only the end of the second trial now. But... the third and fourth will pass quickly."
"With his skill, he'll clear them swiftly."
"He will. Ludenberg's growth is astonishing."
"The fifth?"
"We need to prepare for that now. Leven, you'll have to move."
"What must I do?"
"Gather the souls of the six heroes. The fragments scattered and torn across this world."
"I must descend to the present world?"
"Yes. You're stable enough now."
"...A bit unstable, but I'll try."
"Please."
"The end of our long wait approaches."
"We must be thorough. To tear away the fate enveloping Ludenberg."
"The fake will start targeting him soon."
"I know. We have to stop it somehow. Especially if humans learn about Ludenberg and the Starting Knight this time... the fake will surely go after him."
"...Can we block it?"
"No certainty. It's desperately craving a body now. It won't hold back on means or methods. It's searching with all its might for a vessel to enact its will."
"If unforeseen events arise... I'll step in."
"Please."
In the heart of the Salvation Cult. Prisper's Pupil and the High Priest gazed at the eggs before them.
Eggs that looked eerie and grotesque at a glance. What stirred within them were...
Devourers. Ones directly blessed with power from Prisper's Pupil.
Crack.
Crunch, crunch.
A chilling sound echoed, and when the devourers finally hatched...
They took perfect human forms.
"Ah."
The first devourer to open its eyes let out a soft sigh.
This devourer bore the form of one of the most beautiful women among humans. Black hair, black eyes. Prisper's Pupil curved in satisfaction at the abyss-like appearance.
-Excellent.
Hearing Prisper's voice, the devourer trembled with fulfillment. As if a long-unquenched, vicious thirst had been sated. She knelt before the being who filled her craving, pressing her forehead to the ground.
"Thank you. Our lord."
-Since you awoke first, you must be the strongest.
"So it is."
-I shall bestow a name upon you.
"A name... you say?"
-Yes. You shall be the first to enact my will as saintess. A name befitting a saintess is needed.
"I gratefully accept."
-Your name shall be... yes. Agenthis. Agenthis suits you.
"Agenthis..."
The devourer—no, the newly appointed saintess—murmured her name.
As she became aware of her name, powerful divine power surged through her body. Yielding to the dark, murky aura, Agenthis trembled in ecstasy.
Divine power far greater than before swept through her, activating her entire body like a fever. And not only that.
Clear intellect settled in her mind, and Prisper's desires were imprinted upon her.
"Ugh..."
She writhed in pain from the overload of information, but she was a devourer—the pinnacle of erosion beasts. With her resilient body that wouldn't easily break, she soon absorbed it all and understood her purpose.
Focus entered her once-vacant platinum eyes, brimming with human-like vitality.
-Agenthis. From now on, you shall serve my will from the highest seat in the Salvation Cult.
"Speak, my god."
-From this day, Agenthis moves by my will, so you must serve her as saintess.
"I shall remember."
-Now, Agenthis. From henceforth, act by your own will. All you think and do will lead to my aspirations.
"...Yes, my god."
Agenthis and the High Priest bowed to Prisper's Pupil and withdrew.
At last, a saintess had emerged in the Salvation Cult.