The Past Vision Culminates in Liberatus's Triumph
The past scene concluded with Liberatus Ahad, in his fully human form and cloaked in black divine power, felling an entity superior even to a Devourer. It was as if the vision had been permitted only up to that point... but that alone was more than enough.
Ludenberg Lavante, who had already witnessed Liberatus's exploits through the trial world, showed no great agitation. But the others appeared deeply shaken.
"Good heavens."
"That scene just now... it wasn't manipulated or anything, right?"
"No. The saint law operated normally. It was the Past Recreation Saint Law that accurately reproduces events from the past. No other saint laws were activated."
"Whoa, for real..."
Denetim Setta and Tradiaan Setta even looked moved to tears.
"To witness such a spectacle... I'm glad to be alive!"
"Quick, paper! Anything!"
Gone was Tradiaan's usual politeness; he demanded writing materials with almost manic fervor. Ludenberg handed him scattered pens and paper from around the room, his expression bemused.
Nadan Tes's reaction was no different. Even knowing Ludenberg was a boy burdened by fate, the sight they'd just beheld was utterly shocking.
"So there's a stage beyond Devourers. The academic world is going to flip. Gotta jot this down first. Damn, why does my presentation material keep piling up?"
"Stop mumbling and start recording, Nadan."
"Yep!"
As the four bustled about, Ludenberg and Ashytara Solenute exchanged awkward smiles, merely glancing at each other.
After a long commotion, once they'd roughly sorted through the past they'd witnessed, Nadan Tes, Professor Nah Tes, Denetim, and Tradiaan still gazed at Ludenberg with excitement undimmed.
But their stares held an odd glint, and Ludenberg easily discerned its meaning.
...Great. Now I'm being treated like a walking goldmine.
"Alright. With this, preparations for the evidence are truly complete. But I feel like we're missing something..."
"Didn't Liberatus's diary remain? You mentioned there was finishing work to do."
"...Ah. Right."
"It won't take long anyway, so I'll transcribe and decode it."
"Thanks. I owe you a lot in all sorts of ways."
"Nah, I've gotten plenty from you too. It's only fair."
"Haha. True enough."
Professor Nah burst into a hearty laugh, her face relieved. The research that had dragged on since the semester's start was finally nearing its end.
"Phew... so this endless study is finally wrapping up? Whew."
Nadan sighed, but his expression was bright. The research hadn't ended as mere hypothesis; it had yielded clear results. Moreover, the past scene had revealed a new stage of erosion beasts... announcing that at an academic conference and debating a new name with fellow scholars would be quite enjoyable.
"Good work, Nadan. This long study is finally over."
"Yeah, thanks to everyone. I got help from you all too... appreciate it. Just need to wrap things up nicely now."
"...Yeah."
Denetim, beaming happily, sat beside Nadan and stroked his bald head.
"...Denetim."
"What?"
"Do you have to pat my head?"
"You're so impressive for working hard, so I patted you."
"...Do whatever."
"Hehe."
She kept stroking his head.
"I'll head to the Star Cradle for a bit, Your Grace."
"Looking for something?"
"Yes. Now that we've confronted the past... I want to check documents on the Six Heroes there."
"Sounds good. Want company?"
"Sure, I'd love that."
As Nadan and Denetim chatted amiably, Tradiaan and Professor Nah left for the Star Cradle.
The moment they were gone, Ludenberg and Ashytara stood as well, addressing Nadan and Denetim.
"We'll step out for a stroll then. Been cooped up too long; need some fresh air."
"Huh? Yeah, go ahead."
Ludenberg took Ashytara's hand and slipped out of the lodging.
Left alone, Nadan squirmed in awkward silence.
"...What? Why are we the only ones left?"
"Who knows?"
Denetim gave a sly smile as she eyed him.
"You not going anywhere?"
"Why? Am I bothering you?"
"No, it's not that... but how long are you gonna keep patting?"
Denetim was still stroking his head.
"Until my heart feels at peace."
"Peace out of nowhere?"
"Nadan. I overheard something before."
Denetim's tone suddenly sobered.
"...What?"
"That you were with Eve Arcadia during the friendly match last time?"
"...Uh, yeah? She just asked me about theology."
"Oh? Seemed pretty passionate in your answers for that."
"Eh?"
"You explained Solem theology step by step, so kindly, with a smile. Right?"
"......"
Nadan was speechless. Truth be told, Denetim had been nearby when Eve approached him. She'd been shocked watching Eve smile sweetly and pepper him with questions. Was this the same Eve Arcadia who'd been rude to them? And Nadan's response was even more baffling. Despite how much they'd shown their dislike, he was friendly, kind, and enthusiastic. It had filled her with betrayal.
She'd wanted to storm over right then, but held back. Now, at last, the chance had come.
"You... saw the whole thing?"
"I couldn't believe my eyes. You're always grumbling with me, but so sweet and attentive to her? And she's the one I hate most..."
Denetim's low, simmering tone was honestly scary even to Nadan.
"D-Denetim?"
"How did this happen? I told you so many times not to get involved with her."
Honestly, Nadan couldn't comprehend. Explaining theology to Eve Arcadia—what was the big deal? Sure, he'd been swayed by her looks. With his rugged face and bald head warding off women, he craved female attention. Desperately. When a woman he'd fantasized chatting with actually approached, he couldn't let the chance slip. In the end, nothing happened; his endless explanations just made her avoid him. Still, Nadan felt wronged!
"N-No, you and your brother have the grudge with Eve Arcadia, not me. And if Abaran's saintess asks and I brush her off, that would've been a problem."
"Sigh. Be honest. You just dragged it out because she's pretty, right?"
"...Guh!"
"Knew it."
Denetim looked at him pitifully.
"I get you always whine about wanting a girl, but ignoring a friend's advice? I warned you so many times—she's suspicious."
"...True, but still..."
"Nadan."
Denetim's eyes turned stern, pity gone.
"Sorry."
"There, was that so hard? Well, since she hasn't approached you again, guess she has no more business with you."
"You knew all that and still did this?"
"Just felt like teasing you."
"...How'd I end up friends with a punk like you."
"What, hate it?"
"No, not hate..."
"But you really wanna date that bad?"
"Hell yeah. Nothing says a Setra saint can't date."
"Heh, true."
"What? Got a girl to hook me up with?"
Nadan eyed Denetim's subtle smile suspiciously.
"Nah. With your bald head, they'd all run in a cartload."
"...Don't poke the sore spot outta nowhere, jerk."
Nadan swatted at her hand, still patting his head.
"Anyway, tell me. What's your ideal type, Nadan?"
"Ideal type? Never thought about it. Someone kind to me, we click in conversation. Looks are a bonus... but with how I am, can't expect much. People play the hand they're dealt."
"Someone like that might be right nearby if you look."
Nadan tilted his head at her hint.
"...Maybe? But who? Most flee at the baldness."
Denetim withdrew her hand shyly.
"Look closely, and you'll find her."
"Who the heck..."
Despite the obvious clue, Nadan wandered clueless. Denetim realized the road ahead was long.
This idiot.
Ludenberg and Ashytara strolled through Istallin.
"Wonder if Denetim's doing okay."
"...Doing what?"
"Huh? Rud, didn't you notice? Denetim's eyes."
"Her eyes?"
"Couldn't peel off Nadan."
"...Really?"
"Yeah. Dripping with affection."
"Wait, so Denetim likes big guys...?"
"Can't tell? Oh."
Ashytara nodded at Ludenberg, who suddenly got it. Yeah, it made sense.
"Tara?"
"You might miss it. You're hopeless with that stuff."
"...Fair."
"Took you forever even with me obvious."
"......"
"Anyway, Nadan's impressive. The girl he likes is right there, and he still chases others. Should look around more. Like someone we know."
Ashytara grinned at Ludenberg, who couldn't retort. She was right.
"Anyway, save that for later fun... since we're out, let's tourist Istallin. Start where we missed yesterday."
"...Sure."
Ashytara, excited for the sightseeing, smiled and tugged Ludenberg's arm along.