Chapter 60
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 60
Chapter Title: There Are Reunions at the World Assembly
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It was simply love.
A tiny sprout of emotion that had taken root in me before I even realized it.
The fleeting whim of a foolish child from long ago.
That budding affection bloomed like a sudden downpour, soaking through my clothes unnoticed, spreading faster than I could comprehend.
The divinity thrust upon me without warning, dragging me into the temple like a puppet on strings.
Envy and jealousy followed as naturally as breathing, hounded by the nagging of doddering old crones—it was hell for me.
How could I not fall for that warm hand reaching out in such a place?
The only regret was that this world made it so hard to share that love. Just that one thing.
Ten years. A decade staring only at you, enduring death itself.
Crushing the urge to let everything go in exhaustion, forcing my eyes away from those collapsing around me.
Every effort to live rightly was for you alone.
Always pretending to be cheerful and dim-witted on the surface, while inwardly wrestling with torment—just to be someone worthy of you.
And yet, you abandoned even that single devotion, vanishing without a trace. I hated how you turned away without a care for the time we'd shared.
Everyone who'd journeyed with us for so long had died, leaving just the three of us.
So I couldn't hold on any longer.
Clinging to others' desperate pleas, sacrificing this body while muttering that it was fine, brushing off the longing with a smirk—ultimately, all that remained was the madness creeping in.
The journey I started because I couldn't endure any longer—these strange places called gates—were far from easy.
Bizarre monsters I'd never seen before, ever-shifting terrain, difficulty ramping up with every crossing.
Protecting one person amid all that proved more daunting than expected.
Of course, we never fell into real danger.
After crossing countless gates, we finally encountered traces of humanity. Overjoyed, I asked about Arsius—only for them to turn their weapons on me.
- …?!
They shouted in some incomprehensible language.
Forgetting that our words wouldn't align was my one oversight. Without communication, I had no way to prove we weren't enemies—a real pickle.
People emerging from gates must be rare, too, judging by their stares at my unscathed appearance. A couple of hotheads even thrust weapons my way.
Divinity reserves running low from exhaustion, surrounded by people, and someone to protect—maybe I should surrender.
Thinking that, I began lowering my barrier.
"Karin, stay right behind me. Even if things get dangerous, I'll protect you no matter what."
I steadied my resolve, speaking to Karin trembling behind me.
Pain was an old friend by now. A bit more sacrifice from me would suffice.
As I prepared to drop the barrier entirely, a familiar mana scent wafted in.
The unmistakable afterglow of mana, thick and pervasive, blocked my path. Once more, someone's back shielded me.
No—your back.
The unfamiliar attire didn't matter. The natural way you wielded that ever-gleaming sword, wrapping mana and divinity around me—my heart raced.
"Long time no see, Seren."
That voice still sent shivers through me. I gazed at you with an expression caught between laughter and tears.
"Arsius…."
That was all I could manage, my voice choked with sobs.
"Arsius…."
The choked sob from behind stirred a storm of emotions—longing, affection, rage—all seizing my mind.
"Stay behind me. I'll handle this."
Beatrice glowed at the hostility in the eyes fixed on Seren, my mana thickening around us.
"Arsius, just to be sure… no killing, okay…?"
Come on, I don't kill innocents.
- Who are you? Why protect a monster that just appeared? Are you on the criminal list by any chance?
A wary voice rose from our encirclement.
I pointed Beatrice forward and replied.
"Lower your weapons. She's no monster, and not dangerous either."
- And we're supposed to believe that? Everything from gates has been monsters so far.
"I'll prove she's human. So stop the hostility first."
- No. We'll subdue you first. Your identity's unverified, and those hidden behind—human-shaped but unresponsive, can't drop our guard.
With that, the poised hunters advanced again, weapons raised. A shout echoed from afar.
- W-wait…! Don't subdue them, hold off for now!
Sihyun's cry pierced the silent hall. She grabbed Yuna's hand and rushed in, blocking the way.
- Korean hunters…? Why protect these two?
"Well… this one's my brother…? Not sure about the ones behind him…?"
Sihyun glanced awkwardly between me and the hunters, trying to defuse things.
"He's not a bad guy…."
Yuna murmured softly beside her in support.
- Sigh… fine, take the man. But the two gate monsters stay.
"Yes…! That's plenty to be grate…."
I cut her off.
"Can't do that."
I couldn't hand Seren to people I didn't trust.
"Oppa…! I worked hard to smooth this over, why? I don't know who they are, but hand them over for now…."
"Absolutely not."
"What do you mean not? Don't you get the situation? You'll take the fall like this."
"Doesn't matter. If I go down, we're going together."
- There you have it. Subduing you now. Korean hunters, step aside.
"Ah… I'm losing it. Do whatever…."
The hunters charged with weapons drawn. Sihyun clutched her head, sighing, but moved to my side instead of backing off. Touching.
"Arsius. Shall I support you again after all this time?"
Seren smiled brightly at the oncoming hunters. I chuckled.
"Not a bad idea. Thanks, Seren."
"Sure thing."
Seren gripped her rosary and began praying.
「Rho Aias」
To buy time, I wrapped us in divinity.
Magic and sword strikes poured down furiously on the barrier.
- Another weird shield! Everyone, hit it hard and fast!
Their concentrated assault cracked it bit by bit.
"Ah, seriously! Oppa always turns everything into a mess! How do we fix this…?!"
Sihyun fretted in confusion. Yuna had drawn her bow, aiming at the hunters casually.
Meanwhile, the prayer neared completion.
The light orbs filling the air converged on me. Seeing them again after a year, they scattered into radiance—holier than anything in that moment.
The charging hunters, grumbling Sihyun, even nonchalant Yuna—all stared, dumbfounded.
- Blessings for your lowly servant, salvation for you.
「Evgenia Oratio」
⟨ God's Prayer, Tiny Mercy for Servants ⟩
What manifested was the prayer of the gods—a small mercy for their servants.
Blessed, I felt that long-lost omnipotence and simply swung my sword.
「Claimh Solais」
⟨ Sword of Light ⟩
The light-filled blade engulfed the space.
Kuuuung—
The slashing wave spread outward, shockwaves blanketing the area. I caught Seren as the wind tossed her.
"Ah… haven't used it in so long, lost my touch a bit. But… getting to be held like this makes it worth it~"
Seren smiled brightly, eyes fluttering shut. Her weary face suggested the journey here had been grueling.
I carefully cradled the limp Seren against me and surveyed the now-silent surroundings.
The once-elegant hall showed only collapsed walls revealing corridors beyond, and stunned gazes fixed on me from the debris.
Actually, just two more gazes pinned me specifically.
"Oppa… ignoring your blood sister to fuss over another girl…?"
One hurt, sulky stare.
"Siu… who's that woman…?"
And one icy, rival-glaring stare.
I scooped up Seren and bolted, calling back to entrust the unknown companion who'd followed her—Karin—to their care.