Chapter 372: The Answer
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 372: The Answer
"Mr. Muen, you certainly enjoy your jokes."
On both sides of the wide platform, bright flames flickered, casting varying expressions on everyone's faces. Most, however, wore looks of ridicule as they watched the blond man who had just suggested leaving immediately.
Freya’s incomparably holy face seemed to trace an increasingly inscrutable smile amidst the shifting shadows.
"Talking about going back just like that... As a God-Attendant Knight and a participant in this trial, are you truly not interested in what lies behind that door?"
"That’s right. Not interested."
"Liar."
"It’s the truth."
Muen shrugged, speaking with a relaxed expression.
"I joined this ceremony—or trial, rather—for one reason only: to help Liya become the Saintess. As for things like treasures in ruins or lost truths, I have little interest. In fact, I’d rather keep my distance from them."
Muen stole a glance at the girl beside him. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, but she didn't look away.
"As for the method to become the Saintess... I imagine someone as brilliant as Miss Freya has already figured it out."
"You mean purifying those poor remnant souls? Indeed, that appears to be one way."
Freya suddenly took another step forward, closing the distance Muen had just tried to maintain. She lowered her head slightly, about to strike an intentionally intimate pose, when she suddenly saw a blur before her eyes. Liya had already thrust her arm between them, glaring at her warily.
Freya’s brow twitched slightly, but she continued as if she didn't care.
"However, you should have a deep understanding of how troublesome those monsters are, Mr. Muen. How many did you deal with last night? Three? Five? Purifying them one by one like that—how long would it take to fill the crystal that symbolizes the status of a Saintess candidate? And did the Church really go to all this trouble to send us in here just to do cleaning work no different from a janitor's?"
Muen leaned slightly toward Liya and frowned. "What are you getting at?"
"Haven't you realized yet, Mr. Muen? What that Flawless Crystal records is the gratitude and goodwill released when the remnants find salvation. To use the terminology of those ascetics in the western deserts, it is 'Merit.' Therefore, those pitiable remnants that can be purified are merely a hint. Combined with the Church's additional requirement to find the truth of the Lost Homeland, I believe what the Church truly wants us to do is—
Save this broken kingdom."
Freya’s whisper drifted into Muen’s ear, filled with a seductive, persuasive power.
"What merit could be greater, more noble, or more worthy of the title of Saintess than saving a kingdom on the brink of extinction and rescuing its surviving remnants?"
Indeed.
If a Saintess is one who leads believers and brings salvation to the world...
Then what act of salvation could possibly compare to saving an entire nation?
"..."
Muen remained silent, meeting the calm gaze of the Saintess candidate known as the one closest to the throne.
No emotion could be read in his deep blue eyes; he seemed dazed by Freya’s words.
In reality, he had long suspected as much.
The Church couldn't possibly be without an agenda.
It was also impossible for them to be truly unaware of this kingdom being invaded by an Evil God.
In fact, the reason no "out-of-spec" entities had appeared in this kingdom yet—aside from the fact that it was already on the verge of collapse—was very likely due to the Church’s intervention.
Rescuing a lost kingdom from the corruption of an Evil God would indeed be a crown worthy of a Saintess’s ascension.
And to claim that crown, opening that gate and finding the surviving indigenous people of this land was the necessary first step.
But... even though everything followed such perfect logic, a faint sense of unease still stirred deep in Muen’s heart.
An inexplicable unease.
I can’t help but feel... like I’ve jumped into one hell of a trap this time.
With a silent sigh, Muen looked back at Freya.
"Do you have a way to open the door?"
"I do, but it requires us to join forces."
"Join forces?"
"Yes," Freya said with a smile. "Your Saintess candidate said it herself just now: this Golden Gate cannot be breached by a 'single' individual. But we have the elite geniuses of various factions gathered here. Why rely on individual strength?"
"Joining forces is an obvious solution, but the problem is..."
Muen scanned their surroundings.
These guys had nearly beaten each other senseless just moments ago over ridiculous reasons like "someone touched my butt," "I can't stand those disgusting lovey-dovey dogs," or "that guy has a bunch of girls in his party, so why don't I?" To get these people to cooperate...
He’d have better luck finding a pack of huskies; at least they might follow their instincts and tear the door down.
"Don't worry, I'm not suggesting everyone join forces to force the door open. That would be foolish."
As if seeing through Muen’s doubts, Freya chuckled.
"Those who can actually play a role in cracking the Golden Gate are likely only a handful of people with exceptional attainments in magic and alchemy. Everyone else just needs to watch. Nothing will go wrong."
"I see..."
"What is it? Does Mr. Muen still have doubts?" Freya asked curiously when Muen suddenly fell silent.
"No..." Muen shrugged. "It’s just that if you say only those with exceptional skill in magic and alchemy can help, then this isn't my call to make."
"Hmm?"
Freya blinked, then followed his gaze to the person beside him.
There, Liya—who had been on high alert to prevent the two from getting too close—gave a little start. She blinked dazed and adorably, only then noticing that both of them were looking at her.
"Eh? Me?"
"Of course. This is a decision only you can make."
Muen gave a gentle smile. Looking at Liya’s cute expression, he instinctively wanted to pat her head, but remembering there was another person present, he pulled his hand back inconspicuously.
"Don't force yourself. Even though this woman makes it sound easy, there will definitely be risks. There are so many people here; it doesn't have to be you. Just do what you can. As long as I'm here, no one will blame you."
Muen’s words were like the morning sun in winter, making Liya’s entire heart feel warm.
She believed him. Just as he said, even if she refused, no one would be able to blame her.
But...
Liya bit her lip, her gaze sweeping over the massive Golden Gate.
She understood the risks inherent in that door better than anyone. Furthermore, based on her calculations just now, even if the most outstanding people here were gathered, the success rate of cracking the gate would definitely not exceed fifty percent.
Once they failed, everyone would be cast into a point of no return.
However...
"I... I can try!"
Her voice, nervous yet firm, echoed in everyone's ears.
Liya didn't care about the surprised looks from the others; she simply kept her eyes fixed on those deep blue eyes.
Her knight was clearing a path through the thorns for her; she could no longer stand behind everyone else.