-chapter 86-
The exam period had ended, and the weekend had finally arrived.
To gather my thoughts on the recent chaotic events, I planned to take a healing trip over the weekend. The mere thought of traveling already caused my heart to race.
“Is it okay for me to go?” I asked cautiously.
The librarian in charge of the restricted section at the central library was a middle-aged man with a strict and solemn demeanor. However, as I waved the insignia I received from Madelia, he nodded immediately.
“I’ve actually received word from the Chancellor earlier.”
“So, I can go?! I have my insignia, after all!”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Of course, because I have my insignia! My insignia!”
“… Yes. You may access volumes three through six of the restricted texts.”
As he placed his hand on the heavy iron door, countless magical runes revealed themselves, beginning to spin like gears.
– Applicant confirmed; entry granted.
As the door opened, an astonishing world unfolded, filled with a pleasant aroma. The long-accumulated scent of dust and aged paper filled the air—a unique breath of the ancient library.
Just inhaling this scent was enough to put me in a good mood.
‘If this isn’t a trip, what is? It could even be akin to a drug—the only authorized drug by the Holy Office.’
The library had a high, three-story structure, and countless bookshelves filled with thousands of ancient texts were visible within my line of sight.
I couldn’t help but chuckle. Just looking at the heaps of books was enough to uplift my spirits. The immense weight of knowledge seemed to put a smile on my face.
‘It feels like all the effort I put into taking care of Kasena was worth it.’
Alright, time to calm down a bit. I was here to organize some serious information after all.
I wandered around the section dedicated to historical books and soon found the book I had been hoping for:
*“The History of Terresian Calendar Before Christ.”*
History before Christ was also the history of the Abyss, hence detailed information had not been publicly disclosed.
So, during the Era of Lin, I learned most of the information from Listana and Fried.
The reason became apparent as soon as I opened the book and started reading.
[It is taboo to address the Lords of the Abyss by their true names. Therefore, they are now referred to as the .]
Simply uttering the true names of the weakened the powers of their seal… it sounded unbelievable, but this was the case, no doubt.
[Table of Contents.]
1. Before Christ, the Era of the Abyss.
– Who are the ?
1.1 The Lord of the Abyss, The Raving Madness.
1.2 The Bug Lord, The Squirming Chaos.
1.3 The Spider Lord, The Profane Mystery.
1.4 The Lizard Lord, The Howling Ruin.
1.5 The Lord of Time, The Tempting Mockery.
From these various names listed in the text, I could derive general information.
For example, I learned that ‘The Raving Madness’ operated in the seas, while ‘The Squirming Chaos’ was associated with bugs.
The Lord of Lizard, known as ‘The Howling Ruin’, had appeared 300 years ago. We had headed to Antarctica to prevent its seal from breaking.
[2. The Emergence of the Gods.]
– Who are the ?
2.1 The Solar Decree, Terbel.
2.2 The Crimson Sun, Shuligan.
2.3 The Black Sun, Karenden.
2.4 The Pale Moon, Maxencia.
2.5 The Noble Moon, Jeannir.
2.6 The Lamenting Moon, Teresia.
2.7 The Ascendant Moon, Mei’an.
[3. The War Between the and the .]
3.1 The Blades of the Gods, The Elmine Knights.
…
…
(…omitted…)
…
…
3.10 The Battle of Tarhye Rondel.
The gods, known as the , descended from another world. They brought light into the abyssal realm and bestowed peace and freedom upon humanity.
The were sealed across various continents by the .
The Spider Lord was located in the Arctic north of , the Bug Lord in the land of fairies on the Idean Peninsula, the Lord of the Abyss in the Mediterranean sea, the Lizard Lord in Antarctica where the was erected, and the Lord of Time on the Blade Peninsula where the Holy Office is situated.
By the way, the three suns and the four moons that distinguish day from night were all remarkably products of the ’ powers.
‘And the Elmine Knights…’
They were the first five heroes.
These were the strongest soldiers who could be seen today as the replicas of the human alliance known as the Payqueury.
Opinions differ regarding their true origins—whether they had originally been fairies or humans, or creations of the gods.
[4. The Dawn of Civilization.]
– Departing Gods, the Appearance of the Three Dragon Gods.
4.1 The Radiant Watcher, the Divine Dragon Haraderiman.
4.2 The Rampaging Valor, the Fire Dragon Bel’dakidoon.
4.3 The Visionary Eye, the Water Dragon Yelirserika.
As a final act before departing this world, the created three Dragon Gods as guardians.
The Radiant Dragon, leading the Golden Dragon Legion, was known for overseeing all aspects of the world through the Holy Office’s initiatives.
The Fire Dragon, whom I encountered during the era of Lin, led the Red Dragon Legion in safeguarding the civilized world from the Abyss in Antarctica’s .
The Water Dragon reportedly guards the World Tree alongside the White Dragon Legion in the fairy land of the Idean Peninsula, but little information is known about it.
‘That brings us to the next crucial point…’
1. Who sent Lin’s historical record and journal to me?
2. Who are the served by Valensydis and Rivadin, and Reveni?
Regarding the first question, I had some vague hypotheses. Most likely, it was the Divine Dragon Haraderiman. There were no other figures who could account for that divine existence.
Moreover, the information that the Holy Office manages Lin’s belongings greatly supports this notion.
However, I am left curious as to why there had been no direct contact… Could it be that they wish to let me enjoy my new life as Freede?
‘Moving on to the next key point…’
If I could identify which they serve, I could devise a countermeasure against them. This is crucial, as the power depends on who the lord is.
Reveni mentioned that he was to be the vessel for Lin’s soul.
This suggests that they intend to utilize my body somehow, which allows me to pinpoint their objectives.
‘The Lizard Lord goes by another name, ‘The Devourer of Death’… are they planning to swallow my death and resurrect me?’
Alternatively, it could be the Lord of Time. A queen of the Abyss who intervenes in the timelines, altering the positions of world points and distorting time itself.
‘If they intend to extract my soul from a timeline where I haven’t died yet and implant it in that body?’
Despite wracking my brain for a considerable time, no conclusions emerged. Should I speak with Haraderiman and relay everything thus far?
But what if Haraderiman didn’t remember me?
Would I end up as some heretic who believes in reincarnation, relentlessly tortured by the ?
“Ugh, I genuinely don’t know…”
Just as I was scratching my head, the librarian responsible for the restricted section approached me.
“Excuse me? Is there a usage time limit?”
“No, actually, the Chancellor wishes to see you. There is an order to bring you immediately.”
“Me? Why am I being summoned again? Could they be trying to seize my insignia, now that I’ve gained a few advantages?”
Uncertain and slightly worried, I made my way toward the Chancellor’s office, only to discover I was called for a reason I could never have imagined.
“A party?”
As Madelia quickly finished her paperwork, she nodded in agreement, seemingly busy.
“Yes. As I mentioned previously, with both of us being busy, the reward for all you’ve done for our family has definitely been inadequate.”
“Huh? No, I’m fine with just having received this insignia.”
“Don’t be humble. Since you’ve earned the title of top cadet twice in a row, regardless of its scale, a party has been prepared, so let’s go together now.”
The moment I heard the word “party,” chills cascaded down my spine.
I’ve despised it since the era of Lin.
Mixing with many unfamiliar faces while maintaining a stiff demeanor felt unbearable.
I had hoped to enjoy a tranquil trip to the library this weekend, and I wouldn’t allow it to be interrupted.
“I would love to attend, but my family is returning to Belruin today, and I need to see them off.”
“Really? Is that true? You’d rather miss a party when you actually want to go?”
“That is correct. I am quite disappointed.”
In that moment, my misfortune began.
No sooner had I said those words, but Madelia’s lips curved into a sly smile.
“Then there’s no issue! Brim said he’d bring your siblings along as well!”
“What?”
“If you truly didn’t want to come, it would have been unavoidable, but since you actually wish to, it looks like I have no choice.”
With a sigh, I pressed my forehead, feeling defeated.
Why does this family never seem to help me out… in desperate times, my mind raced for excuses.
“The thing is, I didn’t bring a formal outfit when I came to school. So unfortunately, there’s no way I can attend looking like this—”
“—Kenneth.”
As Madelia snapped her fingers to call her assistant, two maidservants entered, bringing with them an armful of formal attire…
“Everything is ready. You just need to come over, Rain Ludwig.”
Madelia’s eyes gleamed, daring me to come up with more excuses… and that’s how I found myself in this predicament.
Dressed in a ridiculously extravagant outfit that doesn’t suit me, being led to the Page family’s mansion feels like being dragged to a slaughterhouse.
I understand the feeling of a pig being led to slaughter; I might as well stop eating meat for a while at this rate.
“Kenneth, is everything ready?”
“It is all done.”
“Alright then.”
As Madelia guided me to the mansion’s small banquet hall, an exhilarating melody played by the orchestra filled the air.
It may be referred to as a small banquet hall, yet it could easily rival Belruin’s grand banquet hall in size.
“Rain Ludwig, congratulations on your consecutive victory as top cadet!”
As Madelia turned her head, smiling at me, applause erupted from all around.
Little did Rain realize that his actions, such as healing Kasena’s legs, had garnered a lot of affection from the mansion’s members.
Amidst the confusion, Rain tilted his head in confusion.
“Um, I’m… I’m not sure why I’m receiving this celebration…”
As a man with a nervous expression emerged amongst the crowd, Kasena’s father, Uren Page stepped forward.
“I’ve been informed by both Madelia and Kasena. It’s all thanks to your efforts that Kasena shined so brightly in this exam.”
“Efforts?”
“Uren, you shouldn’t boast. This is merely the product of his untidiness.”
Indeed, I had merely helped heal her legs with magic.
However, hearing such praise makes me feel deeply conflicted.
Why were they celebrating me?
“I’ll cut straight to the point; I’m deeply touched by the help you’ve provided! Thus, I’ve decided to honor you with the highest respect.”
The moment I felt a throbbing pain in my temples, I couldn’t help but wonder, why was this topic frequented lately?
Even as I approached it, the trustworthy knights as well as Madelia, all continued to remain silent.
“Uh, still? This is all happening so fast.”
When Uren concluded, Madelia snapped her fingers, initiating the orchestra to play an incoming ballad.
“Dance with your partner now.”
At that moment, all my thoughts blurred together, and I found an opening amongst the messes of conversations.
Could it not be the time?
What if they actually spoke about my sister?
A part of me was anxious as Madelia narrowed her eyes.
“Let’s keep matters off the table. I’m saying it out loud now!”
“Your words seem uninviting,” I mocked casually.
The banquet hall quieted down, and upon glancing forward, I realized where my attention fell.
A humble yet captivating figure emerged.
Kasena Page had entered the room.
“Kasena…”
I felt my breath hitching in my throat and, almost involuntarily, let out a sharp breath when my gaze locked onto her.
A voice echoed deeply within me:
“Why is she so beautiful?”
