Chapter 319: The Final Sacrifice to Light

Sensing the guidance flowing through their bloodlines, the three holy maidens simultaneously raised their heads, gazing at the sacred artifact bathed in light, suspended above time.

They remained silent, exchanging glances.

“There can only be one Swordbearer.”

To wield the supreme artifact known as the “Sword of Origin” and carve out a new future filled with hope is undoubtedly an honor that will be remembered for generations by any follower of the Origin Light.

However, this comes at a cost.

As the embodiment of the omniscient and omnipotent Origin Light, the “Tree of Creation” unlocked and merged the three artifacts into the “Sword of Origin.” At the same time, the significance of wielding this sword naturally surfaced in the minds of the three holy maidens worshipping it.

In a sense, the original artifact equates to a deity, the ultimate manifestation of concepts and laws, a form of existence that’s similar yet distinct.

How can mortal bodies wield divine power?

Only the “God” can do so.

Though under the blessing and protection of the “Tree of Creation,” they could temporarily display some of the sword’s divine might, the burden was still great enough to cause mortal bodies and even souls to collapse under this supreme and holy force.

In other words — the Swordbearer is destined to die.

“Let me—”

Fleidetrika’s words had barely left her mouth when Yuna interrupted ahead of her.

“Let me handle it; no one is more suited to bear this responsibility than I am.”

“But, Princess Yuna…”

The Saint of Bright Light raised her hand, silencing Philomina’s objections.

“Forgotten? I am the spirit of the ‘Crown of Uncrowned,’ equating to a part of the ‘Sword of Origin.’ If I wield the sword, I won’t truly die; at most, I might just lose this body, just like what happened over three hundred years ago.”

“…Really?”

Yuna smiled slightly and stood up.

“Of course. When have I, Yuna Summerfield, ever lied? Everything started because of me, and I’ve planned it all up to this point, so I should be the one to tie the final knot. Don’t fight me for this immense honor, dear ladies~”

Philomina hesitated, her face filled with confusion but evidently persuaded. Although Fleidetrika frowned, appearing as if she wanted to say something, she ultimately held her tongue.

The blonde girl lifted her head, gazing up at the “Tree of Creation,” her clear eyes filled with longing and devotion.

“Thank you, thank you for granting us this chance for redemption, great Origin Light, my Creator. Under your witness and gaze, I shall give my all and humbly request that the glory of all things return to this world.”

“May all sins be absolved with this body, oh ‘Sword of Origin,’ please lend me your power.”

She murmured as she reached out her hand, and the divine sword, high above the river of time, seemed to hear her plea and summons, slowly descending amidst the myriad of radiant lights.

The process felt long yet was but a fleeting moment.

As the light enveloped her, the girl instinctively closed her beautiful eyes, revealing a smile of heartfelt relief.

“Farewell, let this sinful soul… become the final sacrifice.”

However, in that instant, a thunderous roar burst forth, as shocking as lightning in her ears.

“You shall not!!!”

“Boom!”

The forceful impact from her side sent the unguarded body of the Saint of Bright Light reeling, causing the “Sword of Origin,” which was about to fall into her grasp, to stop moving and return to the air.

Possessing demi-god-level power, Yuna quickly stabilized her briefly disrupted balance, opened her eyes, and furrowed her brows, looking back.

This was the “River of Time,” transcending causality. Aside from the three holy maidens drawn here by the light’s three artifacts and the call of the “Tree of Creation,” even true deities would find it hard to reach here. Thus, the one who stopped her could only be Philomina or Fleidetrika, her companions.

It should have been that way.

However, when she shifted her gaze, she found that the two holy maidens still maintained their postures of kneeling in worship, visibly shocked by the sudden occurrence and sound, making it clear that the recent impact did not come from either of them.

How could this be…?

Surprised by this unexpected twist, as she turned her head, an unbelievable figure came into her sight.

It was — a figure clad in pure white armor, long golden hair cascading like clear crystal, handsome features, tall and slender, with a longsword hanging at her waist and a holy cross shield on her back, with clear fury emanating from her golden eyes… the Holy Knight!

“…Edwina Cecelia?”

“Miss Edwina?”

“Little Nana!? How did you end up here…?”

The three holy maidens reacted starkly differently, their exclamations echoing in the void of the River of Time.

But the Holy Knight had no time to respond.

She shot Yuna a fierce glare, voicing her admonishment.

“Yuna Summerfield! Do you think you can just escape from your responsibilities like this?”

“Do you think that by doing so, everyone will be grateful and relieved?!”

“I’ll say it again, we do not need to rely on the sacrifices of a few to forge a better future, and I will never allow you to put an end to everything this way!!!”

“Edwina…”

For some reason, Yuna turned away from the Holy Knight’s blazing gaze for the first time. Fleidetrika hurriedly grasped the former’s arm, gently advising.

“Little Nana, don’t be reckless… this is under the witness of the Origin Light…”

But Edwina forcefully shook off her hand, her expression serious.

“Fifi, I’m not being reckless! Everything is according to that person’s expectations; this is merely a trial given by Them!”

“Uh, Miss Edwina, what are you talking about? And weren’t you supposed to be fighting Little Seven? How did you suddenly appear here…?”

To Philomina’s weakened inquiry, the Holy Knight turned her head.

“That was just my decoy. In truth, after the battle in the Holy City was settled, the Goddess’s messenger found me and brought me close to that nearby forest. It was because of Their assistance that I could arrive here with you.”

Edwina took out a golden gem hanging by a rope from inside her armor, its unimaginable pure light and a hint of divinity radiating continuously, enveloping and protecting the Holy Knight’s form.

She directed her gaze back to the frowning Saint of Bright Light.

“Princess Yuna, I understand everything now. You weren’t lying just now, but… you didn’t tell the whole truth, did you?”

“You are the vessel spirit of the ‘Crown of Uncrowned,’ but not of the ‘Sword of Origin.’ According to the principle of coexistence between consciousness conveyed to me by the Goddess, if you die using the ‘Sword of Origin,’ your essence will merge with this stronger spirit of the artifact, leading to your annihilation.”

“The consciousness representing ‘Yuna Summerfield’ will vanish completely, and there will be no chance for rebirth whatsoever. From the very beginning, you intended to atone for all that you have done up to now in this manner. Did you really think… that it would perfectly resolve everything?!”

   

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