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Chapter 332: Given Time (1)
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The clang of the sword pierced the Elder’s heart.
The ash-gray mana on the sword ignited the shadow rooted in the Elder’s heart, burning it away. Along with the shadow, the Elder’s soul(?) was also turned to ashes.
Crackle.
The body of the Elder, which had endured for years, began to crumble. The fallen flesh turned to ash and scattered. The whirl of wind blowing from beyond the crumbled tower carried the ash away.
Ash to ash.
The old mage who dedicated his life to the Ashen was, at his end, just like the mages of the Ashen Tower. Seeing the Elder become ash and scatter, Resti quietly wept.
Only after the ash was no longer visible did Resti lift her head. Rubbing her reddened eyes and wiping her tear-stained face, she looked ahead.
The Elder’s body had turned to ash.
But Resti could see it.
The shadow melting away from the Elder’s body into the air. That shadow was her nemesis. The one who killed her teacher and benefactor.
【How unfortunate.】
The crumbling shadow whispered.
【Oh, child who aims to inherit the Ashen.】
The shadow looked at the divine beings gathered here.
【Child who carries the will of the First Hero, the sorcerer who contracted with the primordial god, the child of the Star, blessed by the Star.】
Clearly, a significant obstacle in its plans—a hero who would lead an era in the future.
【I will return.】
The shadow spoke to the heroes.
【And next time, I will stand in your way.】
The Braver knows.
The end of the contract made in the ancient times is approaching. The damn Grand Magus’s blockade will soon burst forth.
【Look forward to it.】
Next time, I will face you directly.
As he envisioned the radiance that would be completed over time, the Braver burst into laughter. He wouldn’t stop laughing until the very last moment.
Thus, the remnants of the Braver crumble away.
The shadow that had engulfed the tower receded, and sunlight streamed through the gaps in the crumbled outer wall into the tower. It signified the victory of the divine beings.
“Hoo….”
Finally relaxed, he exhaled gradually, slumping down. However, Resti stood firm, her gaze fixed on where the Braver once was.
Staring eyes.
In those eyes, embers flickered.
If Raniel had seen it, she would have praised it as the gaze a mage of the Ashen Tower should possess. With those eyes, Resti inwardly vowed.
The Ashen will never forget her nemesis.
Both grace and vengeance will be repaid.
‘Absolutely. No matter what happens.’
This was the moment Resti made her resolution.
“Huh?”
Belnoa, looking around, said.
“Where’s Professor Rania?”
Rania van Trias.
Her figure was nowhere to be found.
2.
Raniel stepped on the rubble of the collapsed ceiling, making her way to the highest floor of the tower. There, remnants of unfinished spells still lingered.
Gathered muck.
Seeds of mana that couldn’t sprout.
To dispose of the remnants of the Braver’s plans, Raniel moved cautiously. Unsteady on her feet, she walked towards the seeds, knowing full well that only she could handle this.
That’s why, after confirming the Braver had fallen, she immediately took action.
“Hoo, huff…”
Her body felt numb.
Her vision kept blurring, and as she approached the seeds, her heart raced. Clutching her aching chest, she paused in front of the seeds.
“Ha…”
Exhaling roughly, Raniel managed a bitter smile.
What a sinister little thing, indeed.
Muttering to herself, Raniel reached out towards the gathered muck. To purify what fundamentally resembled mana.
Ash-gray mana began to rise.
The last of the last remaining circuits.
To arrange this, she unleashed the stored circuits and plunged her hands into the muck. Gripping the seed at its core—twisted, human upper body—she held on tightly.
【■■Ah, aa■■. Aa■a.】
A grotesque scream shook Raniel’s mind.
An existence cursed for centuries, neither alive nor dead. The screams echoing were utterly horrific, resonating to the core of her being.
Frowning, Raniel tightened her grip. With a crunch, the seed began to crumble. The burning mana consumed even the scream.
Whoosh!
The muck and seed ignited.
Only when there was nothing left did Raniel let her hands drop. Her breathing quickened. Leaning against the wall, Raniel panted.
‘Really, I might not live through this.’
She knew she wouldn’t die peacefully.
With this new thought, Raniel smiled wryly. Catching her breath, she closed her eyes, recalling the radiance she had seen moments ago. The glories of the disciples she had raised played over in her mind.
Though it was not a time for laughter, she found herself smiling.
She could understand now why her teacher sometimes smiled at her. With a faint smile, Raniel coughed, choking slightly. She looked at the palm covering her mouth.
Her glove was stained with crimson blood.
Tsk, she clicked her tongue and tossed the glove aside. As she leaned against the wall to steady herself, she sensed a presence approaching.
“Professor Rania?”
The children were coming up.
Raniel tried to walk towards them but decided to simply lean against the wall, fearing she might stumble. As she waited, Kalt and the children walked over, spotting her.
“You made it?”
Raniel raised her hand in greeting.
“…Are you alright?”
“I’m fine. I’m fine.”
Though she looked clearly in a serious state, Raniel feigned confidence, forcing a smile in front of her disciples. Straining with all her might, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Lac and Belnoa’s necks.
“Wasn’t the special class worthwhile? Right?”
I guess I’m a pretty good teacher.
Whispering playfully, Raniel leaned against Lac and Belnoa. While the students laughed at Raniel’s playful joke, Kalt remained serious, not sharing their amusement.
Tracker.
Kalt’s talent as a tracker lay in human observation. In Kalt’s eyes, the cold sweat on Raniel’s brow, the wavering and hazy look in her eyes were evident.
“…Let’s start cleaning up soon.”
Kalt said to the students, his expression firm.
“Princess, you should head down first. The knights will be waiting below.”
You too.
After sending the students away, Kalt supported Raniel, who had nearly lost strength in her legs.
“Honestly.”
Kalt smiled bitterly.
“You still act tough.”
“You little… only notice at times like this.”
“Do you think I’ve only worked with you for a day or two? It’s obvious when I look at you.”
Kalt sighed.
“Are you struggling?”
“Yeah. It’s really tough.”
“You look like it.”
“Why are you asking if you know?”
Kalt offered no reply.
Raniel exhaled sharply and replied.
“Still, I feel lighter.”
“Lighter?”
“Seeing those kids makes me think I raised them well. I can’t believe they’ve grown so much.”
So…
“All the effort I split across a year doesn’t feel wasted. I feel like I’ve spent it well.”
That realization brought her a sense of pride.
Coming to Apuria was truly the right choice, and Raniel found joy in that realization. Kalt couldn’t fully understand the smile of satisfaction that spread across Raniel’s face.
“Is that so?”
“It is. If you get the chance, raise a disciple too. It’s surprisingly fulfilling, you know? There’s something enjoyable in managing kids…”
“I won’t raise them like you, Senior.”
“What do you mean?”
“Unlike you, I possess a human heart…”
“Hah, look at this brat. Saying whatever he wants because he knows I can’t hit him.”
Raniel laughed softly.
Kalt chuckled as well.
“Thank you for your hard work, Senior.”
“You too, good job.”
With that, the two descended to the bottom of the tower.
Outside the tower, a crowd gathered. The knights, who had surged at Raniel’s appearance, cheered loudly. They repeated the name of Rania van Trias.
Hero, the hero who saved the Royal Capital…
Hearing those praises, Raniel smiled.
She protected them. She did not let their deaths be in vain.
The value of the time they endured was not tainted. Raniel, despite her almost obsessive mindset, was aware that this reality could be the only possible one.
What sort of expression should she wear?
As she pondered that, someone’s voice rang in her ears.
“Isn’t it truly wonderful?”
Words once murmured by Galahal.
“Being able to be a hero from a fairy tale, isn’t that simply marvelous?”
The expression Galahal wore at that time came to mind.
His pure, innocent smile surfaced, and without realizing it, Raniel smiled the same way Galahal did.
“Ah-ha.”
Raniel laughed like Galahal.
The knights’ cheers echoed out loudly.
3.
The incident concluded.
As it unfolded at the heart of the Royal Capital, the ripples it cast were monumental.
Thanks to testimonies from Kalt and the princess, the innocence of the Ashen Tower was proven, but the Ashen Tower was still busy with cleanup. The heroes who emerged prominently from that place were likewise occupied.
The royal family, scratching their heads over what further rewards to give Kalt, who already held the unusual title of Guarder… Not just Kalt, but those who had distinguished themselves were due for great rewards.
Thus, the incident drew to a close.
As time passed and the moment approached to return to everyday life, that morning Rania wanted to spend her day much like usual. Rising from bed at dawn to start the day.
After lightly washing up and having a simple breakfast, she prepared to head to work. Just as Rania was about to get out of bed, repeating her routine.
“…”
Rania blinked blankly.
Her vision felt hazy today.
Surely it would be fine soon. Thinking that, Rania blinked a few times and finally rose from bed. One step, then another. At the moment she was about to take a third step, Rania tripped.
Thud, crash!
Rania fell to the floor.
“Rania, are you alright?”
Startled by the loud noise, Rosel opened the door and walked in. Upon entering, Rosel drew a sharp breath.
“Oh, Master…”
Sitting on the floor, Rania looked up at Rosel with dazed eyes. She was resting her hands limply on her knees, blood pooling on them.
Drip.
Crimson blood flowed from Rania’s eyes, mouth, and nose. The blood dripped plop, plop onto her white pajamas, staining them.
“…Rania?”
With a thud, Rania toppled sideways.
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