Ashen Tower, Phantom Territory Branch.
“I’ve gathered a lot of data from practical use. Thanks to that, my research is progressing smoothly. I think I can move on to the next stage soon.”
Artifact, Gate.
Its official name is a subminiature transference gate generator, but it’s informally called a gate for convenience.
“Even though opening a gate inside the Phantom Territory is still difficult due to unstable coordinates… I think it will be possible to open a gate at stabilized coordinates like the Royal Capital.”
After collecting data from the wrecked prototype, Resti reinforced the artifact. It’s true that anyone without a special constitution like Raniel would struggle to withstand the burden, but the stress imposed by the artifact had been significantly reduced.
“Here you go, Senpai.”
Resti handed the reinforced artifact to Raniel.
“I’ve enhanced the stabilization device. When transferring towards the Royal Capital instead of inside the Phantom Territory, it should minimize the burden. Though you’ll still have headaches and mana consumption…”
“That much is bearable.”
Raniel chuckled, giving Resti’s shoulder a light pat.
“Thanks, Resti.”
“By the way… are there any side effects you’re okay with?”
Not long ago, Raniel had opened a transference gate right in the middle of the Phantom Territory. Crossing through that gate must have cost her a hefty price. Resti asked, and Raniel replied with a smile.
“The first few days, my arms barely moved, and it felt like I was dying, but after some recovery, I’m fine now. I even threw a feast with the potions I gathered in the tent.”
Right, Resti, have you ever tried a potion bath? They say it’s really good for the body… Seeing Raniel mumble that, Resti forced a smile. It reminded her of a recent story she’d heard.
‘Wasn’t it said that premium potions are used more for beauty than healing? The statistics seems to suggest that…’
Mostly noblewomen using them for anti-aging…
Lost in thought, Resti shook her head. The person in front of her probably wasn’t engaging in such absurd behavior for beauty…
‘…Absurd behavior?’
Resti squinted slightly.
The word “absurd” and the name “Raniel” felt like a perfect match, like cream on a waffle. Resti cast a suspicious glance at Raniel.
“Um, Senpai.”
“Yes, what is it?”
“Are you perhaps taking care of your skin these days?”
“Ah… no?”
Did she just stutter?
Looking closely, Resti noticed Raniel’s gaze was slightly downward. With a sympathetic look, Resti scrutinized Raniel.
“That, Senpai, the effects of potions for skin beauty are not as good as the world claims. Rather…”
“No, I’m not really interested in skin care. I just heard those stories…”
Raniel hastily added.
“Hey, I’m a Hero. Heroes’ bodies are fixed at the prime age of their twenties. No aging. So, I have no need for skincare. Besides, I’m in my twenties, too…”
“Ah… I see.”
Resti casually shot a pitying glance at Raniel, who was stressfully emphasizing being in her twenties. Those who often bring up their age and youth typically have a very high chance of not belonging to that category.
Poor Senpai, truly…
Resti pulled a potion from a shelf and handed it to Raniel. It was a elixir personally made by Resti, the master of the Ashen Tower, a concoction that even VIP customers at the tower would struggle to obtain. A concentrated solution packed with all kinds of premium medicinal herbs.
“I made this with everything good for the body. Please take it as a gift from me.”
“No, I don’t need that kind of thing…”
“It’s good for you.”
“But, I said I don’t need it…”
Letting out a sigh, Raniel nonetheless stuffed the elixir deep into her robe. She seemed to find it somewhat agreeable. Watching her, Resti couldn’t help but smile wryly.
‘Your appearance is still great, but are you bothered about your age…?’
Even though a fair amount of time had passed since their first meeting, Raniel hadn’t aged a bit. Perhaps with her hair tied back, she looked even younger.
And what about that sheer white skin?
Raniel had been spending 365 days in the rough winds of the Phantom Territory, yet her glow made her look not even twenty, but like a teenager.
‘She could easily pass as a student if she entered the Academy…’
To think someone like her is worried about her age, it just makes one laugh.
Unlike Raniel, Resti, trying to maintain the dignity of the tower master with a slightly mature style, now found herself looking more like the older sister when standing next to Raniel.
“Anyway, thanks for the gift. Shall we get to the point?”
As Resti entertained such useless thoughts, Raniel hurriedly changed the subject.
“So, you mean transferring to the Royal Capital is less burdensome?”
“Yes, I connected the transference gate to the main tower of the Ashen Tower in the Royal Capital. If you don’t have a special constitution like yours, you’ll still need to risk your life to transfer…”
Resti glanced at the transference gate as she spoke.
“In your case, you should be able to endure just headaches and mana consumption. The coordinates toward the Royal Capital are very stable.”
“Okay, thanks.”
“You mentioned you were going to the Royal Capital, right?”
Raniel nodded.
“I’ve caught Skebal 43… or was it 44? Anyway, I’ve caught Skebal, and since the Superhuman at the Phantom Territory side has also been subdued, the Demon Lord’s army should be losing momentum for a while.”
For now, Raniel judged that instead of sending beasts into the lines she was responsible for, they would focus on filling the vacancy left by the Dragon Hunter. Plus, with Resti ready in an emergency, she figured it was fine to step away for a bit.
“It’s been a while since I’ve had some free time, so I think I’ll visit the Royal Capital. I plan to meet my Master… and I have someone else to meet.”
“Is that so?”
“Yeah. If I miss this opportunity, it’ll be hard to find time later. I need to expand the front lines in earnest.”
Resti nodded with an “ah” of understanding.
She had also received the operations plan for the Gletus subjugation.
“Indeed. Then shall I open it now?”
“Yes, please.”
2.
The bluish transference gate opened, and Raniel took a step outside it. The gate was connected to the highest floor of the Ashen Tower, and as she glanced down at the landscape of the Royal Capital, a faint smile appeared on her lips.
It’s been a while, truly.
Now that she thought about it, it had almost been three years?
Since her deployment, Raniel had rarely visited the Royal Capital. This visit, occurring in secrecy, had her pulling her robe tightly around her.
Sneaking out of the Ashen Tower, Raniel inhaled deeply in the plaza and stretched.
“Ugh.”
Her body made a series of crack and pop noises as Raniel exhaled with a whoosh. Taking a deep breath felt like clearing her stuffy nose.
A clean land free of magical residue.
This cleanliness now felt strange. With a wry smile, Raniel resumed walking. Though she thought about visiting her Master first, leaving unfinished business would feel odd.
‘…I should take care of my work first.’
Feeling the texture of stationery hidden in her robe, Reniel walked on past the familiar plaza towards the shaded, shadowy alley.
*
The sound of jingling echoed from the doorbell.
Knocking wasn’t necessary.
The moment she stepped into the alley, it was as if she had entered the domain of the Ancient Elf. As she opened the door and stepped inside, Raniel waved her hand.
“Long time no see, Cardi.”
Inside the old shop.
Cardi, as he was polishing a cup, turned to see his guest and unusually brightened up.
“What’s this? Is it you, Raniel?”
“What, didn’t you know?”
“I was unsure. Your presence felt similar to Chloe’s. Either way, it’s a welcome sight.”
Cardi gestured to a chair in front of him.
“It really has been a while. I think it’s been about three years?”
“Yes, it has. I’ve been busy for a while.”
Pulling the chair and plopping down, Raniel let out a long breath. The mixed scent of old furniture and old books filled the antique shop. It was a strangely comforting space.
And that peculiar smell…
Raniel narrowed her eyes and glared at Cardi’s back. With his back turned, Cardi was pouring something into a teacup. It didn’t sound like a splash but more of a squish.
“Don’t brew green tea for me.”
“I already did.”
Thud! Cardi placed the teacup in front of Raniel. That blasted old elf claimed it was a health drink and green tea, but from Raniel’s perspective, it was certainly not.
Ugh, Raniel slid the green tea aside as Cardi began to speak.
“So, what brings you here?”
“Well… I thought I’d come to show my face since it seems I’ll be busy for a while.”
“You’re lying.”
Cardi chuckled bitterly.
“As it happens, aren’t you planning to start a new operation soon? You’ve come to tell me about it.”
“…You’re annoyingly observant, as always.”
“You don’t have to beat around the bush with me. Feel free to get straight to the point.”
How could anyone not notice that, you old man?
Raniel grumbled internally and let out a long sigh. She couldn’t directly open her mouth yet, as the story she was about to tell required considerable resolution.
“…It’s six months from now.”
After a brief moment, Raniel threw it out.
“The Gletus subjugation will start in six months, and that day I intend to finish the Gletus for good.”
Cardi kept on drying cups while listening to Raniel’s story. His gaze was downward. Though she couldn’t see his expression, Raniel continued to speak.
A warning, and what she was about to do.
Raniel wanted to clearly articulate the end that the Gletus would meet. She believed it was at least a matter of courtesy. Or perhaps to give him time to prepare his mind.
“It will be thoroughly crushed. Perhaps…”
“Raniel.”
Cardi interrupted her.
Putting down the cup, he lifted his head.
“If you’re saying that out of concern for me, then you don’t have to. I’m truly fine.”
He spoke with a bitter smile.
“To begin with, this was something I needed to do. I should have ended it myself, and I didn’t, which is why I’ve come this far. So you have nothing to feel guilty about.”
You’d probably be thanking me instead.
Muttering that, Cardi let out a breath.
“And… entering Alkeia means you’ve already done more than enough for me. You chose not to take the easier route despite having one.”
The easier route.
Cardi had shared that option when he provided information about entering Alkeia.
“Because the target is inside Alkeia, her strength is maintained. If I used myself as bait to draw her out, the subjugation would become much easier. That much is certain.”
Yet even after hearing that, Raniel did not choose that option. She firmly believed that it was not a path she should take and chose the more difficult road instead.
“Even so, you opted for the harder path. That decision alone means so much. I’m truly grateful for that.”
“Hey, Cardi.”
Raniel cut off Cardi’s words.
“As I said before, that’s not about consideration towards you. That method wouldn’t completely sever the contract. If it’s not, it has no meaning.”
She tapped the table lightly, smiling.
“To openly reject the salvation that the Gletus seeks within Alkeia. Isn’t that the way to completely sever the contract?”
“That’s… true, but.”
“Then I must do so. That’s the only way I can reach the conclusion I’m seeking.”
The conclusion she must reach.
“And that’s the way the Goddess of Ashes did it. She told me not to make the same choices she did.”
The way the Goddess of Ashes did it would not lead to a perfect conclusion. Otherwise, the value of her sacrifice would not be whole. Raniel had the obligation to reach a conclusion entirely different from that of the Goddess of Ashes.
To do that, she needed to completely sever all contracts and face the Demon Lord.
‘Cardi may not know, but…’
That was the only way to move forward.
To stand on the final stage, she had to completely sever all chains that connected her to the past.
“I have no intention of being satisfied with a conclusion reached by only treading the easy path.”
Raniel reached into her robe.
“The difficult road, the best choice, and only through not compromising can I reach the ending I desire.”
What she pulled out was a paper bag.
“Cardi.”
Raniel presented two envelopes in front of Cardi.
“I have a favor to ask of you.”
Perhaps it would become the most brutal request.
But Cardi would be hopeful for it. Raniel handed it to the Grand Magus, who had waited for hundreds of years. It was her way of honoring the Grand Magus.
