Book 4: Chapter 54: Funeral
“A kill order...”
Pope Delance’s hands trembled slightly. “Isn’t that a bit too much?”
“Seems like Pope Delance hasn’t understood the crisis we’re facing! I’m not overreacting. The human race, no, Xedrios continent is already in grave danger!” Professor Marlin slammed his hands on the table. He was so heated that his spit was flying everywhere when he shouted at Delance, “If Golden Demon Htilil finds a way to attain the demigod realm in the ancient ruins, who among the human race could possibly stop her?!”
“No, that’s never going to happen.”
Taylor picked his nose. “In this world, creatures with short lifespans like humans will never be able to set foot into the divine realm.”
“How are you so sure?”
“Because I... Well, there has never been a demigod born in the history of the human race. So it’s impossible for one to be born in the future.”
“Past is past! Just because it didn’t happen in the past doesn’t mean that it won’t happen in the future! The ancient ruins... that’s something left behind from nine million years ago! That was an era where gods could be found everywhere. So how are so sure that there isn’t any clue to becoming a mere demigod left in there?”
Taylor scratched his cheek. “There’s nothing I can do if you choose to think that way. Well... I shall take my leave now. I can’t keep the little snake demon lady waiting. As for Golden Demon Htilil, I’ll definitely help you crush her once I manage to find my princess.”
“Hey, wait, about the kill order...”
“On behalf of the Holy Dragon Empire, I have no objection!” Taylor waved his hand and announced.
Pope Delance suddenly raised a question, “Taylor. What if that princess of yours ends up being named the enemy of the entire human race? What would you do then?”
“Who would dare to do such a thing? I’ll be the first to beat the s̲h̲i̲t̲ out of him!”
“.....”
“Although I have never met Her Royal Highness, I heard from the Queen that she is adorable, beautiful, kind, gentle, polite and intelligent. Who would possibly name such a perfect princess their enemy?” Taylor rubbed his chin and continued, “If there’s such a person, then he must be an idiot.”
“.....”
“Forget it.” Delance rubbed his temples. “Since the Aurora Dragon, Lord Taylor, has called his shot, then I shall... not involve myself in this any further. Do what you guys want. Whoever wants to be that idiot, go ahead. I shall excuse myself now too, bye.”
After saying that, Delance’s projection disappeared. He went offline just like that.
“Hmph, he is really a man who can’t see the big picture.”
Novak subconsciously made a feminine hand gesture and quickly put his hand away in embarrassment when he realized it. “The Shadow Theocracy completely agrees with the suggestion proposed by Professor Marlin.”
He then went offline in a hurry.
“Haha, I’ll leave too. My little snake demon lady is probably tired of waiting by now.”
“We have to find Lilith first, then run away with her. I can’t possibly abandon a friend.”
“B-But...”
Brea frowned. “If Lilith is still there, she must have been caught by the professors. What is the use of us going there?”
“Don’t worry, Lilith won’t be caught,” Thea assured her. “More like, we’re the ones that will easily get caught. After all, we aren’t as rich as Lilith to have all those powerful scrolls. So we’re doomed if we get noticed.”
“Doomed...?”
Thea and Brea turned their heads around stiffly at the familiar voice.
“Mr. Miguel... Why are you here...?”
Miguel was leaning against a huge tree, his arms folded in front of his chest. “Why can’t I be here? You girls though...”
“We’re...”
Thea and Brea were at a loss for words, like deers in headlights,
Miguel observed both of them, then looked as though he suddenly understood something. He nodded understandingly, “So, as Lilith’s close friends, you two are leaving behind this sad place?”
“Yes, yes, we’re leaving... Huh? What do you mean by this sad place?”
“Although I understand your feelings as a teacher, I still hope that both of you can attend Lilith’s funeral.”
“Funeral?”
Miguel sighed. “Come with me. I can only hope that you two won’t be too upset later to bid Lilith farewell.”
Thea and Brea dumbfoundedly followed behind Miguel.
The academy’s biggest arena was usually used to hold various contests but today, it was used for a different purpose.
The atmosphere was solemn. Although the place was crowded, no one was speaking.
Everyone lowered their head, almost like they were afraid to look at the smiling face on the huge monochrome photo standing at the heart of the arena.
The band that the academy hired from St. Caroline city was playing mournful music.
A banner was fluttering in the wind above the arena.
‘Mourning the heroic sacrifice of Lilith who died defending our academy! / Pre-expedition ceremony!’