Chapter 125

Chapter 125

Joint Combat Training 2 (11)

The horse was in less than favorable condition.

It was merely the one who hadnt been harmed while pulling the carriage. Although the sound of the hooves briskly hitting the ground had continued, before long it became irregular.

The horses staggering body was felt. It seemed like too soon its life would come to an end. Yet, until the very last it kept running for the rider it carried on its back. Perhaps, this was its unyielding spirit an homage to a lifetime spent hauling the saints carriage.

Kaaaaaaang!

The deafening roar of Sung Changryong filled the air once again. Darting across the plazas of the faculty quarters, the bloodstained view of the grounds quickly fell into sight.

Listen well, Lady Saint. For this round, its a lost cause! Ed yelled, gripping the reins tightly, speaking to the saint who had wrapped her hands around his waist and buried her face in his back.

We will do our best to shed light on the situation, so if you go back This time, you must prepare to settle the case perfectly!

The wind grazed past their ears. Clarice, who had her face pressed against Eds broad back, firmly nodded her head.

Once more, the ground of Achen Island shook under an earthquake. The spells of high-level elemental magic summoned by Obel filled the sky, with Lucy thwarting Belbrocks massive front paws heading towards the living quarters.

Kwang! Kwang! Kwang!

An immense defensive magic circle enveloped the area, but with every strike from Belbrocks paw, it increasingly distorted.

Clarice held on to Ed trembling with fear, but soon she felt a sense of unease. Eds arm, which held the reins, was shaking unnaturally. Looking up to Eds face, she saw him with clenched teeth and grave eyes, pushing the horse forward. His eyes reflected a once-in-a-lifetime resolve.

Only then did Clarice reflect again.

Within the time she had repeated dozens of times, she had faced the overwhelming intimidation of that great dragon over and over.

Even if this ends, there will likely be a next.

But to Ed, in the loop of time, each moment was his first.

A human who must face catastrophe that emerges abruptly amidst a life of normalcy.

To Clarice, it was just another repetition, but to Ed, each moment was a gamble staking his own life.

Even knowing that time could reverse, to stake ones life carried an unimaginable horror.

Grinding his teeth, his grip on the reins was tight it was all too natural.

But he did not let this terror show. He bore even the desire to flee, knowing that if he showed any sign of disturbance, so too would Clarice.

Clarice tightened her grip around Eds waist.

Kagagagak!

At that moment, with a cry of agony, the horse collapsed. It had spent all its energy.

They were lifted off suddenly, enveloped in a distant sensation of floating. Ed quickly drew Clarices arm, holding her tightly as they rolled on the ground.

Fortunately, they fell towards a flower bed, avoiding any severe injuries. However, already injured, Ed struggled to breathe, trying to suppress the pain.

Clarice, looking up from within Eds embrace, felt as if her heart was tearing.

Ed-senpai youre bleeding from the arm

Its fine. Ive been hurt worse before.

After shaking blood off his arm, Ed got up and dusted his pants. Then, pulling Clarice to her feet, they looked up at the long-awaited Scholars Cathedral.

Kwang! Kwang!

Sung Changryongs magic, threatening to shatter all of Achen Island, still covered the sky.

Against that night sky, the large cross stood unbothered.

Although not a vast building, it was neither small; its exterior wall deftly crafted of bricks and marbles, elegant stained glasses interspersed, bearing the simplistic cross emblem of the main deity, Telos.

It seems we have indeed come to the right place, Ed remarked, gazing up at the cross atop the soaring spire.

Even as they approached the cathedral, a lone figure, seemingly concealed by invisibility magic but now revealed, stood before them.

The figure was enrobed in deep reddish-black bordered with gold. Though the silhouette was slightly obscured, one could guess he was of middle age, bearing the marks of time, a chiseled jaw, and the muscles on his arms suggested years of discipline.

Wings emerged through the robes at his back, spreading wide matching the silhouette of the cross behind him.

He held an iron spear in hand, distinctly a high-quality piece.

Clarice swallowed at the familiar sight an Apostle of Telos directly under the Sacred Emperor Eldain.

Among the grand history and the large scale of the Sacred Empires sorcerers, only eight held this esteemed title.

Ed was aware of the group too.

Each of these individuals was revered as the finest sorcerers of the empire. Combined, the eight could thwart even Lucy Meiril, heir to the lineage of archmages.

Pang!

The man landed at the entrance of the cathedral, kicking up dust. The wind buffeted his clothing.

Their most critical weakness was their faith.

No matter how powerful a sorcerer, they cannot oppose the blessing of the deity Telos received by the saint.

That should have been the case

I apologize, Saint Clarice.

The hierarchy is always subject to change based on circumstances.

If the directive came from someone higher than Saint Clairice, he would, albeit reluctantly, block her path.

By the orders of Sacred Emperor Eldain, no one may pass beyond this point.

Clarices eyes widened in shock.

The Apostles of the Empire had always been steadfast allies.

Always bowing with respect upon meeting the saint, reverently kneeling, showcasing their deep faith.

Every interaction with the saint was held in the highest esteem, a life blessed by the deity, a privilege they lived with honor.

Kneeling at the cathedral entrance, that the Apostle now obstructed her path made Clarice gulp dryly against the confusion.

Ed whispered in her ear to stay focused.

Break through at all costs. Your only concern should be to enter and reveal the truth within the cathedral. Put aside all other thoughts.

What about you, Ed-senpai?

I can create a brief distraction.

Ed drew out a dagger from his thigh scabbard. The blade, inscribed with elemental sigils, gleamed with sharpness under the moonlight.

Clarice shook her head fiercely at his form. Ed was already severely wounded. And before them was an Apostle of Telos, among the most elite in the Sacred Empire. Perhaps a saint could hold her ground, but against Ed defeat was inevitable. It was clear where this confrontation was headed.

With clenched teeth, Clarice rushed forward, shouting at the Apostle.

Step aside from the entrance! I need to see what is transpiring within!

Saint.

The mans voice carried a somber tone as he shook his head.

I apologize, but you cannot pass. Though I could say that theres nothing further you could do even if you passed.

Kang!

Before he could finish, Eds dagger flew aiming for his eye with the momentum of a desperate leap. Ed, holding the dagger in a reverse grip, attempted to thrust it at the man.

Of course, such an attack was casually parried by the man. Intercepting with the spear handle, Eds trembling hand could not press on.

Who are you?

He knew such an attack would be easily deflected. As Ed released the grip on his dagger, a large crystal orb launched from within. It was a handmade Shock Amplification Pulse Orb crafted by magic engineering.

Though the man widened his eyes, the explosion was right in front of him, and he was swept by the blast.

Kugh!

Initially, Eds intent had been to clear the entrance. Although the man was pushed back by the wave, steadying himself against the cathedrals wall

Bang!

Clarice had already burst through the door into the cathedral.

Damn!

The man hissed, ready to follow suit, but an air blade hindered his path.

Kang! Kang!

The sacred magic utilized divine power, borrowing the strength of deity Telos. Mostly converted into arcane energy for use, but the man often used it to enhance his physique.

Her body full of various scratches, and some cuts were so deep that blood was currently seeping out.

Adel Adel!

Clarisse rushes out to catch Adel, who was about to fall forwards.

She looked at the badly damaged Adel, sitting on the ground while sobbing.

Adel What happened How did This happen?

Saintess

Sitting side by side, Clarisse hugs Adels shoulders as tears flowed from her eyes again.

What happened that led to this? What occurred inside the cathedral? Why did she come out here? There were so many questions, but the immediate priority was checking on Adels condition.

As Clarisse was about to ask if Adel was alright

You came sooner than I thought.

Upon hearing those words, Clarisse gasps.

What?

Theres no need for you to return.

Adel clenched her teeth and propped up her upper body, which was in Clarisses arms.

Im sorry for putting you through this hard experience.

Adel What are you talking about?

Still its almost over. It will end soon. Just a little longer.

Then, an immense light burst forth from Adels body. The marking shining on her arm was unmistakably the Sacred Arts Blessing allowed only for the saintess of the Telos order.

This blessing, which protects her body from all sacred arts and attacks that could harm her, could only be inscribed with the unison of 1 archbishop, 6 bishops, and 8 apostles, and the sacred blessing of the emperor. Its the highest blessing of the order, something unimaginable for anyone but the saintess.

And what surged next was a massive magic circle based on Sacred Magical Power. The massive time-reversion spell, manifesting from Adels body and spreading out, once again seeks to rewind the worlds hands of time.

Adels unique affinity to transmute divine power into sacred magical power. A prodigy of the ages who had no precedent in church history, Adel was that girl.

The composure to exhibit leisure at all times, regardless of what calamity might strike Silvenia, playing the lute and reciting poetry in the end, was because she was a saintess unknown in history.

With the protection of the sacred arts to keep her safe, she could always be shielded from any malicious attack.

This is This is.

Clarisse watches the manifesting magic circle, trembling.

The world was filling with light. In the midst of that light Clarisse barely caught a glimpse of Adel struggling to smile.

Adel! Adel!

Clarisse holds onto her sanity, tearing up as she attempts to grasp the fading consciousness, but

Regrettably, the world did not grant her any more time.

* * *

Saintess, we are to converse but what exactly will we be discussing?

On the afternoon of the joint combat practice day. Under the vast blue sky, gentle sunlight, and a wooden table.

Ed, closing his book and placing it on the table, looks at Clarisse with a puzzled expression.

.

Suddenly, Clarisse slams the table and stands up.

She stares into the air for a moment with a dazed face.

Only Ed and Yenika look back at the saintess with confused faces, not knowing what to make of it.

After a minute or so, Clarisse turns her gaze towards Ed.

It was the man who repeatedly faced death to give her an answer, almost an angel in her eyes.

With his help, she felt so close to the core of the issue, but still, the puzzle pieces didnt fully come together in her mind.

Just Clarisse went to sit next to him habitually, tightly wrapping her arms around him. There was a strange sense of security.

Meanwhile. She kept thinking endlessly considering what she had seen.

???

Eh????

From Ed and Yenikas perspective, it was nothing short of a bolt from the blue.

* * *

The blessing of the sacred arts seems to have settled in your body successfully. Now you only need to complete the Sanctification Baptism in public to proclaim yourself as the saintess, and you will rightfully rule at the top of the Sunwang order, Adel.

I suppose. I do feel divine power rising up more than usual.

The blessing of the sacred arts will let you harness that divine power to the max. With the ability to also access Sacred Power, Adel, you will become the most powerful saintess in the history of the Sunwang order.

Its too much of a compliment, Archbishop. I feel like Im indulging in luxury to have such an immense magical blessing all to myself.

It is a blessing that befits your noble grace. This sacred blessing will forever protect you. Having the aptitude to pull its full potential, youll feel like youre always wearing a sturdy shield.

Adel awakens. The dim corridor leading to the combat practice field in Gluckt Hall.

Strumming the lute idly in that corner felt like something from a very long time ago.

Coughing up a little, a streak of blood trailed down from her lips.

The spilt blood pooled, soaking the surface of the lute beside her.

Ah

Despite seeing this scene over and over again, Adel smiles, sensing that she has returned once more.

The sight of Achenheim, the dragon of the sacred cathedral, destroying Akenseom and slaughtering the students flickers before her eyes, but its all been undone.

Adels blessing can overturn even the flow of time.

Adel rested for a while lying down, keeping her wounds unchanged.

After everything becomes undone, and no one remembers

Perhaps ten minutes later, as strength returned, she slowly stood up.

And, as she had done countless times, she picked up her lute, staggering and slowly, ever so slowly, moved toward the cathedral.

Perhaps its not so lonely after all.

Despite many repetitions, the moment she steps out of this quiet corridor never gets familiar.

Hey.

Yes? Ed, senior.

You will die soon.

I know.

It feels like a distant past now. That conversation with Ed in this corridor.

Though she couldnt discern his intentions, eerily enough, he pinpointed Adels fate precisely.

Strange indeed. The world should always rewind the same way. Yet, Ed never appeared before Adel again, except for that first time.

There had to be a reason, but Adel didnt dwell on it. She had no time to scatter her thoughts on such matters.

She just stands, leaning against the wall, planning to head again towards the cathedral.

Phew.

Finally, she feels her divine power draining. No longer remembering how many repetitions they were at, the end seemed in sight.

It had been a long journey. Whom to blame? It was a path she had chosen for herself.

And thus, Adel steps out of Gluckt Hall with an unsteady stride.

The night sky she had gazed at before the day of the Sanctification Baptism flickered in front of her.

That night, Adel finally succeeded in catching a glimpse of her future.

And fearing that future, she abandoned becoming a saintess, fleeing to a position of a sanctuary keeper under various pretexts.

Well, she couldnt have done otherwise.

The future glimpsed between the vast stellar skies

Was a future where she was sacrificed as a saintess to undo the resurrection of the Sacred Dragon.