Chapter 111

A brief moment was given to a man who could die at any moment. However, that time was merely a fleeting instant—insignificant compared to the lifespan he could have had. Yet, to someone whose body, soul, and spirit had been shattered by the failure of the ascension ritual, it was a luxury.

“In truth, I thought I would die on the way before reaching my destination. I was well aware of my own condition.”

The man who had received a reprieve offered a faint smile. Even though Celine had done nothing wrong, seeing his smile brought a sense of guilt to her face.

“The time I’ve given you won’t last long.”

“Yes, I can sense that my life’s flame is almost extinguished. But what does that matter? I’ve already lived long enough. I’ve seen buds sprout and petals fall hundreds of times. Ah, not that I’m boasting about living a long life.”

“I don’t really think it sounds like boasting.”

“Is that so? Then I’m relieved. Anyway… when I think of this as placing a period at the end of a long life, I feel rather at ease.”

The man, who had been talking quietly by the campfire, stood up. Was he planning to leave? Sensing his intention, Celine grabbed his arm.

“If you recuperate in a place with little Magi, you could live longer. It won’t be easy to get there, but if you’d like, I can write you a letter of recommendation to go to the Holy Kingdom.”

“I appreciate the offer. But there is still something I wish to do, so I must respectfully decline.”

“Something you wish to do?”

“Yes. I want to recover the remains of those who walked this path before me… It’s something I’ve long desired to do, and now, I finally have the chance.”

“If you wanted to do it that much, couldn’t you have done it sooner?”

“If I went there and something happened, it could tarnish their legacy. You might call it excessive worry, but as long as there was even the slightest risk, I couldn’t act carelessly.”

“Ah… so that’s why…”

“But now, I too am someone who has undergone the ascension ritual. I have no reason to hold back any longer. Although my broken body won’t be able to build a worthy resting place for their noble sacrifices, at least I can recover their remains.”

The man spoke of using his last breath, his final flame, not for himself but for those who had passed.

“…If you were given a chance to live, shouldn’t you just focus on living? Do you know how many people would sacrifice others’ lives without a second thought just to survive?”

You don’t even have to look far. Even the Demonic Race fled to Ardina Continent for similar reasons. Ah, I’m not blaming them. I just don’t understand why you’d give up so easily, even when given a chance that others couldn’t obtain, that’s all. After all, I used to wish for a miracle like that myself.

“I believe that meeting a meaningful end is more valuable than living at the expense of others.”

“A meaningful end…?”

“Isn’t it true that a parent who takes a sword in place of their child would feel regret? But that same parent would also feel relieved and grateful that their child survived. To them, their child’s life is more valuable than their own.”

The man gave me a gentle smile, even though I still couldn’t understand him.

“That’s how it is.”

“…Then what if your child or a friend took someone’s life to save you? What would you think?”

“Well, I suppose I’d feel miserable. As I said before, I don’t want to live at the cost of others.”

“Even if that life was a ruthless criminal’s?”

“Yes, even then.”

Following his logic, wouldn’t that mean he should spare anyone who rushes at him on the battlefield, even with a sword? If I were to take his life, wouldn’t that mean I survive by taking another’s life? Well, with that kind of personality, I suppose it’s no wonder he clung to the mission given to him by Edel…

“As expected, I can’t understand it.”

“I know my personality is frustrating. But I’ve lived like this my whole life, so it’s hard to imagine living any other way. Even if you find it frustrating, could you be patient with me?”

“Why would I need to be patient? I’m not your master, and how you live isn’t my concern.”

“Haha, you’re right about that.”

The man glanced upward. A faint light began to seep through the dense fog of Magi.

“It’s already this late. I’m truly sorry to both of you, but I must be going. As the Sister said, I don’t have much time left.”

“Ah…! Wait a moment…!”

Celine, holding the man’s hand, closed her eyes gently.

“I can’t accompany you, but may Edel’s blessing go with you…”

After offering her blessing, Celine watched as the man prepared to leave. His preparations amounted to nothing more than tightening the opening of a small bundle on his back. He dusted off the wrinkles and dust clinging to his clothes and bowed.

“I’m not sure what your purpose is, but if you’ve come all the way to this dangerous Laxia, you must have high aspirations. May Edel’s light be with you all. And…”

In his black eyes, which held a faint glimmer of light, was the image of a girl with pink hair.

“If I had more time, I could have listened to your worries. It’s a pity I couldn’t.”

“What’s this? Are you trying to play guardian? Sorry to say, but my guardian spots are already full.”

“Ah… I wonder, is the person behind you, the one sleeping, one of them?”

“…What, what?!”

I unconsciously let out a high-pitched noise and quickly covered my mouth with my hand. Fortunately, my voice wasn’t loud enough to wake Da-eun, who continued to sleep soundly, her breaths steady.



Confirming Da-eun’s state, I lowered my voice and spoke.

“…Why would you even think something like that?”

“Is it odd? You’ve been paying a lot of attention to her since earlier. It seemed to me that you care for her deeply.”

“Care deeply… I suppose I could concede that, but wouldn’t most people think of it as consideration for a companion, not a guardian? There’s a limit to making such leaps in logic…”

“Hmm, you’re right. I apologize if I made you uncomfortable.”

“There’s no need to apologize.”

“Thank you for your kindness.”

The man’s eyes crinkled warmly.

“Well, it may not be a guardian’s role, but isn’t it the duty of the elderly to give advice to young people when they’re struggling with something?”

He spoke of himself as an old man without hesitation. It was a stark contrast to those who go to great lengths to appear younger. Yet, it was somewhat amusing that, in front of me, this man seemed younger than those who desperately tried to hold on to youth. But considering that he had spent his entire life purifying Magi, perhaps it wasn’t all good.

“Seeking answers through contemplation is nothing to be ashamed of. I believe that constant reflection and thought is the path to becoming a better person.”

“Well, aren’t you the philosophy professor. Didn’t you say you were short on time? Stop lecturing and hurry on your way.”

Making assumptions about my feelings and then babbling on and on… It annoyed me, so I snapped back. By conventional standards, my words would be considered impolite, worthy of criticism. But, well, why would I start caring about that now? If I did, I wouldn’t be speaking so casually in the first place.

I’ve already been casually addressing Edel, who could be considered the most revered figure in this world, so what would be the point in trying to be polite now?

Waving my hand as if shooing away an annoying companion, the man gave a small bow.

“I hope you achieve what you desire.”

“Yeah, you too.”

Wishing good health, or to be careful… I avoided such noisy farewells because I knew they held little meaning. Besides, it felt too awkward to say such things to someone I’d only recently met.

As she watched the man slowly disappear into the darkness, Celine murmured softly.

“Will we be able to see him again?”

“We might. But I can’t promise what state he’ll be in.”

“…”

Celine gave me a reproachful look. It was quite rare for her to look at me like that, so I glanced away. …Yeah. Even I thought my words were a bit too harsh.

I knew it, but comforting someone with gentle words just wasn’t my style.

“It’s good to be sympathetic, but don’t dwell on it too much. It’s a problem that will resolve itself once the task is done.”

“…Yes. I remember.”

It wasn’t so much comfort as it was a reminder of reality. But as long as the result was good, that’s all that mattered, right?

Seeing Celine’s resolute expression, I added a remark to encourage her resolve.

“Surely, you’re not planning to let me die, right? I believe the kindhearted apprentice saintess wouldn’t do that.”

“Of course not. Even without Edel’s guidance, I’d gladly help. Losing the adorable Miss Kana would be a loss for all of humanity.”

“Strange. I don’t recall asking for that kind of flattery.”

“Flattery? It’s my true feelings.”

I didn’t need to ask where Celine had learned such teasing. No doubt, the culprit was the one snoring away behind me.

It was better than being called ugly, but even when hearing such remarks, I couldn’t muster much emotion. All I could think was, ‘And what am I supposed to do with that?’

“Miss Kana, your ears are turning red.”

“No, they’re not.”

It must be the campfire that made them look that way. I ignored the warm glow in Celine’s eyes, which held a gentle warmth like the fire crackling before us.

“Sorry for waking you up suddenly. Want me to wake you again if you want to sleep more? Even though dawn is breaking, you could still sleep for another hour or two. If needed, we can delay our departure.”

“No, it’s fine. Now that I’m up, watching the sunrise to welcome a new day doesn’t sound bad. But are you sure you’re okay, Miss Kana? You seem like you haven’t slept at all.”

“I’m the master, so I should be fine.”

I chatted casually with Celine as we watched the sun rise. Though the Magi lingering in the sky dulled its usual brilliance, it wasn’t an entirely unpleasant sight.



As if on cue, we began packing up the campsite just as Da-eun woke up, rubbing her eyes.

“You should have woken me up if something like that happened…!”

Her complaints about missing out on the early morning event were an extra touch to our day.

Well, it’s her fault for not waking up.

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