Chapter 467.4, To Embrace the Past and Seize the Future Scene 10, 11 (Split Part 4/4)
Huh?
Minerva, the tanned beauty known as the Mage of the North, awoke within the cave several moments later.
Miss Minerva, I apologize for abducting you.
Mister Asley? And who might you be?
Im Gaston.
Oh, you are THE Gaston!? But I thought you were
Minerva looked at Asley with surprise at Gastons presence. Then she became certain that this Asley was different from the one she had just met not long ago.
We must act swiftly. Would you lend us your ears for a moment?
More important than whats happening in the south of Eddo Is that what you mean?
Indeed, at that moment, Minerva had come to aid those fighting in the south of Eddo.
However, Asley and Gaston intervened, for Minerva was their last comrade.
In response to Minervas question, Asley and Gaston silently nodded.
Lets hear it, then.
After a brief silence, Minerva made her decision.
And with that, the course of Minervas actions was set.
It played a crucial role as a bridge between the Eternal Fool living in this era and those racing through the eras long past.
~~ Three OClock in the Morning, Twenty-Second Day of the Seventh Month, Ninety-Sixth Year of the War Demon Calendar ~~
After Billy and Cleaths attack was over and the current times Asley answered Irenes, promised question, Minerva rode on Blue, returning to the cave.
I have returned.
Welcome back, Miss Minerva.
Did you deliver the message?
Hehehe, surely you would be the most informed about that, Mister Asley.
Thats true.
Asley chuckled at Minervas words, but then a sarcastic voice came from behind.
Unbelievable. You neglected to use the Limit Breakthrough after you defeated the Devil King? Seriously?
[I wont sugarcoat it, Instructor that is embarrassing to hear.]
[Man, you really suck]
Thats awesome, Father!
Under the disdainful gazes, Asley could only endure the criticism while clutching his chest.
Finally, as the reproach ceased, Asley managed to recover.
[Now, back on topic from now on, well stay in the North where Miss Minerva resides.]
As Bright laid out the future plans, Asley nodded.
Yeah, and quite a few civilians are currently staying in mine and Gastons Storerooms, so we should get them out soon.
Hehehe, I panicked a bit when Catherine and Jacob showed up along the way.
Asley chuckled dryly at Gastons remark.
And Im sure theyll be surprised to see the villages and towns on their way all abandoned. Hahaha
Father, on me!
All right.
Sir Gaston, please ride Blue.
You have my thanks.
Asley and the others headed north.
Approximately one month remained until the world turned into Hell.
During that time, Asley and the others continued their rigorous training.
Then, on the tenth day of the eighth month, amid this preparation, Asley and Gaston set off for the headquarters of the Resistance.
The reason, of course, lay in the Limit Breakthrough magecraft.
Whats the matter, young man?
Hmm I feel like something is supposed to happen on this day, you know?
Isnt this place practically deserted by now? Theres no need to be particularly cautious, is there?
Hmm What was it again?
[Now, were supposed to communicate exclusively through Telepathic Calls. Even if were using Perfect Invisibility, speaking aloud makes us look like fools.]
What? But hes right here right now Wait, huh!? Hes gone!?
Courtesy of Asleys Perfect Invisibility, invoked with blinding speed by Asley, for Asley.
Oh, and please relay a message to Mister Asley for me.
Good God, I dont know whats going on anymore
The path Asley had taken, every footprint unto this world, was a record that would weave a new path forward.
This past month, Asley had continued his eternal journey with companions both old and new.
Doing what needed to be done, aiming for what needed to be aimed for, Asleys eternal journey now took a new step forward.
~~ Early Morning, Thirty-First Day of the Eighth Month, Ninety-Sixth Year of the War Demon Calendar ~~
Ill head out first.
Yes, sir. Ill make sure to follow after Ive lost!
As Gaston and Asley exchanged glances, they nodded in agreement.
Gaston headed to the battlefield first, while Asley took a deep breath.
Then, something was placed on Asleys shoulder from behind.
Hmm?
It was Minerva who had placed it there Asleys trademark as the Eternal Fool.
It is in a tad stronger shade of red, but I tailored it with the finest fabric available here.
W-Well, this is a bit embarrassing.
Oh, but it suits you so well.
Minerva chuckled while Asley smiled dryly.
Seeing Asley like that, Chappie spread his wings wide.
Oh! It suits you, Father! Its justice! Youre a hero!!
Y-you think so?
Asley spread his mantle and checked his appearance several times.
[You seem awfully calm about this, Instructor, considering youre going to fight the Devil King.]
[Well, isnt it because hes a fool?]
[Ferris, youre not supposed to say that.]
[Cmon, Bright, youre not gonna say youve never thought that at least once, are you!?]
[What can I say? Thinking is a free action.]
[GAAAHHH!! You know what!? Youre in for a lecture later!]
[If that later ever comes which I dont expect it to I wont mind at all.]
[]
Thanks to Brights words, Ferris finally fell silent.
However, as if to contradict Brights words, Chappie spoke up.
Bright, try believing in my Father a little more.
[No, Id rather not.]
[What do you mean?]
[Because he always always, always manages to betray my expectations!]
Minerva and Blue watched the exchange between the three with a smile.
However, Asley did not hear their words.
Quietly, with his eyes closed, he waited for the moment, and now he opened his eyes with a renewed determination.
Ill be right there, Pochi Wait for me!
The final moment had arrived.
Asleys body floated lightly.
Here we go!
[Yes, sir!]
Bright, Ferris, Minerva, Blue and the legendary Violet Phoenix.
Everyone aimed for the distant southwestern sky the Royal Capital, Regalia Castle, where Devil King Lucifer awaited.
The Eternal Fool was on his way.
Stubbornly, straightforwardly, only to protect his comrades.
Pochi is waiting for me!
For the sake of those who believed in him.