Chapter 109: Hero Festival – Part 2 (2)

A deadly silence fell over the room.

No one dared to move carelessly. It felt as though the sharp stillness could cut them if they did.

They merely stared at one another in silence, locked in an unspoken battle of wills.

As the tense standoff continued, it was, of course, the oblivious holy sword who broke the silence first.

-“What???”

She spoke with a voice that sounded utterly clueless.

-“You’re saying that secretary is Mana? How does that even make sense?

Sure, Mana is talented in golem-making, but it’s a bit of a stretch to suddenly conclude that it’s her—”

“If you don’t know anything, just shut up. Don’t make this worse when we’re all already on edge.”

Sion snapped at Exia in an exasperated tone.

It was true—there were plenty of mages capable of creating golems.

What mage wouldn’t be tempted by the idea of a loyal bodyguard, one that acted autonomously, was physically strong, and had no chance of betrayal?

But Sion was certain: there might not even be one mage in the entire continent—or in all of history—capable of creating a golem of this caliber.

A golem with intelligence equal to a human’s, free of any uncanny qualities in appearance or behavior, and capable of seamless communication?

If such a thing were easily achievable, why would humanity as a species even be necessary?

The world would just replace every job with golems and achieve perfect labor flexibility.

To Sion’s knowledge, only one person could create something of this level.

The foremost authority in the field of creation magic.

A woman who, given enough time and resources, could produce clay golems as easily as a necromancer summons skeletons.

The only person in the current era who could accomplish feats Sion couldn’t even dream of.

An old comrade who had once been closer than anyone else.

“Now then, make your choice.

Will you take off the mask yourself, or shall I tear it off for you?”

Sion glared at Mana with eyes brimming with rage.

The secretary, under Sion’s intense gaze, hesitated for a moment as if deep in thought.

Then, shaking her head, she raised her hands, removed the mask, and dispelled her disguise spell.

And then—

-“Wha—?!? It’s really her?!”

Exia gasped in shock upon seeing the face behind the mask.

Sion, in contrast, simply nodded as if everything made perfect sense.

“As I suspected,” she muttered.

“I’m immensely disappointed in you. To think you would betray me like this. It seems I’ll have to teach you a painful lesson—”

“Wait, Sion.”

Mana hurriedly interrupted, stepping forward to stop her as she approached with a murderous look and clenched fists.

Placing a hand on her chest, she spoke in a calm tone, as if trying to pacify her.

“Please, give me a chance to explain. I can make everything clear.

I believe the defining privilege of intelligent beings is the ability to communicate.

Wouldn’t it be wiser and more constructive to resolve this through dialogue rather than resorting to needless conflict?”

Sion nodded.

It was an argument that aligned perfectly with her usual philosophy.

“Fine. Speak.”

“Thank you.”

Mana let out a deep breath and closed her eyes, as though reflecting on the past, before beginning.

“As you know, 500 years have passed since we parted ways under such tragic circumstances.

You might think 500 years is nothing to an elf, but it’s a long time, even for us. Enough to account for two-thirds of my life.

After Lier and Esther died, and Exia secluded herself in the temple, I was left alone, waiting for your reincarnation, enduring only with the company of Gareum, who also passed away 300 years ago, as you know.”

Her head drooped as if weighed down by sorrow, her expression evoking an unconscious sense of pity in those who looked at her.

“If I were to name the golden era of my life, it would unquestionably be the three years we journeyed together.

The memories of those adventures are so vivid and radiant that I can’t forget them, even in the present, where the absence of everyone casts a deep shadow.

Honestly, it was unbearably difficult.

Physical pain fades with time, but the loneliness of the soul only grows sharper and deeper with each passing day.

In that gray, colorless existence, the only times I could smile while recalling the past were—”

“—When you read fictional works other people wrote about us?”

“…Yes.”

Mana nodded meekly.

“I understand that those stories might have been unpleasant for you. For that, I’m truly sorry.

I admit I set the restrictions too loosely, which allowed things to spiral out of control.

But for me, this festival was the only way I could endure a world without you.

I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me, Sion.”

“…….”

As Mana’s pleading gaze met Sion’s, she fell into thought.

If anyone could understand her feelings, it was Sion.

During those three years of their journey, she had undergone the most significant transformation of her life.

She could even sympathize with the sense of nostalgia that came from seeing their shared history depicted in those stories.

If she had been left in isolation for 500 years without any contact, she might have felt the same desires.

After all, while those fictional accounts could be seen as defamation, she had been dead until 15 years ago.

Wasn’t it only natural for the living to take precedence over the dead?

And if it had been her former comrade’s sole means of solace, it was even more understandable.

It wasn’t as though Mana could have predicted her return to life.

In the end, Sion sighed in resignation and spoke.

“Fine. If this is your truth, I’ll let go of the anger I felt today.

Considering you’ve fully supported my role as the Hero for the past decade, I can extend this much leniency.”

“…!”

Mana’s ears perked up, a clear sign of genuine joy. Her expression brightened as she expressed her gratitude.

“Thank you so much, Sion. I’m truly relieved—”

“However.”

Sion interrupted, her tone firm and unyielding.

“When you said you felt lonely without me, that implies you no longer feel that loneliness now that I’m here.

Which means there’s no need for those crude substitutes anymore. Am I wrong?”

“…”

Mana’s face froze mid-smile.

She stiffened like a malfunctioning golem, then slowly began to speak in a trembling voice.

“P-please don’t joke like that, Sion.

Happiness isn’t something you can just add or subtract like that. There’s no reason to take away what’s already there…”

“From your perspective, perhaps. You’re enjoying those stories, after all.

But I find them utterly revolting. Frankly, I feel like burning this entire city to the ground just to cleanse it.”

Sion smirked as she spoke, but her words sent a chill through the air.

“Well, this is convenient. The only reason I hesitated to destroy this city—the psychological burden of your approval—has now been lifted.

I can raze this place to the ground without any—”

“Wait, wait!”

Mana hastily cut her off, panic in her voice.

“We already agreed to settle this with restrictions like banning explicit content and same-sex depictions, remember?

Taking it further now would make you seem petty, as if you’re going back on your word. You’re not that kind of person, are you, Sion?”

“Hmm…”

Sion folded her arms and deliberated.

Her point wasn’t entirely wrong. They had already reached an agreement to preserve the festival in a limited form.

Realizing Mana’s identity didn’t justify overturning the decision.

Even she would feel slighted if such a reversal happened over so trivial a reason.

In the end, Sion nodded again.

“Alright, I’ll allow it. You may continue to hold festivals in the future, but only as long as the creations remain wholesome.”

“As expected of Sion. I knew I could trust you—”

“But that’s a separate matter.”

Sion glared sharply at Mana.

“Don’t think you’ll escape punishment for daring to sully my honor and satisfy your greed. Got it?”

“Uh…?”

Mana’s face twisted in confusion.

“Y-You just said you’d forgive me. Isn’t going back on your word—”

“No, no. I said I’d forgive you, not that I wouldn’t punish you.

After all, doesn’t deceiving me warrant a proper penalty? Even if I let it go afterward.”

“….”

Sweat ran down Mana’s back. She cautiously asked Sion,

“W-What kind of punishment are we talking about…?”

“Simple.”

Sion smiled brightly.

“Hand over every single piece of work you’ve bought up until now. I’ll burn them all to ashes here and now.

That will be the price to settle your sins.”

“…….”

At those words, the blood drained from Mana’s face.

“Isn’t there another way to compensate?”

“Not a chance.”

“Please, Sion. I’m begging you. Just this once, forgive me—”

“Nope. Not happening. Not changing my mind.”

Despite Mana’s desperate pleas, Sion simply shook her head resolutely.

“Whether it’s your collection or this city, something has to burn before I can ease the grudge I feel in my heart.

Choose. Either the Hero Festival shuts down starting this year, or you sacrifice yourself instead.”

“………”

A long silence followed.

Mana, looking almost on the verge of tears, eventually gave up upon seeing Sion’s firm stance and hung her head. A soft sigh escaped her lips.

“Hah, fine.”

In contrast to Mana, who looked defeated, Sion nodded in satisfaction.

Now I can finally sleep soundly tonight—

“Inter Teleport!”

“What?!”

That brat! She tricked me?!

As Mana vanished in an instant, Sion cursed under her breath. Startled, Exia, who had been standing nearby, panicked.

-“Wh-What do we do, Sion?! She ran away!”

“Calm down, Exia. There’s only one place she’d go in this situation.”

-“Where’s that?”

“Where else? Her house.”

With that, Sion began chanting a teleportation spell herself, targeting her friend’s house—a place she had frequently visited over the past seven years.

Magic enveloped her, and the scenery around her shifted. But then—

“Damn it, she acted faster than I thought!”

Sion, who had quickly scanned her surroundings, swore in frustration.

It was obvious where Mana would go.

Since Sion had declared she would burn Mana’s collection, she had fled home to protect it at all costs.

Catching up with teleportation itself wasn’t difficult, but…

To think she’d teleport again, this time with the entire closet in tow.

Seriously, her quick-casting skills remain just as sharp as ever.

She really is something else.

-“This isn’t the time to be impressed!”

Exia, who had also noticed the now-empty closet, shouted.

-“Wh-What do we do now?! She’s completely escaped to who-knows-where! Is there any way to track her?!”

“Hmph, of course there is. Do you think I’m that easy to fool?”

The teleportation had only occurred a short while ago, meaning the spatial coordinates had barely shifted and left residual traces.

If I analyze them carefully, I should be able to pinpoint her location in no time.

Using her quick calculation skills, Sion reverse-calculated the coordinates on the spot.

Without hesitation, she teleported once again.

As the scenery shifted, she was greeted by intense, scorching sunlight that struck her eyes.

Sion winced slightly.

She had arrived in the middle of a vast desert, likely the Kashr Grand Desert in the southern regions.

Though she had never visited before, she was well-acquainted with the place from various stories.

And there, atop the tallest dune, Mana stood waiting for her.

Behind her were three bookshelves, standing tall like obelisks.

“You got here fast. As expected of Sion.”

“Mana…”

Sion spoke in a low, threatening tone.

“Are you really intent on making this difficult? I’m only asking for enough reparation to balance out the humiliation I endured.”

“I can’t accept that.”

Mana raised her staff, her expression resolute.

“These creations are like a part of me now. Burning them is unthinkable.

If you insist, then you’ll have to defeat me and step over my corpse to do it.”

“…Good grief.”

At her audacity, Sion let out a hollow laugh, her expression betraying thinly veiled contempt.

“Do you truly believe you can beat me in a one-on-one fight? Seriously?

I didn’t think you were foolish enough to miscalculate your odds so badly.”

“Who knows? Guess we’ll find out.”

Mana responded with a smile just as bold, her confidence unwavering.

“For your information, I’ve grown a lot in the past 500 years.

You shouldn’t underestimate me, or you might regret it.”

“…Ha, ha.”

There’s a saying that sometimes, things are so absurd you can only laugh.

And that’s exactly how Sion felt.

With a scoffing laugh, she drew Exia from her back and said,

“Fine. If you’re that insistent, I’ll humor you.

Show me how much you’ve grown. And I’ll teach you that there are absolute walls in this world that humans like you can never overcome.”

“Bring it on.”

In response, Mana began chanting a spell without hesitation.

Thus began a clash of the strongest beings in the world, all over the most trivial and absurd reason….