episode_0182

“Ah… ahahaha… Of course, I know. I even stimulated his adventurous spirit a little. By the way, I was truly surprised. To think you were all the fairies Zeke told me about. But I heard that three fairy sisters embarked on a journey together…” “Ah… that… you haven’t heard…” Tiara, expressing her surprise at meeting Zeke’s relative and her intense curiosity about Zeke’s past, prompted Gid to say he was also surprised. When he asked why the three fairy sisters who used to travel together were now traveling with a human instead of a fairy, Riera realized Gid hadn’t heard about Eli. She replied with a bitter voice, and as Tiara, who had been greatly excited, made a somber expression, Gid realized he had asked a question he shouldn’t have and apologized, deeply flustered.

“I-I’m sorry. I didn’t realize it was such a sensitive topic for you…” “No, it’s fine… Honestly, that issue… if it weren’t for Zeke-nim and Aria-nim… it would have been a problem we could never have solved… However, we still haven’t recovered from that shock even after five years… Tiara and I…” At Gid’s apology, Riera replied that it was alright, saying it was a problem they absolutely wouldn’t have been able to solve without Zeke and Aria. But then, as she complained that they still hadn’t overcome that shock, Gid, feeling even more apologetic, sighed deeply and, patting both their heads, said, “You’ve gone through a lot of hardship at such a young age… It seems they’re not chasing us anymore… How about you let out what’s been building up first?”

“What…? But first, the world…” “The world is important, yes. But isn’t the most important thing to release the sorrow that has accumulated in your hearts? To do anything while keeping it bottled up… we are vulnerable when it comes to our emotions. So if there’s any sorrow you couldn’t show in front of others for five years…” “Ah… sobbing…” “Wailing…” As Gid encouraged them, saying they couldn’t do anything if something kept building up in their hearts, and urged them to let out any pent-up sorrow right there, Riera and Tiara simultaneously burst into tears and hugged Gid. Gid was greatly surprised that so much sorrow had accumulated in the two over five years, and then he felt deeply sorry that they had endured and lived so tenaciously until now. Then, seeing Melian staring intently at him from a distance, Gid stroked Riera and Tiara and asked Melian, “Do you also have anything built up in your heart?”

“…It’s the same.” “What?” “The same… The same aura as Zeke, similar words to Zeke. I think you’re definitely someone connected to Zeke.” “…So you’ve been suspicious of me…? Ah… well, yes. With the world like this, it’s hard to let go of suspicion…?” As Melian affirmed that Gid’s aura was the same as Zeke’s and that he was connected to Zeke, Gid gave an awkward laugh, realizing Melian had been suspicious of him all this time. Then, understanding Melian’s actions by recalling that the reason for her suspicion was the chaotic state of the world, Gid was initially startled when Melian suddenly rushed over and hugged him like Riera and Tiara. But then he chuckled softly, patting all three of their heads and encouraging them. Five minutes passed, and Riera, whose heart had calmed somewhat after Gid’s encouragement, sniffled and said,

“I’m sorry… I’m an adult now, but I feel like I couldn’t act like one.” “Hahaha! From my perspective, you’re still young, so don’t worry. I’m fifty years old, and there are times when I cry like that too, so don’t worry so much about crying! If crying helps ease your heart, then that’s the best thing, isn’t it?” “…? You’re fifty, Uncle?! Why do you look so young?!” “Hahahahaha!!!” When Gid revealed he was fifty years old, the Riera sisters were all bewildered. Then, Tiara, who had been staring intently at Gid’s face, was greatly astonished and flustered, asking how he could be fifty with that face. Gid merely responded with laughter. But their surprise was brief; Riera sighed deeply again and began to complain.

“Haaah… I’m around the same age group as Zeke-nim was when I first met him… I feel a bit discouraged that I haven’t grown like Zeke-nim…” “He’s a kid who makes plenty of mistakes too, so there’s no need to worry so much about yourself. Well… of course, your current age might actually be older than Zeke and Aria.” “…? What? Zeke-nim would have aged five more years just like me, what do you mean by that…?” When Gid said that her current age might be older than Zeke and Aria, the Riera sisters were flustered and asked what he meant. Gid then began to tell the sisters about the Revarude Facility, a story he had heard from Dio V Runner. Unlike Tiara, who was confused in the middle, unable to understand what he was talking about, Riera listened to Gid’s words until the end and cried out in great astonishment.

“What?! They woke up and it was this world five years later?!” “In summary, that’s what he said. So those people are also speculating that Zeke and Aria might have come to this world, five years later, just like them…” “No wonder for five years, I didn’t see or hear a single shadow or story of Zeke Oppa or Aria Unnie… So those two got caught up in something like that…” “Zeke and Aria seem to keep getting caught up in incredible things, Unnie. Wouldn’t it be natural for them to get caught up in such things, given who they are?”

When Melian said that it was natural for Zeke and Aria to get caught up in incredible things because they were Zeke and Aria, Riera and Tiara quietly nodded, agreeing with her words. Seeing the three’s reactions, Gid recalled the events that had befallen the two, as he had seen in Zeke’s book, and the matters concerning Yuria and Tiavel. Thinking that he couldn’t help but agree with her words, he scratched his head with an awkward smile. “Ah… indeed, Zeke and Aria have gotten caught up in incredible things, from others’ perspectives.”

“As their uncle, even if it weren’t those two, why didn’t you at least give Zeke Oppa some advice? Tell him not to seek out dangerous situations.” “Advice? Hahaha… I knew that any advice from me wouldn’t help that exploration-obsessed fool at all, which is why I didn’t give him any advice even after seeing that exploration book. And you know it well, Tiara. No, all of you, not just Tiara. That a strong being named Aria always protects Zeke’s side.” When Gid said that Zeke wouldn’t heed his advice anyway, and asked if a strong being named Aria wasn’t always protecting Zeke’s side, everyone nodded in agreement. But Gid, recalling Yuria’s speculation he had heard in Grovel, soon made an uncomfortable expression and scratched his head as he spoke.

“Haaah… But right now, I’m worried about Zeke because of Aria…” “…? Is it perhaps because of Aria-nim’s extremely obsessive love?” “…Perhaps that’s also related… You see… someone who explored the Revarude Facility with them and fought a Saintess there combined what they heard from them and their abilities to make a speculation… That is…” Gid began to explain Yuria’s speculation, which he had heard in Grovel, to everyone. Then, the Riera sisters’ faces also slowly began to turn pale, just like those who had heard the speculation before, and when Gid finished speaking, Tiara screamed in great horror.

“Aaaargh!! If you think about it, it’s obvious!! Aria Unnie also served the same goddess as them!” “Moreover, Aria-nim’s divine power is also the divine power of Goddess Camilla… There are so many connections, yet we didn’t notice at all…” “That’s why those who are still sane, including myself, are searching for them. But since no one knows their whereabouts, we have no choice but to go out and search on foot…” As Tiara and Riera realized how much more serious the situation was, Gid lamented that they needed to hurry and find Zeke and Aria, but since no one knew their whereabouts, they had to search on foot like this. Then Riera and Tiara also sighed deeply in lament. Seeing their reactions, Melian took out a folded map from her pocket, unfolded it, and said to everyone,

“Finding Zeke and Aria will be quite difficult. If we don’t know their whereabouts, searching for them in this vast Krentid World is like finding a needle in a desert.” “Moreover, with this number of people, it might even be difficult to find sane people, Gid-nim. We’ve also been looking for sane people while escaping from them… but we didn’t have much success.” “Either we found them in a mad state… or they went mad while escaping from them… or they managed to escape safely… it was always one of these three. And even though we tried to sing somehow to restore their minds to normal… people didn’t return to their senses even with Riera Unnie’s song.” “I’ve watched them for five… no, nine years, so I know what they’re like. For five years, I even clashed with them. Phew… Come to think of it, those guys we just fought… they were so weak compared to the ones I’ve met so far… It seems it would be better to talk inside first.” “Inside? What do you mean?”

As the Riera sisters explained that finding Zeke and Aria in this vast world would be very difficult, and that they had tried to help sane people somehow but frequently failed, Gid recalled that the Saintess and priests he had just fought were weak and decided it would be better to talk inside something. Hearing this, Tiara suddenly asked what ‘inside’ he meant, and Gid merely chuckled and walked forward. In response, the Riera sisters looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders, then, still wondering about Gid’s reaction, simply followed him. After walking for a long time, the four emerged from the forest and arrived at the sea.

“The sea? Why did we suddenly come to the sea, Uncle Gid?” “Hmm… We were supposed to meet here… Surely he hasn’t gotten lost again?” “What do you mean…? Oh, Gid-nim! Something’s coming over there!” “…Honestly… he must have gotten lost again by being so scatterbrained. Seeing how fast it’s coming…” When Riera pointed with her finger and said something was coming from beyond the sea, Gid saw a boat rapidly approaching them and instinctively frowned, sensing that the boat’s owner had been clumsy again. The four waited until the boat reached the land, and as soon as it arrived, a rope ladder was lowered for them to board. One by one, they began to climb onto the boat via the rope ladder. Starting with Melian, and ending with Gid, everyone boarded the boat, and the boat immediately set sail. The Riera sisters followed Gid and began to go inside the boat. There, the four met an old man who was letting out a hearty laugh in the control room.

“Hahahahaha!!! My apologies, Gid!! I was so happy you were alive that I think I got clumsy again!!” “Honestly, this clumsy uncle… You haven’t changed one bit, Kols Uncle. I’m truly glad you’re safe!!” “Hahahahaha!! Perhaps because I live on a ship, I’ve managed to stay well! By the way, who are these women behind you? Are they your new lovers?” “New lovers…? Gid-nim, surely you’re not…” When Kols misunderstood them as Gid’s new lovers, Riera frowned at the thought that Gid might be a playboy and began to step back with the other sisters. Seeing their reaction, Gid frowned and began to retort to Kols.

“…I’ve never had a lover until now… please don’t say things that others might misunderstand… These children are fairies and a human who met Zeke previously.” “Oh…!! So you know Zeke!! Hahahaha!! I sincerely welcome you aboard my ship!!” “…Who is this person, Gid…?” “He’s Kols Uncle. He’s famous for being clumsy back in our hometown. He’s now a trade merchant… Uncle, when will you become a master trader? With your skills, you’d easily become one.” “Hahahahaha!! With the world like this, what good is a master trader!! Since the Cult isn’t targeting the sea right now, isn’t it better to play the role of helping sane people evacuate to safe places!!” When Gid, with a serious face, asked when he would become a master trader, Kols let out a hearty laugh, saying that in this chaotic world, it was better to be a rescuer evacuating sane people than to become a master trader. Then, Tiara, awkward with the atmosphere, wore a bewildered expression, scratched her head, and asked Kols,

“So, Uncle Clumsy, have you been evacuating the people we’ve been helping to other places all this time?” “Ah…!! So you’re the fairies those people were talking about! They said you lured the Saintess and priests with your songs and evacuated all those people, right? You’re brave!” “…You did things like that too? Hmm… Kols Uncle, were there other beings, besides these children, who were also evacuating people in other places?” “Of course! But among them, Zeke and… Zeke’s Saintess lover weren’t there.” When Kols answered his question, informing him that there were other beings besides the Riera sisters who were still evacuating sane people, and that Zeke and Aria were not among them, Gid began to ponder, looking at the map on the table. Then, as if having made a decision, he nodded and said to Kols,

“Kols Uncle. I’m currently looking for people who are evacuating others, just like the Riera sisters. Especially those with the ability to resist the Cult.” “Hoo… So you called me to ask me to take you to those people. But I’ve met those people, and while they are helping others, they are also afraid of the Cult. It won’t be easy. Because all of them have realized that it’s too late… You must have tried it too, right?” “…Yes. Haaah… Just as you said, Uncle, others must have also lost hope after seeing that.” When Kols told him that even those who were helping others felt fear towards the Cult and felt despair that it was too late, Gid lamented, remembering how he too had felt the future become so difficult it was suffocating after seeing something. As they went to seek help from others through Kols, just in case, Dio V Runner and Yuria were burning or freezing other Saintesses and priests as they approached the statue of Goddess Camilla in the center of a certain village. Then, Yuria felt something and grimaced as she spoke to Dio V Runner.

“La-Launcher-nim…!! Something… something in my head…!!” “Their divine power seems stronger than last time. Endure it, Yuria!! We’re almost there!!” “Ugh…!! I’ve experienced this before, but this is more… Phew…!! Adapt, adapt…!!!” As her mind began to be invaded by the divine power spread throughout the village, Yuria began to take deep breaths and calmly maintain her composure. Then, seeing the statue of Goddess Camilla before her eyes, Yuria created and shot a block of ice from her hand towards the statue, and Dio V Runner shot a fireball from his flamethrower, destroying the statue. As their minds cleared, Yuria and Tiavel, who had just been on the verge of having their minds invaded, took deep breaths and sighed in relief.

“Phew… I almost had my mind invaded. Tiavel seems unharmed too.” “Good. Phew… With this, people should be sane…?” “Goddess Camilla’s statue…!! Aaaaargh!!!” “Oh, Goddess!!!” “…Damn it…” Contrary to the three’s thoughts that people would return to their senses now that Goddess Camilla’s statue was destroyed, people began to wail upon seeing the broken statue of Goddess Camilla, and the three were greatly flustered. Then, the three realized something. That people’s minds were already completely invaded by the divine power, so even if the statue that emitted that divine power was destroyed, they wouldn’t return to normal.

BONUS: (Special Chapter) What if -#6

[ The “What if” chapter might end after this one more time. ]

1. What if Stein’s last desperate struggle didn’t work in Chapter 152?

” I’ve prepared my final means…!! ”

” ….? Final means…? ”

” Yes, Explorer…. Omne Diraberetur…!!! ”

As I wondered what his final means were, Stein chuckled and mentioned the phrase “Omne Diraberetur.” I looked at Stein, completely bewildered, having no idea what he was talking about. Then, as if Stein realized something was wrong, his face turned pale, and he hurriedly looked around, muttering.

” ….?! What is it?! Why… why isn’t it working?! ”

” ….? Zeke-nim. Do you know what that man just said…? ”

” No… I don’t know it at all either. ”

” Was my voice too small for them to hear…? Once more… Omne Diraberetur!!!! ”

As Aria and I whispered, unable to understand what he had said, Stein loudly chanted the spell he had just shouted again. However, when nothing happened and only silence flowed, Stein cried out in great dismay.

” What is this… What, why… why isn’t it recognizing it…!! What in the world for?! ”

” So that was your scheme. It’s a good thing I prepared beforehand, just in case. Look at that, Stein. ”

” What…? What is that…!!! ”

Stein was bewildered, not knowing what was happening or why what he wanted wasn’t occurring. Dio V Runner pointed at something and said he had prepared for it, and upon seeing what Dio V Runner indicated, Stein froze. Seeing his reaction, Dio V Runner’s face turned serious, and he sighed deeply, saying,

” This crazy fool. To leave the electrical wires connected to such an important device so undefended… I cauterized them with fire just in case, and it seems it helped. ”

” Ah… damn it… ”

” Hmm… From what I hear, that man was trying to do something as a last resort, wasn’t he? If so… then as a price… receiving a great punishment would be right, wouldn’t it…? ”

” Of course. Absolutely… Hey, Zeke. Stay back. Punishing that fellow is enough with just the two of us. ”

” No. I have a lot of pent-up feelings too. Honestly, Aria would want to punish that crazy researcher with me as well…!! ”

Upon realizing that Stein had been trying a final desperate act, we all loosened our hands and slowly approached Stein. Stein watched us approach slowly, loosening our hands, and was greatly terrified. After that… Stein suffered a tremendous barrage of attacks from us, to the point where not even his bones remained.

[ This is the ending of the Revalud Facility arc. The hopeful version. ]

2. What if Aria didn’t feel fear towards Arvina in Chapter 159?

” Ahhh…!!! This is the face the Black Saintess makes when she punishes unpleasant humans…!! That strong-looking expression…!! I’ve fallen for you again, Black Saintess…!! ”

” G-gasp… ”

When Arvina didn’t get scared by her angry face but instead made an ecstatic expression, Aria maintained her serious face and looked down at Arvina. And I, who heard this from the side, was greatly shocked that Arvina felt no fear toward Aria whatsoever. What in the world is this… There’s a creature that isn’t afraid of Aria…!!

” Black Saintess…!! I’ve fallen for you- ”

” Get out of here. ”

” !!! ”

The moment Arvina stood up and rushed towards Aria, Aria swiftly slapped Arvina’s cheek hard with her palm and told her to get lost, which greatly shocked me. Uwaaaah!! I knew this would happen!!! Aria’s hands are so stinging, even for the village chief-nim…

” Ahhh…!! This sensation… That hand just now is the very hand the Black Saintess uses to punish the wicked…!! ”

” …..? ”

” I respect you, Black Saintess…!! It’s an honor to meet… ”

” Didn’t I tell you to get out? ”

Contrary to my concerns, Arvina, who was perfectly fine after Aria’s slap and was instead filled with ecstasy rather than pain, tried to embrace Aria with both arms again, only to be slapped again by Aria. Seeing this, I thought to myself: Arvina is also… a little perverted, just like Aria. And so, watching Arvina rush at Aria relentlessly, I gave up on thinking.

[ Don’t worry. I would have given up on thinking too. ]

3. What if Aria had perfectly learned emotions from Marien in Chapter 167?

” Hmm… The deciphering of the ancient text will be finished soon… If that happens… ”

Aria, who was deciphering the ancient text, realized that there wasn’t much left and began to recall something. Then, a smile suddenly appeared on her indifferent face, and Aria started muttering with a beaming smile.

” Once this ancient text is deciphered… I’ll be able to spend a wonderful time with Marien, won’t I? Hehehe… I hope I can finish deciphering this ancient text and meet Marien soon!! ”

Having perfectly learned emotions from Marien, Aria now considered spending time with Marien to be very important and enjoyable, unlike before when she was somewhat indifferent to Marien. Driven by her desire to meet Marien quickly, Aria, who was deciphering the ancient text, realized something and was startled.

” No… What in the world is this content…? The legend of Goddess Camilla… To become an apostle of Goddess Camilla, many sacrifices are needed…? Proving one’s strength…? What in the world is this…!!! ”

Aria, having confirmed the contents of the ancient text that stated many sacrifices were needed to become an apostle of Goddess Camilla, was greatly shocked and stood up from her seat. Previously, she might have just accepted such content, but for Aria, who had awakened her emotions, this content was a shock in itself. So, Aria immediately rushed out of the room, found the audience chamber, and informed Esrad IV of this fact.

” Your Majesty…!! I’ve realized that the content written in the ancient text describes actions no human would dare to commit…!! That to become an apostle of Goddess Camilla, countless people must be offered as sacrifices…!! ”

” ….!! So it’s finally deciphered… Countless sacrifices? Good… We can prepare that quickly… Well done, Saintess Aria. ”

” …..? ”

Aria was greatly bewildered to see Esrad IV greatly pleased with the content she had deciphered. Afterward, Aria learned that Esrad IV had planned to offer the people of the kingdom as sacrifices, so she publicized this fact throughout the kingdom. As a result, Esrad IV was judged by the enraged crowds. And afterward, Aria…

” Hello, Saintess Aria? My name is Jid Looprian. ”

” ….!! ”

…met her fated partner in the Esrad Kingdom.

[ Actually, even if Aria’s past flowed differently, she was ultimately destined to be with Zeke. ]

4. What if Cecilia turned Dio V Runner’s group away in Chapter 171?

” Sigh… Even though we need everyone’s strength, to be branded as untrustworthy people like this… ”

” Who are you, daring to complain in front of someone else’s grave….?! ”

” Huh…? ”

The moment Yuria was arguing with Dio V Runner and venting her frustration, an angry female voice was heard. Dio V Runner’s group looked up and saw an angry-looking woman standing before them. Then, Dio V Runner was startled to see that the woman in black attire with long purple hair, who stood before them, had horns and wings, and he said,

” What is it…? Ah… a demon? Why is there suddenly a demon here… ”

” Can’t you get out of here?! Don’t complain in front of someone else’s grave, just get out!!! ”

” No, wait… a demon…? Then perhaps… the one Zeke mentioned… ”

” …. Zeke…? You just said Zeke…? ”

Yuria, seeing the demon yelling at them to get out, recalled that Zeke and Aria had previously told her about a demon named Cecilia, and she mentioned Zeke. Upon hearing Yuria mention Zeke, the demon became greatly flustered. Seeing her reaction, Yuria became certain that the demon standing before her was Cecilia, and she smiled brightly, saying,

” Ah, indeed…!! It was Cecilia after all!! We are… ”

” You guys… what did you do to Zeke…?! I’ve been worried about what might have happened to Zeke for five years… and finally, those bastards’ minions got to Zeke…!! I’ll never forgive you…!! ”

” …. The conversation is going somewhere strange…?! ”

The moment Yuria was about to tell Cecilia who they were, Cecilia, mistakenly believing them to be the cult’s minions active outside, became furiously angry and gravely misunderstood that they had done something to Zeke. Dio V Runner was greatly bewildered. Then, when Cecilia unleashed magic next to her, Dio V Runner became greatly flustered, and Cecilia, emitting magic from her entire body, shouted at Dio V Runner’s group.

” I’ll kill you all…!! How dare you lay a hand on Zeke and Aria…?! I will never forgive you… ”

‘ We are friends with Zeke Oppa and Aria Unnie!! We can even explain what journey we’ve been on together!! ‘

” …. Huh? ”

The moment she was about to unleash magic on Dio V Runner’s group, Tiavel, with trembling hands, showed a piece of paper stating that they were friends with Zeke and Aria and could even explain what journey they had been on together. Cecilia was greatly flustered and stopped releasing magic. After calming herself, Cecilia listened to Dio V Runner and Yuria explain what had happened until now, then burst into tears, apologizing to Dio V Runner’s group, and at the same time, was overjoyed that Zeke and Aria were safe.

[ If Cecilia is short-sighted, she changes like this. ]