Ch.130130. Rage

“Are you okay?”

Chloe looked at the tightly closed door with a worried expression. It had been three days since they met King Elturas. During that time, Rex had shut himself in his room without any communication. She had knocked on his door several times asking if he was alright, but no answer came.

“He’s barely eating…”

“Foolish boy. Doesn’t he know that wallowing in misery alone won’t change anything? He’d be better off spending what time remains with Elin.”

Charlotte clicked her tongue with an irritated expression. Though she was poor at showing it, she was concerned about Rex’s condition. If she hadn’t been worried, she would have dragged him out of the room long ago.

“He probably needs time to sort out his thoughts.”

Alvar stroked his chin thoughtfully.

“This isn’t a sudden farewell. Until we came to Albheim, he couldn’t have anticipated something like this happening, so his mind must be in turmoil. While I’ve only known Elin for a short time, Rex is different, isn’t he? That boy has been constantly by Elin’s side for the past four years. The same goes for you, Charlotte, and Miss Chloe.”

“…Honestly, I don’t know what to think.”

Chloe muttered with a gloomy expression.

“Is it really okay to let her go like this? Once she fulfills her duty, Elin will fall into an eternal sleep, never to open her eyes again. The King said it’s not death, but if it’s not death, then what is it?”

When they first met, Chloe hadn’t liked Elin. At the time, she hadn’t fully understood her feelings toward Rex, but she had felt a vague affection. Unlike the oblivious Rex, Chloe knew that Elin harbored similar feelings for him. So she had treated Elin partly as a rival, someone to be wary of.

Now, as time had passed, she still viewed Elin as a rival, but no longer disliked her. She considered Elin both a rival and a friend whose company she enjoyed. Until now, Chloe had never had anyone she could call a “friend.” Along with Rex, Elin was one of only two precious friends Chloe had in the world.

She had heard about the elves’ circumstances from King Elturas. She understood the weight of the duty Elin carried. She had to accept it. There was no choice but to accept it. If Elin didn’t perform the ritual, all the elves of Albheim would die.

Yet even knowing this, Chloe couldn’t summon the courage to hold Elin back.

“Those of us who aren’t elves have no right to interfere with their choices. Didn’t Elin herself say she would follow the duty given to her?”

“That’s uncertain. Alvar, you saw it too, didn’t you? The atmosphere between King Elturas and Elin… it was certainly not that of a father and daughter. Even if they were relating as king and princess rather than blood relatives, it was excessive. Unnaturally so. Perhaps—”

“Perhaps you mean to say she was conditioned to be that way since childhood?”

Alvar cut off Charlotte’s words and turned his head.

“Indeed, King Elturas’s attitude was strange. He’s sacrificing his only daughter for the sake of his race, yet showed no sadness or regret. Rather, he was emotionless, as if dealing with a complete stranger. He didn’t give her familial affection, and conditioned her mind from childhood so she couldn’t defy his will. It’s a plausible argument. But what difference does it make?”

Charlotte’s eyebrows furrowed. Chloe stared at Alvar with startled eyes. She didn’t know what kind of person Alvar was.

That was natural. Even knowing someone for a long time doesn’t make it possible to see into their mind. And Chloe and Alvar had only known each other for about a week.

“Don’t misunderstand.”

Based on his usual smooth smile and grandfatherly demeanor, she had thought he wasn’t a bad person.

“We are people of the Empire, loyal to His Majesty the Emperor. If we let sentimentality sway us and interfere with the elves’ ritual, it could escalate into a conflict between Albheim and the Empire. Especially you and I, who hold high positions within the Empire. Our individual transgressions cannot be dismissed so easily.”

She still didn’t think he was a bad person. Alvar wasn’t evil. He simply maintained a strict separation between public and private matters. And now, Chloe was beginning to understand a little about Alvar’s values.

“If you make the wrong choice because of shallow sentiment, I cannot overlook it. My role is to guide the Empire on the right path.”

Alvar was the Empire’s apostle of judgment. For him, the most important value was maintaining the Empire’s order, and his loyalty was focused solely on the Emperor. It wasn’t particularly surprising.

From the beginning, Alvar had been the Empire’s regent. The reason he had treated Chloe and Rex with such familiarity was because they were geniuses who would brighten the Empire’s future.

Then and now, Alvar hadn’t changed at all. Chloe had simply misunderstood. If there was even the slightest possibility of a threat to the Empire, Alvar would point his blade at them without hesitation.

“We’ve known each other for decades. The woman I know wouldn’t make an erroneous judgment. So please, don’t disappoint me.”

“…”

“Well, I’ve said all this, but personally—apart from being the Empire’s regent—I feel pity for Elin. Though our time together was brief, I had developed a certain fondness for her. I hope you don’t misunderstand me as being cold-blooded.”

Charlotte silently glared at Alvar. Undeterred by her fierce gaze, Alvar added with a bitter smile:

“Rex. I believe someone as wise as you can understand the meaning of my words. You’ve been listening all along, haven’t you? It’s embarrassing for an old man to ramble on alone, so why not come out now? Otherwise, I might think eavesdropping on others’ conversations is your hobby.”

“…As if.”

The door opened. Chloe’s eyes widened in surprise as she gaped. Rex emerged with a disgruntled expression, scratching his cheek.

“Everyone was gathered outside the door, making it awkward for me to come out, so I was waiting. I was about to leave anyway.”

“…Are you alright?”

Charlotte asked with narrowed brows. Rex tilted his head in confusion.

“What do you mean?”

At those words, Charlotte fell silent. She had thought his condition would be terrible after secluding himself for three days without proper meals. Surprisingly, Rex looked fine. His eyes were slightly bloodshot, but otherwise, there seemed to be no problem.

‘No.’

It was strange precisely because there seemed to be no problem. Until he had shut himself in his room, he had been breathing heavily with his face contorted like a demon… yet now he was blinking and smiling slightly. The contrast gave Charlotte an unsettling feeling.

Three days is a short time. It’s not enough to completely process and move past such emotions, no matter how hard one tries.

Marks.

Looking closer, she noticed something else. Chapped lips. Marks that could only come from biting them dozens of times. Deep indentations and dried blood crusts around them. A faint smell of blood emanated from his trembling hands.

“You…”

“I’m sorry for causing concern. I didn’t originally plan to stay holed up for so long, but Elin’s situation was more shocking than I expected.”

“No need to apologize. It’s not as if your taking time alone to sort out your thoughts caused us any harm. If you’ve managed to let go of your attachments, that’s good. Anyway, does this mean you’ve made your decision?”

Alvar spoke in a peculiar tone. His gray eyes, rippling with emotion, pierced through Rex as if trying to gauge his true intentions. Rex met Alvar’s gaze and returned an equally enigmatic smile.

“A decision… Yes, I have.”

“Haha! That’s the spirit. I’m becoming more sentimental with age. I should have known you’d make the right decision, but I spoke unnecessarily out of concern. Say, after this is over and we return to Elysium, how about working under me? With my influence, it wouldn’t be impossible to make you the youngest knight commander in Imperial history.”

“I appreciate the offer, but as I said, no one knows what the future holds. If the opportunity arises later, I’ll consider it with gratitude.”

“Don’t think I’ll forget my promise just because I’m old. I will definitely bring you on board, so be prepared.”

“I understand.”

Rex nodded with a slight smile. Charlotte, who had been watching their exchange with disapproving eyes, spoke up.

“The ritual is scheduled for today.”

“Yes. That’s why I came out.”

They descended the spiral staircase. Rex gazed silently at the backs of those walking ahead of him.

“Rex…!”

When they emerged from the tree, Elin was standing nearby. She had been pacing anxiously, but as soon as Rex appeared, she immediately approached him.

“…I wanted to see you, but now that I do, I don’t know what to say.”

Despite having rushed over as if she’d been waiting, Elin hesitated and let her words trail off. Rex looked at her with a gentle smile.

“Shall we walk?”

“…Yes.”

Elin wasn’t the only one who had been waiting. The elves who assisted the High Elves and Elandir were also there, but he didn’t stop Rex.

“…It’s the last time, isn’t it, Elin? I won’t… interfere.”

Elandir muttered in a complex tone.

“Still, your father has finished preparing for the ritual and is waiting… so keep your farewells brief.”

“Isn’t the ritual being held at the World Tree? I don’t plan to take long either, so let’s head toward the World Tree.”

Rex took Elin’s hand and began walking. The elves stepped aside, making way for them. Led by Rex’s hand, Elin and the others slowly moved forward.

“Walking together like this reminds me of when we first met. Elin, do you remember?”

“Yes. We met on the way to Lindveil. At the Traveler’s Rest.”

“I taught you the names of the stars.”

“I remember that too. They were stars you could only see in summer. They were beautiful. After that, we hunted monsters, and you were surprised when I used magic.”

“I couldn’t have imagined it at all.”

Sharing memories of the past was enjoyable. Elin smiled faintly and tightened her grip on their joined hands. Rex’s warmth transmitted through their skin contact. It felt so comforting—almost regrettable that she would no longer be able to feel it.

“I taught you how to read at the Lindveil Tower.”

“Come to think of it, I’ve only received from you, Elin, and never given anything in return.”

“That’s not true.”

Elin shook her head. Seeing Rex’s puzzled reaction, she chuckled and said:

“You gave me a gift. A huge, wonderful gift that can’t be compared to teaching me how to read.”

“A gift?”

“Happiness.”

The World Tree was gradually getting closer.

“Even if I change in the future, my memories won’t change. When I was living in Albheim, I didn’t know I could feel happiness. It’s all thanks to you.”

Elin stopped walking.

“As long as I have these joyful, happy memories that I’ll never forget, I won’t be lonely. Even if I fall into eternal sleep at the World Tree, I can endure by recalling the memories we shared. The dream I’ll have won’t be a nightmare. Rather, it will be a dream immersed in gentle memories. That’s why I’m happy.”

“…”

Elin turned around with serene eyes.

“Chloe. Charlotte. I want to thank you both too. I don’t know how you think of me, but I enjoyed the days we spent together.”

“…I, I enjoyed being with you too, Elin. But I still don’t want to let you go. Why does it have to be you? If it were someone else…”

Chloe’s eyes reddened. Finally, she burst into tears and rushed toward Elin. With a start, Elin flinched, but then embraced Chloe with a gentle smile.

“Damn it all.”

Charlotte cursed and kicked a stone on the ground. After the embrace ended, Chloe stepped back hesitantly. Elin smiled and pointed at Chloe’s chest.

“Actually, I wanted that brooch too. I was secretly envious that Rex only bought a gift for you, but I’ll let it go. I’ve received a great gift as well.”

“…It’s time to go.”

Elandir announced in a cold voice. Elin nodded obediently.

“I’ve given you… enough time.”

“Yes. Thank you.”

Elandir looked at Elin with a heavy sigh. He too was unhappy with the current situation. Elandir was Elin’s brother and remembered her childhood. He had witnessed Elin’s entire life. He loved Elin as a sister. He pitied Elin, who was destined to be sacrificed from birth.

He didn’t show it. Someday, Elin would become an offering to sustain the World Tree. For Elandir, who would live eternally, that memory would become a scar that would torment him for the rest of his life. Therefore, Father Elturas had ordered him not to develop affection for Elin. Elandir had also tried not to give her affection. But human emotions cannot be controlled.

‘…It can’t be helped. For the sake of our race. It’s an unavoidable sacrifice for the race. I am the guardian of Albheim. I must not be swayed by personal emotions.’

To live up to his father’s expectations, for the elves, Elandir squeezed his eyes shut to suppress his rising emotions, then opened them again and gestured.

“…Let’s go.”

“Yes. Then… goodbye, everyone. Rex. Take care.”

Elin paused for a moment to gaze at Rex, then turned away.

And so.

Watching Elin’s retreating figure, Rex suddenly recalled what he had said to Alvar earlier.

—No one knows what the future holds, right?

The future.

No one knows what the future holds. That was sincere. The outcome of what was about to unfold is unpredictable. Though the outcome is unpredictable, he knows what choice he will make.

[…Won’t you change your mind even now? Rex, you possess a more brilliant potential. I, Kaordics, declare: You could become the continent’s greatest warrior. You might even surpass Kaiserion. But as you are now, you cannot overcome the trial before you.]

‘Master Kaordics.’

During the three days he had shut himself away.

He had thought about many things. First, memories of the past. Orkbrook, his hometown. Family. The day he first became an acolyte. Completing his coming-of-age ceremony and receiving his father’s acknowledgment. The gray smoke that had spread across the sky when he returned to the village after exterminating the goblin cave.

Mercenaries. The raid.

His father’s death.

He had lost someone precious. He had vowed never to lose anyone again. In the end, the most primal desire that constitutes Rex—the driving force that moves his body, the obsession for growth—it all began with the memory of that day.

Bone-cutting pain. Gears. He had died hundreds, thousands of times to spiritual entities while using Shimryeontoo. Though his physical body remained intact, the pain and fear of the moment of death could not be erased. Sometimes he wondered why he had to work so hard.

Because.

This was the path he had chosen.

He didn’t want to lose anyone. To avoid loss, he needed to become stronger. Therefore, he had endured all these hardships.

The path he had chosen.

Not losing anyone.

If he were to lose someone, it would all be meaningless. Losing someone precious, drowning in sorrow… if he were to flee powerlessly and survive, when the crisis of losing someone precious came again, would he flee once more?

Such a life would be meaningless.

‘Master Kaordics. I am a selfish person.’

He is not kind. Rex didn’t want to become a noble hero or a revered figure praised by many. He didn’t care what happened to others’ lives. As long as his precious people remained alive and by his side, that was enough.

It had always been that way. Rex had already killed many people. The Underhand Clan. The thugs who had burdened Chloe’s orphanage with enormous debt and made her suffer for over a decade. Rex had slaughtered them all, thoroughly and cruelly, without leaving a single one alive.

Was that action righteous? Rex doesn’t justify his actions. Even if they were villains, did Rex have the right to judge their crimes as he pleased? If one judges crimes according to their own standards, why do laws and regulations exist in this world?

From the beginning, Rex had been willful. Living as he wished, as he felt inclined, by his own judgment. That’s how he had lived.

This time was no different. He had merely been turning a blind eye. If Elin doesn’t perform the ritual, the elves of Albheim will die. So, it’s an unavoidable situation. In the end, Rex couldn’t accept such a conclusion.

‘The elves will die?’

What does that have to do with me?

—Even if I fall into eternal sleep at the World Tree, I can endure by recalling the memories we shared. The dream I’ll have won’t be a nightmare. Rather, it will be a dream immersed in gentle memories.

That’s why I’m happy.

To Rex,

Elin’s single life was more precious than the lives of thousands of elves.

The conclusion he reached after much deliberation over three days:

Indeed, a life without Elin is worthless.

Elin and Elandir’s bodies stiffened. The moment Rex slowly stepped forward.

“Stop.”

A terribly strong pressure weighed down on his shoulders. It was purely out of consideration that it didn’t immediately slam his body to the ground. Golden flames flickered in Rex’s pupils. Rex looked at Alvar with blazing eyes.

“Stop what?”

“What you’re about to do.”

Alvar replied with a cold expression. His usual kindly demeanor was gone. Alvar gripped Rex’s shoulder tightly and spoke sternly.

“Didn’t you say you had made your decision?”

“I did. I’ve decided I must save Elin.”

“Do you think I’ll stand by and let that happen?”

“Will you kill me?”

“If necessary.”

“Let’s see you try. If you can.”

Before he finished speaking, a brilliant light radiated from Rex’s entire body. Boom! Alvar frowned but didn’t remove his hand.

Just as Alvar had shown restraint, Rex hadn’t unleashed his full power with the light. But Alvar felt a sense of crisis. The fact that mere radiant energy could give an apostle a sense of crisis astonished him.

“You’ve lost your mind! Charlotte, quickly subdue Rex…”

Alvar’s words were cut short. His expression contorted as he looked down.

“…What are you doing?”

A sharp blade was pointed at his Adam’s apple. Charlotte replied with an expressionless face:

“Sorry, but no matter what, I should at least take that kid’s side. Let’s just let them go.”

“Are you in your right mind? This is a serious crime! It could cause a conflict between Albheim and the Empire! Even if Rex is still young and doesn’t understand the ways of the world, you shouldn’t be doing this. Please, make a rational judgment!”

“I’m not a stubborn old man like you. I can’t deny being irresponsible, but as you know, I only do what I want to do. For me, helping that kid is more important than maintaining the Empire’s peace.”

Alvar’s eyes filled with anger at her nonchalant words. He shouted in a furious voice:

“Even if you stand in my way, Elin is protected by the Apostle of Life. It’s a battle you can’t win anyway!”

“That’s not my concern. I’ve given all the help I can. The rest is up to him. If he dies, it’s the consequence of his own choice… what can we do?”

“…If that’s your stance, then you’re prepared to fight me as well?”

“Of course.”

Charlotte raised the corner of her mouth and nodded toward Rex.

“Go.”

“Lady Charlotte.”

“I’ve set the stage for you this much, so I trust you know how to take advantage of it?”

Rex clenched his fists, bowed his head deeply, then kicked off the ground. In an instant, his figure blurred as he closed the distance with Elandir. Already sensing the ominous situation, Elandir had drawn his longsword and stood still.

“Let’s play.”

Charlotte muttered, and—

“Divine Punishment.”

A dazzling light erupted from Alvar’s body.