Chapter 171 – Awakening

It was a week of humiliation and relentless torment.

A sudden, brutal sparring session.

Under the guise of “instruction,” I was subjected to endless beatings.

Under the pretense of “mental fortitude training,” I endured relentless mockery.

Of course, it was nothing compared to the hell I’d endured with Sirin.

Honestly, compared to everything I’d faced so far, it was almost… easy.

But.

It was infuriating.

Absolutely, teeth-gnashingly infuriating.

I’d never known a person could be so utterly detestable and irritating.

Anyway… after a week, after five grueling stages…

Finally.

Finally!

“[Don’t get that smug look on your face. This is just the beginning.]”

Huh?

“…The beginning…? What was all that then…?”

“[Ingredient gathering. Now that we have everything, it’s time to start cooking.]”

“That’s… that’s ridiculous…”

“[It’s not.]” Kartia chuckled at my despair, slamming Frey into the ground.

“[But hey, at least we’re done with sparring, so you can relax.]”

“R-Really? No more sparring?”

“[Yeah. No point anymore.]”

“Yes!”

“[‘Yes’ my ass. Now assume a stance. One that maximizes focus while allowing you to draw your sword instantly.]”

I nodded, letting my greatsword hang loosely behind my right side.

“[Good. Now, slowly. Control your breathing. Relax your body. Clear your mind.]”

“Hoo…”

I released the tension in my body, emptying my mind of all distractions.

The sounds, the sensations, the scents, the swirling energies… all faded into nothingness.

In the empty void that remained, only Frey and I existed.

“[Now, like before, sense ‘it.’ But deeper. More clearly.]”

Following Kartia’s instructions, I focused on the unknown entity connected to my soul.

Alive, yet not alive.

Existing, yet non-existent.

Perceptible, yet intangible.

A being beyond comprehension, transcendental.

“[Reach out. Draw its power. Just a sliver. That’s all.]”

Slowly, I extended my hand.

And in that instant—

***

Do you desire power?
It resides within.

Do you crave wisdom?
It resides within.

Do you seek answers?
It resides within.

Do you yearn for victory?
It resides within.

Do you cling to hope?
It resides within.

Do you pray for the priestess’s salvation?
It resides within.

Do you dream of her happiness?
It resides within.

Everything you desire…

I can provide.

***

An irresistible voice echoed in my mind.

An undeniable will pressed upon me.

An irrefutable truth revealed itself.

***

Reach out.
And you shall grasp it.

I extended my hand further.

Knock, and the door shall open.

I reached out, knocking on the firmly sealed gate, striking its very core.

Yearn with all your being, and it shall be yours.

What I desired most. My singular goal. The one thing I would achieve, no matter the cost.

Rubia’s…

Past.
Present.
Future.

―――.

“[Stop.]”

Kartia’s voice snapped me back, a sudden pull at my navel yanking my consciousness back to reality.

And what lingered…

Were the harrowing memories of the trials.

The faces of my comrades, dying by my hand.

The sickening sensation of Rubia’s heart bursting beneath my grip.

“[You okay?]”

“…Yes.”

“[You don’t look okay.]”

Kartia crouched before me, wiping away the tears and snot streaming down my face.

“[Jeez, you’re a mess. And you’re supposed to be a woman. Pull yourself together.]”

“Sniff… I-I wasn’t crying…”

“[Sure you weren’t.]”

Perhaps because of our connection, Kartia didn’t look too good herself.

But she just shrugged it off, that irritating smirk returning to her face.

“[Not bad, though. Actually, pretty good. But your desire… it’s intense. I expected as much, but not to this degree.]”

“…Kartia.”

“[Yeah?]”

“Is it… Is it truly possible…?”

“[No.]”

“If I wish for it, desperately… will it… grant my wish?”

Kartia gripped my cheeks, her voice low and serious.

“[Absolutely not. Never. Under no circumstances. Even if the world were to split in two, it will never happen. So don’t believe it. Don’t think about it. Don’t even entertain the possibility. Trust me. Focus on Rubia. Remember your purpose. Envision your future. That’s all that matters.]”

“Euaah…” A whimper escaped my lips.

“[And don’t be afraid of that thing. It’s powerless against you, as long as you don’t make any mistakes. It’s nothing.]”

“…Aaeoo…”

Kartia studied me for a moment longer, then chuckled, releasing my cheeks.

“[So, what now? Start right away? Or rest and continue tomorrow?]”

“Now… Now. But… um…”

“[Want to call Rubia?]”

“…Yeah. Hehe…”

“[I thought you wanted to surprise her.]”

“Ugh…”

She was right. The training was brutal, frustrating, and I ached for Rubia’s presence. But I’d resisted the urge to call her.

Partly because, as Kartia said, I wanted it to be a grand surprise.

And partly… because I didn’t want her to see me struggle.

I’d been so determined.

Only see Rubia at meals and before bed. No other contact. Focus on training.

That had been the plan.

But…

I missed her so much. I yearned to be held in her arms, to feel her warmth, her scent, the softness of her skin. I wanted her to chase away the lingering shadows of the trials with her touch.

“…If I call her now and succeed on the first try… wouldn’t that still be a surprise…?”

“[…Sure. If you put it that way, I guess it counts. While we’re at it, let’s call Serr, and… what’s-her-name… the bald guy enthusiast. We’ll need her for the barrier.]” Kartia’s smirk told me she saw right through my flimsy excuse.

“Delia. Um… but what if I fail after calling everyone…?”

“[Then it’ll be mortifying, obviously.]” Kartia let out a wicked laugh, ruffling my hair.

“[But if you do fail, I’ll just poke everyone’s eyes out. Then they won’t see a thing.]”

“Oh… Then… just everyone except Rubia…”

I mirrored her wicked grin, playing along.

Kartia looked surprised for a moment, then pinched my cheek.

“[Look at you, learning all the wrong lessons. Fine, trust your big sis. You little rascal.]”

***

Beneath the full moon, a thick, multi-layered barrier enveloped the Kartia region.

The first layer, Delia’s, was a crackling dome of pure electrical energy, drawn from her very soul.

The second, Serr’s, shimmered with the arcane power of High Spirits, woven together by Karma, the highest-ranking spirit amongst them. It enveloped Delia’s barrier, a second, shimmering dome.

The third, and outermost layer, was Rubia’s. Unlike her usual gentle, comforting divine energy, this barrier was sharp, rigid, almost impenetrable. It dwarfed the other two, a colossal dome of concentrated power.

“It’s weaker than last time, right? You’re sure?” Delia clung to Hermilla, her face a mask of terror.

“Delia, Lady Kartia assured us it would be fine. Relax.”

“Hermilla! You know what happened last time! I couldn’t move for a whole day! I just recovered! If it happens again…”

“It’s okay, it’s okay. Come on, let’s sit over here and watch. We don’t want to interfere. Noah promised us a spectacular show, so we put everything aside to come see it. We’re counting on you, Noah!” Hermilla gave me an encouraging smile.

“…Noah, you better not screw this up,” Delia growled, glaring daggers at me.

Serr, having finished inspecting the barriers, approached.

“Are you attempting to replicate Lady Kartia’s technique?”

“Uh…”

I wasn’t confident. I was almost certain I would fail.

Even if I succeeded, it wouldn’t compare to the sheer power and majesty of Kartia’s demonstration.

But…

“Yeah.”

“Hmm. It doesn’t seem fully realized. Your expression, your voice, your demeanor… that excessive fidgeting… You reek of impending failure.”

“Ugh…”

Serr’s indifferent expression softened into a chuckle.

“Regardless, I have high hopes. Show me what you’ve got, Noah. I believe in you.”

“Eh…”

“What’s with the ‘eh’? I swallowed my pride and offered you encouragement, and that’s your response? Should I insult you instead? Is that what you prefer, Noah? Are you some kind of masochist?” Serr’s face contorted, a mix of annoyance, embarrassment, and something akin to… disappointment?

“N-No… It’s just… you’re acting different… Sorry. And… thank you.”

“…I’ll let it slide this once. But next time, react appropriately.”

“[Her face is bright red.]” Kartia’s voice echoed in my mind.

“Shut up!” Serr’s eyes widened, and she whirled around, stomping away.

“[She’s such a dork, isn’t she?]”

“…Leave Serr alone.”

“[What, do you relate to her awkwardness?]”

“N-No!”

I did.

Immensely.

Why, though…? Serr’s always so confident and composed. Why do I feel this strange kinship…?

As I pondered the mystery of my connection with Serr,

Click, click.

Soft footsteps approached.

Rubia.

She walked straight towards me and pulled me into a warm embrace.

“Ah… R-Rubia!”

Sniff… Sigh…

“…Eh?”

Rubia didn’t say anything.

She just held me close, inhaling my scent, her hands roaming my body with a playful, almost mischievous touch.

Then, she leaned back slightly, pressing a soft kiss to my lips.

“I’ll be right here.”

“Mm… Hold my hand too,” I murmured.

Wordlessly, her fingers intertwined with mine.

Feeling the warmth of her hand, the unwavering support in her touch,

I smiled.

***

That night…

The barrier was utterly annihilated, leaving Delia unconscious for three days.

The colossal pillar of light that tore through Serr’s and Rubia’s barriers…

For a fleeting moment…

Shone brighter than the sun, bathing the world in its brilliance…

And opened up a new sky.