Chapter 544

From her earliest recollections, the firmament possessed a drab, ash-like hue.

Even more desolate and depressing than that gloomy overhead view was the terrain that surrounded her.

Perpetual demise was a constant fixture in the life of Bihar.

With each passing day, she and those around her fought desperately just to extend their existence.

Yet, the longer they managed to survive, the more impossible it became to rid themselves of the sensation that they were merely plunging deeper into a suffocating morass.

Then, during an ordinary day spent navigating that profound and obscure reality.

A gentleman possessing tresses and eyes that perfectly mirrored the overcast sky, accompanied by an exquisite lady with deep, obsidian hair and eyes, arrived in front of Bihar.

The gentleman, Kyle, stared downward at Bihar, who remained seated on the ground gazing aloft at his figure, and spoke.

“The way you stubbornly cling to life reminds me of myself.”

Hearing his observation, Lisinas let out a gentle sigh and lowered herself onto her knees before Bihar.

“What is your desire for the future from this point onward?”

“I wish for a reality where people are not forced to become like me.”

Though Bihar possessed no knowledge regarding the lands beyond her immediate surroundings, she was well aware that her past actions had been fundamentally wrong.

In order to keep living, one had to step over the very companions who were striving to survive alongside them.

In order to keep living, one had to execute with their own palms the individuals with whom they had previously shared laughter.

The sole instance of tenderness and charity an individual could grant to another was to bring an end to their own existence.

‘That was unequivocally flawed.’

“I refuse to tolerate individuals who perpetrate such deeds.”

Bihar declared her resolve with absolute composure.

The gaze of Lisinas shifted unsteadily as she observed Bihar.

This young child, reared in a truly horrific environment, was articulating a profound loathing for the very circumstances that had molded her.

Yet, beyond that hatred, her primary longing was to ensure that no further casualties would endure the same plight she had.

Beholding this immature girl who nevertheless prioritized the welfare of others, Lisinas experienced an instinctive realization.

‘This youth is destined to exist within the shadows.’

It was reminiscent of the black dragon.

For countless eras, the black dragons had existed from one age to the next with the designated duty of safeguarding the world from within the dark.

Had the current era been different, Lisinas herself would have spent her days fulfilling that exact purpose.

‘Such is the perpetual calling of the black dragon. Yet now, the individual stepping forward to shoulder that burden is…’

Swoosh-

Noticing a hand extending past her cheek, Lisinas shifted her gaze.

In that direction, Kyle was offering his palm toward Bihar.

Bihar grasped his hand.

After assisting Bihar to her feet, Kyle turned and strode away in solitude without uttering another phrase.

As Bihar made a move to follow behind him, Lisinas spoke up.

“Young one.”

“Yes.”

“Do not allow the darkness to consume the entirety of your life.”

Expressing herself in a tone laced with apprehension, Lisinas applied a gentle pressure to the back of the youthful Bihar.

Bihar watched blankly as Lisinas walked alongside her.

That moment represented the very first beam of illumination Bihar had ever witnessed.

“Who might this be?”

“She is my pupil.”

“Teacher, I am the one who is your pupil.”

The elven maiden, Verkia, who harbored a somewhat combative attitude toward Kyle, stepped directly in front of Bihar following the introduction and spoke with great gravity.

“I am your senior in this lineage. You must show me proper respect from this moment on.”

“Understood.”

“In that case, your senior happens to be parched, so your first task is to fetch some water.”

She issued the directive as though it were her natural birthright, only to immediately receive a severe thrashing from Kyle.

Witnessing that spectacle, an involuntary laugh escaped Bihar’s lips.

Bihar did not harbor any ill will toward Verkia for acting that way.

The elven girl was fundamentally distinct from herself.

It was not merely a matter of them belonging to entirely different heritages.

The countenances of everyone brought into the world during this age of ruin bore a distinct gloom.

Even the champion Arion was no exception.

Yet within Verkia, not a single trace of that melancholy could be detected.

‘She resembles Lady Lisinas.’

Her mere presence imparted a profound sense of tranquility to anyone who looked upon her.

An individual who seemed to be crafted entirely from brilliant light.

A radiance so magnificent that it was beautiful enough to stifle any potential envy.

That comprised Bihar’s initial perception of Verkia.

‘The path laid out for me diverges from her own. Yet a day may come… much like how Teacher acts as a pillar for Lady Lisinas, perhaps I too will be required to serve as the pillar for this youth.’

Should the era arrive when they would be called to succeed the legendary champions.

Pledging to herself that this must be her destiny.

Bihar officially became the disciple of Kyle.

The successive days of training alongside Verkia pressed onward.

Once she had matured to a certain degree, Bihar commenced participating in operations alongside Kyle to purge double-crossers.

She harbored no resentment regarding these tasks.

Rather, it was the exact path that Bihar desired to tread more than anyone else could.

It was an indispensable duty, yet one that the average person lacked the fortitude to execute.

‘For this is a tarnished path.’

As Bihar immersed herself in that reflection and lowered her gaze, an individual placed a teacup directly before her.

Snapped out of her internal musings, Bihar raised her head to look at the person seated across from her.

“What thoughts have captured your attention so profoundly?”

“It is of no consequence.”

“Would you prefer I deduce it?”

Lisinas inquired, raising the cup she held up to her lips.

“You are under the impression that the path you walk is a tarnished one, correct?”

“…”

Bihar drew her shoulders inward, staring at Lisinas who had peered directly into her innermost thoughts.

The residence where Bihar was currently lodging belonged to Lisinas.

On the very day Bihar originally arrived in Gardsron, Lisinas had welcomed her into her home.

Operating as the ruler of Gardsron, her days were consumed by obligations, meaning such domestic encounters were infrequent, yet they routinely engaged in conversations of this nature.

“The duties you perform are by no means tarnished.”

Lisinas articulated, taking a sip of her tea.

“Naturally, given that your purpose involves purging double-crossers from within the shadows, you must employ whatever tactics are required.”

Those who turn traitor harbor a malice that far exceeds that of the fiends themselves when facing the executioners sent to deliver retribution.

Because the responsibility involves eradicating such malicious entities, executioners must likewise adopt a more merciless disposition, exploiting every available method.

An absolute terror must be firmly embedded within the hearts of double-crossers.

Lisinas comprehended that reality far better than anyone else.

Had they been living in a different era, she would have been the one saddled with this exact obligation.

Bihar was equally conscious of that truth.

Nevertheless…

‘Such a role is completely unsuited to her.’

In the estimation of Bihar, Lisinas was an incredibly radiant individual.

She was incapable of visualizing a person like Lisinas operating within the dark to eliminate double-crossers, staining her own palms with blood in the manner that she herself did.

‘I believe I comprehend the reason Teacher assumed that responsibility in place of Lady Lisinas.’

Lisinas spoke up, watching Bihar contemplate while taking a sip from her cup.

“Even so, Bihar, the actions you take are undeniably for the benefit of this world. It is my hope that you recognize this within yourself.”

“Does Lady Lisinas truly view my actions as something deserving of pride?”

“Without a doubt.”

Lisinas offered a warm, gentle expression.

Bihar experienced a slight wave of astonishment at the completely unhesitating reply.

“I hold the belief that an individual willing to immerse themselves in darkness for the preservation of the world possesses true nobility.”

Bihar came to spend just as much of her time with Lisinas as she did with Kyle.

As if attempting to mend the gloom residing within Bihar.

Lisinas ensured she watched over Bihar despite the demands of her hectic schedule.

And once more, the seasons marched forward.

The legendary champions commenced their arrangements for what would be their ultimate campaign.

“The likelihood of my return is minimal. Therefore,”

One particular dawn, Kyle, who had paid a visit to the residence of Lisinas, spoke out.

Upon hearing those words, Bihar’s gaze widened considerably.

Lisinas knitted her brow in displeasure.

“What sort of ridiculous statements are you making?”

“I believe entering this fight demands that level of determination.”

“Every single one of us will make it back alive.”

Kyle offered no reply to the dismissive remark from Lisinas.

He merely set the meal he had prepared inside the kitchen down upon the tabletop.

“Does Lisinas actually cook on occasion?”

“Once in a while.”

“It must have been an arduous ordeal each time.”

The hands of Lisinas visibly quivered as she witnessed Kyle mock her culinary skills with absolute earnestness.

Bihar let out a chuckle at the display.

“I am the one who requests that she prepare food for me. The memory of it returns to me.”

“Do you make such requests when you seek to undergo penance? I was unaware you had committed a transgression so severe as to warrant that.”

“Perish!”

Lisinas brandished the utensil she held in her grasp.

Naturally, Kyle evaded the strike without showing even a hint of concern.

The preparation of meals was typically the domain of Bihar.

Yet on those rare occasions when Bihar appeared utterly drained, Lisinas would expend every effort to cook.

The results were not particularly delectable, yet the food undeniably infused her with renewed vitality.

Bihar burst into joyful laughter while observing the petty bickering between Kyle and Lisinas.

“In moments like this, it genuinely feels as though we are a family.”

Hearing that statement, Lisinas paused momentarily before offering a tender smile.

This marked the very first instance Bihar had ever voiced such a sentiment.

Subsequently, during that ultimate campaign, the duo successfully preserved the world but never managed to return.

Following the salvation of the world.

Bihar navigated through incredibly chaotic days.

The absolute first task she completed was to obliterate the segments detailing Kyle’s operations as an unseen agent within the Hero Record.

Bihar harbored an immense pride for her instructor, who had dirtied his own hands with blood to wipe out double-crossers.

Yet simultaneously, she harbored a clear understanding.

‘The populace will never view those actions in a favorable light.’

Kyle himself would have remained indifferent.

However, Bihar could not tolerate such an outcome.

For that reason, she tore those specific accounts from the archive and preserved them in isolation.

Thereafter, Bihar existed entirely within the shadows.

Precisely as Bihar had anticipated, Verkia stepped forward to assume the societal role previously held by Lisinas.

As Verkia guided the populace forward with her radiant illumination, an extensive, dark silhouette was cast across the land.

And that very silhouette defined the realm where Bihar chose to dwell.

She never experienced a shred of dishonor regarding the duties she performed.

Nevertheless, Bihar refrained from ever bringing her own existence to light.

The longer she maintained this solitary existence, the more profound her weariness became.

Then, on a certain day.

Bihar encountered youth stranded within the darkness who found themselves trapped in the identical plight of her own youth.

And mirroring the actions of Kyle and Lisinas from eras past, she extended her hand toward those children.

That act represented the illumination Bihar managed to uncover within the gloom.

Bihar took numerous youth under her care.

And those very children introduced a sense of normalcy to an existence she had long assumed could never experience such comfort.

She discovered affection and brought forth her own offspring.

Following the passage of a vast stretch of time, as she finally achieved a state of serenity, accounts concerning Verkia began to reach her ears.

“Mother!”

Her offspring appeared utterly pale upon witnessing Bihar return drenched in blood.

Gazing upon her son, Bihar spoke.

“Shan.”

“Mother, we must tend to your wounds immediately…”

“Do not harbor bitterness toward her.”

“…!”

Shan trembled violently while looking down at Bihar, who spoke while displaying a faint, subtle smile.

“My remaining years were destined to be brief regardless, owing to this ailment. Therefore, do not hold a grudge against her.”

“Mother…”

“She stands as a sibling to me, given that we originate from the same father.”

Shan was fully aware.

Aware that his mother had operated entirely unseen throughout her entire existence to provide a foundation for Verkia.

“Lady Lisinas once conveyed to me that the entities existing as shadows represent the most noble individuals of all. Consequently, it matters not if the populace fails to acknowledge your deeds. Should you choose to tread this identical path, I desire for you to understand that an unacknowledged existence is by no means a miserable destiny.”

Bihar displayed a smile.

“Though you claimed otherwise, it is my hope that you conduct your life in the manner of my instructor, who perpetually sacrificed everything for the sake of the world.”

“Understood… Mother.”

“Very well, my son. I entrust the care of your siblings to you.”

“I will…”

Bihar offered a radiant smile as she gazed upon her son, who bit his lip and silently endured the weight of her impending passing.

It was an expression that perfectly mirrored Lisinas, the individual who had originally served as a beacon of light for her.

It concluded a journey devoid of lingering regrets.

The solitary concern that continued to weigh upon her thoughts was her inability to prevent the descent of Verkia.

-I never anticipated that my final words would inflict suffering upon your lineage for thousands of years.

Chen Xia, having witnessed the events of the past, fell into absolute silence.

It comprised a vast, sweeping narrative.

Yet in truth, it had unfolded within a mere fraction of a second.

Throughout that brief interlude, Chen Xia observed the history of old through the medium of Bihar’s lingering soul.

Bihar had roused her consciousness within the contemporary era due to her lingering anxieties regarding Verkia.

Yet precisely as Chen Xia bore witness to the history of Bihar.

Bihar simultaneously bore witness to the history of Chen Xia.

She discovered the manner in which her descendants had survived across the ages.

She learned that her final declarations had transformed into a veritable curse, inflicting agony upon her bloodline for thousands of winters.

She saw that a countless number of shadows had succumbed to despair regarding their own roles.

-You hold resentment toward me as well, do you not?

‘Indeed, I harbored a great deal of resentment toward you.’

From her earliest youth, she had envisioned herself becoming a champion, yet the obligation tied to the shadow had bound Chen Xia completely.

Chen Xia had felt bitter toward her forebear, the fundamental origin who condemned her lineage to exist exclusively within the dark for their entire lives.

Nevertheless…

‘Do you feel a sense of disgrace regarding us, Lady Bihar?’

-No. I hold an immense amount of pride for you all.

The descendants of Bihar had refused to abandon their calling even while enduring profound misery.

How could she possibly fail to feel pride for a lineage that had preserved her principles for such an extended epoch?

Receiving the words of Bihar, a gentle smile formed on Chen Xia’s features.

It was true that Bihar had effectively trapped her descendants within the dark.

Even if such an outcome was entirely unintended.

A vast number of individuals had endured torment.

Yet a singular truth remained absolute.

‘I experienced bitterness toward Lady Bihar, but I simultaneously harbored an equal amount of pride in her.’

Not a single soul offered them recognition.

An absolute multitude of voices cast asymmetric blame upon the Shan Empire.

They faced systemic prejudice despite offering their entire existences for the preservation of the world, solely because their names could never be inscribed within the Hero Record.

Even so, the Shan Empire resolutely advanced along their designated path across a vast stretch of time.

They did so because they maintained pride in Bihar, who had surrendered her entire existence for the benefit of the world.

‘The forebears who came before me undoubtedly experienced the identical sentiment. I am certain they existed within the dark for thousands of years without ever losing their way, regardless of any bitterness they held toward Lady Bihar, simply because they were profoundly proud of her.’

Chen Xia articulated her thoughts.

‘Therefore, Lady Bihar possesses every right to be revered as an ancestor.’

Bihar found herself temporarily devoid of speech.

-My gratitude goes to you for offering such consolation.

She was capable only of conveying her thankfulness for the soothing assertions of Chen Xia in a visibly shaking voice.

‘It is quite remarkable. I possess no inherent capability as a spirit medium, yet I am somehow capable of conversing with an ancestor in this manner.’

-It was the spiritual artifice of your companion that originally roused me. However, it was your personal spiritual energy that finalized the bond.

The arrangement Leo established utilizing the blade of Bihar had responded directly to the spiritual power of Chen Xia.

Processing the explanation from Bihar, Chen Xia spoke.

‘In that case, you possess the capability to inhabit my physical form, do you not?’

Chen Xia directed her gaze toward the position of Leo.

‘I require strength.’

-Indeed. In truth, that was the very request I intended to make of you.

“Bihar, you are…”

“Our conversation can occur at a later time.”

Bihar offered a subtle, faint smile.

“I shall step forward to halt Verkia from this moment on.”

Bihar tightened her fingers around the handle of her blade.

“Teacher, please see to the elimination of that elf.”

“Very well.”

Leo advanced in the direction of Ulain.

Turning her back to that unfolding confrontation, Bihar placed herself directly before Verkia, who was currently clutching at her own head.

“Verkia.”

“Ahhh…”

Verkia, gripping her head tightly, shook it in a state of absolute frenzy.

Staring at the frenzied state of Verkia, Bihar spoke.

“I do not harbor bitterness toward you. However, should you choose to break down in this fashion…”

“Aaaaaaaah!”

“I shall never grant you absolution.”

Flash-! Kwa-ga-ga-ga-gang-!

The descending weapon of Verkia cut through the space directly alongside Bihar.

The focus of Verkia instantly snapped toward the space behind her.

The movement occurred at a velocity imperceptible to the eye, yet the instincts of Verkia immediately tracked the positioning of Bihar.

Thump- Thump-

For a brief microsecond, a wave of bewilderment manifested within the gaze of Verkia, who had completely abandoned all sanity.

Without warning, the figure of Bihar had split into two distinct entities.

Thump- Thump-

The pair of figures expanded into four.

The four figures multiplied into eight.

In short order, a vast multitude of Bihars stood arrayed before Verkia.

“We existed in the manner of sisters. Because of that, we engaged in frequent disputes. Do you retain any memory of the subject of our arguments?”

There existed a singular matter upon which neither individual was capable of yielding.

Bihar articulated the words with absolute calmness.

“Five millennia ago, I departed from life prematurely due to my ailment, leaving our competition unresolved.”

The focus of Bihar radiated with absolute sharpness.

“Let us bring that competition to its final conclusion right now.”