Chapter 688

Book 1 Chapter 688

“To clarify everything, you are saying that instead of us travelling backward in time, it is actually your group that has arrived in the future?”

“Correct.”

“And this specific area serves as the threshold separating the present era from days gone by?”

“You have grasped the situation flawlessly.”

Chelsea nodded in agreement as Enniha spoke.

“Incredible. Such a thing is actually feasible. As expected from a tool forged by the gods.”

Enniha murmured, filled with wonder.

Chelsea, who had been observing Enniha with a look of deep concern, turned her gaze toward Kyle.

Kyle was likewise observing Enniha, his expression rigid with tension.

A figure belonging to the Hero’s World typically suffers a complete disintegration of their sense of self and descends into madness the moment they realize their own existence is an artificial construct.

As far as Kyle could recollect, history recorded a mere two instances where individuals from the Hero’s World managed to retain their sanity after discovering the reality of a subjugator.

‘Lord Dweno and Lady Rodia.’

Between those two, Rodia preserved her mind only by intentionally shattering her own ego right before it could fracture on its own.

Such a feat was uniquely within the capabilities of someone possessing the immense power of Rodia, recognized across lands as the Dragon of Creation.

‘Lord Lian mentioned that Lord Dweno kept his intellect intact because he held ownership of the Hero Record while simultaneously understanding what a subjugator truly was, didn’t he?’

Kyle brought to mind the explanation provided by the artificial Lian he had encountered within Lumerne’s world previously, and he focused his attention back on Enniha.

‘If that is the case, what accounts for Lady Enniha? Could it be due to this being the Legion’s World?’

“I knew there was an odd sensation in the air. The sudden reappearance of the night sky made no sense otherwise. The divine ones truly are remarkable. To manifest a phenomenon that completely ignores the constraints of time and space.”

To Enniha, an individual who existed during the Age of Gods, the wondrous deeds of higher powers were certainly stunning, yet they fell within a framework she could comprehend.

As he watched Enniha, Kyle began to piece together a theory.

‘The Hero Record is not a part of this current period. If that holds true, is her mind stable because she views us merely as travelers from a later era rather than as subjugators?’

For an individual existing in the era following the Creation, it would be entirely logical to view a traveler from a later period as a subjugator.

However, what if her mind simply categorized them as individuals born in a later epoch?

‘Is she avoiding psychological ruin because she remains convinced of her own authenticity?’

While Kyle was busy weighing these distinct possibilities, Enniha spoke once more.

“What is the phrase for it? I feel a sudden surge of inspiration! What you are telling me is that within the coming eras, Erebus is destined to be brought down, correct? And Dweno takes his place among the five heroes who successfully vanquish Erebus.”

Hearing those words, a dark, pained look crossed Chelsea’s features.

“The defeat was not entirely absolute.”

“Even achieving that much is an astonishing feat! Exactly how many years ahead is the era you hail from?”

“A span of 5000 years.”

“My goodness! That is incredible! What does that distant era look like? Do many wondrous sights exist there? How has the realm of art progressed?”

Enniha began raining down an array of eager, innocent inquiries.

Chelsea and Kyle took turns addressing each query she put forward.

“It sounds like a reality that lies completely beyond my imagination.”

Enniha raised her gaze toward the heavens above.

“Let us pause the discussion regarding the coming eras for just a moment. My initial deduction remains accurate, does it not? That gateway functions as a path binding yesterday and tomorrow, and with the link established, Tartarus originating from the Age of Calamity intends to launch an assault on the future?”

“That is correct.”

“Meaning if we shatter it, they will be forced back into their proper point in history?”

The mechanics governing the Hero Record had been framed as a form of chronological displacement, and Enniha had successfully processed the core concepts.

Chelsea gave a slow, cautious nod.

“Quite straightforward.”

“Lady Enniha. If we proceed with that course of action, it will affect not only yourself, but every resident of Yvaldi as well…”

“I am fully aware. We shall likewise be pulled back into our own period.”

“…”

“Within the chronicles of time, Yvaldi met total ruin, did it not?”

“In all likelihood.”

“Using the word ‘likelihood’ implies… we failed to leave behind even a trace of our name for future generations to remember.”

“That is solely because the fiends utterly wiped clean the accounts of the past! Had they not interfered, without a doubt, testimonies of your deeds would have endured…”

“There is no need to worry. Every single person within Yvaldi understood precisely what sort of destination awaited us.”

Enniha brushed off her attire and rose to her feet.

“Each of us stood ready for that outcome. There was merely a lingering dread. A fear of whether our losses would amount to nothing.”

Enniha placed both hands upon her hips, a soft, gentle smile gracing her lips.

“Yet, in the grand scheme of things, it carried true significance, did it not? That is more than enough for me.”

“Do you not harbor any bitterness?”

Enniha remained quiet for a brief moment following Chelsea’s tear-stained inquiry before she spoke softly.

“To claim that I feel no bitterness at all… would be a complete falsehood.”

“If that is so, let us discover an alternative! I am certain that Leo Oppa and Lord Dweno can devise a solution…”

“Chelsea, you possess a truly kind heart.”

Enniha lightly stroked Chelsea’s hair, her expression warm.

Yet, her subsequent words carried an unyielding weight:

“However, we cannot permit ourselves to take that path.”

Chelsea caught her breath sharply, observing the sudden severity that had settled over Enniha.

“The combatants of Yvaldi, myself included… the entirety of our populace stood firm. Even with full knowledge of our demise, we resolved to fight back until the bitter end without faltering. We did not do this for the prestige of preserving our names in history, nor out of a conviction that victory was assured.”

“Then… for what purpose?”

“We did so because we followed the steadfast back of Dweno as he guided us forward.”

“But… Lord Dweno surely waged his battles in pursuit of a better tomorrow…”

“That particular dwarf was the very individual who constantly insisted that a better tomorrow did not exist.”

Enniha let out a bittersweet laugh.

“I found it peculiar that he refrained from uttering such phrases since arriving at this location… it appears he caught a glimpse of real promise within the future. That perfectly explains why he spoke of transporting us to that distant era.”

“If that is the reality… what drove Lord Dweno to continue the struggle?”

“His sole desire must have been to grant his kin the chance to survive just a bit longer, regardless of how bleak the age truly was.”

“For that single purpose alone?”

“Such a purpose was entirely sufficient for him. That dwarf was viewed as an anomaly from the very day he was born.”

“From his birth?”

“Indeed. He bore a widespread reputation as a blighted dwarf. The brilliant golden flame that Dweno commanded reduced everything within his vicinity to cinders.”

It was only after crossing paths with Enniha that the course of Dweno’s existence shifted.

“He deemed it a fulfilling life if he could dedicate his strength to shielding his people.”

Refusing to break and refusing to give up are entirely separate concepts.

If Kyle, recognized as the Hero of Beginnings, persevered in battle to uncover a hidden dawn he could not yet see,

Dweno, the Divine Blacksmith, endured the conflict simply hoping that the lifespan of the individuals he held dear might be prolonged by just a fraction.

From the dawn of the Age of Calamity,

straight through to the final instant of his existence.

“He fought while envisioning a reality where those he cherished could experience elegant memories in a magnificent land… How could any of us lose heart when we are led by such a stubborn fool?”

Enniha exhaled a lengthy breath, grinding her teeth tightly together.

“Which is precisely why I find myself utterly infuriated at this moment. We have turned into an impediment to him, have we not?”

Enniha struck her closed fist firmly against her open palm.

“What a ridiculous notion. The cards have already been dealt. Our destiny was decided long ago. Is he truly weighing the tranquility he traded his entire life to secure against a future for us that concluded ages ago? That thick-headed dwarf! I have half a mind to track him down this instant and give him a severe lashing!”

Breathing heavily in her irritation, Enniha cast a sharp look at Chelsea and Kyle, her voice ringing with absolute certainty.

“Every single soul within Yvaldi would share my exact sentiment. Down to the youngest youth in the care homes!”

Chelsea and Kyle could do nothing but stare in silence, thoroughly stunned by her unbending, ironclad determination.

“I utterly refuse to act as a drag on anyone! And the identical rule applies to you.”

“What?”

“I am speaking to you, Leo. Surely you have no desire to become a hindrance to the hero who managed to endure?”

“Absolutely not!”

“Therefore, should you see him begin to falter, snap him back to reality, even if it requires physical force! You are obligated to halt him before he commits a disastrous error. Was that not the very anxiety plaguing your mind as well?”

Perfection belongs to no one.

Even an illustrious champion who delivered the world from ruin experiences instances of profound doubt.

That is the precise reason companions exist.

As Enniha’s words sank in, a spark of renewed focus returned to the eyes of both Chelsea and Kyle.

Observing this transformation, Enniha flashed a wide grin.

“Now both of you look ready. Splendid, let us begin the search for the gateway.”

“The gateway is bound to cause a warping effect in its vicinity. Had it been positioned in plain sight, Lady Enniha would surely have detected it previously. Is there a location nearby that naturally avoids scrutiny?”

Enniha promptly responded to Kyle’s inquiry.

“This particular stronghold contains subterranean levels. Based on that, two distinct spots stand out as highly suspect.”

“Where might we find them?”

“To begin with, the underground maze situated directly at the heart of the stronghold. Following that, a concealed chamber positioned beneath the waters of the stronghold’s moat.”

“What makes those places stand out?”

“Both locations were mapped out exclusively by Dweno when he first set foot here. Furthermore, not a single soul has ventured into either area since that time.”

Without a doubt, an area sealed away from everyone except Dweno carried immense suspicion.

“Given the intricate design of the maze, it would be wisest to dispatch someone possessing swift footwork to handle it.”

Kyle directed his attention toward Chelsea as he spoke.

“Chelsea. Investigate the maze alongside Lady Enniha. Though it bears the title of a maze, it is highly likely a basic labyrinth devoid of active enchantments. For my part, I shall inspect the hidden chamber located beneath the moat.”

“Leave that task to me.”

Chelsea declared, thumping her fist against her chest with a resounding thud.

“The area surrounding the moat is bound to be heavily patrolled. Are you certain you can navigate it without drawing attention?”

Should it be the case that Dweno deliberately concealed the gateway’s presence, he would likely move to intercept Chelsea and Kyle if they displayed any unusual behavior while scouring the stronghold.

“Have no fear. I am entirely certain I can move undetected.”

Upon separating from the other two, Kyle moved swiftly toward the dense undergrowth bordering the stronghold’s outer wall.

Once there, he proceeded to discard his upper shirt.

‘Operating efficiently becomes incredibly difficult if my gear gets drenched.’

While he possessed basic knowledge of aquatic locomotion enchantments, the guards stationed along the battlements were battle-hardened veterans who had survived countless conflicts.

‘Attempting to utilize rudimentary sorcery would instantly give away my position.’

Having removed his top clothing, Kyle allowed a self-satisfied smirk to cross his face.

“Ha. I have always maintained that proper foresight is key.”

He reached into a hidden pocket of his spatial storage and retrieved a pair of swimming trunks.

This was no ordinary garment meant for the water.

It was a highly specialized piece of gear Kyle had crafted utilizing advanced transmutational arts, engineered specifically to completely negate the drag of liquid currents.

Right as Kyle was finishing slipping into the trunks,

“Identify yourself!”

A piercing, alert voice cut through the air.

Kyle stiffened instantly, freezing in place and holding his breath.

“Attempting to hide is completely pointless. My senses do not deceive me! I detect an unfamiliar scent!”

Stepping out from the shadows of the thick brush was Kanea, the feline beast-kin warrior.

It appeared her duties had brought her along this specific patrol route.

Kanea’s tail stood completely rigid as her eyes swept across the immediate surroundings with intense focus.

Without warning, she lunged directly into the cluster of bushes where Kyle had taken cover!

“I have apprehended you! You suspicious… wait, Kyle? What on earth are you doing running around without a shred of clothing?”

Kanea, who had successfully pinned Kyle to the ground, tilted her head in utter bewilderment.

“Claiming I am without a shred of clothing is a massive overstatement. You make it sound as though I am some sort of deviant.”

“Precisely. You are wandering around in nothing but base layers in the middle of the night. Anyone discovering you would immediately label you a deviant.”

“This happens to be specialized swimming attire.”

“What in the world is swimming attire?”

‘Is this an item that simply does not exist during the Age of Calamity? No, that is missing the point. Even within our own advanced era, a man prowling around in swimming trunks under the cover of night would look entirely like a deviant.’

Kyle found himself frantically trying to formulate an explanation that made sense.

“Chirp, chirp. Is this truly the path Kyle is supposed to have taken?”

A soft cry echoed.

Eliza, who had temporarily altered her summoned wind wyvern to match the proportions of her open palm, came strolling into view.

She had set out to locate Chelsea and Kyle, filled with anxiety because the pair had failed to return despite the late hour.

Arriving at the isolated section of the stronghold wall, Eliza took in the sight of Kyle sprawled amidst the foliage clad solely in swimming trunks, with Kanea pinning him down. Instantly, her characteristic look of total apathy returned to her face.

“Eliza. What brings you out to this location?”

“I was merely enjoying a midnight stroll, Kyle Thomas. It appears I have inadvertently disrupted your scandalous activities.”

“What is with the sudden shift in your demeanor? Regardless, this actually works out perfectly. We can accomplish the task with the three of us.”

Hearing those words, Eliza’s facial expression turned incredibly icy.

“The moment I show a modicum of flexibility, you immediately try to exploit it. To present such an incredibly inappropriate proposition to me at a time like this…”

“We are preparing to launch an immediate investigation into the gateway… what wild ideas are running through your head?”

As Kyle stared at her with a look of utter mystification, Eliza fell completely silent.

“It appears I may have jumped to a rather unusual conclusion.”

Kanea shrugged her shoulders casually and stood up, releasing her hold.

“My objective was purely standard patrol duty. Kyle was behaving in a highly questionable manner while dressed like a deviant, so I simply moved to neutralize him.”

“For the last time, it is swimming attire. Moving past that, Eliza, I would never dream of making such requests unless I had completely lost my mind…”

“Be quiet. Utter another word and I will end your life on the spot.”

Eliza delivered the warning in a tone dripping with genuine menace.

Kanea observed her, looking thoroughly entertained by the exchange.

“They always maintained that humanity boasted the largest population numbers prior to the arrival of the Age of Calamity. Fascinating. Now the underlying reason is perfectly clear.”

“What is that supposed to imply?”

“Fine, fine. Let us table the uncomfortable discussions for now. It seems completely certain that the gateway is located somewhere within the boundaries of this very stronghold.”

At that revelation, both Eliza and Kanea focused their full attention on him, their eyes widening.

“Therefore, I would highly value the assistance of you two ladies.”

Kyle gave a knowing smirk, reached back into his spatial storage, and produced two sets of women’s swimming gear.

“Let us begin our operation immediately.”