“Brothers and sisters of Kalon, who rules over light! A dark cloud has gathered in the West!”
Bada-bing!
The warm sunlight shines on the square.
The holy knights who had been tracking the Harpas Church from various regions gathered after a long time and looked up at Archbishop Pierre, who stood on the podium, veins popping as he delivered his speech.
Their faces were full of an undeniable resolve and heat, as if they were about to burst forth with fighting spirit.
“How long will you watch the rampage of evil? Even at this moment, innocent people are dying under the despicable assault of demons! Everyone! Raise your weapons!”
Clang!
Clang!
Clang!
The joints of armor clashed, and the weapons forged by blacksmiths, made for cutting, rhythmically struck the floor.
Archbishop Pierre swept his glowing yellow eyes filled with sacred power over them.
The soldiers he personally trained, or those raised by other archbishops. Though not many in number, each bore strong faith and combat experience as veterans.
He opened his mouth again.
“God commands you to vanquish that evil.”
“As the will of Kalon!”
Thud. Thud. Thud.
Their will resonated and spread across the square.
The hatred for evil, the determination to form good, filled the weapons in the square. Archbishop Pierre surveyed them with satisfaction.
Confidence that they could defeat any demon.
He concentrated the sacred power at his throat and declared.
“Kalon desires the end of evil.”
“As the will of Kalon!”
“O Kalon. Grant us the power to defeat evil.”
The holy war of the Kalon Church began.
——————–
“…It’s chaotic here as well.”
[Indeed.]
It was nearly a month and a week later that Kalon arrived, enveloped in the chaotic atmosphere similar to that of Stein Village. Surely, with so many people come to make a living, that was contributing.
Among these residents, there might be some from the West.
“I’ll be on my way now. You take care too.”
“Thank you for your hard work. See you next time.”
“Well… I think we’ll meet again soon.”
“Is that so?”
“It’s just my instinct. In this line of work, instincts have a way of piling up even when you don’t want them to.”
Is that so?
I parted ways with him and headed to the academy’s main gate. I had originally thought about buying a souvenir or something, but with my mind filled with the changes and war involving Harpas, I completely forgot.
They probably won’t say anything for not bringing something, but I still feel a bit guilty.
Millia probably expected many gifts.
Lost in thought like this, I soon approached the academy’s main gate. The guards standing at the gate greeted me with smiles upon seeing me.
“Long time no see. Did everything go well?”
“It wrapped up decently. Did anything happen at the academy while I was gone?”
Surely an incident must have occurred during my one month absence.
The guard scratched his chin for a moment, then seemed to remember and spoke up.
“Well, there was a student council president election. Though, I wonder how that really concerns us.”
Indeed, for the guards or myself, who became the president wasn’t of particular concern.
Unless that president got too close to Karina, of course. I had told Renny about it, but I should probably hear how it played out from her.
“Could you open the door? I need to return now.”
“Oh, Sir Quartz. Welcome back.”
Nothing has changed here. I passed through the academy’s main gate and walked along the garden. The trees in the garden had turned completely brown, revealing their gradually withering bodies.
If a month passes here, will it be winter? It was clear that I’d be busy preparing for final exams again soon.
“I wonder if everyone is doing well.”
Not that my absence would change much.
While pondering such thoughts, I began to see Yeomyeong-gwan in the distance. The building hadn’t changed since I left. It was a nostalgic sight.
Naturally, my steps quickened slightly. By the time I reached the great door of Yeomyeong-gwan, I was practically jogging. I exchanged greetings with the guards at the door and quietly entered.
Is there no one to greet me?
Having entered so quietly, they probably hadn’t noticed.
I opened the door of Yeomyeong-gwan with both hands. The lobby was quiet. Everyone seemed busy with their own tasks…
“Johann! Welcome back!”
Yikes, I was startled. Millia jumped into my arms, and I looked around. Elisa, Karina, and Renny were staring at me with expressions full of joy.
“Did everything go well?”
“Thanks to you.”
“Oh, oh, it’s been so long…”
“Yeah. Have you been good?”
“Yes, yes…”
“Ugh, now I can finally rest. I couldn’t properly rest since you were late.”
“Is that so?”
“Hehe, let’s go inside. It wouldn’t be right to just stand here, right?”
I nodded at Karina’s words.
—————————
“So, you met the Phoenix?”
“Yeah.”
“The Phoenix? I read about that! I heard it’s huge! What’s it really like?”
“It seems like it’s about the size of a couple of trolls combined.”
“Wow, I want to see it too!”
“…Didn’t we decide to go see it on the graduation trip?”
“Still, it’s killing me~”
“Yeah, yeah.”
If I’m not careful, I might end up heading to the snowy mountains again during winter vacation. I hope I can go with a more relaxed mind by then.
“Johann, but why did you go to meet the Phoenix?”
“To get help in breaking your curse.”
That wasn’t a lie. If I backed Harpas into a corner with the Phoenix’s assistance, the curse would be broken. And… it seemed possible to somewhat alleviate the curse using the power of the blessing.
“Johann…”
“So? What happened?”
Karina looked genuinely touched by my answer. I turned away from her, who was moist-eyed with emotion, and glanced at Renny, who was desperately asking. A hint of hope flickered in her brown eyes.
But I wasn’t exactly in a position to provide a satisfying answer. Still, I had to say something.
Thinking I was intentionally dragging this out, I turned to Renny, who looked at me with eager eyes, and spoke the cold truth.
“Unless we kill Harpas, the curse will not be broken.”
“Ha… That’s too high a difficulty.”
Renny looked genuinely disappointed. And I was really disappointed too. My expectations were low to begin with, but even the Phoenix was unable to move properly due to the curse.
“Still, it wasn’t all for nothing. Karina, can you extend your hand?”
“Yeah?”
Although she looked puzzled, Karina extended her hand as I asked. A little white hand; I gently took it with my rough, large hand.
“Y-Y Johann?”
“Don’t be nervous.”
Is she blushing?
I briefly glanced at Karina’s face, which turned as red as a tomato, and carefully infused power into her hand.
“It’s warm…”
“Do you feel anything else?”
“I think my body feels a bit lighter.”
“Lady Karina, your complexion is looking better…”
As Renny said, Karina’s complexion had noticeably improved. Though I couldn’t drive away the curse, I managed to somewhat lessen its influence. I struggled so much just to practice this.
“Do you think you might be able to stand up?”
“I-I’ll give it a try.”
Like a newborn calf taking its first steps, Karina slowly raised her body, following my guidance. After wobbling a few times, she awkwardly stood up, using my hand as a cane and pushing her wheelchair back.
“Can you stand on your own?”
“I-I don’t know.”
“Don’t be afraid. Even if you fall, I’ll catch you.”
I cautiously let go of Karina’s hand. Shaking like a newborn calf, she managed to stabilize herself.
“I-I’m standing…”
“Karina! Congratulations!”
“L-Lady Karina, congratulations!”
“Lady Karina…”
“Can you walk?”
At my words, Karina slowly walked toward me. The speed was reminiscent of a turtle’s pace, yet to me, it was a deeply emotional moment.
It had been nearly five months since Karina had relied on a wheelchair.
“Ah…!”
“Are you okay?”
“I-I’m fine!”
She must’ve panicked nearly falling. I swiftly picked up Karina, who nearly stumbled, and placed her back in the wheelchair. She seemed unaware, but beads of sweat were forming on her forehead.
“Y-Y Johann?”
“It seems that’s all for now.”
“I think I can do more…”
“There’s no need to rush. We have plenty of time.”
“…Yeah. Right. Yes…”
“Lady Karina, are you okay?”
“I feel a bit dizzy.”
“Renny. Take Karina to her room. I need to drop off my things and head straight out.”
“Eh? Where to?”
“I have something to discuss with Principal Merlin.”
He is probably the one holding the most information at the academy.
“Okay. Take care.”
“Johann, can’t I go too?”
“It’s adult talk.”
I politely refused while patting her head. Such a satisfying face to see after a long time. She always looks like a puppy.
I removed my hand from her head and headed towards the room.
Dun-dun-dun!
The protagonist and Viola have appeared…
And…
The cover work is progressing smoothly…!
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