Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

Chapter 248 "So, this child..." It was a very rare occurrence. Night of the Forest Labella. Her leisurely eyes, which seemed to be looking down at her own garden, tensed up slightly. Her gaze was directed toward the feet of her beloved great-grandchild. More precisely, to the teal girl clinging to her great-grandchild's leg. "You're saying she's the World Tree Spirit?" "That's how it turned out." "Hmm..." Labella's expression looked as if she had heard a joke that was difficult to respond to. -Mommy? Just then. The teal girl looked up at Labella with sprout-like green eyes and spoke. Labella made eye contact with her at her level and smiled with her eyes. The Dark Elf's half-open silver eyes curved like a crescent moon. "Young one. Did you hear? This child is calling me mommy. So then, what would be the relationship between you and me?" Her playful smile didn't last long. -... The teal girl listened to her words, then frowned and shook her head from side to side. "Huh?" The teal girl pressed herself against Risir's leg as if to show her. And then she said. -Mommy! As if declaring that this person was her legitimate and rightful mommy. "Hmm..." Labella's attempt to carefully resolve the situation with a joke was thus frustrated. "Mommy, she says..." She fell into deep confusion once again. Until she came directly to Illatdein, Labella had thought that way. That it had taken too long no matter how she thought about it. Considering her great-grandchild's extraordinary abilities, there was definitely a problem if obtaining a Nature Magic seed took this much time. "Rather than taking too long, was it actually the opposite?" "Lady Bella...?" However, when she checked the actual situation, it was rather the opposite. "I sent you to obtain a Nature Magic seed, but in the meantime you've gone and obtained the World Tree's seed. How am I supposed to react to this..." After organizing her thoughts for a moment, Labella spoke. "Young one. Isn't your progress a bit too fast?" "Uh... I'm sorry...?" The two could only look at each other and create awkward smiles. *** Though it wasn't particularly surprising, Risir was feeling amazement toward Labella. -Sister. Sister. "Yes? Did you call me?" -Can you make those butterflies from earlier again? "Well. What do you think?" The World Tree Spirit, who had followed no one but himself, was now following her before he knew it. "This time, instead of butterflies, how about this?" Previously, when Labella gestured, butterflies with mystical colors had wandered around the room scattering nature's energy. Labella gestured once more. A rich cluster of flowers bloomed from the floor, gently embracing the teal girl. Soon, the flowers became petals and scattered— And the girl's body was clothed in a pure white dress that seemed to be woven from white flowers. -Waaah! Giggles. The teal girl exclaimed with delight as she looked down at her own body. "How is it? Do you like it?" -Yes! It's pretty! Like mommy! The teal girl playing excitedly. The Dark Elf watching her contentedly. "What does she mean by 'like me'?" Only Risir was alone with a serious expression beside them. -This, this! The teal girl looked at the Dark Elf and pointed to her own dress. "Hm? Are you asking if there are more of those dresses?" -Yes! Yes! "Why. Do you want other clothes too?" The teal girl shook her head vigorously. -Sister! Sister! "Sister? Ah." Labella nodded her head saying she understood. "That's right. My consideration was too lacking." "Lady Bella?" "Young one. Shall we call the other children too?" Labella said it worked out well, and began dressing Risir's spirits one by one in pure white dresses. "!!!" The spirited Sand Spirit. "..." The dazed Purple Spirit. "What is this!!! This cumbersome piece of cloth that looks like it would burn well in fire!!!" Even the greyish-white fireball got one. Was it right to say that was "dressed"? Risir let out a breathy chuckle as he watched the hem of the dress swaying while clinging to the greyish-white fireball. "Well, how is it, Dangaleon. It suits you well." "Graaaah!!! What ultimate embarrassment is this!!! But since Master has said so, I, pure white Dangaleon!!! Will gladly bear these white robes!!!" Even as the greyish-white flames burned fiercely, not a single scorch mark appeared on the pure white dress. As expected of Night of the Forest, he supposed. Even the clothes she gifted to children were never ordinary. Thus, the spirits wearing matching outfits began excitedly playing with a ball(?). The spirits who had initially been playing with a multi-headed lump as a ball eventually added another new ball, perhaps because they were short on balls. 'What's that? Was there such a ball—no, was there such a spirit?' Risir focused his eyes and observed that new ball. "Ah." Then his head slowly nodded. The Defeated One. No, the losing bastard. That incarnation of pain who had imposed unilateral suffering on his followers was rolled up into a moderately round shape and fixed with sand. Having apparently been thoroughly dealt with by the other spirits during this time, his expression was as composed as a believer who had gained enlightenment. Risir thought. Now he finally had a face befitting a 'self-proclaimed saint.' 'By the way, I've really collected quite a lot during this time. So, all those many friends have set up house inside my Inner World?' Risir checked the faces of the spirits(?) gathered in one place and burst into a chuckle. He suddenly became curious and asked his great master. "Lady Bella. Is this alright?" "What are you curious about?" "Is it alright to store so many spirits(?) like that inside my Inner World? Shouldn't I start exercising restraint from now on? Increasing the number any further—..." "Hmm." "In Lady Bella's view, what do you think would be an appropriate number?" Labella spoke with a kind smile that seemed to soothe Risir's anxiety. "There's no such thing as an appropriate number." "...Ah! You mean it depends on what I can handle—" Risir seeking enlightenment from his great master's words. Seeing his appearance, Labella gently stroked his head. "To begin with, the Inner World isn't like a storage space for keeping spirits." "Ah." Risir realized how meaningless his worries had been. 'That's... right? As Lady Bella said, if there were going to be problems, they would have started when I first brought in Verdandes...' If he was going to worry, he should have done so from the beginning; at the point where he had already established a spirit kindergarten inside his Inner World, it was too late to worry. '...Yeah, well. It'll work out somehow.' In the end, Risir looked at the spirits with resignation that wasn't quite resignation. "By the way, this will make the situation more complicated than expected." Labella, who had likewise been contentedly watching the spirits play for a while, spoke. "Oh, what kind of problem might there be?" "That child. The World Tree Spirit. I don't know what circumstances led to that child choosing you, but—..." Deep worry appeared on her expression. "Indeed, will the elves accept the relationship between that child and you?" "..." Risir's expression became complicated. It wasn't because of the problem Labella had mentioned. "Um, Lady Bella?" "Yes?" "Actually, there are still several more stories I haven't been able to tell you yet." "Hehe. You're finally telling me now? How you came to meet that child." "..." "You look troubled. Perhaps you're being considerate of me? If that's the case, don't worry. Thanks to you, I should say—I don't think I'll be easily surprised by any story for a while now." "Ah, if that's the case—" At ease with his great master's consideration, Risir spilled out all the remaining stories. About the World Tree facing death and being reborn. About Night of Deception that was involved in that process. And about Night of Karma that was entangled with Night of Deception. About the Magic Sword he discovered afterward. Additionally, even about what happened with the elf ancestors. "..." "Ah, Lady Bella!" Risir had to quickly approach and support her swaying body. *** Risir had been about to ask Labella about her relationship with Karma. The reason why Karma had mentioned her through Night of Deception. 'This definitely isn't the right atmosphere for that.' That was the conclusion Risir reached after observing Labella's condition. His great master, who had already absorbed too much information, was having a difficult time trying to process it all. He had somehow achieved the tremendous feat of 'neutralizing Night of the Forest'—what an unworthy disciple he was. Thus, while quietly waiting beside Labella for her to calm down. 'Huh, wait. Why did I come here in the first place—...!' Risir suddenly stood up from his seat. It was because he had recalled his original purpose, which he had completely forgotten due to his great master's surprise appearance. And- 'This aura is!?' Lady Bella! Hide! Risir shouted urgently with his eyes. An intense rose fragrance seemed to strike his nose. Star of the Garden Lunadien. He could feel her powerful aura slowly approaching from outside the door. Should he call it fortunate? Labella had noticed the change faster than Risir and had already taken measures. With a gentle flutter, Labella had disappeared, and in her place remained a single butterfly. A butterfly with silver coloring reminiscent of Labella's eyes. -Young one. May I impose on you for a moment? 'Ah!' When Risir offered his chest, the butterfly naturally hid within it. Bang! At the same time, the door opened violently and a red-haired elf with flowing hair entered the room. "..." Star of the Garden Lunadien. She fiercely surveyed the interior of the room. "Lunadien! What is this—" Karoer. Ratsil. Shuon's group. They followed restlessly behind her. "Lady Lunadien, what's the matter...?" Risir, already adept at deception, asked her with inspired acting. Who could look at that face and think he was hiding Night of the Forest! "..." Lunadien sighed deeply and tilted her head. "Strange. I definitely sensed that woman's aura..." "Sorry, Risir. She suddenly—before we could stop her—" Karoer apologized on her behalf from behind. Risir waved his hands dismissively. "Oh, no! It's my fault for being late! I'm sorry! Wait, the spirits got excited and—" Roll roll— thud. Something rolling on the floor touched Lunadien's foot. "?" The moment Lunadien tried to confirm what it was- "!!!" Spirited, brave, and dignified eyebrows stared at her. "I blocked it!!!" "Blocked...?" Even Lunadien, who had been extremely serious, couldn't help but lose her momentum in front of those brave eyebrows. Lunadien pondered the Baby Sand Spirit's words. "I was supposed to win originally!!!" Lunadien followed the path of the ball she had blocked. A purple girl with a blank expression was standing there. If there hadn't been an incident, wouldn't that ball(?) have passed between the purple girl's feet? "..." Soon, a chuckle escaped from Lunadien's lips. It was an atmosphere where the person being serious seemed strange. "Sorry, little one. I ended up interfering with your play." The Baby Spirit nodded her head. Yes! You interfered! "It's okay! I'll forgive you!!!" But she forgives. Why? Because an apology was made. Her tilted eyebrows were a symbol of spunk. Lunadien created a brilliant smile like a blooming rose. True to being an elf, she was weak to spirits. "To express gratitude for your forgiveness, I would like to ask the spirited young lady's name—" When Lunadien gestured like an actor on stage, the Baby Sand Spirit began gathering energy from her very core. "I am Verdande...s!" Risir thought 'Oh no.' Star of the Garden, who had been active in the same era as Night of the Forest, immediately recognized that name. Karoer was the same as well- "Verdandes...?" The Seer's group wandering the continent was the same. Should he call it fortunate? Lunadien no longer had time to worry about Night of the Forest. Risir grabbed his Magic Sword with relief and left the room with them. *** "First, let me explain this." Lunadien immediately got to the point as if trying to ignore what had happened in Risir's room earlier. She pointed to the Magic Sword in Risir's hand and spoke. "That Magic Sword was probably sealed in Illatdein by the First Hero." "The First Hero..." Risir carefully pondered that name being mentioned again. "Why did the First Hero seal this dangerous thing in Illatdein?" "Probably, he judged that the World Tree's Pure Energy would become a prison and suppress the Magic Sword's resurrection." "Ah..." But the World Tree had fallen ill- And as a result, cracks had formed in the Magic Sword's seal. Soon, Risir nodded his head and muttered. "Then the remaining two Magic Swords are..." Lunadien looked at him and created a smile. "My. You're already thinking about the remaining two Magic Swords? To find and deal with them before they cause problems?" "Pardon? Ah." Risir nodded soullessly. He had been pondering how he could get his hands on the remaining two Magic Swords as well. "I was worried that might be the case, so I'm also organizing information about Magic Swords on my end. So, let's continue the discussion about Magic Swords when that organization is finished—" Lunadien hurriedly concluded the conversation as if her body was heating up somewhere, and placed the familiar object on the table. A cube-shaped object. "Finally, it's time to explain this object." "The First Hero's Legacy..." "That's right. Risir. The First Hero—no. How much do you know about the Hero's Legacy?" "Actually... I just learned that such a thing exists this time." "Is that so? It's fine. No problem." "Pardon?" "In this current situation, there's only one thing you need to know about this object with its complex and mysterious story." Lunadien placed her hand over the cube and continued speaking. "Risir. Are you ready to claim the First Hero's Legacy?" "What!? Lady Lunadien, what does that—" Lunadien looked at Seer Shuon and his group. Then, Seer Shuon continued speaking. "Risir. Do you remember what Sodin said about this legacy back then?" "Ah..." At that voice that emerged as he traced his memories, Risir's eyes widened greatly. Because he vaguely understood the reason they had sought him and the Magic Sword together. "Don't tell me. Are you thinking of using this object instead of Sodin?" Then their gazes all turned toward Hero of Sealing Shelloa at once. Junggeom continued speaking. "That's right. If not the Master of Sacred Sword and her companions, then who else would inherit the First Hero's Legacy?" Everyone nodded in agreement. Risir felt the same way. Even if they kept it half-heartedly or hid it away, it would eventually end up in the hands of people like Sodin again. 'Rather, using it completely now to eliminate future troubles would be the most certain approach.' Since there was a Hero who could clearly be called a descendant as the Master of Sacred Sword, the justification was also clear. "So, Risir." Hero of Sealing Shelloa spoke to him. "I'd like to borrow your power." "By my power, you mean... filling the gap of the Dark Mage and Shaman?" That was their conclusion after confirming through 'Magic Swordsmanship' that Risir could perform the role of both Dark Mage and Shaman. "I understand." When Risir readily agreed, they showed both relief and bewildered reactions. It wasn't easy to accept the fact that one person could handle both dark magic and shamanism. Of course, now wasn't the time to worry about such things. The First Hero. The legacy of the greatest hero in history. That great resonance that would make anyone's heart race was drawing them in. Perhaps responding to their will. "...!" The First Hero's Legacy. That cube-shaped object began emanating light along with its unique aura. -Great Mage. "...!" At that call, Lunadien rose from her seat and stared at it. -Benevolent Priest. -Steadfast Swordsman. -Wise Guide. -Wise Counselor. -Mystical Shaman. -Cunning Dark Mage. -Friend of Spirits. At its call, each member of the party rose from their seats and straightened their posture. And finally- -Descendant of the Hero. Hero of Sealing Shelloa. She placed her hand on the Hero's Legacy. -Will you inherit the legacy? "I will inherit it." It began emitting an even stronger light. Soon. The Hero's Legacy began inviting the 'party' that met the requirements to a prepared location. "Huh?" Risir looked down at his own body. His body was being swallowed and disappearing into the light emanated by the legacy. Pat pat. The Hero of Sealing tapped his forearm reassuringly. "Go ahead and wait for us." "...!" Risir nodded his head. -Great Mage. Benevolent Priest. Steadfast Swordsman... As the legacy's roll call continued, Risir's form gradually grew fainter. -And, Descendant of the Hero. Face your new destiny. And as the final roll call ended, Risir completely vanished from his spot. He who was both a mystical shaman and cunning dark mage. Who would be next? They looked at each other with expressions mixed with both tension and excitement. After Risir- "..." "..." "...?" There was none. In the room where the light had subsided and become quiet, they could only stare blankly at the spot where Risir had been standing. *** [Dungeon has been bound] ▷ : Burning Black Fire Dangaleon ▷ : Sand Mountain That Blocks the Sun Verdandes ▷ : Asking Left Hand ▷ : The Losing One ▷ : Embracing Nightmare Srahan ▷ : World Tree Spirit ▷ : Risir ▷ : Risir ▷ : Risir ... ▷ : Risir [Capacity exceeded] ▷ : Risir [Capacity exceeded] ▷ : Risir [Capacity exceeded] ▷ : Risir [Capacity exceeded] ▷ : Risir ... ... ... (E/N: You ok?)