Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

Chapter 263 [Title: First Hero's Legacy < So what the hell is this thing?] Content: If there's anyone who went and slaughtered the small, pitiful fairy even knowing her circumstances, please let me know - Wasn't that a cloak with flying capabilities? - No no, that's the fairy's personal possession - Hero's personal possession (with wear marks) < If you put something like this up for auction, how much would it go for? - Oh, is this for investment purposes? - These Hero Party bastards, damn, so they knew it would skyrocket and looted one by one after the Hero died? - What bullshit is this, damn - For real, the loot window might have just popped up randomly and the dice rolled - [Author]: Even if you kill the fairy and try to loot the cloak The cloak refuses - Yeah It politely refuses saying it has only one master - That's the Hero's legacy in the first place The Hero entrusted it to a sane fairy, so once the fairy goes crazy, there's no way to get it, right? - That's why there is a way to save the fairy Honestly it's a waste of resources so it's better to just abandon the fairy, yeah - Yeah, I think that's right too - Damn, how is saving a person a waste -: Are these the kinds of bastards who are the Sacred Fire in a world being consumed by darkness? - This is dark fantasy, yeah - [Author]: So there are people who have actually checked the First Hero's Legacy So what is it? - Originally that thing The First Saint gives teachings + divinity When the player goes, the Saint isn't there and it just shows a void world called 'empty village' The fairy falls into shock seeing that - Oh, is that possibly that thing? Dawn's Hand? - Yeah, the First Saint Had all her energy drained by the current Saint and vanished - [Author]: So there's basically no reward? - Besides that, there's something called 'Miracle's Blessing' The Hero left behind an overpowered buff But when you actually go there, a window pops up saying [Requirements not met] and the buff doesn't activate - [Author]: You have to receive teachings from the Saint That seems to be the structure for meeting the requirements - Maybe so, yeah - Ah damn, priestess Just hold on a little longer - What priestess - She's completely vanished now, yeah - Hmm, that makes sense - [Author]: Makes sense my ass You guys are right not to inherit the Hero's legacy, yeah *** [Requirements have been met] [New power is bestowed upon the target] [Trait: Miracle's Blessing] ... ... ... [Failed!] [Target's status is too high] *** "Risir, are you tired by any chance!? Looking at your expression, you don't seem tired, but if you're okay, shall we visit Karoer together for now!? You don't know how much Karoer worried about you and waited for you, Risir! Oh! Lunadien too! Oh!!! And above all, me too!!! Risir! You're curious why I stayed in Risir's room, right!?! Don't be surprised! This was all because I was worried about Risir!?! Here, I waited day by day, soaking my pillow with tears wondering when Risir would return!!! So Risir should be a little more moved seeing me-" "Ughhh..." Right after returning. Risir visited Karoer together with Ratsil. She was spending busy time in her office located in the Teal Palace, dealing with work related to the 'expedition'. "Risir." This was the High Elf's reaction upon meeting Risir. The pupils of those detached eyes greatly expanded, then very slowly returned to normal. "You've returned." "Yes. I'm sorry for causing you worry." "It's not something you need to apologize for. That was purely an accident. Are you hurt anywhere?" "Yes. Many things happened, but now as you can see- I'm healthy. Thank you for worrying about me." "Good. I can say this because of the situation, but I wasn't particularly worried." "Pardon?" "I've seen too much to worry about you needlessly." "..." That High Elf was not the type to joke around. As expected. Her detached expression was genuinely expressing the sentiment of 'Me worry about you? Why?' Risir wondered whether he should be hurt or not. "Karoer." Just then. An elf entered Karoer's office and placed a bundle of documents on her desk. Even after that, as if there was still other work remaining, they left a quick greeting and hurriedly left the place. Karoer's desk was already in a state with several bundles of documents piled up. She glanced over the bundle of documents once and let out a small sigh. "I'd like to hear about what you experienced there, but as you can see, I don't have the leisure for that right now. Please understand." "Not at all. Actually, I came to see Lord Karoer because I have something to ask related to that matter. Lord Karoer. An expedition... what's this about?" "How much did you hear from Ratsil?" "I heard that the Prophet felt the presence of the World Tree in a human city, and accordingly an expedition is being prepared." "Then, it's safe to say you know everything." "Pardon?" "Risir. Is the World Tree Spirit doing well?" "Ah, yes. She's healthy." "However, the World Tree seed you gave us still hasn't sprouted." "That's..." "Moreover, the Prophet felt the presence of the World Tree from outside." Risir. Karoer straightened her posture and spoke that name solemnly. "As you know, the World Tree Spirit regards you as her mother." "Not mother but fath..." "Hmm?" "Ah, it's nothing. I'll listen." "Moreover, the Prophet felt the presence of the World Tree in a human city outside the forest. Do you have any guesses?" "...Just in case, may I ask about the specific location or name of the human city where the Prophet felt the presence of the World Tree?" "I think I can give you the answer you want regarding that point. For a human city, it's a place with many connections to our Illatdein, so it wasn't difficult to identify. It's probably a place deeply connected to you as well. After all, the Gray Magic Tower is-...Risir?" At this point. Risir was rubbing his brow, feeling an intense headache. He muttered quietly. "Bondaless." "Oh. As expected. You were vaguely aware of it." That detached High Elf rarely produced a mischievous smile. "Risir. May I ask you to guide the expedition?" Her expression showed she understood that no further explanation or conversation was needed. "Do I... have a choice..." *** "Risir. You're surprisingly compliant? I thought you'd be more troubled about it-" After the meeting with Karoer. Ratsil approached Risir and asked. "Of course I have to comply..." According to what he heard from Karoer. This expedition was planned with extremely pure intentions. A survey. Curiosity about the place where the great World Tree had newly taken root! Risir couldn't help but be amazed by the elves' attitude. Right away, if they were humans, it wouldn't be strange if they raised a fuss about holy wars or actual wars, claiming a great being had been stolen. 'Even considering that I'm the benefactor who helped the World Tree, this is quite an exceptional treatment...' In such circumstances, maintaining such a peaceful and rational attitude. It was natural to cooperate with both hands raised. "Bondaless is also my heart's hometown. If Bondaless and all of you form a good relationship... there would be nothing better than that. I'll do my best to ensure this expedition concludes that way." "Is that really true!?!" Ratsil approached Risir with sparkling eyes. Risir was startled. Was she someone who got moved by things like this? "Bondaless is Risir's hometown!? Then me, me! Me!!! Observer Ratsil who took care of Risir with sincerity and devotion in Illatdein!!! It's okay to expect repayment from Risir, right!?!" "Ah." As expected. The part that moved Ratsil was different. She couldn't keep her hands and feet still due to curiosity and anticipation toward the human city. "Ah! This isn't the time to be doing this!!! Plans! I need to organize plans! So that Risir can guide us easily!!!" Risir reflexively thought about what lay ahead. "Ah...!" Just from imagining it, all his energy drained away and he collapsed onto the spot. *** Fortunately, there was still quite a bit of time left until the expedition's departure. Thanks to this, Risir could handle other matters while preparing for the expedition. He first tried to convey the experiences he had to the Hero of Sealing's party. "What? They left?" "Yes! At a point where we didn't know when Risir would return, they couldn't keep waiting indefinitely! Especially in our elven city! You know, right!? The fact that our Illatdein doesn't welcome just any outsider with open arms!" "Ah..." "Moreover, they said this. That if it's Risir, they can trust him with that legacy." "..." Risir felt considerable debt toward his companions. He had ended up monopolizing the First Hero's Legacy by himself. But such complete trust and consideration for the sole reason of 'because it's Risir'. 'My heart feels warm... and heavy...' Anyway, thanks to this, Risir had one big worry lifted. He could return to his room with peace of mind and have time to himself. Time to organize his thoughts! "Child." "Ahhhhhhh!!!" The moment he was alone, a voice suddenly came to his ear. Night of the Forest, Labella. Her avatar, a silver butterfly, had somehow approached his ear. "La, Labella! You're still here!?" "Did I trouble you, child?" "Ah, no, it's not that...! Can you stay in the present world for this long!?" This was the part that perplexed Risir. Previously. Labella had certainly said so. That for herself as a conceptual being to manifest in the present world would require a great deal of preparation and cost. That this was one of the reasons she couldn't accompany him to Illatdein. "Ah. About that." She made a meaningful laugh. "It's all thanks to you, child?" "...Pardon?" "Hehe. That reaction. I understand. I had a similar reaction to you at the time. Even so. No matter how curious. Let's put it aside for now. There's a more important conversation right now, isn't there?" Creak. Risir's bed tilted slightly. The silver butterfly transformed into a dark elf and took the spot next to Risir. The dark elf brought the man's hand onto her lap and gently held it. "Child. Why don't you tell me what happened there? What on earth happened?" It was the moment when Risir, unable to resist that gentle pressure, was about to helplessly spill his story. Creak! The room's door opened without hesitation. Risir was shocked. 'Oh no! This is terrible!!!' Green Magic Tower Master Lunadien. She, the subjugator and adversary of the Night of the Forest, was standing there. In a situation where it wouldn't be strange for Lunadien to rush in immediately, Risir was restless and tried to mediate between the two. "Risir." However. Before that, Lunadien spoke to Risir first. In a very calm tone. "I heard from Karoer. That you returned." "Ah, yes! Master Lunadien! I've returned!" "Good. It worked out well. There's someone who wants to see you anyway." "What? Me?" "Yes. Will you follow me?" Risir rose from his seat as if entranced and approached the red-haired elf. Then he slowly looked back and forth between the red-haired elf and the silver-haired dark elf. "..." "..." He didn't miss it. The very subtle exchange of glances between the two. 'Wh, what on earth happened while I was gone...?' *** Afterward. The place Risir arrived at following Lunadien was the grounds of the Green Magic Tower, the backyard that Risir usually used as a training place. "...!" Risir, who arrived at the location, ended up taking a big gulp of air. Perhaps even more than when Labella and Lunadien faced each other. Risir's head turned upward as if it might break. Because there was a being looking down at him from that high position. Red scales that looked more solid than steel. The massive vertically split eyes were like enormous iron bars. 'A dragon...!?' That being of superior status was emanating an overwhelming presence. -The Star's Eye has seen you. The dragon spoke while looking at Risir. -I invite you to the Star's Council. "Star's Council...?" The red-haired elf looked at Risir with interest. "If you were to take hold of a star's name, what kind of star would you be?" *** Parting with Risir. Shuyen couldn't fully savor the aftermath. "What is this...?" It was because of the story Tara suddenly brought up. The fairy moved to a nearby tree. There, she was having a staring contest with a small bird sitting on a branch. "This is... the bird you created to help Risir master divine magic. Originally a bird born injured. Right?" The Saint's Village. It was a world that Tara had created through her will. Within this world, Tara possesses power close to omnipotence. Still, even for her, there were impossible things. The creation of life was a prime example. "That's not a bird." "What? If this isn't a bird, what is it?" "Strictly speaking, it's a mass of energy in the form of a bird." "Ah." As Tara said. It was a kind of spell technique, the 'form of an injured bird' that Tara had materialized through energy. Its purpose was to evaluate Risir's divine abilities. It detects the power contained in Risir's healing magic and shows appropriate reactions. If the healing magic wasn't performed properly, the injury would remain as is, and if it was performed properly, the injury would be healed. And- That's all. Once healed, the spell technique should fulfill its purpose and disappear. It wasn't a life form with flesh and soul. But- "..." The fairy carefully extended her hand to make contact with the bird. "!!!" At that moment. The bird that had been staring into space with unfathomable black eyes looked at the fairy. No. It glared! Sharp eyes like those of a bird of prey! "Kyaaah!!!" The bird bravely spread its wings and launched a beak attack at the fairy. The fairy was terrified and immediately flew behind Tara to hide. "Ta, Tara!!! What is that thing!" The small bird's beak attack felt like a giant monster's charge to the fairy. However. The reason the fairy was particularly surprised wasn't because of the size relativity. It was because she felt an extreme sense of disconnection from the bird's appearance of reacting to her touch and rushing at her. Unlike when it remained still like a doll even when feeling Risir's touch in its injured state- "Is that thing actually alive!?" Because its current appearance was truly like a living being. "..." Tara couldn't answer Shuyen's question. She was equally confused. Instead, Tara carefully extended her index finger toward the bird. The highly excited bird looked at Tara for a while, then immediately flew over and perched on her finger. "Hey! Why does it do that to her!!!" Leaving the angry fairy behind, the saint carefully stroked the bird's small head. "..." The bird closed its eyes peacefully. Entrusting its body to external force. As if it could feel that touch. That wasn't all. "My goodness..." The saint could clearly feel through her fingertips. That small being's breath. Its heartbeat. Its life. The saint and fairy initially felt wonder. And- "Ah." "Ah!" The sparrow's form slowly disappeared like a receding rainbow. Regretful sounds escaped from their mouths. They also seemed somewhat relieved. If that bird had remained with them throughout, it wouldn't have stopped at just wonder. "Ta, Tara...? Just asking in case... did you do that...?" "...Would I have done that?" "...Then, is it him again? Risir? Because he healed that bird, it became like that temporarily?" "..." The saint couldn't answer. An illusion modeled after a bird's form. It had briefly gained substance and been normalized. Such a phenomenon. The power that made it possible. She couldn't even dare to fathom how to define such things. "Is, is this also something like a miracle...?" At the fairy's words, the saint almost snapped for a moment. Do you think you can just slap the word 'miracle' on everything? "..." And then, she's flustered by herself. Well. If it's a miracle, then it's all fine. What wouldn't work? Are you doubting the Lord's divine authority now? Why. Are you afraid the Lord couldn't perform such a miracle? "No, no..." The saint agonized and shook her head. Her faith, which even the fear of death and sense of loss couldn't shake, faced an untimely test. "..." "Tara?" Just then. Tara's gaze fixed on somewhere. Toward the dimensional gate that had returned Risir to the present world. A being with flesh and actual existence returning to the present world. A being composed only of will with vanished flesh manifesting in the present world. There existed a great gap between the two. For example, conceptual beings cannot freely travel between the present world and the conceptual world like the living. The simple-structured dimensional gate that had sent Risir back to the present world. For the saint, using it would be a distant prospect. The saint would have to pay a greater price to manifest in the present world. She would have to make more preparations and pay a greater price to manifest in the present world. Yes. It would certainly be so. "..." Tara carefully extended her hand toward the dimensional gate. And- "...!" She pulled her hand back in surprise. Tara hurriedly looked down at her hand. "What on earth is this!?" The farewell with Risir. Tara couldn't even fully savor the afterglow. She struggled in confusion.