Kumodesu

"I need a little time."

I nodded, then threw myself into attacking the enemies, never straying too far from Seryl.

She clasped her hands together, closed her eyes, and began chanting incomprehensible incantations.

I didn't know what she was doing, but when I saw the Spirits begin to tremble in fear, I knew... the moment was near.

"Stop them, now!" Muos roared. The crowd immediately rushed in to attack fiercely.

I fought with all I had, but since I had to protect Seryl as well, I couldn't avoid getting heavily wounded.

Finally... the moment came.

"You tainted children... receive your punishment."

As soon as those words left her lips, countless glowing chains shot out from Seryl's body, flying straight toward the Spirits and binding them tightly.

Some tried to flee in panic, but were ultimately dragged back.

I clenched my teeth, forcing myself to suppress the pain screaming from within.

The people around us were stunned by what they witnessed, stopping their attacks entirely. Meanwhile, the Spirits howled in rage—but by now... nothing could save them.

One by one, they were pulled into Seryl's body. Cracks began to form on her skin. When the last Spirit was absorbed, her entire body became engulfed in a large sphere of light that slowly began to fold in on itself.

Blood had started to seep from the corner of my lips. I must have bitten down too hard.

Before the sphere of light closed completely, I managed to catch one last glimpse of her satisfied smile.

In the end... the outcome was no different than last time.

Once again, I let someone I loved vanish before my eyes... and I couldn't do anything.

While I was consumed by grief, the people around me began to panic. Now that they had lost all power granted by the Spirits, fear overtook them.

"That thing will come soon... I don't want to die, I'm out of here!" someone shouted and turned to flee.

I knew very well what he was referring to.

But I... couldn't move.

I could only stand frozen, my eyes fixed on the shimmering sphere of light in front of me.

Soon after, a thunderous roar echoed across the land, striking fear into every remaining soul. They scattered, frantically searching for a place to hide.

But where could they possibly hide?

A horrific scream pierced the air, drawing everyone's gaze in one direction. There, a grotesque creature stood, its head missing the entire left side, six jagged legs supporting a body covered in razor-sharp spikes.

Its claw was thrust through a man's chest.

Then, it tore him apart and devoured him as if he had never existed.

Cerberus.

It hadn't changed at all since the last time I saw it.

What followed was a terrifying massacre.

No one could escape the beast's claws. The agonized cries of men and women, sometimes mixed with the sobs of children, echoed everywhere—then fell silent.

Nobles or peasants, soldiers or civilians, they all met the same fate—mangled bodies, vanished souls. Those once hailed as model soldiers and heroes were now nothing but frightened prey, mercilessly shredded.

Amidst the chaos, I caught sight of one man desperately fleeing toward the village's largest building.

He was the one I'd wanted to kill from the very beginning.

I silently followed him.

Muos burst into the building, quickly bolting every door behind him, and began rummaging through the place, looking for something.

I stayed hidden, watching.

He pulled out sacks of gold and silver, and precious jewelry, shoving them into a bag with frantic, trembling hands—like a drowning man clutching at driftwood.

"As long as I escape... just escape... with all this wealth, I can start over! In Garat... I'll reclaim my power!"

Pathetic.

So good at deluding himself.

"You won't have that chance."

I spoke.

Muos flinched and spun around wildly, but I was still hidden, cloaked in stealth—he couldn't see me.

"Don't... don't kill me... I have money, lots of it! I can share it with you!"

The only answer I gave was to slash off his right arm. Muos collapsed to the floor, blood gushing, screaming in agony.

"Please... spare me... I was a victim too... I was forced... controlled... I had no choice..."

His final plea ended as my blade drove deep into his forehead.

"You're just trash."

After finishing him, I stepped outside.

The world had turned into a blood-drenched battlefield. But there were no corpses left—only pools of blood, shattered buildings, and the stench of death thick in the air.

I looked around... feeling nothing. No anger, no sorrow. Just emptiness.

Then, a creature appeared before me.

I looked at it. It had no eyes, but I could feel it... it was watching me.

Cerberus.

Still that same grotesque monster, half a head, six massive legs, and a body lined with spikes. One of the enemies I hated the most... but I knew I didn't have the strength to kill it.

I couldn't avenge it.

We just stood there, silently staring at each other.

After a moment, Cerberus turned away... and quietly walked off.

It spared me?

I didn't know why. But I was glad to still be alive—

Because there was still a life I needed to protect.

I left the village and returned to the small house.

Veronica was still sleeping. Her peaceful face reminded me so painfully of Seryl when she was alive...

But I could no longer see her again.

In the end, I couldn't hold it in anymore— Tears poured from my eyes, heavy and hot.

They landed on Veronica's face, making her stir and slowly awaken. Her tiny hands reached up, clumsily touching my face… trying to wipe away the tears.

Then she smiled. She made a silly face, trying to make me laugh.

I froze.

Her smile... gave me strength.

That's right.

My future... wasn't over yet. There were still things I had to do.

I had to raise Veronica... I had to find a way to save Seryl...

But if I stayed here to save Seryl, it would hinder Veronica's growth. And taking her outside wasn't easy either—the world beyond was far more dangerous.

What should I do...?

Just then, I heard footsteps approaching from afar.

Someone had survived?

A stranger from outside? Or someone lucky enough to live through all this?

I quickly picked up Veronica and left the house, staying alert.

A middle-aged man with brown hair was walking toward me. He wore clothes in Lubberian style, and held a book in one hand. He looked surprised when he saw me.

"Who are you?" I asked, not taking my eyes off him.

"No need to be so tense," he raised his hand calmly.

"I sensed an unusual wave of death here and came to investigate. I didn't expect such devastation... Ah, where are my manners. I'm Valltilas."

"Valltilas... Valltilas Griant Lubberia...? One of the Seven Sages?"

I was stunned.

"Yes, I was a Sage," he nodded. "But remember, I am just Valltilas now. I am no longer connected to Lubberia."

So it was really that Valltilas.

His name was well-known, but I had heard that he cut ties with Lubberia due to internal conflict.

"Why did you come here?" I asked.

"I'm journeying the world. I happened upon the Elbrinat Grand Labyrinth."

His eyes scanned the surroundings.

"You're the only survivor here, aren't you? Would you tell me what happened?"

I stayed cautious, quietly studying him.

"I understand if you don't trust me," Valltilas said, his gaze resting on the girl in my arms. "But for that child's sake... if there's anything I can do, I will."

I looked down at Veronica.

She remained quiet in my arms. Oddly quiet. I had thought she was asleep...

"...Very well."

I recounted the entire story—but I deliberately left out anything related to the Spirit Queen. Even if Valltilas was a Sage, I couldn't be sure he wasn't after something. Besides, Veronica still carried a Spirit Fragment—a deadly secret if discovered.

"So that's how it was..."

When I finished, Valltilas looked genuinely saddened.

I couldn't tell if it was sincere, but his expression seemed honest.

"The upper nobility of Lubberia... they're beyond redemption," he said bitterly.

"If their rule isn't overturned soon, this country is doomed."

His words... felt like they echoed my own thoughts.

"Do you hate them too?" I asked.

"It's not hate," he looked at me, eyes cold and sharp. "It's vengeance. It's hatred carved into my bones. But... I don't wish to speak of it anymore."

"I see..."

His strong reaction surprised me.

"Enough about me," Valltilas shook his head.

"Tell me—what do you plan to do? Stay here to save your wife? Or take the child and raise her?"

That question... was the one I'd been struggling with most.

"I... don't have an answer yet."

"In that case," he said gently, "Would you let me take care of the child?"

My eyes widened at the unexpected offer.

"I mean no harm," Valltilas continued calmly.

"It's just... I've been where you are. When someone has a greater goal, it's hard to raise a child properly. If you're not careful, that lack of focus will end up hurting her."

"She'll need many things to grow. And you can't do both jobs at once. If you agree, I'll bring her back here once a year. With my protection, she'll be safer."

He was right.

If I truly wanted the best future for Veronica... he was the best choice.

But... would Seryl forgive me if I really did this?

I looked at Veronica…

"I need time to think."

"Of course. I'll stay nearby to conduct some research."

After that, I continued living in the old house with Veronica, while Valltilas set up a temporary shelter in a nearby cave.

"Veronica... I'm sorry. I truly want to raise you myself. But maybe I'm not good enough for that...I want to give you the best of everything… and yet I don't want to be apart from you."

Veronica smiled and held my hand.

I didn't know if she understood, but I still said,

"We may have to part for a while. But I promise I'll come back for you. With your mother."

"Please forgive me."

Veronica smiled again and nodded.

I wasn't sure if she really understood... or was just trying to comfort me. But somehow... my heart felt lighter.

Later, I met with Valltilas and gave him my decision—I would entrust Veronica to him, and focus on finding a way to save Seryl.

"I swear on my name, I will take good care of her."

"Thank you."

Valltilas stayed a little longer, then left with Veronica. Before leaving, she still smiled at me.

I saw her wave goodbye—

I waved back.

But this time... it wouldn't be a farewell.

With Veronica entrusted safely, I began to fully focus on finding a way to free Seryl. Before leaving, Lord Valltilas had given me many research materials on Spirits. They were invaluable in Insight the power sealed inside her.

During this time, I stumbled upon something unexpected: Alger's corpse.

So... he died too.

I didn't know exactly what had happened to him, but the only thing I could do was bury him—next to Vorsel's grave, with the belongings he left behind.

After spending more time here, I finally decided to leave. I had gone through every document, but none held the true answer I needed.

Maybe... I'd find it out there.

It was time to begin a new journey.

But this time... I wasn't wandering aimlessly.

I had a goal.

I had someone to fight for, even if they weren't by my side right now.

Unlike before, I was no longer alone. Before leaving the fifth floor, I turned and looked back one last time. This place held so many memories...

Of those who once stood beside me... Of those I loved...

And of her... Charlot... Seryl...

In that quiet moment, their images appeared before me like echoes in the flickering light and shadow. Seryl stood there, smiling softly. And Charlot reached out and gently pushed me forward.

"Go, Loyral. We will always be with you."

Their voices came at once—not loud, but so deep it shook my soul.

I clenched my fist.

"...Thank you both."

I will not give up.

Wait for me…!