1033: Unacceptable Feelings

Phew

The negative feelings pouring in from Fannabelta finally calmed down.

Im okay now.

Nn.

Fran held me in her arms as she glared at Trismegistus.

This was our reward?

Indeed.

There was no emotion in Trismegistus voice, even though he had just lost his beloved sword, his lifelong partner.

I couldnt even feel anger anymore.

There was only pity.

For Fannabelta, who was called unnecessary by the one she had served for so many years. For Trismegistus, who showed no grief despite losing his partner.

Was there anything in those eyes? Just a tiny bit of emotional turmoil? Maybe he was grieving after all? Did he want to put Fannabelta to rest before she went completely mad? Or was it just my desire and Fannabeltas emotions making it seem that way?

Frans ears drooped. She must have thought something similar. Her earlier anger and killing intent had vanished, and she seemed to feel sympathy for Trismegistus and Fannabelta.

It must be horrifying how utterly different they were from us. Like an encounter with the unknown. She tightened her grip on the arms holding me.

I know your sword has the Cannibalize ability. Thus, I decided to grant you power.

Do you have a spare of Fannabelta somewhere? Like a backup of her memory or something?

There is no such thing.

Jeez

In other words, hell serve out his divine punishment alone for the rest of eternity? I know the guy deserves it, but thats just

Trismegistus figure suddenly blurred after he answered our question.

Hmm. It seems I have reached the limit of

Hes gone?

Trismegistus suddenly dissipated into nothingness. There must be a limit for the amount of time he could remain outside the barrier. At about the same time, Izario regained consciousness.

Fran that you?

Izario, are you okay?

A lot better than I thought Id be. Why?

Thanks to Trismegistus.

I explained to Izario about how Trismegistus used Original Sin Envy to save him.

Izario seemed to accept my words without doubt.

Im a valuable a.s.set to him, so it makes sense.

He apparently stole a few hours of your time, but how do you feel?

We checked out Izarios condition. He still felt the wear and tear from before we arrived at the castle, but was otherwise completely fine. After quickly getting back up, he was able to walk without issue.

Or rather, he even regained the levels that should have been lost as the price of divine sword usage.

He might even be able to fight in this condition. Afterward, I explained all of Trismegistus actions behind the scenes.

Izario, what do you think of Trismegistus now?

Its not like my sense of justice is telling me he needs to die. But I also dont have the tolerance to forgive him just because I feel a bit sorry.

I think Id prefer him gone, but its not like we can kill him or anything. Isnt there even a possibility of divine punishment if we interfere with his mission? So theres really nothing we can do?

I dont have any clue what to do with him anymore

I know its frustrating, but you have to understand thats how it is and give up. No matter what we say, Trismegistus wont change, and theres literally nothing we can do about him. Besides, were technically the ones trespa.s.sing on the continent.

He said that only those who can fight are allowed to stay.

I suppose thats one strategy.

But we need a source of production to support the military, right? That means we need towns, and any large gathering of people will result in the birth of children and population expansion.

Sure, Trismegistus might consider a lot of those people pointless. But there are blacksmiths, alchemists, cooks, etc. Arent such craftsmen necessary to support the dragonkin fighting within the barrier?

Trismegistus has no need for supplies, and the dragonkin are capable of pa.s.sing through the barrier. Theres no reason we absolutely require frontline bases on the inside. Trismegistus must have calculated that having such a huge population feeding the antidemons was making things less efficient.

Gordicia was originally the land for Trismegistus and the dragonkin to atone for their sins. Moreover, the G.o.ds said that those without the ability to fight should not enter.

And if anyone dares to interfere with his atonement, they risk getting eliminated. Basically, all who pa.s.s through the barrier must live with the danger.

Consider Trismegistus and antidemons to be natural disasters. You wont make it long here if you cant accept this fact.

That may be true, but I just

Thats fine too. Accepting things that easily will make you cynical. Like me.

Izario laughed in self-mockery. Even he wasnt as detached as he claimed. However, its certainly important for someone living on this continent.

Thats probably what he tells himself at least.

So Trismegistus was the only winner in all of this?

Theres no doubt this incident shaved off a great deal of the Abyss Eaters power, and the legendary monsters escape would mean the end of the world. I hate to say it, but he contributed to world peace. Think of it that way.

Yeah, true Besides, he lost Fannabelta. Its not a flawless victory.

As I was sighing, I saw someone running up to us.

Izario, Fran! You okay!?

You guys alright too?

Indeed!

It was Mea. The others with her seemed to be capable of moving as well.

The sphere forms collision attack and everything afterward was really hectic, but it seems many managed to survive. They all naturally gathered at Izarios side.

Everyone was in shambles. Even Orfalves high-quality dwarven armor was covered in holes.

Urus.h.i.+ carried Sophie, while two adventurers carried Ashwrath. Both of them were still unconscious.

That said, their numbers have dwindled. Adventurers, soldiers, and knights alike probably had less than half of their original members.

Still, we defeated the giant antidemon and ended the crisis. Many were busy mourning the dead and celebrating victory.

Also, there was no sign of the Holy Nations main forces. It seems they withdrew on their own. Well, they would have been useless without Adol, so not like it changed anything

As much as wed like to call it a day too, thats not happening just yet. This army came here to check on the antidemon anomaly.

The better off members of our forces gathered to discuss our future course of action: Orfalve, Izario, Haganes Sakaki, the Knight Captain of Silard after returning, and finally Seliadot, who seemed to have a topic in mind. Itd be best if we could talk to Trismegistus too, but he literally tried to kill us a while back.

Well, I doubt he cares anymore, but just in case. I mean, theres always a possibility hell attack us out of the blue for some reason that doesnt make any sense.

And after his goal is accomplished, hell praise us again without any display of emotion.

I just cant get along with Trismegistus. If possible, Id rather not see him for a while. I need time to come to terms with these feelings.

Fran probably hates him even more than I do. Even if he didnt kill anyone directly, his plan caused the death of many innocents, and he even tried to destroy me. She wasnt angry enough to swear vengeance or anything, but seeing his face again would be more than enough to p.i.s.s her off.

As I was thinking about this, Fran and Izario suddenly turned up to the sky. I noticed it too, just for the record.

A powerful vortex of mana far above us.

Whats that?

Hey, what? Is this divine energy?

A burst of light suddenly descended upon us.