Rokka No Yuusha Volume 3 (English)

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Character Introductions

Adlet
Ayoungboywhocallshimselfthestrongestmanintheworld.Hefightswitha
masteryofvarioussecretweapons.

Nashetania
ThoughsheistheprincessofthelargekingdomPiena,sheisawildandfreegirl,
fullofmischief.SheistheSaintofBlades.

Fremy
Agirlwhosecoolindifferencewontallowotherstogetclose.AstheSaintof
Gunpowdersheusesgunsandbulletsinbattle.

Goldof
AyoungknightcompletelydevotedtoNashetania,hewieldsagiantspear.

Chamo
Aproudgirlwhoiscalledthemostpowerfulwarriorofthecurrentage.Sheisthe
SaintofSwamps.

Hans
Astrangemanwhomimicsacatashetalks.Hefenceswithanunworldlyand
peculiarskill.

Mora
Anextremelyseriousandintellectualwoman.Sheservesastheleaderofthe
SaintsandistheSaintofMountains.

Rolonia
AnewlyarrivedHerooftheSixFlowerswhoisatimid,butgoodnaturedgirl.She
istheSaintofFreshBlood.

TheCommanders
Tgurneu
OneoftheKyomacommanders.Heexcelsiningenuityandhassetupvarious
traps.
(PronouncedTeguneu)

Dozzu
OneoftheKyomacommanders.HebetrayedtheMajinandhasgoneintohiding.

Cargikk
???
Prelude

Prelude

Prologue

Prologue

Prologue
Mudandaflower.Otherthanthosetherewasnothingelse.
InthelandofFallenTears,whereTheSaintoftheSingleFlowerhadfoughtthe
Majintothedeath,nothingelseexistedotherthanmudandaflower.
AtthewesternedgeoftheWailingDemonTerritory,inthelandoftheFallen
Tears,agiantfortsurroundedwheretheMajinslept.Itwasastrongholdthathad
beendesignedaccordingtotheinstructionsofCargikk,oneoftheKyoma
commanders.Itwasmadeupofnaturalstonespiledupononeanotherand
formedtwoconcentriccircles.Theoutercirclehadaradiusofthreekilometers
whiletheinnercirclehadaradiusof500meters.Althoughithadbeencrudely
constructed,itwasastrongholdlargerandstrongerthananythingfoundinthe
humanworld.
TheareacalledtheLandoftheFallenTearswasthesmallinnerzonesurrounded
bythedefensivewall.Itwascompletelydarkredduetothetoxinsfromthe
Majin'sbodyhavingpermeateddeepwithintheground,thusdyeingtheareathat
color.Therewasnotasingleweed,animal,orinsectinthearea.Therewereonly
sparsebouldersscatteredaboutthelifelessland.Itwasabarrenspectacle.
Theonlythingspresentthereweremudandaflower.
Prologue

"...Adlettt!!"
Ahideousmassofmudlayamongthedeadland.Itssizewasprobablyaboutthat
ofastable.Itmadeaneeriesoundasifsquirminginagony,anditwascharcoal
blackincolor,withabitofbloodredmixedin.Whatlookedlikeredtentacles
stretchedoutfromthecenterofthemud.Theywereaboutfivemetersinlength
andseemedtobeextendingoutinsearchofsomething.Butthentheyreturned
tothemudasiftheyhadgivenup.
"...Fremyyy...Roloniaaa..."
Thereweregiantlipsinthecenterofthemud.Theyappeared,thendisappeared,
thenappearedoncemore.Theyweretheseductiveredofawoman'slips.And
theywerespeakingwithahuskyfemalevoice.
Asitwriggled,themudcalledoutthenamesoftheHeroeswithavoicefullof
hatredandmurderousintentcoursingthroughitswords.
"Goldofff....Chamooo....Adlettt...Hansss...Moraaa...Chamooo...Fremyyy...Nasheta
niaaa..."
TheMajin.TheworstcalamitytobefallmankindandtheprogenitoroftheKyoma.
Onceeveryseveralminutesastrangecreaturewasproducedfromthemud.They
wereaboutthesizeofkittens,butnoneofthemhadthesameappearance.
Prologue

Therewasasnakewhoseentirebodywascoveredincountlesseyes.Therewasa
creaturethathadtheupperbodyofamonkeyandalowerbodyofasmallwinged
insect.Therewasadogthathadaheadandatorsobutdidnthaveitslegsorits
tail.Therewasaprayingmantisthatonlyconsistedofthecreature'sneck.There
wasevenacreaturecomposedofjustsevenmonkeyhands,thoughitnolonger
seemedtobealive.
Thestrangecreaturesthatappearedfromthemudwrithed,gaspedforair,and
twistedtheirbodiesontheground.Itseemedasiftheydespairedbeingbornwith
suchrepulsivefigures.
ThentheeeriecreatureswereimmediatelygrabbedbythetentaclesofThe
Majin.Thetentaclesstrangledthestrangecreatures,killedthem,andthenpulled
theircorpsesbackintothemud.
Birththenkill,killthenbirth.TheMajinendlesslyrepeatedthesemeaningless
actions.Again,andagain,andagain.
Nodignitycouldbefeltfromthefigure.Itdidn'tpossessthebeautyof
wickedness,andforalongtimeitsexistencewasfarfromsublime.Itwasuglyand
dirty,andevensmall.
WhenByrne,oneoftheHeroesoftheSixFlowers,hadfoughtwiththeMajin
sevenhundredyearsagohecriticizedtheMajin'sformasbeingdisappointedly
scrawny.
Prologue

AndyetasingleflowerbloomedbesideTheMajin.Itwassmallenoughthatit
couldfitinthepalmofachild'shand.Itwasalightpurpleflowerwithsix
petals.ThelightpurpleflowerwasnotstainedwiththeMajin'stoxin.Itsimply
nestledupclosetoitandbloomed.
ItissaidthattheSaintoftheSingleFlowergrewthatflowerathousandyears
ago.However,theflower'strueformisnotrecordedinanyworkorliterature.
Whateverkindofpowerthatflowercontained,nooneknewexceptfortheSaint
oftheSingleFlowerherself.
ThreetimesmankindhadfoughtwithTheMajinandbeatenit.
ThefirsttimewasathousandyearsagowhentheSaintoftheSingleFlower
sealedtheMajininthatplace.
Thesecondtimewassevenhundredyearsago.ThreeoftheHeroesoftheSix
FlowersstoppedtheDemonKingZophrairwhiletheHeroKingFulmerandthe
masterarcherByrnefoughtwiththeMajin.
TheMajinswungitstentaclesandscattereditstoxinwhilethetwoattacked
it.Fulmerwieldedhisswordwithinitsblanketoftoxicairandslicedthechunksof
mudintopieces.ByrnefiredburningarrowswhichlittheMajin'sbodyonfire.
AfteraboutanhouroffightingtheMajinreleasedamonstrousscreamand
ceasedtomove.
Prologue

Thethirdbattlewasthreehundredyearsago.WhileoveronethousandKyoma
rushedthroughtheLandofFallenTears,thesecondgenerationoftheHeroesof
theSixFlowersclashedwiththeMajin.TheSaintofLightningMelania,supported
byMarietheSaintofBladesandtheSaintofTimeHayal,activatedherjeweled
sacredweapon.Itwasatoolthathadbeenbuiltinoverthirtyyearsforthesole
purposeofstrikingtheMajin.Severalboltsoflightningraineddownfromthe
heavenswhichstruck,seared,andburnedTheMajin,stoppingitonceagain.
ItissaidthatinthecaseoftheMajin'sdefeatthecrestsoftheSixFlowerswould
emitagiantlight.AndattheexactsametimealltheKyomawouldstopmoving
thenlookuptotheskyandwailinsadness.
ThesorrowfulcriesoftheKyomacouldbeheardechoingbeyondthebordersof
theWailingDemonterritory.AndthesightoftheKyomawrithinginsadnesswas
enoughtomakeeventheHeroesoftheSixFlowers,whohadbeenfightingthem
tothedeathearlier,feelheartbroken.Itwassaidthatevenafterthesurviving
HeroeshadlefttheWailingDemonTerritory,thecriesoftheKyomanever
stopped.
AsforthecreststhathadappearedontheskinoftheHeroesoftheSixFlowers,
storiestellthatafterthebattlethecrestswouldbegintofade.Andafteraboutsix
monthstheyhaddisappearedentirely.
Marie,oneofthefewsurvivingHeroesandtheSaintofBlades,madethe
followinganalysisoftheMajin:
Prologue

TheMajinwasthemasteroftheKyoma.However,theMajindidnotissueany
kindsofcommandstotheKyomaandtheKyomadidnotdependontheMajinfor
instructions.
PerhapstheMajindidn'thaveanyintelligenceatall.Itprobablyhasalower
intelligencethantheaverageanimal.TheMajin'sexistencewasonewhereit
hatedhumansandcouldthinkofnothingelsebutdestroyingthem.
Ontheotherhand,itwasnotrarefortheKyomatopossessintelligence.There
wereevensomewhohadmindsgreaterthanthehumans.Theyweretheones
thatgovernedandcommandedtheotherKyoma.
TheKyoma'sloyaltytotheMajinwasabsolute.Unlikehumans,theKyomawere
largelyunabletothinkforthemselvesandfollowedorderswithoutthinking.The
KyomapledgedeverythingintheirdevotiontotheMajinandlivedtograntany
kindofwishTheMajinhad.
ItisduetothatveryloyaltythattheKyoma'sexistenceheldmeaning.Andifthey
weretolosethatthentheKyomawouldnotbeabletolive.
TheSaintofBlades'analysiswaslargelyaccurate.Yettherewasoneexception.
TherewasaKyomathathaditsownwillandaspirations,andlivedforhimselfand
notfortheMajin.
Prologue

HisnamewasDozzu.HehadlefttheWailingDemonTerritoryabouttwohundred
yearsagoandheadedforthehumanworld.
For200yearshehadrefinedhisplansandmadepreparationstoachievehis
ambitionsbeforehereturnedtotheWailingDemonTerritory.Andathissidewas
hispeerlesscomradewhomhehadraisedhimself,Nashetania.
Chapter 11

Chapter 11

ChapterOne:PartOne
"Iwanttohearwhateveryonethinks,"Morasaid.
Itwas14daysaftertheMajinhadawoken.Adletandtheotherswhomanagedto
cuttheirwaythroughTgurneu'strapwereatTheEternalFlower,asafezonein
theWailingDemonTerritory.TheretheywaitedforHansandMoratorecover
fromtheirseriousinjuries.
TherewerealmostnoKyomaaroundtheEternalFlower.Itseemedlikethe
KyomawerewaitingforthegroupintheforesttothewestcalledtheForestof
SeveredFingers.TheForestofSeveredFingerscomprisedabouttwofifthsofthe
vastterritoryoftheWailingDemonTerritory,anditsnamecamefromaneventa
thousandyearsagowhentheSaintoftheSingleFlowerwasattackedintheforest
andlostafingeronherlefthand.
WhilewaitingforMoraandHans'injuriestoheal,theHeroesdiscussed
thepossibleidentityoftheseventh,andthentheypresentedthevariouscluesat
hand.Butevenwithallofthespeculationanddebate,intheendtheycouldn't
comeupwithananswer.Theyhadnoclueastohowtheimpostorscresthad
beencreated.
TheythendiscussedinmoredetailabouttheeventsofthebattleintheIllusion
FogBarrier.AfterNashetania'strueidentityhadbeenexposedAdlethadlost
consciousness,soheaskedtheothersaboutwhathappenedafterthat.Hans,
Mora,andChamohadchasedafterNashetania,butasthedawnapproachedand
theymanagedtoexitthebarrierNashetaniahaddisappeared.
Chapter 11

WhydidNashetaniabetraythemandtowhatextenthadtheKyoma'sinfluence
reachedintothehumanworld?Thegroupdiscussedthosetopicsaswell,butthey
werestillunabletocometoanyconclusion.
FremytoldthemallabouttheinnerworkingsoftheKyoma.Tgurneu's
subordinateswerecalledTheDarkSpecialists.Theycouldn'tenhancetheir
strengths,buteachoneofthempossessedauniqueabilitywhichtheyhadbeen
orderedtodeveloptothefullest.
ThoseKyomaspecializedinpursuit.FremysaidtheKyomahadgainedthepower
toinvadetheinternalbodiesofaSaintandbindtheirpower.TheKyomaalso
excelledatextortinginformationoutofhumans.Theydevelopedanextremely
superbsenseofsmellandtheyreceivedtheabilitytobirthhybridchildrenwith
humans.
EvenFremydidn'tknowalloftheabilitiestheDarkSpecialistshad.Nevertheless
shetoldtheotherseverythingsheknewabouttheirabilitiesandappearances.
Theykeptontalkingaboutotherthingsafterthat,butwhendaybreakcameand
theirtopicswereexhaustedMorasuddenlysuggestedthatshewantedtohear
theiropinions.
"What'sthematter,Mora?"Adletasked.
"Howaboutwehearwhoeachofussuspectsistheseventh?
10
Chapter 11

"I'msureIsaidnottocarelesslydoubtanyoneofus."
"Iunderstandthat.Butevenifyousaynottosuspectanyone,therealityisIstill
amsuspectingsomeone.Dontyouthinkknowingwhatissuspiciousabout
ourselveswillpreventusfrombeingframed?"
Adletwasn'tinagoodmood,butinsteadFremyquietlyreplied,"Idon'tthink
that'sabadidea."
"Meow,itdoesn'tseemliketherewouldbemuchofapointtoit,"Hanssaid.
"Ofcourseuntilwefindsolidproofwewon'tkillanyone.Andinthefuturewell
definitelybeabletoreferencewhatwediscussedhere."
"Well...Iguessitcan'tbehelped,"Adletsaidwithashrug.
"IsuspectGoldof,"Fremyspokefirst."HewasaknightservingNashetania.It's
onlynaturaltosuspecthim."
"Isthatso?Well,Chamosuspectsyou,Fremy,"Chamocutin."It'sobvious.
Chamohasn'tforgottenhowjustawhileagoyoutriedtokillChamo."
"Thatistrue.Isthereanyoneelse?"Fremydidn'tpayanyattentiontowhat
Chamohadsaid.
11
Chapter 11

"...Actually,IalsosuspectGoldof,"Morasaid."Whileitmaybetruethathe
servedNashetania,thatdoesntmeanIthinkheistheseventh.ButIdontfeel
likehehasanyintentionsontryingtocontributetoourvictory."
Goldoflistenedsilentlytothethreeofthem,buttherewasnolifeinhiseyes.He
juststaredblanklyattheground,sittingwithhisbackrounded.Hehadbeenthat
wayeversincethey'dcometotheWailingDemonTerritory.
"Goldof,ifyouarenotthesevenththenshouldn'tyoubetryingalotharderfor
yourcompanions?Don'tyouthinkyourwordsandyouractionsshouldbeableto
conveythatyouarenttheseventh?Don'tyoualsofeelbadaboutbeing
suspected?"Morasuggested,butherwordsdidnotseemtoreachGoldof.
Althoughheheardwhatshehadsaid,itwasasifhismindhadbeenclosedoff.
WhenAdlethadfirstmetGoldofhehadntbeenlikethat.Hewasstrong,loyal,
andsometimeshelethisarroganceshow,provingthathewasindeedayoung
knight.AtleastthathadbeentheimpressionAdlethadgottenfromhim.
However,thepersonthatremainedafterNashetaniahadleftwaslikeanentirely
differentperson.
"Whatdoyouthink,Goldof?"Adletasked.
ButGoldofremainedsilent.Chamothenraisedherhandintotheairagain.
"Ah,right.ChamoalsothinksRoloniaissuspicious."
12
Chapter 11

"What?!"thequietRoloniasuddenlyraisedhervoiceinhysteria."Wha,wha,
why...doyouthinkthat?"
"Well,let'ssee.Chamodoesn'treallyknowwhatyouarethinking.Andthat's
suspicious."
"I...Isee....So,sorry.I'll...um...tryharder,"Roloniasaidasherbodytrembled.
"Ah,butmaybeit'sFremyafterall.Yeah,it'sFremy."
MorasighedatChamo'sfickleness.
"WhatdoyouthinkHans?"
Afterbeingasked,Hansplacedahandonhischinandthoughtaboutitfora
moment.
"Me...IsuspectAdletandChamo,meow."EveryoneexceptforGoldofstaredat
Hansinshock."I'mnotthinkingaboutwhoissuspicious.Ithinkit'smore
importanttoconsiderwhowouldbethemostdangerousastheseventh.Adlet
wasthemostdangerousoutofeveryonewhenwethoughthewastheseventh.
NextwouldbeChamo.That'swhyIsuspectthetwoofthem."
Ialsothinkthesameway,Adletthoughtwithabitofadmiration.
13
Chapter 11

"So,whatdoyouthink,Rolonia,meow?"Hansasked.
Rolonialookedaroundasifitwasdifficultforhertosaywhatwasonhermind.
"Youshouldspeakhonestly.DidntChamojustsayitshardtoknowwhatyoure
thinking?"
UrgedbyFremysinglingherout,Roloniaquietlysaid,"Isuspect...Goldofsan.For
thesamereason....asMorasan."
Andwiththat,threeoutoffivesuspectedGoldof.Forhim,whetherhewasa
genuineHerooftheSixFlowersortheseventh,hewasn'tinagoodpredicament.
NeverthelessGoldofshowedabsolutelynosignsthathewasaffectedbythe
news.
"Whatdoyouthink,Adlet?"
"I'mnotgoingtosayanythingsinceIamtheleader.IfIweretosaywhoI
suspected,itwoulddamageourtrust,"Adletsaiddecisively.
"Well,thatmaybebetterforyou,meow."
Everyone'sgazespointedtothelastperson,Goldof.Helifteduphisheadand
lookedaroundhimselfwithblankeyes.
14
Chapter 11

"Goldof,whatareyouthinking?Haveyoubeenlisteninguptillnow,meow?"
AfteraslightpauseGoldofreplied,"...I'vebeenlistening."
"Then,whodoyoususpect,meow?"
"...Noone."
Hiswordsconfusedeveryone.Shouldweregardthatasaconfessionthatheisthe
seventh?
"Whoeveristheseventh...Idon'tcare.Whatdifferencedoesitmake?"
"Goldof.It'sthatkindofattitudethatmakesRoloniaandmyselfsuspectyou."
Morathensuddenlygrewangry."Whywon'tyouconsiderwhotheseventhis?
Whywon'tyoutalkaboutwhatyouknowaboutNashetania?Doyoureallyintend
toprotectthisworld?"
"...protecttheworld?"ForjustamomentGoldofsspiritreturnedtohiseyes.He
stareddownathispalmandthenmadeafist."That'sright,Mora.Iremember.I
willprotecttheworld.Ihavetoprotectit.It'sforthatreasonthatI..."
15
Chapter 11

Goldof'shandstartedtoshakeandthenitstartedtomakeastrangesound.Since
hewasballinghisfistwithanextremeamountofstrengththebonesinhishand
gratedagainsteachother.
"That'srightGoldof.Youareapersonwhowillprotecttheworld.Haveyoucome
backtoyoursenses?"
MoraplacedherhandonGoldof'sfingers.However,Goldofcoldlyshookitoff.
Thenhehunghisheadagainandwouldn'treplynomatterwhathiscompanions
said.
"Therereallywasnopointinustalking."
"Itseemsthatway.Sorry."
"That'senoughofthisconversation.MoreimportantlyI'minterestedinTgurneu,
meow."
"That'sright.AheadofusistheforestofSeveredFingers.Judgingfromthelooks
ofit,Tgurneuistherewaitingtoambushus."
Evenafterthesubjecthadmovedontoanothertopic,Adletstillcontinuedto
stareatGoldof.'Toprotecttheworld.'ForsomereasonAdletdidn'tfeelany
confidencefromGoldof'swords.
16
Chapter 11

Thoughhehadn'tsaidanything,inrealityAdletalsosuspectedGoldof.Andthat
wasbecauseGoldofdidn'tseemlikeoneoftheircompanions.Thoughtheyhad
allbeenseizedbyparanoia,littlebylittleasenseofsolidarityhadformedamong
thegroup.
AdletalsoacknowledgedHansknowledgeandhispracticalstrength.Anddespite
whathedsaidearlier,AdletknewthatHansreallytrustedhim.Chamowas
difficulttohandle,butunexpectedlyhewasstartingtothinktherewerepartsof
herthatweregentleandcute.Morahadbetrayedthemonce,butherdesireto
protectherfamilyandhercompanionswasgenuine.AndfortrustingAdletfrom
thebottomofherheart,hewasgratefultoRoloniaandherassistance.Asfor
Fremy,thoughhehadonlydisagreedwithher,itdidn'tchangethefactthatshe
washismostpreciouscompanion.
YetGoldofwasdifferent.Adletwasunabletocommunicatewithhim.Therewas
nopartofhimthatAdletunderstoodandsometimesGoldofseemedlikea
mysteriousmonster.
Adletstilldidn'tknowthetruthabouttheboycalledGoldofAurora.
ItwasthefifteenthdayafterTheMajinhadreawakened.HansandMora's
injurieshadhealedandMorawasevenabletorepairherbrokenirongauntlets.
Sothesevenagainresumedtheirjourney.Theyadvancedtowardsthevastforest
inthemiddleofthenightwiththehelpofFremy'ssnipingandChamo'sJyuma
takingouttheKyomapatrollingtheEternalFlower.
17
Chapter 11

Thegrouptraveledwiththeirbodieslowtotheground,eachoneofthem
wrappedinblackcloaksthatAdlethadprovided.Andblendingintothenightthey
headedwest.
ThegroupwasntthinkingaboutkillingTgurneu,norweretheythinkingabout
discoveringtheidentityoftheseventh.Theywerejustrunningandhidingasif
theirlivesdependedonit.
"Mora,arethereanyenemiesbehindus?"Adletaskedfromtheheadofthe
group.
"None,"Morarespondedatthetailendoftheparty.Shehadbeenwalking
backwardswithherfistsreadytoattack.AndwithHansonthelookouttothe
rightandFremywatchingtheirleft,thesevenofthemquietlyadvanced.
Atthatmomentasinglemousecrepttowardsthegroup'sfeet.Chamopickedit
upandbroughtittoherear.
"Theenemyhasmadeawallabout300metersahead.Andtherearealotof
Kyomainfrontofit."
"Isee...Fremy.Whatarethefeaturesofthatwall?"
18
Chapter 11

"It'scloseto30kilometersfromnorthtosouthsoIthinkitisimpossibletoavoid
it.Morawouldbeabletopunchthroughitwithherstrength.However,aloud
alarmwassetuptogooffifwegetnearit."
"Doyouknowwhattypeofalarmitis?"
"It'sacombinationofstringandwoodblocks.Ifourfeettripthestringwire,the
woodfragmentswillrattleloudly."
"Meow,it'slikethathuh?Icouldgetpastiteasily."
Adletbroughthishandtohischinandthoughtforamoment.Thenhegathered
everyoneandexplainedhisstrategy.
"Firstwe'llretreataboutonekilometer.AfterthatFremywillsetupsomebombs
ontheground.She'llmakethemexplodeinonehour.Untilthenwewillhead
north."
"Soit'sadiversion,"MorasaidandAdletnodded.
"WhentheexplosionsgoofftheKyomawillprobablygatherthere.ThenChamo
willhaveherJyumaattackthewall.Thiswillalsobeadiversion.Wewillthen
headtoasouthernsectionofthewall.Fremywillgetridoftheremaining
lookoutswithherrifle.HansandIwillbreakthealarm.ThenMorawillbreak
downthegateasquietlyaspossible."
19
Chapter 11

"Understood."
"Doyourbestnottobediscovered...notbytheKyomaorbyTgurneu."
Theseventhenbegantomove.TheymovedquietlyasFremy'sbombsand
Chamo'sJyumathrewtheKyomaintoconfusion.FremyshotattheKyomainan
areawheretheKyomawerescarce,creatinganopeningforAdlet,Hans,and
Moratobreakthroughthewall.ThenbeforetheremainingKyomaonthelookout
couldreturn,everyonerushedtothatbreakinthewallandleftforthewest.
"ThatwentwellAdkun,"Roloniasaid,walkingatAdlet'sside.
"Thisplace..."Adletsuddenlypeekedthroughtheopeninginthecanopyoftree
branchesoverheadandlookedupatthesky.Thestarshadalreadyfadedand
slowlytheskywasstartingtogrowbrighter.
"PerhapsTgurneulosttrackofus.Ifheknewaboutourconducthewouldhave
sentmoreKyomatoambushus."
"That...that'sright."
"Fornowlet'scontinuetorun.Untilwegetoutofthisforest,untilwepassthe
valley,untilwefinallymanagetoreachtheLandofFallenTears,we'llrunwithall
ourenergyawayfromTgurneu,"AdletsaidandRolonianodded.Anditseemed
thatthesamewentwithoutsayingforHans,Chamo,Fremyandtheothers.
20
Chapter 11

TheywouldnotfightwithTgurneu.Theycouldn'tevenfigureoutwherehewas.
SotheycouldonlycontinuetorunandheadstraightfortheLandofFallenTears.
"Haveyounoticed,Adlet?"Fremysuddenlyaskedhim.
"What'sthematter?"
"Thereareafewbattleshappeningbehindus.ButsinceIcanonlyfaintlyhearitI
don'tknowwhoisfighting."
Adletlistenedcarefullyashewalked.Hecouldhearthestirringtrees,his
companions'footsteps,andthefaintshoutsofKyoma.
"Someoneisdefinitelyfighting.Butwho?"
"Eventhoughitwilltakeawhile,willyouletChamogoandsee?Chamoasked,
butAdletshookhishead.
"I'minterested,butourtimeismorepreciousthanthatknowledge.Let'sleaveit
aloneandkeepmoving."
FremyandChamobothnoddedandthesevencontinuedontothewest.Turning
tolookbehindthemtheycouldnolongerseethewall.
21
Chapter 11

AnhourhadpassedsinceAdletandtheothershadpassedthewallandasingle
Kyomawasstaringattheholetheyhadmade.
"Hmm,theygotthroughthistoo?Idon'tknowwhattodowiththem,"saida
Kyomawiththebodyofayetiandtheheadofacrow.Initshanditwasholdinga
singlelargefigfruit.TheyetiKyoma...Tgurneusighed."Itseemsliketheyareset
onrunningawayfromme."
TherewasalargeamountofKyomainthevicinity,allshoutingthemselves
hoarse.ThemoreintelligentKyomathatcouldspeakwereorderingthelower
KyomatoquicklyfindtheSixFlowers.
"Whatdoyouthink,Number18?
TherewasasnakeKyomabesideTgurneu.Itwasthinenoughtobegrippedinone
hand,butitsbodywasovertenmeterslong.Andwhatappearedtobetwothin
arms,whichlookedlikepaperstrings,weregrowingoutofitsbodyabout50
centimetersfromitshead.
"Theyareunbelievablycowardly.Theyaren'tworthfearing,"theKyomasaidin
ridicule.
22
Chapter 11

AmongTgurneu'ssubordinatestherewerespecialKyomacalledtheDark
Specialists.ThesnakeKyomawasthe18th.Itandtheothershadevolved
accordingtoTgurneu'scommands,eachpossessingseveraluniqueabilities.
"You'retheonewhodoesnotneedtobefeared,"Tgurneusaidandlightlykicked
Number18."Ifyouwereintheirposition,whatwouldyoudo?Whatwouldyou
prioritizeandhowwouldyouact?"
"...IfIwerethemIwouldthinkthatexposingtheseventh'sidentitywasmost
important,but..."Number18saidandTgurneusighedonceagain.
"Oftheoptionsavailabletothemthatwouldbetheworst.Intheircurrent
situationtheyhavenowayoffindingoutwhotheseventhis.Andtheyshouldn't
beabletofindanycluesthatcouldleadthemtotheseventh.Inthatkindof
situationwhatwouldyoudo?"
"Well...."
"Iwouldwaituntiltheseventh'smistakeswereexposed.That'swhatIwoulddoif
Iwereintheirposition.Doyouhaveanyotherideas?"
"Insteadofthattheymightprioritizekillingyou,MasterTgurneu."
23
Chapter 11

"That'samediocreidea.Sure,iftheyweretokillmetheHeroesoftheSixFlowers
woulddrawclosetoalargevictory.Butinexchangetheywouldlosesomething
precious.Don'tyouunderstandanything?"
"Uh...I..."
WithoutwaitingforNumber18'sreply,Tgurneucontinuedtalking."It'stime.
Therearenomorethan14daysuntiltheMajin'sresurrection.IftheHeroesare
unabletoreachtheLandofFallenTearsbythattimethenvictorywillbeours.If
theHeroescometotakemeoutIwilldoeverythinginmypowertostallthem.If
theyareunabletokillmethentheonlythingtheywillsucceedindoingiswasting
alotoftime."
"..."
"Sodoyouunderstandnowwhattheirbestcourseofactionis?Runningaway
fromme.TheywillignoremeandheadstraightfortheLandofFallenTears.And
aslongaswedon'tknowtheirwhereabouts,evenwithmypowerouroptionsare
limited."
Tgurneu'sbeakmovedandsomehowitseemedlikehewassmiling.
"Aren'tyougoingtokillme,Adlet?ItseemsIwasmistakenaboutyourlevelof
determinationafterall."
24
Chapter 11

"...Ihaveasuggestion,MasterTgurneu.Howaboutorderingtheseventhtotellus
theFlowers'location?"
TgurneusteppedonNumber18'sbody."IfyousayanotherstupidthingIwill
crushyou."
ThesnakeKyomalowereditsheadandplaceditspaperlikethinarmsonthe
groundinapology.
"Well,Iguessit'salright.Let'stakeiteasy.Searchingforthemisgood,butsois
luringthemout.Therearemanywaysforustoplay."
FortwodaysafterleavingTheEternalFlowerAdletandtheothersranthrough
theForestofSeveredFingers.Thejourneywasacompleteteameffort.Fremy
directedthemthroughthecomplicatedforest.Chamo'sJyumasearchedthearea
forenemiesandlookedforspotswheretheKyomawerescarce.Morathrewthe
KyomaintoconfusionwithherpowerofMountainEchoes,andbothAdletand
Hanscontributedtheirknowledgeandpredictedtheenemies'behavior.When
theyencounteredanunluckyKyomatheyeliminateditasquicklyastheycould
beforeitcouldconveythegroupslocationtoTgurneu.
InordertocompletelykillaKyomaonehadtofinditscoreanddestroyit.Ifleft
alonetheKyomawouldcomebacktolifeseveralyearslater.
25
Chapter 11

Butatthemomenttheirtimewaslimited.Soignoringthecorpses,Adletandthe
otherscontinuedonward.
TheForestofSeveredFingerswasvast.NomatterhowmanyKyomawerethere,
theycouldn'twatchtheentirearea.SofortwodaysAdletandtheothershadnt
beendiscoveredbyTgurneu.
Astheeasternskywastingedwithred,itsignifiedthatdawnwasonthehorizon.
AfteralongjourneyAdletandtheotherswerefinallyclosetotheexitofthe
forest.
"...TherearenoKyomabeyondtheforest.Sorestassured,Ithinkitissafeto
continue,"Fremysaidafterhavingreturnedfromcheckingtheareaahead.
"TherearenoKyomabehinduseither.However,Chamowondersifwewereable
tocompletelygetaway,"Chamoadded.
"Tgurneushouldthinkthatwearemoretothenorth,meow.Soifwecontinue
thisway,Iatleastthinkwe'llbefine,"Hansresponded.
"Wellthatmeanswe'vebrokenthroughthefirstbarrier,"Adletconfirmed.
InresponseAdletandtheotherssmiledandthenwentaroundshakingeach
othershands.ThoughtheyextendedtheirhandtoFremy,shekeptherarms
crossedandlookedaway,uncooperative.
26
Chapter 11

Adlethoweverpersistentlycontinuedtoofferhishandandbeforelongshe
reluctantlylightlygrippedjustoneofhisfingers.
AfterthatRoloniaandMorasoughtahandshakefromFremy.Andwitha
disgustedlookonherface,Fremyacceptedtheirshakes.Hansalsostuckouthis
hand,butFremyrefused.
"Anyway,theseventhisyetagainnotdoinganything,"Fremysaid.
Asthecompanionsmovedthroughtheforesttheywerealwayswatchingone
another.Adletwonderediftheseventhwouldattacktheircompanionsunderthe
coverofnight,purposefullytakingactionsthatwouldallowthemtobefoundby
theenemy,orsecretlyhavingcontactwithTgurneu.However,noonedid
anythingsuspicious.
"There'snoneedtohurry.Theseventhwilldefinitelydosomethingsoon.Wejust
needtobecarefulnottooverlookwhateveractiontheytake."
"...Ithinkthat'salright,but..."Adlet'seyessuddenlytooknoticeofGoldofatthe
edgeofthecircle.Hestillhadn'tshakenGoldof'shand.ButwhenAdletofferedhis
hand,Goldofunexpectedlyacceptedthehandshake.
"Youdidalotforustoo.Let'scontinuetodoourbest,"Adletsaid,butGoldof's
eyesnevermetAdlet's,nordidherespond.
27
Chapter 11

Whiletheymovedthroughtheforest,AdlethadbeenwatchingGoldofespecially
carefully.GoldofhadloyallyfollowedAdlet'scommandsanddidn'tshowany
suspiciousbehavioratall.ButwhatGoldofwasthinkingstillremainedamystery.
Hisattitudewaslikeahusk,andAdletcouldn'ttellbylookingathimwhetherit
wasanactorwhetheritwashistruefeelings.
"It'sabouttimewego,Adlet.Thevalleywillbenextafterwegetoutoftheforest.
Stayonyourguard."
"Ah,yeah,gotit."InresponsetoFremy,Adletstartedtowalk.However,Goldof
wasstillonhismind.Iwonderwhathe'sthinkingabout.WhatisNashetaniato
himnow?Withoutgettingananswer,theymadetheirwayoutoftheforestand
thencontinuedwest.
Adletdidn'tknowabouttheunimaginableeventalreadyunderwayinacornerof
theForestofSeveredFingers.AtaboutthesametimethatAdletandtheothers
hadgottenoutoftheforest,Tgurneuwaslyingdownonahammock.Asingle
bookandagiantfigwereonhischest.AndabovehimaneagleKyomadescended
fromthesky.
"MasterTgurneu.Ihavenewstoreport."
"TheDarkSpecialiststhathadbeenpursuingtheSixFlowerswereattackedand
killedbyChamo'sJyuma.YouvelostalltracesoftheSixFlowersandtheirscent,
28
Chapter 11

whichmeanswenowhavenocluesabouttheircurrentsituation.AmI
wrong?"Tgurneurespondedwithoutopeninghiseyes.Hisvoicecontaineda
slightbitofannoyance.
"Ye...yes."
Tgurneutookoutamapfromunderhishammockandstaredatit.
"Wellthen,wherehaveyougone?Areyoustillinthenorthernforestorhaveyou
alreadymanagedtoreachthevalley?"Hesaidtohimselfbeforegoingquietin
thought.
"MasterTgurneu.Yourorders..."
"Theyhavealreadyexitedtheforest.Leavehalfofourforcesintheforestand
havetheotherhalfheadtothevalley.Weshallmakethevalleyournext
playground.Catchthemwhentheycrossthevalley.Flankthemandattackthem
fromtheside."
"Asyoucommand."
TheverymomenttheeagleKyomawasabouttoflyoff,Tgurneureachedoutand
grabbeditsleg.
29
Chapter 11

"MasterTgurneu,whatisit?"
ForawhileTgurneudidnotanswerandsimplylookedaround.Withoutthe
expressiononthefaceofhiscrowheadchanging,noonecouldreadwhathewas
trulyfeeling.
"ItakebackwhatIjustsaid.Callbacktheforcestomylocation."
"Wh....Whyisthat?"
"Theenemy."
ImmediatelytheeagleKyomatooktotheskies.Tgurneuloweredhimselffromhis
hammockandtookabiteoutofthefigfruit.Thenhepickedupastickhedplaced
onthegroundandgrippedittightly.
Theunsettlingsoundofsomeonerushingtowardshimechoedthroughtheair.
Koyoriispaperthatisspunintostring.
30
Chapter 12

ChapterOne:PartTwo
TheHeroesprobablyhadwalkedforaboutfivehoursaftergettingoutofthe
forest,asthesunwasalreadyrising.Thesevencontinuedtoheadstraighttothe
west,notoncebeingattackedbytheKyomaastheycrossedabouttwofifthsof
theWailingDemonTerritory.
ButastheywalkedacrossaplaintheHeroesfinallyencounteredtheirnext
obstacle.
"Meoww!It'shuge,meow!ThisisthefirsttimeI'veseensomethingthis
incredible."Forsomereason,themomentHanslookedatitheletoutahappy
shout.
ButAdletcouldntblamehim.Hewasalsoleftspeechlessinaweofthegiantsight
infrontofthem.Mora,Rolonia,andChamo'seyesalsowidenedinamazement.
Therewasavalleystandingintheirway,perhapsclosetoahundredmetersdeep
andaboutfiftymeterswideatitsnarrowestpoint.Thevalleystretchedfromthe
southstraighttothenorth,andeventhoughtheylookedinbothdirectionsitwas
impossibletoseewhereitbeganorended.
Thecliffsideshadbeencutperpendicularlyandwerecoveredinsmoothstone
withoutanyplacestogripon.Atthebottomofthevalleytherewasaboilingriver
withthicksteamrisingupfromit.Theheatfromthesteamevenreachedwhere
31
Chapter 12

Adletandtheothersstood,whichmadetheirlocationaboutfivedegreeshotter
thanitwasinthemiddleoftheforest.
Adlethadneverseenavalleythatgiganticinhisentirelife.Threedaysagoatthe
EternalFlowertheyheardaboutthevalleyfromFremy.However,thevalley'ssize
farsurpassedAdlet'simagination.
"It'sunbelievable.WasallofthisdugoutbytheKyoma?"RoloniaaskedatAdlet's
side.
"TheKyomahavecontinuedtoprepareforthebattlewiththeSixFlowersfor
threehundredyears.Excavatingavalleylikethiswasnotroubleatall."
Everyonewasfacingthegiantvalley.Itwasaplacewherenothinghadeverlived,
notwhentheSaintoftheSingleFlowerhadfoughtwiththeMajinnorwhenthe
previousSixFlowershaddefeatedTheMajin.ItwascalledCargikk'scanyon.
Cargikk,oneoftheKyomacommanders,hadmadeitanditwastheworld's
largestmoat.
AccordingtoFremythevalleysplittheWailingDemonTerritoryintotwohalves.
InordertoreachtheLandofFallenTearstheywouldhavetocrossthevalley.
Forawhile,thesightofthemagnificentvalleycaptivatedthegroup.Butsoon
Moramadeasullenfaceandasked,"Howarewegoingtogetacrossthisvalley?
Tgurneuwillsoonnoticethatwehavegottenoutoftheforest.ThenKyomawill
floodthisareaandwe'llbesurrounded."
32
Chapter 12

"We'llfindawaytocrossthisvalleysoon.Theresnothingtoworryabout,"Adlet
saidandthentookoutaropefromtheironboxstrappedontohisback.Mora
heldontooneendoftheropeasAdletbegantorappeldownthecliff.
Aboutseventymetersdown,theheatrisingintotheairmadeitsothathe
couldn'tbreathe.Unabletotakeitanymore,Adletscaledbackuptheropeand
returnedtothetopofthecliff.
"It'snouse,Adlet.Gettingacrosswillnotbeeasy,evenwiththepowerofa
Saint,"Fremysaidcoldly.
"Istherenobridge,Fremy?"
"Thereis.Thereisoneonboththenorthernandsoutherntips.ButIthinkit
wouldbeimpossibletogettothem.Cargikk'sfollowersarewaitingtoambushus
andareplanningtowipeusoutassoonasitseemslikewecouldgetacross."
"Istherenothingelse,Fremy?Nosecretpathorsomething?Isthereawaywe
cansafelycrossthevalleywithoutusingthebridges?"Chamoasked.
"TherewasprobablynoreasontomakesomethinglikethatsincetheKyoma
usuallyusethebridgestocrossthevalley."
33
Chapter 12

"That'salsotrue,but..."Chamocrossedherarmsandtiltedherheadtotheside.
TherestoftheHeroesweresimilarlythinkingofawaytocrossthevalley.
However,nooneseemedtobeabletocomeupwithagoodidea.
"Yourwhipwon'treachtheotherside,rightRolonia?"Adletasked.
Roloniaregretfullynodded.Roloniahadtheabilitytofreelymanipulatethe
movementsofherwhipwhichhadbeenimbuedwithherownblood.Butevenif
sheusedthatability,itseemedlikeshewouldn'tbeabletoextendthewhip
acrossasabridge.Herwhipwasnomorethanthirtymeterslong.Andevenif
theyaddedAdlet'sropetothewhip'slengthitstillwouldnotbeabletoreachthe
opposingcliff.
"Cananyofyourpetsfly,Chamo?"Hansasked.
"IfChamohadpetslikethatthenChamowouldn'tbeworried.Catsan,you'renot
makingfunofme,areyou?"Chamorepliedunpleasantly.
"IfAsleywerehere....shecouldcreateabridgeoficeforustocross,"Morasaidin
aregrettabletone.
AsleyhadbeentheSaintofIceandaSixFlowerCandidate.Butshehadlosther
lifetoFremy,theSixFlowerKiller.
34
Chapter 12

"TheSaintofIcewastheveryfirstpersonIkilledexactlysothattheHeroeswould
notbeabletogetacrossthevalley.IreceivedtheorderfromTgurneuhimself,"
Fremysaidcoldly.
Afterthatthesevencontinuedtodiscussforawhile.Buttheonlythingtheywere
abletofigureoutwasthattheywouldnotbeabletocrossthevalleywiththeir
currentabilities.
TheKyomacreatedamoatinordertopreventtheirenemiesfromadvancing.
Attackingfromthefrontwasasimpleidea.However,suchadirectfrontalassault
wouldhavebeenthemosttroublesomefortheenemy.Frontalassaultswere
effectivepreciselybecauseofhowdirecttheywere.PerhapsthisCargikkisa
moreformidableenemythanTgurneu,Adletthought.
"Well,fornowthere'snouseintalkingamongstourselves.Let'sdivideintothree
groupsandsearchforawaytocrossthevalley.Itdoesn'tmatterhowparticular
theplanis.Findsomething.HansandMora,headnorth.Rolonia,Goldof,andI
willgosouth.ChamoandFremywillremainheretokeepaneyeoutforenemies
comingfromtherear."
"ItlookslikethiswillbemoretroublesomethanIthought."Morasaid.
Adletmadeanexpressionpretendingnothingwaswrongandreplied."Itsgoing
tobeeasyforustotakeoutthisCargikkguy,butifthestrongestmanintheworld
weren'there,youwouldallendupstuckhereoutofluck."
35
Chapter 12

"Hey,it'sbeenalongtimesinceyousaidyouweretheworld'sstrongest,meow,"
Hanssaidwithawrysmile.
"That'sbecausethefactthatI'mtheworld'sstrongestiscommonknowledge.I
don'tneedtogosofarastosayitallthetime."
"Nooneelsethinksthatotherthanyou,Adlet,"Chamosaidinanannoyedtone.
"I...Ibelievethat.IbelieveAdkunistheworld'sstrongest,"Roloniasaid.Adlet
wonderedifshewasbeingcarefulnottomakehimangry.
"Ialsobelievethat.Adletmighttrulybetheworld'sstrongest,inasense."Mora
added.
"Notjustinasense.Iamtheworld'sstrongest,"Adletretorted.
Fremycoldlyreplied,"Yousayyouaretheworld'sstrongestwheneveryoufeel
anxious."
Shehadguessedexactlyright,andwithoutthinking,Adlethesitated.
"Meowhi,aren'tyouinlovewithhishelplessness?"
36
Chapter 12

"No,I'mnot,"Fremyreplied.
"Umeowmeowmeow.Thenwhatdoyouloveaboutthisfool?
"...Everythingaboutyouisannoying."
Moraforcedherwaybetweenthetwoofthem.
"Wehavenotimeforthis.Fornowlet'slookforawaytocrossthevalley.Let'sgo
Hans,"MorasaidandthenpulledHans'arm,leadinghimnorth.
AdlettookRoloniaandGoldofandstartedtoheadsouth.ButthenFremyshouted
toRolonia.
"Rolonia."
"Ye,yes?Whatisit?"Roloniawasstartledbybeingcalledsosuddenly.Fremy
drewherfaceclosetoRolonia'scheekandwhisperedsomething.Rolonianodded
andthenranovertowhereAdletwasstanding.
"Whatdidshesaytoyou?"Adletaskedastheyran.ButforsomereasonRolonia
hesitated.
37
Chapter 12

"Uh,umm...shetoldmetokeepyousafeandprotected."
AdletturnedtolookbehindhimandhesawFremystaringhisway.Embarrassed,
Adletturnedaroundandcontinuedtorunsouth.
"Fremysanisaniceperson,don'tyouthink?"RoloniasaidandAdletnoddedhis
agreement.
AdletfeltthatalittlewhileagoFremyandRoloniahadstartedtodevelopagood
relationship.ButhewonderedifitwasRoloniawhohadgottenusedtoFremyor
theotherwayaround.
AtaroundthesametimetherewereaboutfiftyKyomatwentykilometers
southeastfromtheHeroeslocation.
TheywereattheedgeoftheForestofSeveredFingers.Thegroundwasbarren
andonlycoveredwithruggedrocks.Hotairsurgedbeneaththegroundand
spewedoutofseveralgeysersinthearea.TheKyomacalledtheareatheLava
Beltbecauseofthefactthatseveraldozenmetersbelowthesurface,therewas
anundergroundwatercurrentheatedbymagma.
38
Chapter 12

AmongthefiftyKyomathatassembledtherewasanamphibianKyoma.Ithada
giganticbody,alargemouth,andaskincoveredinstones.Sometimesastrange
smellingsteamalsoroseupfromitsbody.
TherewasalsoamonkeyKyoma.Itwasaboutthesizeofahuman,butitsbody
wasextremelythin.Italsohadacontinuouslyripplingbodyhair.
AndthentherewasanadorableKyomaseatedatthecenterofthemall.Itsbody
wassmallandithadastrangeappearancewiththelegsofwhatlookedlikea
dogsandasquirrels.
"Thepreparationshavebeencompleted,Nashetania,"theadorableKyomasaid
quietly.HisnamewasDozzu,thetraitorwhohadrevoltedagainstTheMajinand
lefttheWailingDemonTerritory.HewasalsooneofthethreeKyoma
commanders.
"Ourfateshallbedecidedheretoday.Whateverresultsawaitus,weshall
continuetofightwithoutgivingup."Dozzu'svoicewassmallandcouldn'treach
anyoneexceptforthegirlsittingbesidehim,Nashetania.
"Areyouworriedaboutme,Dozzu?"Nashetaniasmiled."Relax.I'mnotscaredof
anything.It'sclearthatwewillbevictoriousinthisbattle."
"...Nashetania."
39
Chapter 12

"WehaveGoldof,sothere'snothingtofear."
Dozzuquietlynodded.
"Forourambitionsweshallfight."
"ForthefutureofhumansandKyoma."
"Andforourfallenbrethren,"Nashetaniasaidandthenstoodupandwipedoff
thedirtfromherbehind.
"Welltheneveryone.Let'sbegin.EliminateChamoRosso."
WiththosewordstheirplanwasunderwayasNashetaniastaredattheKyoma
surroundingherwithasmile.
Abouttenminuteshadpassed.
"...Hey,Adkun,Goldofsan,"RoloniacalledouttoAdletandGoldofwhowere
lookingdownthecliff.
40
Chapter 12

"Didyoufindsomething?"Adletasked.Therewasurgencyinhisvoice.Nomatter
howmanytimeshehadlookeddownthecliff,hewasntabletofindanyclues.
"No,Ihaven'tfoundanything,but...isn'tsomethingstrangeaboutthis?"
"What?"
"Whyaren'tthereanyKyoma?"
Afterhearingthat,Adletlookedaround.ItwasabouttimethatevenTgurneu
wouldbeawaretheHeroeshadgottenoutoftheforest.Andevenifheweren't
awarehewouldhaveatleastdispatchedscoutstopatrolthevalley.Forthemto
nothaveencounteredanyofthepatrolsevenoncewasdefinitelyunusual.
AdlettookoutthefirecrackerthatFremyhadgivenhimfromoneofhispouches.
IfanythingstrangehappenedFremywouldremotelybreakthefirecracker,
signalingAdletandtheothers.
"FremyandHanshaven'tencounteredanyKyomaeither,right?"
"That'sstrangetoo,but...what'sthat?"Roloniaquicklypointedtothesky.There
wasagiantmothKyomaflyingfromthecenteroftheWailingDemonTerritory.It
didn'tseemlikeitwaswatchingthethreeofthem.Itwasjustflyingsoutheastas
fastasitcould.
41
Chapter 12

"TherewasaKyomaflyinginthatsamedirectionearliertoo."
"...That'sodd."
Adletcranedhisnecktothesideashelookedsoutheast.Hecouldguessthat
Kyomaweregatheringthere,buthecouldn'tunderstandwhy.Tgurneuhad
alreadypredictedthattheSixFlowerswereheadingtowardsthevalley.Soifhe
ignoredthatinformationthentherewasprobablyanotherreasonwhytheKyoma
werebeinggatheredinanunrelatedlocation.
Atthatmoment,Goldof,inalargebutslowmotion,turnedsoutheastandthen
startedtowalkaway.
"What'sthematter,Goldofsan?"Roloniacalledtohim,butGoldofdidn'tstop.
Atfirsthehadbeenmovingslowly,butprogressivelyhepickeduphisspeedand
begantodistancehimselffromAdletandRolonia.
Adletrushedafterhimandgrabbedhisshoulder.Somethingabouthimseemed
strange.
"Yo,don'tactonyourown.Atthemomentyouhavenobusinessoverthere."
42
Chapter 12

ThenassoonasAdletfeltGoldofgrabhiswrist,hisbodywasflippedthroughthe
air.Beforehecouldknowwhathadhappened,Adlet'sbackcrashedintothe
groundandhewasstaringuptobluesky.
"Adkun?!"
OnlyafterRoloniahadshouteddidherealizethathehadbeenthrown.
"WhatthehellareyoudoingGoldof?!"
AdletbrushedasideGoldof'shandandrolledbacktohisfeet.
"...Theprincessisindanger."
"Whathappened?What'supwiththeprincess...withNashetania?"
Goldofdidn'trespondandjustcontinuedtoquicklywalksoutheast.
"Wait,Goldof.Explain.WhathappenedtoNashetania?"
"Theprincessisintrouble.Iamgoingtohelpher."
43
Chapter 12

"Whatareyouthinking?Nashetaniaistheenemy."
AdletcircledaroundinfrontofGoldof.ThenextinstantAdlethadafistthrustinto
hisstomachasalloftheairhadlefthislungs.Theenergyescapedhislegsashe
felldowntohisknees.
"Goldofsan?!Whatareyoudoing?!"Roloniashoutedassherushedoverto
Adlet.
Goldofthenturnedaroundandsaidtothetwoofthem,"Adlet,Rolonia.Iam
goingtohelptheprincess."
"Whyallofasudden?"RoloniaaskedinplaceofAdlet,whocouldn'tspeakatthe
moment.
"Listenupandlistenwell.Donotgetinmyway.Iamgoingtohelptheprincess."
EversincetheyhadcometotheWailingDemonTerritory,Goldofhadbeenlikea
corpse.Butnowalighthadreturnedtohiseyes.Therewasafireglimmering
withinhisdarkgaze.
"Iwillgoalone.Donotfollowme."
"Pleasewaitamoment,Goldofsan!Whathappened?!"Roloniashouted.
44
Chapter 12

"Circumstanceshavechanged.Ifyouinterfere,Iwillnotletyoulive."
"Le...letuslive?"Roloniasaid,scared.
ThenAdletnoticedsomethingunusual.Goldofwascrying.Hedbeencrying
silentlyeversincehedshiftedhisfocusontotheKyomathatwereheading
southeast.
WhenAdletstoodup,Goldofhadalreadyturnedaroundandrunaway.AndAdlet
andRoloniacoulddonothingelsebutwatchhimrunoff.
AboutthirtyminutesaftertheremainingSixHeroeswererunningacrossthe
plainschasingafterGoldof.
"What'sthemeaningofthis?"Fremyasked.
AfterhearingthesituationfromAdletandRolonia,theircompanionsallshowed
facesofconfusion.Adletdidn'tunderstanditeither.
"Youdon'tthinkperhapshereallydidgomad?"Hansasked.
45
Chapter 12

Frankly,Adletthoughtthatitwasprobablythebiggestpossibilityasofthen.
Goldof'sbehaviordidntmakeanysense.
AdletunderstoodthatGoldofmissedNashetania.Anditwasprobablyanatural
feelingforhimtowanttobringNashetania,whowasonthesideoftheKyoma,
overtotheFlowers'side.Perhapsthat'swhathemeantwhenhesaidhewould
gotohelpher.ButAdlethadnoideawhyGoldofwasheadingofftohelpher
now.
EventuallyAdletandtheothersdiscoveredthreeKyomacorpsesinfrontofthe
roadbeforethem.Adletdrewcloserandinspectedtheirinjuries.
"DidGoldofkillthem?"Moraasked.
AsfarasAdletcouldtell,thatwasprobablythecase.AllthreeoftheKyomahad
beentakenoutbyamassivelysharpstrike.Whatappearedstrangewasthatafter
thethreehadbeenkilled,theirstomachshadbeenslicedopen.
"Hethrusthishandintotheirstomachsandthoroughlytriedsearchingfor
something.Whatareyoudoing,Goldof?"
"Iwonderifhe'sreallytryingtosaveNashetania,"Fremysaid."...Rippingopen
KyomastomachswillhelpNashetania?Howdoesthatmakesense?"
ThepossibilitythatGoldofhadbecomecompletelyinsaneincreasedevenfurther.
46
Chapter 12

Afterfinishingtheirinspectionofthecorpses,Adletandtheotherscontinued
afterGoldof.
"Isthereanythingahead?"Moraaskedastheyran.
"Ifwekeepgoingstraightalittlebitwewillentertheforestagain.Thelavabeltis
beforethat.Magmaflowsbeneaththegroundandtherearegeysersspewing
everywhere.It'sadangerousplace."
"Thatbastard...whydoeshehavetodothingsinaplacelikethat?"Adlet
mutteredandatthesametimeFremystopped.Theothercompanionswhowere
followingheralsocametoastop.
"What'swrong,Fremy?"
ThemomentAdletlookedintohereyesAdletunderstoodwhatFremywantedto
say.
"...WeshouldnotfollowafterGoldof."
"Fremy?"
"ItissafetosaythattheKyomaaretryingtogatheratthelavabeltandGoldofis
tryingtodrawallofusthere.Idon'tknowwhatkindoftrapTgurneuand
47
Chapter 12

Nashetaniaarelayingoutforus,butifwecontinuelikethisitwillbeanactof
suicide."
"AreyousayingGoldofistheseventh?
"Thathasn'tbeendeterminedyet.Butheisextremelysuspicious."
"Bu...but...Fremysan,"RoloniatimidlysaidbacktoFremy."Goldofsanmight
havefallenintosomekindoftrap.Nashetaniasancouldbedeceivinghimand
luringhimsomewhere..."
"Whatdoyoumean?"
"Doesn'tGoldofsanloveNashetaniasan?IfheheardthatNashetaniasanwasin
dangerIthinkhewouldendupgoingtohelpher.Maybetheenemyliedto
Goldofsanandistryingtotrickhimintogoingtothelavabelt."
"Thatdoesntseemright.HowwouldNashetaniadeceiveGoldofandtrickhim
intogoinganywhere?DideitheryouorAdletseeorhearanything?"
"Yeah...umm..."
Fremy'srebuttalwascompletelyright.ChamothenturnedtothesilentRolonia.
48
Chapter 12

"What?Didn'tyousayearlierthatyoususpectedGoldof?Whyareyoudefending
him?"
"Ah...ahumm...aboutthat..."
HavingbeensilentlythinkingasRoloniaandChamospoke,Fremythensaid,
"You'vegottherightidea,Chamo.Fromwhatyou'vepointedoutIcansee
anotherpossibility.RoloniatrickedGoldofandmadehimheadtotheLavaBelt.
Thenshedmakeusfollowafterhimandwouldtrytoleadustothelavabeltas
well.Thatisnotanimpossibility."
ThoughRoloniawasupset,shewasntabletogetanywordstocomeoutofher
mouthandendedupjustopeningandclosingitoverandover.
"Enoughwiththisunfoundedspeculation.Weneedtohurryandcomeupwitha
solutionforwhattodoaboutGoldof.Adlet,whatshouldwedo?"Moraasked.
ButAdletwasataloss.Theenemywaswithoutadoubtwaitingforthemup
aheadandGoldofwasindeedverysuspicious.Unsureofwhattodo,Adletlooked
overtoHans,anglingforhimtooffersomeadvice.ButHansjustshookhishead.
"Thedecisionisyours,meow.Aguywhocan'tmakedecisionsisnotaleader."
That'sright.AdletwasembarrassedthathetriedtorelyonHans.
49
Chapter 12

"Honestly,IamsuspiciousofGoldoftoo.AndIdon'tthinkitsanoutrageous
proposition...toabandonhimlikethis.But..."Adletstopped,thenforawhilehe
worriedoverhowtocontinue."IlookedintoGoldof'seyes.Thosewerenteyes
thatwerecapableofdeceit.GoldofisseriouslytryingtosaveNashetania.Thatis
certain.Attheveryleastitdoesn'tseemlikeheisdeceivingus."
RolonianoddedtoAdlet'swords.
"So?"
"IstillthinkthereisapossibilitythatGoldofisnottheseventh.Andaslongasthat
possibilityremainswecannotabandonhim.Ifweabandonhelpingandprotecting
ourfellowcompanionsthenwe'redonefor."
FremylookedatAdletwithacoldstarefullofanger."...That'sfine.Let'ssuppose
thatGoldofisnottheseventh.Andlet'sassumethatGoldofistryingtogoand
helpNashetania.Thatdoesn'tchangethefactthatNashetaniaistheenemy.And
ifGoldofwenttogohelpherthenheisnotourcompanion.Heisjustatraitor.So
whyshouldwegoandhelpatraitor?"
"Hehasn'tbetrayedus.HeisinlovewithNashetania.Andsomeonewhowantsto
protectthepersontheyloveisnotatraitor."
"...Seriously,you'regoingtogoandhelpGoldof?"
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Chapter 12

AdletnoddedandinarageFremygrabbedhimbythecollar."Stopscrewing
around!"
"Fr,Fremysan..."Roloniastammered.
"Youarefartoosoft!WhetherGoldofistheseventh,atraitor,orhascompletely
goneinsanedoesn'tmatter!Whyshouldweventureintosuchadangerousplace
inordertohelphim?!"
"Meow.You'reshouting,Fremy,"Hanssaid,tryingtostopher.Butevenhis
warningdidnotreachherears.
"I'mnotabandoningourcompanion.Thatismydecision.AndIdon'tplanon
changingit,"AdletsaidandhetoreFremy'shandoffofhim.
"Idon'tgetyou."
"...Fremysan.IthinkAdkuniscorrect,"Roloniainterjected.
"Why?"
"Ican'thelpbutfeeluneasy.Idon'tknowwhatkindoftrapwe'reinvolvedin.And
IdontknowwhenIllbesuspectedofbeingtheseventh.Weregoingtohaveto
fightunderthesecircumstancesinthefuturetoo."
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Chapter 12

"So?"
"ButIknowthatAdkunwouldneverabandonme.Hewillbelieveinmeuntilthe
veryend.ItisthankstothatsenseofreliefthatIambarelyabletofight.Its
becauseAdkunwouldneverthinktobetraymethatIcanfight.Butit'snotonly
me.Ithinkeveryoneherefeelsthesameway."
TheHeroesfellsilent.
"Fremy,stopthis.Iunderstandhowyoufeel...butlet'strustAdlet."
"Wedecidedtoentrustthingstohim.Nowwhateverhesaysitcan'tbehelped,
meow."Hanssaidandthenhesmiledandbegantowalk.
Fremyhungherheadandhershouldersdroppedasshestaredattheground.
"Adlet,I..."WhateverFremywasabouttosay,shestoppedherselfbeforeitcame
out.
Herfeelingswerereallyhurt,evenAdletunderstoodthat.Buthedidn'thaveany
wordstoconsoleher.
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Chapter 12

Anhourlater,whilethesixHeroeskeptcarefulwatchesontheirsurroundings,
theysetfootontothelavabelt.
Thelavabelt'ssurfacewascoveredwithdarkgrayruggedrocks.Therockshad
becomeredhereandthereandwereextremelyhot.Theheatwassointensethat
theycouldfeelitthroughthebottomoftheirshoes.
Sometimessteamspewedoutfromthecracksintherocks.Thesteamwasmixed
withsulfuranditstanktothepointwhereitmadethemscrewuptheirfacesin
disgust.Thelandwascompletelydevoidoflife;everyweed,insect,andanimal
haddiedoutthere.
Adletdidn'thaveanypriorknowledgeabouttheareasinceneithertheSaintof
theSingleFlowernorthepastHeroeshadvisiteditbefore.AsforFremy,shehad
eithercomeclosemultipletimesorhadpassedit,butshedneveractually
venturedinside.
"...Whatastrangeplace,"Adletmuttered.
Therewereaseriesofruggedrockyhills,ranginginheightbetweenfiveand
twentymeters.Therewerealmostnolevelareas.Thestructureoftherockyhills
wasirregularanditmadeforaverybadfieldofvision.Evenifoneweretolook
overthesurroundingareafromahighpositionononeofthosehills,theywould
notbeabletoseethewholearea.
Itwasanidealplacetolaunchanambush.
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Chapter 12

"Itdoesn'tseemlikethisterrainformednaturally,"Adletsaid.
"I'dheardthatoriginallyitwasaverylargevolcano.AndwhenCargikkhad
excavatedthatvalleyhealsomadethemagmafromhereflowthere."
Hans,whohadclimbedoneoftherockyhillsnearby,pointedoutintoa
direction."Umeow.ThereareKyomacorpsesovertheretoo.ItlookslikeGoldofis
tryingtomakehiswaytothecenterofthelavabelt."
AdletandtheothersfacedthedirectionHanshadindicated.
ThedeadKyomatheyfoundwereverysimilartothoseintheforest.Theyhad
beenkilledbyasinglethrustandtheirstomachshadbeenrippedopen.
"WhatisGoldofdoing?"Moragrumbled.
Adletandtheothersthencontinuedwalking.Theywalkedforaboutthirty
minutesandpassedanumberofshort,ruggedhills.Duringtheirtrekthey
repeatedlycameacrossnewKyomacorpses.
AdlethadpredictedthattheywouldreceiveanambushwithintheLavaBelt.But
theonlyKyomatheyencounteredwerecorpses.Therewasnoindicationthatan
ambushwascoming.
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Chapter 12

"There'snoonehere.Chamowondersifthisisatrap,"Chamosaid.
CouldGoldofhavepossiblykilledallofthem?Adletthought.
Theycontinuedtowalkonwardandstartedtoseeagianttrapezoidhill.When
theyclimbedthethirtymeterhill,theyfoundthatthecenterhadbeengouged
outandbelowwasapitseventymetersindiameter.
Lookingdownintothathollow,Adletgulpedinvoluntarily.
"...Whatinthehell..."
InthepittherewasalargeamountofKyomacorpses,probablyovertwo
hundred.Adletsnappedoutofhisshockandrusheddowntheslope.
"CouldGoldofsanhavepossiblydonethisonhisown?"Roloniaasked.
"Thatcan'tbeit.Ifhecouldkillallofthesealonethenheisn'thuman."
AdletinspectedtheKyomacorpses.Theinjuriesthatprovedfatalwerealmostall
frombitesorclaws.Therewerealsothosethathadbeenkilledbyfireoracid.
Theirwoundswerestillfreshanditseemedthattheyhaddiedjustafewhours
earlier.
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Chapter 12

"WasthereafightamongtheKyoma?"Adletmuttered.Therewerecutsallover
thegroundandpiecesofbrokenrockwerescatteredabout.Itmusthavebeena
violentbattle.
LookingatthefacesofthemanyKyomaFremysaid,"Themajoritywereon
Tgurneu'sside.ButthereisalsoaconsiderableamountofCargikk'sKyomamixed
amongthem.Bylookingatthisthereisnodoubtthatthiswasaninternalbattle
amongtheKyoma."
TheyhadalreadyheardfromFremythattherewasacomplicatedstruggleamong
theKyoma.Accordingtoher,theKyomaweredividedintothreefactions.One
wasthelargest,Cargikk'sfaction,andthenextpowerfulwasTgurneu'sside.
Finally,theKyomatraitorDozzuhadhisfactionhiddenamongbothCargikk'sand
Tgurneu's.
"CargikkandTgurneufought?"Adletasked.
"...Idon'tknow.CertainlyCargikkandTgurneuopposeoneanother,butthey
don'tseemlikethetypeoffoolsthatwouldquarrelinthemiddleoftheirfight
withtheSixFlowers."
"Ifthat'sthecase,thenwasitDozzu,meow?Ihaveabsolutelynoideawhatkind
ofpersonheis."
"IwonderiftherearemanyonDozzu'ssidewhocouldcauseabattlelike
this....it'sdifficulttothinkaboutit."Fremyleanedherheadtothesideinthought.
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Chapter 12

Eveniftherewereinformationtheydidnotknow,whattheydidunderstandwas
thatsomethingwasunfolding.Butwouldthesituationbeadvantageousor
unfavorablefortheHeroes?AndhowwasGoldofinvolved?
"IftheKyomaarereallykillingoneanother,thenfornowIamgrateful.Butwhat's
moreimportantisthatwesearchforGoldof."
"What?YoucametosearchforGoldof?"Avoiceaskedfrombehindthegroup.
ThemomenttheyhearditAdletthrewdownhisironboxonreflexanddrewhis
sword.Similarly,everyoneexceptforRoloniareadiedtheirweapons.Therewas
nowaytheycouldforgetthathighpitched,gentlevoiceanditspoliteandelegant
mannerofspeech.
"Ithoughtthatwithoutadoubtyouhadcometokillme."
Therewasagirlontheslopesurroundingthebasin.Shewassittingatoponeof
theKyomacorpses,staringdownattheHeroeswithanairofcomposure.Shewas
cladinanextravagantwhiteandblackarmorwhilewearingahelmetadorned
withrabbitdecor.
Howdidsheappearallofasudden?Adletwondered.Justseveralsecondsearlier
therehadbeennoonethere.
"It'sbeenalongtime,HeroesoftheSixFlowers."
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Chapter 12

Adlethadafeelingthattheywouldprobablymeetagain.Andthereshewas,the
firstimpostorwhomtheyhadfoughtalmosttothedeathjustfourdaysago:
Nashetania.
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59
Chapter 21

ChapterTwo:PartOne
"Hey,whatintheworldhappenedafterIlostconsciousnessintheIllusionFog
Barrier?"AdlethadaskedhiscompanionsthreedaysearlierattheEternalFlower.
Seriouslyinjured,Adlethadpassedoutonthespotrightafterthebattleinthe
IllusionFogBarrier,whichprettymuchmeantthathedidn'tknowwhathad
happenedfromthatpointuntilwhenhewokeupthenextmorning.Sohis
companionstookturnsfillinghimandRoloniainonwhathadhappenedthat
night.
Hans,Mora,Chamo,andGoldofchasedafterNashetaniathroughoutthenight.
Rightafteritwasrevealedthatshewastheimpostor,Nashetaniadeactivatedthe
IllusionFogBarrier.However,Moratoldthemthatevenifitweredeactivatedthe
fogwouldretainitseffectuntilithadcompletelyclearedup.
HansandChamoweren'tinjuredatall.Theyevensaidthatthereweretimes
whentheywerecertaintheyhadkilledNashetania,butsomehow,shewasstill
abletogetawayeachtime.
"Nashetaniausedsomekindofstrangepower.Wethoughtwehadhercornered,
butthenshewoulddisappearthenextinstant.Andweknowshewasn'tkilled
becausetherewasnodeadbodyleftbehind,"Chamosaid.
"Thatability...I'veseenitbefore."AdletrecalledthemomentafterNashetania's
trueidentityhadbeenrevealed.
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ItwaswhenMorasmashedNashetania'sheadopen.Thebodyimmediately
disappearedthenandthegenuineNashetaniareappearedsomewhereelse.The
abilitywascertainlypuzzling,butitdidn'tseemlikethepoweroftheSaintof
Blades.
"Idon'tunderstandhowitspossible,butNashetaniaisabletousethepowerofa
Kyoma.PerhapsitstheabilityofaKyomathatcanconcealitself,"Fremysaid.
EventhoughAdlethadbeentaughtbytheAntiKyomaspecialistAtroSpykerand
hadpossessedaconsiderableamountofknowledgeabouttheabilitiesand
ecologyoftheKyoma,hedidn'tknowanythingaboutaconcealingKyoma.
"ConcealingKyomaareextremelyrare.Thereareperhapsonlyfiveamongallof
theKyoma.I'veheardstoriesaboutthem,butI'veneveractuallyseentheir
ability."
"Whatkindofpowerisit?"
"Inaword,it'slikehypnotism."Fremythencontinuedtoexplain.
TheconcealingKyomaemitsananestheticintheformofvaporfromalloverits
bodywhilereleasingaspecificsoundwaveatthesametime.Thepersonthat
breathestheanestheticinandhearsthesoundwouldtemporarilylosetheir
abilitytoperceivetheconcealingKyoma.
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AlthoughtheabilitythatNashetaniahadusedwasevenmoreunique,shehadthe
abilitytomakethemhallucinateandthinkthatshewasactuallythere,Fremytold
them.
"...That'sunbelievable,"Adletsaid.
AcoldsweatbrokeoutinAdlet'sbody.Withthatabilityshecouldapproachthem
whileinvisibleandambushthemfrombehindwithouteventheslightest
resistance.UponseeingAdlet'sworrythough,Hansmerelylaughedandrejected
theidea.
"Meowhi.AsfarasIcantell,herabilitywasnotthatstrong."
"Whatdoyoumean?"
"Iveseentheprincess'concealingabilitymultipletimes.Shecanprobablymake
herselfdisappearforabouttenseconds,meow.ButIshouldaddthataftershe
usestheabilityshecantuseitagainforaperiodoffiveminutes.Sothisisjusta
theory,but...shecanprobablyonlyusetheconcealingabilitytoescape."
Fremy'seyeswidenedinshock.
"Thatisquitetheanalysis.You'reprettymuchright."
FremyaddedtoHans'explanation:Theconcealingabilityexhaustsaconsiderable
amountofphysicalenergy.
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Sowhileusingtheability,shewouldn'tbeabletoattackordoanythingelse.At
mostshewouldonlybeabletorun.Thiswassomethingsharedbyallofthe
concealingKyoma.
"Cometothinkofit,mymasterdidtellmethattherewereKyomathat
usedhypnotism,althoughtheywereonlyafew.However,theeffectoftheir
abilitiesmerelylastsforamoment."
"...I'vehadthisquestionforalongtime,butwhoisAtroSpyker?Howdidhe
investigatetheKyoma'swayoflifesothoroughly?"
"Idon'tknow.Iveaskedhimmanytimesaswellbefore,butInevergotan
answer,"Adletsaid.Fremylookedawayasifthinkingaboutsomething.
"AtroSpykerisnotimportantatthemoment.Whatweneedtoknowiswhether
ornotthere'sawaytobreakthroughtheconcealingability."Morasaid.
"WhentheconcealingKyomausetheirabilitytheygiveoffasweetscent.We
shouldbeabletoknowiftheirabilityhasbeenusedfromthat,"Fremyreplied.
"Ifsheusesit,whatshouldwedo?"
"Ifyoufocusyourconcentration,squintyoureyes,andhurtyourself,itwillundo
thehypnotism.Thepainfrombitingdownonyourtonguereallyhardshouldbe
enough.Thenyouwillbeabletoseethroughtheconcealingability."
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"Isee.Soyou'resayingthatifthereisastrangesweetsmell,weshouldstrainour
eyesandbiteourtongues?"
"That'sright."
I'mreallygratefulthatFremyishere,Adletthought.Theconcealingpowerwas
notverypowerful.Nevertheless,iftheyhadfoughtwithoutknowingthetruth
abouttheabilitytheymighthavefallenintoadangerouspredicament.
Butnomatterwhatkindofabilityitwas,ifhecouldjustunderstandthesecret
behinditthenhewouldn'tfearit.
ThemomentNashetaniahadfinishedwithhergreetingsagunshotrangthrough
theair.Abladesprungupfromthegroundandrepelledthebullet,sendingit
flyingtosomeunknowndirection.
"You'reviolent,Fremysan."
HavingblockedFremy'sbullet,NashetaniacalmlygetsofftheKyomacorpse.
Fremywasloadinghernextbullet,butAdletstoppedher.
"That's....Nashetaniasan?"RoloniaaskedfrombehindAdlet.
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Chapter 21

"Nicetomeetyou.YoumustbeRoloniasan.Ilookforwardtoourtime
together."
NashetaniaplacedherhandonherchestandbowedRoloniaawkwardlybowed
herinresponse.
"What'sgoingonwithGoldof?"AdletaskedandNashetaniapointedsouth.
"Goldofisabouttwentykilometersoverthere.Afterfinishingupabitofbusiness
forme,Ithinkhewillbemakinghiswayhere."
"Whatisthis'bitofbusiness'?"
"It'sasecret,"Nashetaniasaidandimpishlyplacedherfingersonherlips.Her
behaviorwascompletelythesameaswhenhehadfirstmetherinprison.
Adletshotafleetingglanceatthebackofhishand.Allsixofthepetalswerestill
onthecrest.IfGoldofwasagenuineFlowerthenhewasattheveryleastnot
dead.However,ifhewasthesevenththenthatwasanotherstory.
"Didyouusehimtolureushere?"
"There'snowayIcoulddothat.IonlywishedtohelpGoldof.Ididntexpectallof
youtofollowafterhim,"Nashetaniasaidinatonethatseemedtosuggestshe
washavingfun.
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Chapter 21

ShewasclearlylyingandAdletwasconfidentthatheandtheothershadfallen
intohertrap.Nashetaniawasdefinitelyplanningsomething,soAdletlooked
aroundhissurroundingstryingtofigureouthowshewasgoingtotrapthem.
"Howdidyourequestforhishelp?"
"GoldofandIareconnectedonanemotionallevel.It'snotnecessarytotellhim
anything.IfIjustwishforhelpthenhewillcomerushing,nomatterwhereheis."
"Whatareyoutryingtosay?He'llcomeeventhoughyoubetrayedhim?"
Nashetaniadidn'tpayChamo'swordsanymind.
"IsGoldoftheseventh?"Adletasked.
"You'reterrible,Adletsan.Ican'tbelieveyou'ddoubtmypreciousGoldof.Heisa
trueHerooftheSixFlowers.AndsinceI'mvouchingforhimthereisn'tany
mistakeaboutit."
Shehadprobablycometoridiculethem.Adletwasgettingannoyedbyherjoking
attitude.
"Bytheway,afterweredonehereImgoingtokillyou,Adletsaid.
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Chapter 21

"Oh,howscary."
"Whenisyour'preciousGoldofgoingtorushbacktoyou?"
Nashetaniabegantogiggle."Goldof,help!I'mhere!Imgoingtobekilled!"
Adletscowledatherunamusingjoke.TohissideFremyandHanstradedglances.
ThentheynoddedtowardsAdlet.
"Killher,"Adletcommanded.
FireshotoutfromFremy'srifleandHanschargeddirectlyather.
AtthesametimeAdletturnedaround.Justashehadthought,about30Kyoma
appeared.TheKyomareadiedtherocksthatwereturningredfromtheheatand
startedtothrowthemattheHeroes.
"Leavethereartome!"AssoonasAdletshouted,hetookoutaflashpelletfrom
apoucharoundhiswaistandthrewit.
AlthoughthemassiveflashoflightblindedtheKyoma,itdidn'tstopthemfrom
throwingthescorchingstones.Nevertheless,theiraimwentwildandtheHeroes
wereeasilyabletododgetheirattacks.
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Chapter 21

Suddenly,oneofthefallenKyomacorpsesbyAdlet'sfeetmoved,extendingits
antennaeandaimingforAdlet'sneck.
"Watchout!"Roloniashouted,herwhipcuttingofftheantennaerightbeforeit
couldreachAdlet.
AstrangesmellingbloodspewedoutfromtheseveredantennaeandtheKyoma
screamed.OnebyonethefallenKyomabegantomoveandrushedtowardsthe
Heroes.
"Rolonia!Mora!ThethreeofuswillstoptheKyoma,"Adletshoutedjustasa
bladesprungupfromthegroundandflewtowardshim.Roloniaagainsaved
Adlet,breakingtheswordbeforeitmadecontact.
"Umeomeow!Leavetheprincesstome!"Hansshoutedashetwirledthroughthe
airandcutatNashetaniawithhisblade.Nashetaniamadeanotherbladespring
outfromthegroundtomeethisattack.
"Hans!I'llbackyouup!"Fremysaid.ShechuckedbombstowardsNashetaniaand
thenshotather.Nashetaniarolledacrossthegroundanddodgedbothofthe
attacks.
BothHansandFremycouldgeneratemoreforcethanNashetania.Togetherthere
wasnothingshecouldthrowatthemthattheycouldnthandle.
"Fremy!Becarefulofherconcealingability,"Adletshouted.
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Chapter 21

"Youdon'tneedtotellme."
Nashetaniastartedtoflee.ShedeflectedFremy'sbulletswiththehiltofherrapier
andsummonedbladesfromthegroundtohaltHans'charge.
"CanChamohelptoo?"ChamoaskedAdlet,referringtotheJyumashehadspat
out.ButAdletshookhishead.
"Nashetaniamuststillbeplanningsomething.Guardtheperimeterandprepare
forthenextattack!"
"Understood."
Thehecticbattlewagedonforseveralminutesafterthat.FremyandHansfought
withNashetaniawhileAdlet,Mora,andRoloniawerekeepingtheKyomathatwas
tryingtoassistNashetaniaatbay.ProtectedbyherJyuma,Chamostoodonthe
lookoutforpotentialreinforcements,butAdletandtheothersclearlyhadthe
advantageinthebattleandtherewasnoindicationthatNashetaniawasplanning
anothertrap.
AdletdrovehisswordintothetopofaKyoma'sheadasitwasrushingtowards
him.Thenasitstaggered,Rolonia'swhipcutittoshreds.TheKyomadied,
spewingageyserofblood.
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Chapter 21

Therewereabout30Kyoma.AndthoughAdletcouldn'tcallthatasmallnumber,
theHeroesweremorethanenoughtostopthem.Soaslongasthingsremained
astheywere,theyweregoingtowin.
"...Noway.Wasshereallylikethis?"Adletmutteredashefought.
Adletcouldn'tshakethefeelingthatsomethingwasoff.Whentheywereinthe
IllusionFogBarriershehadenactedanelaborateandcarefulplan,soshedidn't
seemlikethetypeofpersonwhowouldchallengeanenemytoafightwithouta
strategy.
"Meow!"
HanswascuttingthroughthebladesthatNashetaniawasdesperatelyconjuring
upfromthegroundinordertostophim.MeanwhileasingleKyomathatthe
HeroeshadfailedtoholdoffmanagedtomakeitswayovertoNashetaniaand
wasstrugglingtoprotecther.
"Youwon'tgetaway,"Fremysaid,thenshotabulletthroughNashetania'sleg.
Nashetaniawincedinpain.Theplayfulattitudehadvanishedfromherexpression.
"I'msorryaboutthis,everyone.Butcanyoupleasehurryandhelpme?!"
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Chapter 21

Still,forsomereasonAdletdidn'tfeelatease.Nashetaniaisdefinitelyplanning
something.Wassheplanninganevengreaterambush?Wassheplanningtotake
Goldofhostage?OrwassheintendingtodirectTgurneutotheirlocation?
"Hey,Adlet,"Chamosaidasshelookedonoverthebattleasaspectator."It
wouldbegreatifyoucouldkillNashetaniasoon."
"...Gotit!I'lldoit!"Adletdecided.Perhapstherewassomekindoftrap.But
takingdowntheenemyinfrontoftheireyeswasmoreimportantthanbeing
worriedaboutsomepotentialtrap.
AtthatmomentasingleKyomaslippedpastRolonia'swhipandMora'sfist,and
rushedtowardsNashetania.ItwasalizardKyomawithrocklikeskin.Nashetania
dodgedHans'attackandmountedit.Withoutmissingabeat,theKyomadashed
awayfromthebattlefield.PerhapsitthoughtitcouldtakeNashetaniatosafety.
"Whereareyougoing,meow!"
Therocklizard'smovementswerenotthatfast,soHanschasedafterNashetania
andtriedtojumpontotheKyoma'sback.Butashewasintheair,agiantmoth
Kyomaglidedfromtheskyandknockedhimdown.Fremythenshotat
Nashetania'sbackbutmissed.Themothvoluntarilyplaceditsbodyinfrontofthe
attacktoprotecther.Shotinthechest,astickyfluidshotoutofthemothasit
plummetedtotheground.
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Chapter 21

Duringthisbattle,tenofChamo'sJyumahadmanagedtomaneuverthemselves
sothattheywerenowblockingNashetania'spath.Theyhadformedalineand
werechargingatNashetaniaallatonce.
She'sbeenstopped,Adletthought.
ButNashetaniafinallyrepliedtoHans'question."WhereamIgoing?I'mrunning
away."AstheJyumaboredownonher,Nashetaniaboldlylaughed."AndI'm
runningbecausemybusinessisdonehere."
ThenextinstantalloftheJyumastoppedmoving.Theyhadnotbeenstabbed
withNashetania'sblades,norweretheybeingattackedbyanyone.
Whathappened?Adletthought.
ButwhileAdletwasdistracted,theKyomaseizedtheopeningandalionKyoma
camefrombehindwithanattackaimingforAdlet'sneck.Adletstoopeddownto
avoidtheattack,thentwistedtofacethecreatureandthrewapoisondartatits
face.
WhiletheheroeswereoccupiedNashetaniahadslippedaway.
"Let'sgo!Quickly,quickly!"
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Chapter 21

NashetaniaslappedthebackofthelizardKyomaasitcontinueditssluggishrun.
AtthesametimeshedeflectedFremy'sbulletswithherbladeswhileHans'
attackswereblockedbyotherKyomathatwasrushingtowardshim.
TheKyomathatRoloniaandMorawerefightingthensimultaneouslymovedtoa
positionbehindNashetania,aidinginholdingoffFremyandHans.
ShouldIgoafterNashetania?Adletwondered.Butsomethingisn'tright.Whyhad
theJyumastopped?
"Chamo,what'sgoingon?!"AdletshoutedandChamorushedtowardshim.
Shelookedstrangeandwaspressingherhandstoherstomachwitha
dumbfoundedlookonherface.Shethenlookeddownatherhands,thentoher
body,andmuttered,"...Huh?What's...?
ThenextinstantChamopressedherhandtohermouth.Thenlargeamountsof
bloodstartedtospillfromit,seepingoutfromthespacesbetweenherfingers.
Unabletoevenshout,Chamoslowlyfelltotheground.Atthesametimethe
JyumawereallsuckedbackintoChamo'smouth.ItseemedlikeChamohadbeen
attacked,yetAdlethadn'tseenanythingthatcouldhavedoneit.
"Chamo?!"
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Chapter 21

MoraandRoloniarushedover.MorahelpedChamoupandRoloniatriedtostop
theblood.
Allthreeofthemwereconfusedandwasataloss.Theycouldn'tfindanyinjuries
onChamo'sbody.
"...Whathappened,Chamo?"
Stillcoveringhermouth,Chamobegantotremble.Perhapsitwasthefirsttimein
herlifethatshehadeverexperiencedthefearofdeath.
"Mystomach....inside....blade...."Chamomanagedtosaybeforevomitingalarge
amountofbloodagain.
FremyandHanschasedafterNashetaniaasshetriedtoescapefromthebasin.
ButbecausetheKyomawereholdingHansandFremyoff,graduallyNashetania
wasabletopullawayandeventuallyshewentovertheslopeofthebasinand
disappearedfromsight.
NashetaniaknewexactlywhathadhappenedinsideChamo'sstomach.Shewas
theonewhohadcausedittohappenafterall.
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Chapter 21

CertainSaintsknewofatechniquethatcouldplaceapartofone'sessenceinto
anotherobject,creatingobjectsthathelduniquepower.Thoseobjectswere
generallycalledSacredInstruments.
WhenitcametoproducingtheSacredInstruments,thegreatestmasterinallof
historywastheSaintoftheSingleFlowerwhohadproducedthecrestsoftheSix
Flowers.Atthemoment,theSaintofMountains,Mora,andtheSaintofSalt,
Weylynn,weretheonlyknownusersofthistechnique.ChamoandRolonia
couldn'tuseitatallwhileFremyalsoseemedunskilledatit.
Thetargetofthepowertransferwasusuallybooksorstakeswrittenwithholy
words,orvariouskindsofjewels.Anditwassaidthattoputpowerintoacrest
liketheSaintoftheSingleFlowerwasthehighestleveloftheskill.
Publicly,Nashetaniatoldtheworldthatshecouldn'tusethetechniqueeither.But
thatwasalie.Shewouldn'tbeabletoaccomplishhertraphadpeoplefoundout
thatshecouldactuallymakeSacredInstruments.
Itwasabouttwoyearsago.
NashetaniahadleftPienaandwasvisitingtheHeadTemplewithovertwenty
attendantsaccompanyingher.Amongthemwereherguards,herhorsecoach
drivers,hermaidshelpingwithfoodandclothing,andeventhepersonwhotook
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Chapter 21

careofNashetania'spet.AtthattimeWeylynn,thedeputyleaderofthetemples,
didnotseemverypleasedbytheextravagance.
"Princess,itisrareforyoutocomeallthewaytotheheadtemple.Iseverything
okay?"Weylynnasked.
NashetaniawasusuallyinPiena,trainingagainstGoldoforagroupofknights.She
rarelyleftthekingdom.
"Sameasusual.Ijustcameonawhim,"Nashetaniasaid,evadingthequestion.
AtthattimeantiKyomabattletrainingwasbeingheldattheHeadTemple.Atthe
fightingarenainsidethetemple,ChamoRosso'sJyumawerefightingwithother
Saints.SlugandwatersnakeKyomawereattackingtheSaintsrelentlessly.Asley
theSaintofIce,LenelletheSaintofFire,andotherpowerfulwarriorswereusing
theirabilitiestofighttheJyuma.
Thetrainingwasjustlikearealbattle.Andthebloodspillingontothegroundwas
notjusttheJyuma's.
"...Wow."
ThespectaclemadeNashetaniaexclaiminwonder.
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"ThegirlrightinthemiddleisChamosan,right?She'sacutekid.She'sdefinitely
goingtogrowintoabeautifulwoman."
WeylynnwasconfusedbyNashetaniascarefreesmile.
"...Um,Princess.Perhapsyoudidn'tknowuponcominghere,butitmightbe
bettertorethinkthat.Chamoisn'tabadchild...butsheisn'tverynormal."
"Isthatright?Sheisntverygentle,huh?....Well,I'mnotworried."
"Justbecarefulnottogetseriouslyhurt."
"IfIwerecareful,thenitwouldn'tbetraining,Weylynnsan."Nashetaniasaid,and
thenshetookoffherdress.Underneathshewaswearingsimpletrainingclothes.
"Youdon'thavetowaitpatientlyanymore.Withoutfurtherado,Nashetaniathe
SaintofBladeshasarrived!"
"Ah,waitasecond."
IgnoringWeylynn'swarning,Nashetanialeapedintothearena.Shemadeblades
springupfromthegroundandsliceduptheJyuma.
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"Huh?Anewopponent?HeyWeylynn.IsthisaSaintthatChamocankill?"Chamo
askedandthenspatoutevenmoreJyuma.
"No!Absolutelynot!Therearen'tanySaintsyoucankill!"Weylynnshoutedas
sherushedintothearenatoprotectNashetania.However,Nashetaniacontinued
tosmileandconjuredbladesfromthegroundtobeginattackingChamo.
"Amazing!Isn'tthisincredible?!Isthiswhatit'sliketofightwithKyoma?!
"TheyarenotKyoma.TheyareChamo'spets."
ForthenextseveralminutesNashetaniacontinuedtofight,hersmilenever
leavingherface.
AtthattimetheplantoeliminatetheSixFlowerswithintheIllusionFogBarrier
wasalreadyinmotion.NashetaniahadcometotheHeadTempleinorderto
analyzeChamo'sfightingabilitiessinceshefiguredshewouldhavetofaceherin
battlesoonerorlater.
Shesamonster.AlthoughNashetaniawasactinglikeanaveandsheltered
princessenjoyingafight,deepdownsheunderstoodjusthowpowerfulChamo
was.
"Thisbladepersonisprettystrong.ButChamodoesn'tknowanythingaboutyou.
Whoareyou?"
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"MynameisNashetania.Iampleasedtomakeyouracquaintance."Nashetania
smiled,thoughherheadandherbodywerebothcoveredinblood.
"Thoughitwasalotoftrouble,Chamo'sgladshecame.ItlookslikeChamois
havingmorefunthanChamothought."
"Really?I'malsohavingagreattime."
ThoughthecorrectinterpretationisthatIcamesolelyforreconnaissance,she
thought.EvenifsheteamedupwithGoldoftofightChamo,shewasuncertainif
shecoulddefeather.LetaloneifshehadtofaceChamooneonone.gettingthe
genuineHeroesoftheSixFlowerstoeliminateChamowasdependenton
whethershecouldsuccessfullymanipulatethemintodoingherbidding.
SoIhavetoinjectherwithpoisonafterall.
Nashetaniahadpouredherpowerintoatinypieceofdiamondbeforecomingto
theHeadTemple.Whenshewillsittoactivateaftercertainpredetermined
conditionsweresatisfied,countlessbladeswouldspringoutfromtherock.
ButthatdiamondwasnotinNashetania'spossessionatthemoment.
"Princess,Iaskthatyoupleasebecareful!Iwillnotberesponsibleifyouare
injured,"Weylynnsaid.Shewasholdingherheadindistressatthecornerofthe
arena.
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Nashetaniaignoredherandshouted,"Well,Chamosan.Pleasecomeatme
harder!"
"Isthatalright,Princess?Youmightdie."
Nashetaniawascoveredwithacidburns,fireburns,andbitemarks.Andherhand
wassprainedfromanearlierfall.Perhapsitwasfractured.
"ThosewhoaspiretobeHeroesoftheSixFlowerscannotflinchfromthelikesof
this."
"Wellthen,Chamowon'tholdback."
Nashetaniaglancedateveryseatinthearena.Hermaidsandtheknightsofher
guardwereallcompletelyashen.Besidethemwasthecagecontaining
Nashetania'spets.Nashetaniahadthreecats,fourdogs,andtwosquirrels.
Wherevershewent,Nashetaniausuallybroughtthemalong.Andatthemoment
herpetswereafraid.
Butthenoneofthedogswentwild.Itbrokethelockandallthepetsburstoutof
thecage.Givingitasidewaysglance,Nashetaniachuckledslightly.
Doit,Dozzu.
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"...Ku."
AslugJyuma'stailknockedNashetania'srapieroutofherhandandsentitflying.
Weylynnthenrushedtothecenterofthearenaandplacedherselfbetween
NashetaniaandChamo.
"Waitaminute.Chamo,Princess,It'sabouttimeyoulistenedtome.Ifthis
continuestherewillbecorpses."
NashetaniapickedupherrapierandpointedthetipatChamo.
"Weylynnsan.Icannotquit."
"But,Princess..."
"Iwouldliketobecomestrong.IfI'mnotstrongthenIwon'tbeabletoprotect
mypeople,myfather,oranyoneelse.SoIcan'tbescaredofanenemyofthis
level."
ChamorespondedtoNashetania'sprovocation."...Thislevel?"
Pretendingnottohaveheardwhatshehadsaid,Nashetaniacontinued."Iwantto
fightamorepowerfulopponent.This,thisstillisnotenough."
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"Isthatso,Princess?"
Chamosmiled,butunderneaththatsmilewasafaintanger.
"Well,Chamoissorry.Chamoissorryfortakingiteasyonyouallthistime.Now,
Chamowillgiveyouaseriousfight."
ChamostuckapieceoffoxtailgrassdownherthroatandallofherJyumawere
releasedintothearena.
"Stop,Chamo!"Weylynnshouted.
WeylynnteamedupwithNashetania,andonebyoneproducedpillarsofsaltto
blocktheJyuma'sattacks.AtthesametimetheAsleyandtheLenelleleaptinto
thearenaandheldbacktheJyuma'sassault.
"Whatareyoudoing,Weylynnsan?!You'rebeingrude!"
"Shutup,foolishprincess!I'matthelimitofmypatience!"
WeylynngrabbedthestrugglingNashetaniaandran.ButtheJyumacircled
aroundthemtopreventtheirescapeandthenstartedtoattack.
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"Ican'twatchanymore.Protecttheprincess!"
Nashetaniasguardsenteredthefray.Andinthatmassconfusionatthearena,
Nashetaniawastheonlyonesecretlysmiling.
Fifteenminuteslater,Nashetaniawaslyingdowninthearenaandwasreceivinga
scoldingfromhermaids.OntheothersideofthearenaChamoandWeylynn
wereshoutingatoneanother.
Nashetanialookedatthecagewhereherpetshadbeenplaced."Hey,Portaand
Punaaren'there."
Ofthepetsthatshehadbroughtalong,oneofhercatsandoneofherdogswere
notinthecage.Themaidsstoppedtheirlectureandstartedtosearchforthe
missinganimals.Theysoonfoundthecattremblingattheedgeof
theaudiencesectionbutthedogwasnowheretobefound.
"Dog?Gotit.We'lllook."
Afterhearingwhathadhappened,ChamoandWeylynnbothlookedaroundthe
arena.
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"...maybe..."
Chamostuckherfoxtailgrassdownherthroatandspatoutasinglegiantslug.
Shethensmackeditsbackagainandagain.Andwithabelch,somethingcameout
fromtheslug'sthroat.
"....Haa....HAA........!Porta!Porta!"Nashetaniascreamed,rushingoverandlifting
thedogupintoahug.
Itwasastrangelookingdog.Itsfaceanditsbodywereroundanditdidn'tquite
looklikeasquirreloradog.Thetipsofitsfurhadbeendigested,butitdidn't
seemtohaveanyseriousinjuries.
"Chamoprobablyswalloweditwithoutrealizing.Hey,youcan'teatbadthings,"
Chamosaid,scoldingherJyuma.
"Porta,holdon.Porta!"Nashetaniashoutedherdog'snameoverandoveragain.
Andwhilewatching,Weylynngrabbedherheadindistress.
ButnooneotherthanNashetaniaknewthatduringthebattlethatdoghad
rushedaroundthearena,asifitwerescared.Andafterconfirmingthatnoone
waslookingatit,thedogjumpedintothemouthoftheslugJyuma.
Thedogheldthetinydiamondfragmentinitsmouth.Thenitpressedthe
fragmentintotheinnerwallsoftheslugJyuma'sstomach.
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ThatdogwasnamedPorta.Yetitwasnothingmorethananaliasithadusedto
sneakaroundtheworld.
HistruenamewasDozzuandhewasoneofthethreeCommandersthat
governedtheKyoma.
"...Iwassuccessful,Nashetania,"DozzusaidquietlytoNashetania.Only
Nashetaniacouldhearhisvoice.
ThedullnervedslugJyumawouldprobablynotnoticeajewelbeinginsertedinto
itsstomach.Inotherwords,Chamowouldalsobeunabletodetectthattherewas
ajewelinsideher.
AndwhentheconditionsweremetandNashetaniahadwilledit,thegemwould
releaseitspowercausingdozensofbladestosliceoutfromtheslugJyuma's
stomach.SincetheslugJyumawasinChamo'sstomachthebladeswouldalso
reachChamo'sorgans.
TheonlyconditionsforitsactivationwerethatNashetaniahadtoberightnextto
Chamo,andthatChamoneededtoattackNashetania.
However,sinceNashetaniawasstillinexperiencedasaSaint,thepowershewas
abletoputintothegemwasnotverystrong.AndifNashetaniaweremorethan
onekilometerapartfromChamothenitwouldloseitseffectiveness.
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TherewereonlytwowaystobereleasedfromtheBladeGem.EitherNashetania
releasedChamoherselforNashetaniadied.
Nashetaniacouldn'tdareactivatethegemwhiletheywereintheIllusionFog
Barrier.Plus,evenifshehad,itwouldprobablyhavebeenmeaningless.Itwas
bettertoretainthegemasatrumpcard.
Andsheestimateditwouldtakealittleoverthreehoursfromthetimeofthe
gemsactivationforChamotodie.
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ChapterTwo:PartTwo
"...Ge...ge....guugee...."
Chamo'scriesofagonyechoedthroughouttheLavaBeltamongthemountainsof
Kyomacorpses.ChamowasdesperatelytryingtothrowuptheBladeGem,but
onlyvomitandbloodpouredoutfromhermouth.
"Chamosan...trytoholdon."
MoraandRolonia'seffortstoadministerfirstaidwerealsofutile.Chamo's
stomachpossessedextremelyuniqueproperties,whichmeantthatconventional
firstaidwouldn'twork.MorasentenergyintoChamo'sbody,butallitdidwas
increaseChamo'senergy;itcouldn'tremovethegem.
"WehavenochoicebuttokillNashetaniaafterall,"Adletmuttered.
WithMora'sabilitiestheywereabletomostlyunderstandthepropertiesofthe
BladeGemandestimatedthattherewereaboutthreehoursleftuntilChamo's
lifewouldbetakenfromher.AndtheyknewthatwithNashetania'spowerthe
gemwouldloseitseffectivenessatacertaindistance.AccordingtoMorathe
distancewasprobablyaroundonekilometer.
MoraalsotoldAdletthattherewereonlytwowaystorenderthepowerofthe
gemineffective:eitherNashetaniaherselfcallsitoff,ortheykillher.
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Evennowasshechantedanincantation,Moracontinuedtoanalyzethegem
embeddedwithinChamo'sstomach.
AtthemomentHansandFremywerechasingafterNashetania.Iftheyeverlose
sightofNashetaniathenChamo'srescuewouldbedifficult.SoAdletwaited
anxiouslyfortheirreturn.
"Obachan...Chamowon'tdie,right?"Chamoaskedwithavoicedevoidofenergy.
Moratookhersmallhandtoprovideencouragement."Whatareyoutalking
about?You'reluckytohaveallofus.Doyouthinkthatwewilleasilyletyoudie?"
"...Aha.Sothatswhatthiswas..."
Shemusthavesetthisupawhileago,Adletthought.Judgingfrom
Nashetania'sbehavior,thegemwasntinsertedwhiletheywereintheIllusion
FogBarrier.ItmusthavebeenplacedintoherbodywaybeforetheMajinhad
awoken.
Ishouldhaveexpectedthis.Nashetaniahasbeenpreparingforthisfightforyears,
AdletthoughtrightbeforeHansreturned.
"Whathappened,Hans?"
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"Meow.Ilostsightofherforasecond,meow.ButImanagedtofindheragain."
Hans'expressionlackedhisusualairofplayfulness.Evenheunderstoodthe
seriousnessofChamoscondition.
"SheissittingatthecenterofacircleofaroundthirtyKyomaaboutakilometer
fromhere.Shesjustsmilingandrelaxingasifeverythingisgoinggreat.Its
disgusting.ButIcouldn'tseeanyotherKyoma,meow."
"WhataboutFremy?"
"Sheiswatchingnearby.Sheisn'tfoolishenoughtofightthembyherself."
"Thissituationhasmeworried.AndI'mworriedaboutFremytoo,"Adletadded.
"Thereisnothingelsetobeworriedabout.Ididn'tseeTgurneu...orGoldof,
meow."
Adletfrowned.Butthingswereclear.JustasMora'sanalysishadindicated,
NashetaniacouldnotleaveChamo'svicinity.Soitseemedthatshewascorrectin
sayingtheeffectiverangeofthegemwasonekilometer.
"Firstwe'lltakeChamoaway.Itseemsthatwouldnegatetheeffectivenessofthe
gem.Mora,canwemoveChamo?"Adletasked,butMorashookherheadsadly.
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"Chamoisjustbarelyholdingon.Idon'tknowwhatwouldhappenifshewereto
bemoved."
"...SowehavenochoicebuttokillNashetania."InahurryAdlettookouthis
weaponsfromhisironboxandreplenishedthepouchesonhisbelts."Rolonia,
FremyandIwillkillNashetania.HansandMora,youstayhereandprotect
Chamo."
AdletpreferredtohaveHansremainwithChamosincehisstrengthwasthemost
reliable.ThoughTgurneuhadntappearedyet,hewantedHanstostayonthe
lookout.
"Understood.WewillleavethePrincesssantoyouthree,meow."
"AndMora,canyoucalltoGoldofagainusingyourmountainechoes?"
Moranodded.Shetookadeepbreathandactivatedherability."Goldof!Where
areyou?I'vebeencallingyouagainandagain!Chamoisbeingkilledby
Nashetania!ComebackandhelpChamo!"
WithChamocollapsedontheground,MoracalledtoGoldofoverandoverusing
themountainechoesandexplainedthesituation.However,itseemedthatonce
againhervoiceechoedfutilelyacrossthelavabelt.
"Soheisn'tgoingtocomebackafterall,"Morafinallyconcluded.
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"...Adkun,whatwillyoudoaboutGoldofsan?"
AdletwasunabletofindananswertoRolonia'squestion.Forstartershedidn't
knowwhetherGoldofwasgenuineornot.HecouldnttellifGoldofwasthe
seventhandhadluredthemtothecurrentlocationwiththeintentofkilling
Chamo.IfthelatterwerethecasethenhehadtoanticipatefightingwithGoldof.
However,thepossibilitystillremainedthatGoldofhadbeendeceivedby
Nashetaniaandhadjustbeenusedbyher.Himnotreturningtothegroupmight
meanthathetoocouldbeindanger.
"...Let'sputofftalkingaboutGoldof."
Unabletocomeupwithasolution,Adletsimplydecidedtopostponethetopic.
"Sorry,butGoldofwillneedtoholdoutonhisown.Atthemomentweshould
concentrateonhelpingChamo.We'llbeback."
AdlettookRoloniawithhimandtogethertheyheadednorth.
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Therockyhillsstretchingacrossthelavabeltwereterriblydifficulttotraverse.
ButAdletandRoloniacontinuedtowalknorth,jumpingovervalleysandavoiding
theheatspewingoutfromthegeysers.Aftercontinuingforaboutfiveminutes
thetwoofthemheardgunfire.FremywasfightingtheKyoma.
TheyfinallymanagedtoreachthemeetingplacethatHanshadindicatedandsaw
thatFremyhadtakenupapositionatthesummitofoneoftherockyhillsand
wasattackingtheKyomacharginguptowardsher.
"Nashetaniaescapedtothewest.Followher!"Fremyshouted.
WithoutanyhesitationAdletturnedhisbackonFremyandheadedwest.Then
lookingoutfromthetopofthehighestrockyhillinthearea,Adletcouldsee
somethingmovingwithinthehill'sshadowaboutthirtymetersahead.
"Doyouthinkyou'llgetaway?!"
Adletthenchasedafterthefigure,runningwithallofhisstrength.Asheran
acrossthehillhespottedNashetaniaatthecenterofabouttwentyKyoma.She
wasstraddlingthebackofagiantwolfKyomaasshefled,allthewhileremaining
consciousofwhatwashappeningbehindher.
HalfwaydownAdlet'sdescentofthehill,twoKyomahadcometoattackhimfrom
below.AspiderKyomaspatoutitsthreadasagiantsnakeKyomaspoutedout
fire.Adletimmediatelyjumpedbacktoavoidtheattacks.Butatthemomenthe
landedthegroundsuddenlycrumbledandhewenttumblingdowntheslope.
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"Whatareyoudoing,youidiot?!"FremyshoutedassheshotthespiderKyoma.
Adletapologizedandstood,thendodgedthesnakeKyoma'sattackbefore
twistingitsneck.
ItwastoughforAdlettofightonthelavabeltwhereitwasdifficulttogainproper
footing,sohisusualnimblenessandagilitywerelimited.
"Adkun!Anotheroneiscoming!"Roloniashouted,indicatingaKyomaheading
towardsthemfromthewest.
"I'mleavingittoyou,Rolonia!"AdletsaidthenheslippedpasttheKyomaand
chasedafterNashetania.
ThereasonNashetaniawasonlyattackingthemalittlebitatatimewasbecause
shewasjusttryingtostallthem.Shewasprobablycontentwithsimplyrunning
anddrawingoutthefight.
Roloniatookoutherwhip.ThemomenttheclawsoftheKyomashewasfighting
hadclosedinonherneck,ascreamechoedthroughoutthelavabelt.
"Dontmove,youfilthy,rotten,inferiorlittleinsect.I'llmakeyoustopbreathing!
I'llstopyourheart!"
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ThewhipinstantlyslicedopentheKyoma,releasingalargeamountofbloodonto
theground.
Adlet,Rolonia,andFremythenchasedafterthegroupofKyomaasfastasthey
could.Andlittlebylittlethedistancebetweenthemdecreased.
"I'msorryFremy,"AdletsaidtoFremyrunningalongsidehim.
"Huh?"
"IfIhadlistenedtowhatyou'dsaidandactedcarefullythenthiskindofthing
wouldn'thavehappened."
"You'reanidiot,arentyou?Howisapologizingtomegoingtohelp?"Fremysaid
coldly."Don'tworrysomuch.Imnotevenangry."
Adletnoddedandcontinuedtorun.
AdletnoticedthatNashetaniawasrunninginanarc.Shewasmakingasemicircle
witharadiusofaboutonekilometerfromthecenterofthebasinwhereChamo
was.Atfirsttheyheadedtowardsthenorthsideofthebasin,butnowtheywere
alreadyontheoppositesouthernside.
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Chapter 22

JustasMorahadsurmised,Nashetaniacouldnotdistanceherselfformorethan
onekilometerfromChamo'sposition.
Afterawhilethethreeheroeshadmanagedtoclosethedistancebetween
themselvesandNashetaniatoaboutahundredmeters.Fremyproducedabomb
onthepalmofherhandandloadeditintothefrontofherrifle.Theexplosive
detonatedabouttenmetersfromNashetania'sside.
AdletalsomadeasimpleslingwithhisropeandthrewbombsatNashetania.
"Iwonderifshe'llcontinuetorunlikethisuntilChamodies,"Fremysaidasthey
ran.
"Maybe.Butifthingsstaylikethisthenwecancatchher!"Roloniareplied.
IftheycontinuedtorunwhilerestrictingNashetania'smovementswithbombs
thentheywoulddefinitelybeabletocatchhersoon.Nashetaniawasonlyone
human,andotherthanherthereweretwentyKyoma.Adletwasprettysurethat
thethreeofthemshouldbeabletowin.
"Thisisstrange,Adlet,"Fremysaid.
"Yeah,I'vebeenthinkingthesamething."
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FremyandAdletstoppedtheirbarrageofbombssinceitwasslowingthemdown.
InsteadtheyincreasedtheirpacesoNashetaniawouldn'tgetaway.
"What'sthematter?Don'tyouwanttofight?"RoloniashoutedtoNashetania
whiletiltingherheadtotheside.
Nashetaniamostlikelyunderstoodthesituationaswell.Nomatterhowmuchshe
ranabout,therewasnowayshecouldcontinuetofleewithinaonekilometer
radius.AndtherewasnowaythatjusttwentyKyomawouldbeabletofully
protecther.ItseemedunlikelythoughthatNashetaniahadrevealedherselfjust
tobekilled.Adletfiguredshewasstillconcealingsomesortofplanormethodof
escape.
ItseemedthatFremyhadalsorealizedthesamethingandshewastryingto
figureoutwhatNashetaniawasthinking.
"Adlet,tomethisdoesn'tlooklikeanythingotherthananothertrap."
"Iagree.Aretheywaitingtoattackus?"
"...MaybeitsthesamekindoftrapthattheyhadsetforChamo,"Fremyreplied.
Thatdoesn'tseemlikely,Adletthought.
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AdlethadtraveledwithNashetaniaforelevendaysuntiltheyhadreachedthe
WailingDemonTerritory.However,afterAdlethadfoundoutthatNashetania
wasanimpostorhereexaminedbothhimselfandhisequipmenttoseewhether
Nashetaniahadplantedanythingonhimwithintheirtimetogether.Butthere
wasnothingstrangeabouthimorhistools.SoattheveryleastNashetaniahadn't
laidanytrapsonhim.
FremyandNashetaniahadonlybeenincontactwithoneanotherforaboutaday.
Soitdidn'tseemlikelythattherewasachanceforNashetaniatoplaceanything
onher.Andshehadn'tmetRoloniaatall.MostlikelyChamowastheonlyperson
she'dputabladegeminto.
"Isthereanythingelse?AnotherreasonwhyNashetaniawouldrevealherselfso
foolishly?"Fremyasked.
ThatwaswhenAdletgotanidea."Fremy,haveyoukeptaneyeonNashetaniaall
thistime?"
"No,Ikeptlosingher....that'sright,thetransformingKyoma."
Adletnodded.
"Huh?Whatareyoutalkingabout?"Roloniaasked.
"TheNashetaniawearefollowingrightnowmightbeashapeshiftingKyomathat
transformeditselfintoareplicaofher."
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AmongtheKyomatherewerebeingsthatcouldfreelychangetheirappearance,
butthereweren'tmanyofthem.Adlethadencounteredoneofthemonceduring
hisfightintheIllusionFogBarrier.
ItwasimpossiblefortheshapeshiftingKyomatotransformintoAdletorHans
sinceinordertotransformentirelyintothemtheKyomawouldneedeithertheir
cooperationortheircorpse.Butinthiscase,itwouldbeeasyforthemto
transformintoNashetania.
"Attheveryleast,theNashetaniawehadfoughtwasgenuine.Sheusedthe
powerofBladesandwasabletoactivatethebladegemwithinChamo.Butwe
havenoproofwhethertheNashetaniaaheadofusisgenuineornot."
"HansandIlostsightofNashetaniamultipletimes.Therewasenoughtimefor
hertobesecretlyreplacedbyanimpostor,"Fremysaid.
"Isee,sothat'swhatyou'retalkingabout?Still,howcanweverifythatthatisthe
realNashetania?"
"Ifweseeherusethepowerofbladesthenwe'llknowthatsheisgenuine.
There'salsoanotherwaythatsmorecertaintodisclosehertrueidentity.Isn't
thatright,Rolonia?"Adletannounced.
"Whatdoyoumean?"
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BehindthemRoloniacranedherneckinconfusion.Shedoesn'tgetityet,Adlet
thought.
Thethreeofthemagainincreasedtheirspeedintheirpursuitandthedistance
betweenthemandthegroupofKyomacirclingNashetaniahaddroppedto
aroundthirtymeters.
NashetaniawasstillridingthegiantwolfKyomaandwaslookingaroundforAdlet
andtheothers.ItlookedlikeshewasworriedaboutbeingsnipedbyFremy.
Assoonasthereisanopening,Adletdecided.
ThethingAdletshouldbewaryaboutwasherconcealingability.Buthe'dalready
figuredoutawaytobreakthroughthattoo.
"Let'sgo!"Adletshouted.
ThenextinstantRolonia'swhipwrappedaroundAdlet'sbody.Shethenfirmly
plantedherfeetintothegroundandliftedAdletintotheairwiththewhip.
"Becareful,Adkun!"Roloniashouted,andthenthrewhisbody.
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Twirlingthroughtheair,Adlet'strajectorywasboundforthegiantwolfKyoma
Nashetaniawasriding.Adletthrewasmallknifeashemovedthroughtheair.The
handlewasfashionedwiththinchainswhichhe'dconnectedtohisarm.
"Kyaa!"
Nashetaniastoppedtheknifewithherleftarm.Bloodspilleddownfromherwrist
assheletoutacute,littlescream.
Thenalargenumberofbladessprungupfromthegroundandattackedthe
airborneAdlet.Adletblockedthembothwithhisswordandthemetalplatesin
hisshoes,butsomeofthebladesgrazedhisbody,makingseveralshallowcuts.
Still,Adletmanagedtolandonthebackofthegiantwolf.
"LookoutAdlet!"FremyshoutedasNashetaniathrustherrapieratAdlet'sthroat.
ButAdletwasabletoblocktheswordwithhisarmoredshoulder.
AtthesametimeAdlethadtakenoutoneofhissecretweapons.Hethrewasmall
bottlefullofpoison,whichNashetaniaswiftlyknockedawaywithherrapier.But
Adlethadpredictedhowshewouldreactandthebottlewasjustadecoy.Hisnext
strikewithhisswordwastherealattack.
"...Ku."
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Nashetaniabentlowtoavoidtheattack.WithjustafewmorestrikesAdletwould
beabletoknockNashetaniaoffoftheKyoma'sback.Butinthenextinstantthe
giantwolfKyomatwisteditsbodyandthrewAdletoff.
"Now'sthetime!Everyone,finishAdletsan!"Nashetaniashoutedasshepressed
herhandtothewoundonherleftarm.TheKyomathenrushedtothefallenAdlet
butFremyhadshotatthemasRoloniacoiledherwhiparoundAdlet'shand.
"Heregoesnothing!"
AdletgrippedontothewhipasRoloniapulledhimupthroughtheairlikeafishon
aline.Intheair,Adletthrewdownasmokebomb,stoppingtheKyomaintheir
tracksandallowinghimselftoescape.
"Thisisacompletefailure...well,itdoesn'tmatter.Let'sgetoutofhere!"
NashetaniasaidtotheKyomathatwereabouttolaunchacounterattack.
TheKyomafollowedhercommandsandran,allthewhilecontinuingtoprotect
her.
"Wefailed,huh?"FremysaidasshehelpedAdletofftheground.
Shewasabletoescapeagain,butitwasntatotalloss.
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AdletshowedthesmallknifecoveredwithbloodtoRolonia.
"Ifyoucan,Rolonia."
"Ah,sothat'swhatyourplanwas."
AfterAdlethandedtheknifeovertoRolonia,heimmediatelyresumedthechase.
HecouldnotaffordtolosesightofNashetaniaandtheKyoma.
Rolonialickedthebloodcoveredknifeassheranathisside.Oneofthepowersof
theSaintofFreshBloodwastheabilitytoanalyzebloodwithhertongue.Soas
theychasedafterNashetania,Roloniarolledthebloodaroundhermouthfora
while.
"...Sowhatcanyoutellus,Rolonia?"Fremyasked.
"I'veneverlickedNashetaniasan'sbloodbefore,but...thisisthebloodofa
teenagegirlwhoisalsoquiteapowerfulSaint.Andthoughitseemsthatsheis
verytired,sheisingoodphysicalshapeandislivinganincrediblyprosperouslife.
WhenIthinkofwhatNashetaniasan'sbloodwouldtastelike,thereisnodoubt
thatthisiswhatitwouldbelike."
"SowearepursuingtherealNashetania?"Adletasked.
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ThedistancebetweenNashetaniaandthemhadagainwidenedtoarounda
hundredmetersandtheycouldseethatNashetaniawaswarilyglancingintheir
directionasshestraddledthegiantwolfKyoma.
BeforeanyonecouldreplytohisquestionAdletadded,"Butweknewthatshe
wasgenuinethemomentsheusedthepowerofblades.Iwasjustmakingsure."
"Rolonia,didyoufindoutanythingelse?"Fremyadded.
"...althoughthisishumanblood,ithasaKyomataste.Itisanextremelyunusual
kindofblood.It'samixbetweenaKyomawithhighregenerativeability...aKyoma
withincrediblestrength...andanincomprehensibleKyoma.ButIhavenoclue
howatypeofbloodlikethiscouldexist.
"That'sgood,Rolonia.Justknowingthatisenough."Adletsmiled.
Adletdidn'tknowwhatkindofschemeNashetaniawasplanning,butthereal
Nashetaniawasindeedjustwithinahundredmetersoftheirlocation.Thatwas
anunmistakablefact,andAdlethadnointentionoflettingtheopportunityslip
by.
"Let'stakeheroutwitheverythingwe'vegot.Butdon'tletyourguarddown,"
Adletsaid,causingthelookinFremy'seyetobecomesternwhereasRolonia
gulpeduneasily.
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FremythenshotatNashetaniaintheattempttostopherwhileAdletlobbed
bombstowardsNashetania.ThedistancebetweenNashetaniaandtheotherswas
againshrinkingbitbybit.Theenemy'snumberwasalsodecreasing,soitseemed
thatthreeoftheHeroeswouldbeenoughtodealwithallofthem.
"FremyandIwillthrowallthebombswehavethenthethreeofuswillrush
them.Fremy,youtakeoutthesurroundingKyoma,andRolonia,youbreak
Nashetania'sswordwithyourwhip.Asforthefinishingblow,leavethattome.
Alright?"
RoloniareadiedherwhipandFremyformedabombinherhand.Adletthentook
outhisownbombsfromthepouchesonhiswaist.
"Pleasekeepatit!Can'tyourunanyfaster?!"Nashetaniawassmackingthehind
ofthegiantwolfshewasstraddling,butAdletcouldn'tdeterminewhetherher
panicwasgenuineorjustanact.
"Afterwegetoverthatmountain,weattack."
RightafterAdlethadsaidthosewords,adistantsinglespearrippedloudly
throughtheairandsmashedintothegroundinfrontofthethreeHeroes.
Thethreeofthemstoppedandlookedbackinthedirectionthespearhadflown.
ItarrivedwithoutwarningfromtheoppositedirectionofthebasinChamowas
in.
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No,ithadprobablybeendrawingclosetothemforalongtimebutsincethe
threeHeroeshadbeensofocusedonpursuingNashetaniatheyhadallowedtheir
watchovertheirsurroundingstoslip.
"...Sohecame."
Adletfrowned.Andeventhoughthespeardidntharmanyoneofthem,Adlet
didn'tfeelanykindofjoy.
GoldofAurorawasstandingatthesummitoftherockyhill,lookingdownatthe
threeHeroes.
"Goldofsan,whydidyouthrow....?"Roloniamuttered.
ButGoldofdidn'treply.Hejuststoodthere,staringatthem.
Meanwhile,Nashetaniawasusingtheopportunitycreatedbythedistractionto
tryandescape.Fremymovedtopursue,butGoldofviolentlystartedtodash
towardsFremy.
"Rolonia!StopGoldof!"Adletshouted.
Adletcouldn'tremainunsureanylonger.Hedrewhisswordandrantowards
Goldof,solidifyinghisresolvetofightGoldof.
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GoldofmusthaverealizedthesituationfromMora'smountainechoes.Chamo
hadbeenattackedbyNashetaniaandherlifewasindanger.Andyetdespiteallof
that,hewasstilltryingtoprotectNashetania.
Ihavenochoicebuttoconsiderhimasanenemy.
FremythrewabombatGoldof.AsheranGoldofcoveredhisfacewithbothofhis
handsthenjumpedtothesidetododgetheexplosion.Despitewearingasuitof
heavyarmor,Goldof'snimblenessputAdlettoshame.AndinaninstantGoldof
stoodbackupandonceagainchargedatFremy.
"YouthinkI'mgoingtoallowyoutohurther?!"
AdletthrewapoisondartatGoldof'sside,butwithouttwistingaroundoreven
stopping,Goldofhadbeenabletododgeit.AtthesametimeoneofFremy's
bulletsslammedintoGoldof'schest,throwinghimbackwardsintoasomersault
beforehecrashedtotheground.However,thebulletwasstoppedbyhisthick
armorandsoitdidn'tcauseanyfatalinjuries.
"Fremy!Rolonia!FollowNashetania!Leavethisguytome!"
Nashetaniawasrunningawayatfullspeed.Butthemomentthetwoofthem
triedtoheadoffinpursuit,Goldofbegantospeak.
"...Ican'tletyougo."
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HestoodbackupandonceagainheadedtowardsFremy.Adlettookoutatear
gasbombandchuckedit.However,thebombwasnotabletostophim.Goldof
usedbothofhisarmstoshieldhiseyesandmouthandpushedoutofthesmoke.
Adletletoutawarcryandleapedforward,bringingdownhisswordtowards
Goldof'sback.ButGoldofstoppedtheblowwiththebackofhisfistthengrabbed
bothofAdlet'shandsandhurledhimbackwards.Afterthathegrabbedthe
runningRoloniabyherarmor,liftedherupintotheairandtossedhertothe
ground.Eventhoughshewascladinheavyarmor,Roloniastilltumbledacrossthe
ground.
AdletandRoloniamanagedtogetbackontotheirfeetatthesametime.Allthree
ofthemhadbeencarelessbecauseGoldofdidn'thavehisspear.Neverthelesshe
wasstillhighlyskilledinhandtohandcombat.
"Fremy!Don'tworryaboutus!YoucannotlosesightofNashetania!"Adlet
shouted.Fremynoddedandthenran.
GoldofthenmutteredsomethingbeforechasingafterFremyasfastashecould.
ButAdletandRoloniawerestandinginhisway.
"IwillleaveFremytoyou!"Goldofbellowed.ButAdletwonderedtowhomhe
wasentrustingthistaskwith.WasitNashetaniaorsomeothercompanion?
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GoldofturnedtofaceAdletandRolonia.Thenhestretchedhisarmsouttothe
sideandsquattedlowintoareadiedstance.Itseemedthatheplannedto
continuefightingthemuntiltheveryend.
"Pleasewait,Goldofsan."Roloniasaidinafrightenedvoiceasshereadiedher
whip.
"...You'reinmyway,"GoldofsaidandRoloniajumpedbackwithastart.
"Why,Goldof?"Adletsaidasheretreatedbackwards.HethenpulledGoldof's
spearfromtheground,sheathedhisownsword,andpointedthespearatGoldof.
Itwasheavyandunwieldy,butthatdidn'tmeanhecouldn'tuseitatall.
"Youunderstandwhat'shappened,don'tyou?Chamoisslowlybeingkilled.The
onlywaytosaveheristokillNashetania.Didn'tyouhearMora'smountain
echoes?"
"Pleasestopthis,Goldofsan.WehavetodefeatNashetaniasan.Thatistheonly
waywecansaveChamosan,"Roloniasaid.
Butitdidn'tlookasifGoldof'sstancehadwaveredintheslightest.
"Goldof,talktous.Someoneissomehowdeceivingyou."
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"Goldofsan,don'tyouthinkthisisthesameaswithMorasan?Haven'tyoufallen
intosomekindoftrapandnowyou'rebeingforcedtofightus?AmIwrong?"
Roloniainquired.
ButGoldofrepliedquietly,"Iwillnotletyougoanyfurther."
"Goldof."
"Ifyouplanongoing...you'llhavetokillme."
AdletlookedintoGoldof'seyesandachillrandownhisback.Upuntilthenhe
hadn'tbeenabletogiveuponthepossibilitythatGoldofmightstillbetheirally.
ButthatthoughtvanishedcompletelywhenAdletlookedintoGoldof'seyes.
Goldofwasgoingtokillthem.HewasgoingtokillFremy,Rolonia,andeveryone
else.
"Rolonia,dothatthing."
"What'sthatthing?"
"I'mtalkingaboutthepersonwhowasscreaming,die,die.That'sthething.
Becomethepersonwhowillfightseriously."
"Adkun..."
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"KillGoldof."
Rolonia'seyeswidened,butthenshenoddedsilently.Atthesametime,stillbent
over,GoldofchargedrightatAdlet.
Adletlungedwiththespearwithallhisstrength.Justmovingthespearhurthis
armsandAdletrealizedthattheabilitytocasuallyandfreelywielditwasproofof
Goldof'suniqueness.
Rightbeforehittingthespear,Goldofstoppedwithhisnosejustacentimeter
awayfromthetipofthespear.Thenextinstanthereachedouttograbthe
handleofthespear,butAdlethadkickedhiminthestomachtokeephimfrom
gettingit.
"Uu!"
EventhoughAdlethadkickedhim,hewastheoneknockedbackwardsbythe
blow.Ashockofpainpulsedthroughhisankleasifhehadjustkickedagiant
boulder.RealizingthathisstaggeringwasthebesttimeforGoldoftocomeand
grabthespear,AdletswipedtheweaponatGoldof'sfeet,butGoldofblockedthe
blowwithhisshinguards.
"Traitorswilldie,die,die,die!Ifthetraitordoesn'tdiethenthemorningsun
tomorrowwontriseeither!"Rolonia'sscreamechoedthroughtheair.Thenher
whipbegantoundulatelikeasnake.
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Goldofroundedhisbackandcoveredhisfacewithhisarms.Thewhipthenhit
himandasoundofgratingmetalrangthroughtheair.
FearbrokethroughRoloniasangryfacade.Herwhipwasimbuedwiththepower
oftheSaintofFreshBloodsowithjustonetouchshewouldbeabletodrawout
allthebloodwithinheropponent'sbody.Butnotasingledropspilledoutof
Goldof.Hisarmorhadblockedallofthestrikes.
"Rolonia,staystrong!Ripoffhisarmor!"Adletshoutedandthenonceagain
thrustthespear.
Goldofjumpedandthespearineffectivelystabbedintotheground.
Goldofthencontinuedtodefendagainstbothoftheirattacks.
Rolonia'swhipwasabletocatchGoldofmultipletimes.However,eachtimeit
wasblockedbyhisarmorandcouldnotreachanyofhisblood.Butitwasn'tthe
durabilityofGoldof'sarmorthatwasfrightening,itwashisreactions.Roloniawas
accuratelyaimingforthegapsinGoldof'sarmor,butwithhisreactionsGoldof
wasabletomoveonlyslightlyandstillblockthemall.
BlockinganotherofRolonia'sstrikes,Goldofstretchedouthisarminanattempt
toretrievehisspear.ButAdletkeptmoving.Ifheshowedeventheslightest
openinginhisdefense,Goldofwouldbeabletograbthespear.AndifAdlethad
stoppedattackingthenGoldofwouldprobablygoafterRoloniainstead.
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"Adlet,"GoldofsaidashestoppedRolonia'swhip."Don'tkilltheprincess."
"Ifthisisajokethenyouretakingittoofar."Adletshoutedandthrustthespear,
aimingatGoldof'sarmor.Ifhecouldjusttakeoffoneofhismetalgauntletsthen
Rolonia'swhipwouldbeabletofinishhimoff.
"Whywhywhywon'tyoudie!Don'ttouchAdkun,don'ttouchFremy,don't
touchChamo,die!"Roloniascreamed.
Thetrajectoryofherwhipthenchanged.ItwentaroundGoldof'sbodyandtried
towraphimup.
Thisisnogood,Adletthought.Roloniawaspanicking.
"Theprincess..."
Themomentthewhiptriedtobindhim,Goldofjumpedhighupintotheair.He
thenflippedhisgiantframelikeHanshaddoneandslippedthroughasliverofan
openingleftbythewhip.Thenoncehelandedbackonthegroundherushed
towardsAdlet.
Adletdesperatelyswungthespearbutitwasjustaninstanttoolate.Goldof's
shouldercollidedwiththespear,butnotattheshaft.Hecollidedwiththehandle.
Thenhisgianthandsgrabbedthespear.Hisstrengthwasincomparable.
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InaninstantAdletreleasedonehandfromthespear.Thenfasterthantheeye
couldseehepulledoutsomepaininducingdartsfromthepouchesonhiswaist.
Ifthetipspiercedhisskinitwouldsendwavesofseverepainrushingthroughhis
body,andnomatterwhatkindofstalwartwarriorGoldofwas,hewouldn'tbe
abletofightforseveralseconds.
AdartwasabouttoplungeintothehandGoldofwasgrippingthespearwith,but
thenAdletnoticedthatGoldofwasn'ttryingtoyankthespearawayfromhim.He
wasgoingafterAdlet'sdarts.
GoldofreleasedthespearandgrabbedAdlet'shand,grippingitwithsuch
abnormalstrengththatAdletwasforcedtodroptheneedlesfromhishand.At
thesametimeGoldofcaughtthedartsflyingtowardshimwithhisfingersand
thenthrewthem.
"Rolonia!"Adletshouted,buttherewasnowayitwouldbequickenough.
ThedartshitRoloniaandalmostinstantlysheeruptedinscreams,fallingdownto
herkneesandholdingherface.
IhavetoprotectRolonia,Adletthought,andtookoutabomb.
ButbeforehecouldthrowitGoldoftookhisspearbackintohishandsand
unexpectedlyspoke.
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"Listenwell.Nashetaniaisnotyourenemy.Fremyis."Immediatelyafterthat
Goldofthrustthestoneonthespear'spommelintoAdlet'sside.Andafter
watchingAdletfalldownintoasquat,GoldofturnedhisbackonbothAdletand
Roloniaandranaway.
"...Shit."
Theycouldn'tchaseafterGoldof.Adletcouldn'tevenmove.Andevenifhedid
therewasnowayhecouldleaveRoloniaalone.Adletstruggledtohisfeetand
removedthedartfromRolonia'scheek.
"I'm...I'malrightAdkun."
Abitofbloodhadspilledoutfromthewoundinhercheek.Andwiththepowerof
FreshBloodthatwasallsheneededtocompletelyremovethepoisonfromher
body.
OncehealedtheytriedtochaseafterGoldofforawhile,buthewastoofaraway.
Goldofwaspullingfartherandfartherawaywhilerunningalongtheperimeterof
theonekilometerradiuscircle.Andafterrunningafourthofthatdistance,Adlet
andRoloniahadlostsightofhim.
Inthedistancetheycouldhearthesoundofarifleshooting.Fremywasfighting.
AndontopofthatitlookedlikeshewasrightinthedirectionGoldofand
Nashetaniawereheaded.
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"Thisisbad.AtthisrateFremywillhavetofightthemtwoagainstone."
AdletandRoloniacontinuedtorun,scalingovermanyhillsandcrossingavalley.
TheentiretimetheycouldstillhearFremy'srifle,whichgavethemhopethatshe
wasstillalive.
"Fremy!"
Reachingthetopofarockyhill,Adletfinallyspottedher.Shewasatthebottom
ofanarrowvalleysurroundedbyKyoma.ButGoldofwasnotinthearea.
"We'recoming!"
TherewereaboutfifteenKyomaandtheyhadsurroundedFremy,runningabout
andlaunchingattacksfromalldirections.ButFremycouldn'tholdthem.Shewas
weakestwhenitcametofightinginnarrowspaces.
"Fremy!Watchout!"AdletshoutedasFremylostherbalance.
Adletthenreadiedhissword.Hegrippedthehilttightlyandfocusedhisaim.Then
hetwistedthehiltandthebladefromtheswordshotout,causingAdlettobend
backfromtherecoil.ThebladestabbedthroughaKyoma'sface.Andinthat
openingFremyescapedthecirclingKyomaandrantowhereAdletandRolonia
were.
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"I'llkillyou!Die!Illkillyou!IfyoutouchFremyI'llkillyou.Showmeyourinsides
Kyoma!"Roloniashoutedwhilesheswungherwhip.AndthentheKyomaran
towardsthethreeofthemandtheHeroeshadnochoicebuttostoptheirpursuit
ofGoldofandfighttheKyoma.
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ChapterTwo:PartThree
Afteraboutfifteenminutes,severalKyomacorpseswerescatteredaroundAdlet,
Fremy,andRolonia'sfeet.ButofcoursetheycouldnolongerseeNashetaniaor
Goldof.
Alittlewhileearliertherehadbeenapowerfulflashoflightinthedirectionthat
Nashetaniahadgone,followedbythesoundofthunder.Butboththesoundand
theflashoflighthadfaded.
"Ifoundit,"Adletsaidandpickedupthebladehe'dshotoutofhissword.He
thencompressedthespringwithinhisswordhiltandreloadedtheblade.
"...Youhelpedmeoutthere.Iwasintrouble,"Fremysaidandthenheavedabig
sighofrelief.
"WhathappenedtoGoldofsan?Hehadbeenrunningthiswayright?"
"Goldofranpastmeearlier,"Fremyreplied."Hewasfollowingbehind
Nashetania.Iwantedtokillthem,buttheKyomawereinmywaysoIcouldn't
move.AndtherewasalsoasmallKyomafollowingbehindNashetania."
"AsmallKyoma?Whowasit?"Roloniaasked.
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"Hmm,I'veneverseenitbefore."
"Isee....wellanywayI'mgladthatyou'resafe,"Roloniasaid,exhalinginrelief.
FremythenlookedatAdletwithareproachfulstare."NashetaniaandGoldofgot
away,"shesaidwithherarmsfoldedacrossherchest."Unfortunatelyitseems
youweremistaken."
"...Itlooksthatway,"Adletsaid,hanginghishead.Adlethadfollowedafter
GoldofthisfarundertheimpressionthatGoldofwasjustbeingdeceived.Because
ofthatthinkingheallowedNashetania'splanofslowlykillingChamotocontinue.
Whenhe'dfirstmetGoldof,Adletalsohesitatedtokillhim.IfAdlethadintended
onfightingGoldoftothedeathfromthebeginningthenmaybetheresultwould
havebeendifferent.
"Iscrewedup.Goldofistheenemy."
AdletrecalledtheconversationtheyhadattheEternalFlowerthreedaysago.
FremyandMorahadbothsaidthattheysuspectedGoldof.Heshouldhavetaken
theirconcernsmoreseriously.Heshouldn'tdoubthiscompanions.Thatnaive
wayofthinkingwastheunderlyingcausethatinvitedthissituationtooccur.
"There'snoneedtoworry.Idon'tthinkyou'vemadeaperfectdecisionfromthe
beginning,Fremyadded.
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Harshasusual,Adletthought.
"Bu...but...there'sstillthepossibilitythatGoldofsanisbeingdeceived,"said
Rolonia.
"Whatdoyoumean?"
"Didn'thesaythattheenemywasn'ttheprincess,butthatitwasFremysan?"
Fremy'seyebrowstwitched."HesaidthatImtheenemy?"
"That'snottrue!"Adletsaid.HeunderstoodwhatRoloniawantedtosaysohe
helpedherrephraseherwords."AreyoutryingtosaythatGoldofisbeingtricked
bysomeone?ThatsomeoneismakinghimbelievethatFremyistheenemyand
thatinordertosaveChamohehastokillFremy.Sothat'swhyhecametostop
us.Isthatit?"
Rolonianoddedoverandoveragain,butAdletsilentlyshookhishead.
"That'snotpossible,"Adletsaid,pattinghisownstomach."WhenGoldoffought
us,hedidn'tcareifIdied.ThatmuchIknow."
"IfGoldofthoughtIwastheenemy,thenwhydidhepassrightbyme?"Fremy
asked.
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"...Um...Iuh...um..."Roloniastammeredoverherwords.
"Moreimportantly,Ithinkthingswillgetworseifwedon'thurry,"Fremy
interrupted."It'salreadybeenclosetoanhoursincetheBladeGemhasbeen
activated.Wehaveapproximatelytwohoursremaining.Andontopofthat,
Tgurneumaybecommandingallhisforcestocometothelavabelt."
JustasFremysaidtherewasabsolutelynotime.IfTgurneucameandattacked
thelavabeltAdletandtheotherswouldbedonefor.Theonlyoptiontheywould
haveatthatpointwouldbetomoveChamoandescape,evenifitwasn'tpossible.
"NowthatsheisbeingprotectedbyGoldof,defeatingNashetaniawillbedifficult.
Neverthelessthethreeofusshouldstillhaveachanceofkillingher.Firstletsfind
heragainandthenwe'lltalk."
AdletandRolonianoddedthenthethreeofthemstartedtorunacrossthecraggy
hills.
"Thisiswithoutadoubtanunfavorablesituation,"Fremysaid."Butconfirming
whotheseventhishasbeenagreataccomplishment.IfwecansaveChamonext
thenvictorywillbeinsight."
"You'reright,becausenowweknowwhotheseventhis,"Roloniareplied.But
Adletdidnotrespond.
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"What'sthematterAdlet?"
Deepinhisheart,anumberofquestionsstilllingeredthatremainedunanswered.
IfGoldofwerethesevenththenhisbattlestrategywouldhavebeenmuch
different.Forexample,intheIllusionFogBarrierGoldofandNashetaniawould
havekilledeitherMoraorFremythenplacetheblameonAdlet.Theyshouldhave
beenabletodosomethinglikethat,butforsomereasontheydidnt.
Healsohadanotherquestion.WhydidntNashetaniaappearduringtheirbattle
intheValleyofSpilledBlood?IfshehadusedtheBladeGematthesametime
whenthetrapagainstMorawasunfolding,thenAdletandtheotherscouldnt
havedoneanythingsalvagethesituation.Whydidtheyinitiatetheirtraponlya
littleatatime?
WhydidntGoldofdoanythingupuntilnow?Andwhydidhechoosethismoment
tomakehismove?
Andtherewasstillonelastquestion,onethatwasevenmoreimportantthanthe
others.WhatwasTgurneudoing?HeshouldknowattheveryleastthattheSix
wereinthelavabelt.Whywasn'theattackingthem?
Somethingwasstrange.Theyweregettingclosertounderstandingthemysteries
surroundingtheirsituation,yettherewasstillsomethingAdletwasn'tabletosee.
However,hedidn'tevenhaveaclueastowhatthatcouldbe.
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"Rolonia,goandinformMoraandtheothersaboutoursituation.Thoughthey
maythinkit'sunlikely,thereisapossibilitythatGoldofandNashetaniamay
attackthemoverthere,"Fremysaid.
"Right,gotit."
"AdletandIwillcontinuetopursueNashetania.Ifyouspotanenemy,triggerthis.
Wewillrushovertoyouimmediately,"FremysaidandthenhandedRoloniaone
ofthefirecrackers.
RolonianoddedandthenranofftowardswhereChamowas.
"Whatwereyoudoingearlier,Adlet?Aren'tyoutheleader?Issuedirections."
"Ah,right,sorry.Iwasthinking."
"Right.Let'sgo."
ThetwobegantorunwithAdletfollowingbehindFremy.
InhisheadhecontinuedtothinkaboutGoldof.Hethoughtaboutthe
dumbfoundedexpressionGoldofhadwhenherealizedthatNashetaniawasthe
seventh,thedespairhefeltwhentheywereadvancingthroughtheWailing
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Chapter 23

DemonTerritory,andthestrangeexpressionGoldofhadwhenhesaidthathe
wouldgoandhelpNashetania.Wereallofthoseexpressionsreallyjustanact?
Adletdidn'tknow.Adletdidn'tgetGoldof.Buttheideathathewasan
unbelievablyskilledactorwasanotherstoryentirely.
AdletandFremymovedacrosstherockcoveredlavabeltwhilevaryingtheir
footprintssothatitwouldbeimpossibleforsomeonetofollowtheirtracks.A
littleearlierthetwoofthemhadspottedapointfarawaywherealighthadbeen
flashing,buttheyignoreditandinsteadcontinuedafterNashetania.Sofarthey
hadtraveledaboutafourthofanarcclockwisefromwhereChamowaslocated.
Valleys,theshadeoftherockyhills,andsmallbasins...thetwoofthem
overlookednoneofthoseastheycarefullysearchedforNashetania.Ittooktime
butthatcouldn'tbehelped.
"ItmustbeabitwrongthatNashetaniacan'tgooutmorethanakilometerfrom
Chamo.Ifthatweretruethenthere'snoreasonwhywecan'tfindher,"Fremy
said.
Astheyclimbedamediumsizedrockyhill,theyreachedacircularbasinlocatedin
thecenterofthehillabout20metersindiameter.Thecenterwassmolderingand
smokewasrisingupintotheair.
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Chapter 23

"What'sthat?"Adletaskedashemovedcloser.
InthecenterthereweretwoKyomacorpses,bothincinders.Oneofthemwasa
snakeandtheotherlookedlikeahumanshapedKyoma.Whenhetouchedoneof
themwithhishanditwassohotthatheyelpedunconsciously.Fromtheir
positionsitlookedliketheyhadbeenaliveforseveralminuteswhiletheywere
stillonfire.
Theyweren'tburnedwithoil,norweretheyshoweredwithfire.No,perhapsitwas
lightning,Adletwondered.
"Iwonderwhatthisis,"Fremymuttered.Afterlookingcloselytheyrealizedthat
thegroundsurroundingtheKyomawasalsoburned.Andontopofthatthey
foundanumberofholesintheground.
"....Nashetaniawashere,"Adletwhispered.WhenNashetaniaproducedblades
fromthegroundshecreatedholesinthesameshapeastheonestheywere
lookingatnow.
"Nashetaniafoughtwithsomeonehere.Idon'tknowwhetheritwasanenemyor
anally,butaKyomathatusedlightningwasalsohere."
"Iwonderwhoshewasfighting.WasthisalsoCargikk'sdoing?"
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Fremytitledherheadtotheside.Andspeakingofbasinmysteries,theystill
hadn'tresolvedthemysteryoftheKyomacorpseinthebasinwhereChamowas.
"WasNashetaniafightingoneofourallies?No,there'snowaythatcanbethe
case.There'snowayanallyofourscouldbeintheWailingDemonTerritory."
"Let'sthinkaboutthatlater.FirstofallweneedtofindNashetania."
Thetwoofthemleftthebasinandcontinuedtheirsearch.Theyhadabouttwo
hoursleft.
WhentheygotoutofthebasintheycouldseeRoloniarunningatoptherockyhill.
Whenshespottedthetwoofthem,sheturnedandrushedtheirway.
"HowareChamoandtheothers?"
"They'resafe.But...anumberofKyomacameoutfromtheforestandare
prowlingaroundthem.Itdoesn'tlookliketheywillcomeandattack;itjustseems
liketheyarestandingguard."
That'sstrange.IwonderwhyNashetaniaisonlydoingthiskindofhalfassed
attack.
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"Youdidn'tfightthem,right?"Fremyasked.
"HanssansaidnottoworryaboutthemandtogosearchforNashetania.But
evenHanssanandMorasan....wereinquiteapanic."
Roloniahadadepressedexpressiononherface.
"However,hedidletmeknowonegoodthing.ItlookslikewithMora'spower,
shemaybeabletoextendthetimeuntilChamosandiesforalittlebit."
"Howlong?"
"...Shesaidforabout30minutes."
Eventhoughthatwasgoodnews,itwasnotsomethingtheycouldcelebrate.
Chamowasstillinaverydangerouspredicament.Inaddition,onceTgurneu
mobilizedallhisforcesandtheyarrivedatChamo'slocationalltheremaining
timewouldbecomeirrelevant.
"Let'shurry.Thatstheonlythingwecandofornow,"Adletsaid.
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Therewerestillthingshedidn'tknow,suchaswhatexactlywashappeningand
whethertherewassomethingsecretivegoingon,butAdletdidn'thavethetime
tothinkaboutthosethings.TheyneededtofindNashetaniaandkillher.Thatwas
theonlythinghehadtofocuson.
30minuteslaterAdletwaswalkingthroughthelavabeltbyhimself.Heclimbed
oneoftherockyhills,thenatthetoppressedhisbodytothegroundand
overlookedthearea.Hethenmovedtoanotherhillandsearchedthearea.He
squintedsothathewouldn'tmisseventhetiniestofhidingplaces,andstrained
hisearstosearchforanyindicationsoftheenemy.Andhedidallofthiswhile
slowlyadvancingclockwisealongtheradius.
FremyandRoloniawerenotnearhim.Fremywasmovingcounterclockwiseand
RoloniawasatthebasinwhereChamowas,searchingthearea.Regardlessof
whichwayNashetaniaescapedtheyshoulddefinitelybeabletofindher.
Splittingupandtravelingalonewasdangerous,butintheircurrentpredicament
theyhadnochoice.IftheyfoundNashetaniaorGoldoftheywouldimmediately
explodethecommunicationfirecrackeranditwouldcalltheircompanions.Buthe
hadyettoreceiveanycontactfromFremyorRolonia.
Adletthenheardsomethingbehindhimsoherushedovertoit.Butinthevalley
behindhimtherewasonlysteamandasmallpoolofhotwater.Realizingthatit
wasjustthesoundofageysererupting,Adletcluckedhistonguequietly.
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ThatwaswhenhespottedtwoKyoma.TheywereheadingtowardswhereChamo
andtheotherswere.Hethoughtaboutkillingthembutthenhereconsidered.
ConfrontingtheenemywasMoraandHans'responsibility.Hehadtoignorethem
andcontinuetosearchforNashetania.
"Adlet!"avoicecamefrominfrontofhim.HethenspottedFremycomingright
towardshim.
ButAdletdoubtedshe'dfoundNashetania.Ifshehadshewouldhavejustused
thefirecracker.Finallyreachinghim,FremylookedatAdletwithadifficult
expressiononherface.
"Youdidn'tmissherright?"Adletasked.
"Thiscan'tbe.Arewereallynotabletofindheranywhere?"Fremyasked.
AsthetwoofthemtalkedRoloniaalsoranovertothem.Shelookedattheirfaces
andimmediatelyguessedthattheyhadfailed.Itwasinexplicableforthemtomiss
Nashetania.Theyhadsearchedeverywherewhereitseemedshecouldhide.
AdletcouldunderstandwhytheywerenotabletofindGoldof.Hehadtheability
toescapebeyondtheBladeGem'srangeofeffect.ButNashetaniawasdefinitely
withintheareathatAdletandtheothershadsearched.
"Whycan'twefindher?She'sjustinakilometerradius."
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"It'shardtobelievethatshecouldbehidingsomewhere,butifso...wherecould
shebe?"
Adletrecalledtheterrainofthelavabelt,buttherewerenosuitablehidingspots
there.
"CoulditbethatMorasan'sanalysiswasmistaken?"Roloniaasked.
"That'sunlikely.MoraisanexcellentSaint.Itdoesn'tseemlikelythatshewould
misjudgetheeffectivenessofaSaintInstrument,"Fremyreplied.
"But...don'tyouthinktheremightbeawaysheisbeingdeceivedsomehow?"
"Eveniftherewere,Morawouldprobablyknow.Andforsomeonewhohasonly
beenaSaintforthreeyears,itseemsunlikelythatNashetaniawouldbeableto
usesuchahighlevelskill."
Whilethetwoofthemtalked,Adletunexpectedlyspottedsomethingstrange.
OneoftheKyomawasatthetopofoneoftherockyhillsaslightdistancefrom
theirlocation.Andinitshanditwaswavingsomething.
"...Awhiteflag?"
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TheKyomahadtheheadofacrowandthebodyofayeti.Itwasholdingastick
wrappedinanoldrag.Apieceofawhiteraghadbeentornoffandfastenedto
thestickthatwasbeingwavingaroundasanimprovisedwhiteflag.Andthatyeti
Kyomawasslowlyapproachingthethreeofthem.
"It'stheenemy."
FremytookoutherrifleandaimedattheyetiKyoma.Buttheyeticontinuedto
wavethewhiteflag,takingaposethatimplieditwouldnotattackwithitshands.
RoloniainterruptedFremybeforeshecouldshootandsaid,"Waitasecond,
Fremysan.That'sawhiteflag."
"What'sthat?"
Thefactthatshedidn'tknowwhatitsignifiedwasslightlysurprising.Fromtime
totimetherewerethingsFremywascuriouslyignorantabout.
"It'sasignthatindicatesthewielderhasnointentionoffightinginabattlefield.
Don'tyouknowthat?"
"Humansusestrangethings."
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AstheyweretalkingtheyetiKyomamadeitswaytothefootofthesmallrocky
hillwherethethreeofthemstood.Itstoppedabout10metersaway.Adletand
theothersreadiedtheirweaponsastheywatchedtheKyoma.
"Goodafternoon,"theyetiKyomasaid.
ThoughAdletdidn'tknowthevoice,herememberedthattone.Itwasdifferent
fromthestrangepronunciationpresentamongtheaverageKyoma.Itwasa
smoothandgracefulwayofspeaking.
"Thankyoufornotattackingme.IgotscaredwhenFremytookoutherrifle."
"...Whoareyou?"Adletaskedandtheyetishrugged.
"Perhapsifyouseethisyou'llunderstand,"theyetisaidandthenextendedits
hand,cuppingabundleofcloth.
TheyetiKyomathentookoutalargefigfruitfromthecloth.
InstantlyAdletandFremymovedatthesametime.Adletaimedhispoisondarts
attheKyoma'shandandFremyshotatthefigfruit.Thefruitwasblownawayand
disintegratedintopieces.
"Unfortunatelythatwasjustafig.Myrealbodyisinasecretlocation."
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"...Tgurneu,"Adletsaid,callingtheyetiKyoma'sname.No,hecalledthenameof
theKyomacontrollingtheyeti.
"Itseemsthatyouallmanagedtofindoutmytrueformafterall.That'squitethe
feat.Howdidyouuncoverthetruth?Fremydidntevennoticeitforthe18years
thatwehadbeentogether."
"Whatdoyouwant?"
FremyloadedanothercartridgeintoherrifleandaimedatTgurneu'shead.Her
fingerwasalreadyonthetriggerandevennowshelookedlikeshewasreadyto
shoothimdead.
"Wait,wait,waitasecondFremy.Ihavenointentionoffighting.Iwanttotalk."
"Idon't,"Fremyreplied.
"Wait.Adlet,help.StopFremy."
Adletdidnothingtostopher.JustlikeFremy,hehadbeenwaitingforthe
opportunitytokillTgurneu.Andtherewasnoreasontolethimlive.
"Ihaveapropositionforyou,Adlet."
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RoloniaalsohadherwhipreadyandwasapproachingTgurneu.ButTgurneu
extendedbothofhishandsandtookastepback.Itwasareallypatheticsight.But
whathesaidnextmadeAdletpause.
"Don'tyouthinkwe'llbeabletodefeatNashetaniaifwecooperate?"
"...what?"Adletaskedautomatically.WhatTgurneuhadsaidwasunexpected.
"Huh?Haven'tyounoticed?Ithinkitllbecomecleartoyouifyouthinkaboutita
bit.NashetaniaandIareenemies."
"Whatdoyoumean?"
SeeingFremylowerherrifle,Tgurneu'sbillshook.Itwashardtotell,butit
seemedlikehewassomehowlaughing.
"IdidnotsendNashetaniaamongstyourrankstoassassinateyou.Theone
behindherisDozzu,theshamefulKyomatraitor.ThatmeansNashetaniaisan
enemytobothmyselfandallofyou."
"...Theresnoway,"Adletmuttered.Buthewasn'tabletomutteranythingelse.
"Bytheway,youthree.Whathappenedtoyourgreetings?"Tgurneuaskedthen
onceagainhisbillstartedtoshakeinlaughter.
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ChapterThree:PartOne
"...Eh,eguuu!"Chamowasvomitingagain.
MorahadherhandonChamo'sbackandpouredthehealingpowerofthe
mountainenergyintotheyounggirl'sbody.IthadtheabilitytoreviveChamo's
lifeforce,butitwasnotabletostoptheBladeGeminherstomach.
AboutoneandahalfhourshadpassedsincetheBladeGemsactivation.Atthe
momentMorawasinthebasin,scatteredwithKyomacorpses,waiting
impatientlyforAdletandtheotherstoreturnwithgoodnews.
Chamowasgrowingweakbeforehereyes.Herfacewaspaleandhereyeswere
vacant.HerbodyshookassheclungtoMora'slikeaninfant.
MoracaressedChamo,butshewasunabletodoanythingmorethancontinueto
sendenergyintoherbody.
"Meow,meoraa!"
AtopthebasinslopestherewasaringshapedcrestwhereHanswasfightingwith
afewKyoma.AftergettingridofthethreeKyoma,HansreturnedtoChamoand
Mora.
"I'vemostlydealtwiththeonesinthearea,meow."
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HanshadalreadysliceddownclosetotwentyKyoma,buthewasstillcompletely
uninjured.Hedidn'tevenlooktired.
"Hans,itlookslikeyouneedtogoafterall.JoinAdletandtheothersandkill
Nashetania,"MorasaidtoHans.
AlittlewhileagoRoloniahadreturnedbyherself.SheconfirmedthatGoldofwas
anenemyandinformedthemthattheyhadlostsightofNashetania.Thenshe
immediatelyheadedbacktosearchforNashetania.
"Thecurrentsituationisnotinourfavor.ItwillbedifficultforjustAdlet,Chamo,
andRoloniatokillNashetania.Theyneedyourstrengthaswell."
However,Hansshookhishead.
"IfIcould,Iwouldhavegonerightaway,meow,"Hanssaidandthenhefacedthe
ForestofSeveredFingers."Wearebeingwatched.IfIweretoleavenow,soon
theircompanionswouldcomeandkillChamo.Mora,canyoufighttheenemy
whilegivingenergytoChamo?"
Shecouldn't.Therewasabsolutelynowayshecouldfightwhilecontinuingto
transferpowerintoChamo.
"...Damn."
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Moragroundherteeth.Shecouldpracticallyfeelthetimeslippingby.Evenmore
thanthatshecouldsensehercompanion'sdeathwasapproaching.
Hansalsomadeapainedfaceagain.
TheninMora'sarms,Chamomutteredweakly."...Catsan,Obachan,sorry."
"Don'ttalk,Chamo.You'llneedlesslywasteyourstrength."
ButChamocontinuedtotalk,abloodyfrothcomingoutfromhermouth."Chamo
wascareless...Chamoisbad....andlikethis...Chamoisn'tusefulatall."
AstearsfloweddownfromChamo'sface,Hansdrewcloser,touslingherhairwith
ahandwetwithKyomablood.
"Don'ttakeyourselfsoseriously,kid.Justbequietandsleep."
"Chamo....isnotachild."
"Youstillhavespirit,don'tyou?"Hanssaidandthenhelaughed.Itwas
surprisinglythegentlestexpressionMoracouldrememberhimevershowing.
"Relyonus.Wecan'tlosetothatstupidgirl,meow."
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Chamoobedientlynoddedandclosedhereyes.However,MoraknewthatHans
feltuneasy.AnddeepdownsheknewhewaswonderingwhetherAdletandthe
otherscouldreallydefeatNashetania.
Adlet,Fremy,andRoloniahadnochoicebuttocomplywithTgurneu'srequestfor
agreeting.Adletslightlynodded,butjustthatconcessionwasenoughtomake
himangry.WhyisthisKyomasofussyovergreetings?
"...Igetthefeelingyouareuneasyabouthearingmetalk,"Tgurneusaidandthen
noddedsatisfactorilyattheirgreetings.
Adletpressedhishandtohisthrobbingchest.Histhroatwasdry,hisbloodwas
boilingandhisbreathinghurt.
OnthatdaysolongagoTgurneuhadappearedinAdlet'shometownwiththe
samekindofdemeanor.Hegentlyspokewiththevillagersandsmiledasifhehad
gainednewfriends.ThenonenightTgurneuensnaredthevillagersandAdlet's
hometownwaslaidtowaste.
Andonceagainthatexpressionwasclearlydepictedonhisface.Untiljust
yesterday,Adletthoughtthathisfellowvillagershadkilledhissister.Healso
mistakenlythoughtthathisbestfriendwhohadrunawaywascapturedand
killed.Everythinghehadeverbelievedwassmashedtopieces.
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"Adkun."RoloniatouchedthebackofAdlet'shand,bringinghimbacktohis
senses.
EvenifTgurneuwastheenemyofhislovedones,atthemomentAdletcouldnot
fightTgurneu.SavingChamowastheirtoppriority.Fornowhehadtomakesure
oftheauthenticityofTgurneu'sproposal.
"Areyoualright,Adlet?"Tgurneuasked.
"Idon'tneedyourconcern.Iamthestrongestmanintheworld,soI'malways
calm,"Adletsaidwithasmile.
HethenlookedatFremyathisside.Shetoohadeyesfullofanger,butshehadn't
losthercool.Ihavetofollowherexample,Adletthought.
"Isee.That'sgood.Butmoreimportantlylet'stalkaboutNashetania.
Unfortunately,Idon'tknowwheresheiseither,"Tgurneusaidunpleasantly."But
whathaveyoufoundout?Whateveritis,itwillbeuseful,nomatterhowsmall.
DoyouhaveanycluesaboutNashetania'slocation?"
"Waitaminute.Youcan'tjustcontinuetheconversationasyouwant.Explain
yoursituationfirst.WhyareyoufollowingNashetania?"Adletasked.
Tgurneushruggedasiftosaythatitwastroublesome.
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"Fremy,didyoutellthemthespecificsregardingmyself,Cargikk,andDozzu?"
TgurneuaskedandFremynodded.
FremyhadtoldthemthattheKyomawereseparatedintothreefactions:
Tgurneu,Cargikk,andDozzu'ssides,whichallopposedoneanother.Tgurneuand
Cargikk'sopinionsconcerningthewaytheKyomaoughttobeweredifferent.And
DozzuwascalledtheKyomatraitor,currentlybeinghuntedbytheothertwo
factions.
"AsIsaidbefore,NashetaniaisunderDozzu'scontrol,"Tgurneuthenbeganto
explain."About200yearsagoDozzubetrayedus.Hetookhispawnswithhim,left
theWailingDemonTerritory,andhidwithinthehumanworld.CargikkandIsent
ourunderlingsintothehumanworldtohuntthemwhilewecontinuedto
eliminatethosewithallegiancestoDozzustillwithintheWailingDemonTerritory.
IbelievedthatDozzu'sfactionhadbeenwipedout."
"...Butyou'resayingthatyouweremistaken."
"Iwassoft.Dozzu'ssidecontinuedtoactwithoutmeknowingatall.They
acquiredafakecrestthroughameansdifferentfrommyown.Andtheyhad
sneakedintothePienaRoyalPalaceanddrewNashetaniatotheirside.Thenthey
gaveNashetaniathefakecrestandsheinfiltratedyourgroup."
Adletsimplycouldn'tbelievewhathewashearing.
"AttheexactsametimeIalsoacquiredafakecrest.ThenIgaveittoahuman
pawnandmadethemslipintoyourranks.Itisanunimaginablecoincidence.Both
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DozzuandI,whilemutuallyunawareoftheother,hadbeenplottingthesame
strategy."
Wasitreallyacoincidence?Adletwondered.
"IwasshockedwhenIfoundouttherehadbeenanimpostorFlowerwithinthe
IllusionFogBarrier.Icouldn'tbelievethattheyhadwillinglytriedtokillyouall
withoutmyknowledge.I'mashamedtosayIdidn'trealizethatallofithadbeen
Dozzu'sdoinguntilafterthatbattle.
Tgurneucontinued,"ItoohadslippedapawnintothekingdomofPiena.Imade
themfindoutNashetania'sweakpoints,herhabits,andherbackground.I
thoughtthatshewouldbechosenasoneoftheSixFlowerslongbeforetheMajin
hadawoken.AndIbelievedthatjustlikeIhadskillfullydonewithMora,Imight
beabletouseher.
"However,Icompletelywasn'tabletoguessthefactthatshehadjoinedforces
withDozzu."
"...Idon'tbelieveit,"Fremymuttered.
Tgurneuplantedthewhiteflagintothegroundandcrossedhisarms.
"Frankly,Ican'tbelieveiteither,"Tgurneusaid."FortwoKyomatobeplottingthe
sameplan;issuchacoincidencelikethislikely?
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Itdidn'tseemasifNashetaniabecomingaKyoma'sunderlingwasanythingother
thanajoke.Andyetitisthetruth."
"Adlet,doyoubelievehisstory?"Fremyaskedhim.
Adletdidn'trespond;hejusturgedTgurneutocontinuetalking.Adletdidn't
believehimeither,buthefeltlikeheshouldhearwhatTgurneuhadtosay.
"Continue,Tgurneu.We'lldecidelaterwhethertojoinforceswithyouornot,"
AdletsaidandTgurneushruggedasifbored.
"I'vesaiditclearlybefore,butallofyouandIareenemiestothebitterend.
Honestlyspeaking,Idon'twanttojoinforceswithyou,"Tgurneusaid.
"Doyouthinkthat'sauniqueopinion?Ifeelthesameway,"Adletreplied.
"ButIseeDozzuandNashetaniaasmorepowerfulenemies.Sointheend,evenif
Ihavetosaveallofyou,IwouldstillprefertoeliminateDozzuandthosewith
him."
"Whatareyousaying?"Adletflaredupinanger.Tgurneu'swordswere
humiliating.
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"It'sonlynatural,don'tyouthink?It'snotlikeanyofyouhaveposedanyreal
threattomeuptillnow,right?"
AngerburnedinFremy'seye.
"Dozzu'splanhasstretchedoutfurtherthanIthought.Agreatnumberofhis
underlingshaveinfiltratedtheranksofbothmypawnsandCargikk'sfollowers.
Didn'tyouseealotofKyomacorpsesalongtheway?"
Adletnodded.
"AsyouandIwentaroundfightingwithMora,andasyouwerechasingeach
otherthroughtheforestintheIllusionFogBarrier,Dozzuwassteadilyableto
continuehispreparations.Thenthismorningheinitiatedhisplan.Allatoncethe
KyomaonDozzu'ssidecameandattackedmypawnsandI.
"TheattackfromDozzu'ssidenearlydecimatedmypawnsintheForestof
SeveredFingers.Anditdoesn'tlooklikeanyreinforcementswillarrive.Atthe
momentI'munabletoevencomprehendwhoamongmypawnsisonDozzu's
side,"Tgurneusaidinasadtone.
"Ihavebecomeallalone."
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IfthatweresothenthiswastheidealchancetokillTgurneu.Adletseriously
consideredwhetherornottokillTgurneuthere.ButTgurneu'swordsdidn't
seemgenuine.Tgurneumighthavebeenpretendingtobealonejustasatrap.
"So,whatdoyouplanondoingnow?"Adletasked.
ThenTgurneusaidsomethingthatwashardtobelieve.
"Isn'titobvious?IwillkillNashetaniaandsaveChamo."
"SaveChamo?"Adletandtheothersaskedinsurprise.
"Thereisareason.AreasonwhyDozzuhastokillChamonow."
"...Andthatis?"
"Cargikk,Dozzu,andIarecompetingoverwhichoneofuscankillthemost
HeroesoftheSixFlowers.WhicheveroneofuskillsthreeFlowersfirstwill
becomethevictor.Theremainingtwowillthenbeforcedtoobeythewinner."
"Yousaidyou'recompeting?"
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"TwohundredyearsagoweusedtheSaintofWordstonegotiateasingle
contract.Itwasasimplecontract.WhoeverkillsthreeoftheHeroesfirstwillbe
abletomaketheothertwopowerless.ThepurposewassothatonlyoneKyoma
wouldruleovertheothers.Weallpledgedtopermanentlyobeythewinnerand
ourliveswouldbeforfeitifweweretobreakthatpromise.
"OfcourseevenifitwasNashetaniathatkilledyou,itwouldstillbeaddedto
Dozzu'sscore.AndpresumablyDozzu'splanwastocauseallofyoutosplitapart.
Soit'spossiblethatifyouweretoloseyourlivesafterbeingseparatedbyDozzu's
planthepointswouldalsogotohim."
AtthatpointRoloniagroaned."Acompetition...points...it'sjustlikea..."
Tgurneu'sbeakshookandinascornfullaughhesaid,"Youunderstandwell,
Rolonia.That'sexactlyright.Thisisnotafightbetweenallofyouandme.Itis
betweenme,Cargikk,andDozzu.Thethreeofusaregoingaroundfightingtosee
whowillgetthepositionofcommand.Allofyouarenomorethanpawnsthatwe
useinourgame."
"Stopscrewingaround!"Adletsaid.Fremy'sbodywasshakingwithrageand
Rolonia'seyeswerewideopeninshock.Adletwasbarelyabletocontainhis
humiliation.
"SohaveIconvincedyou?ThatisthereasonwhyIamallyingmyselfwithallof
you.Tobemoreclear,Dozzuhasanoverwhelmingadvantageatthemoment.
AndifthingscontinueastheyareChamowilldie.
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Also,DozzumightbepreparingaplantokillanotheroftheFlowers.SoIthink
thatevenforyoutherearenolongeranyotherchoicesleftbuttojoinforceswith
me."
"Adkun,whatshouldwedo?Arewereallygoingto...?"Roloniasaid.
"Let'smakeapact.UntilweeliminateDozzu,Iwillnotattackanyofyou.I'malso
orderingthesevenththatIinfiltratedintoyourrankstodoeverythingtheycanto
helpinChamo'srescue.Ihaven'tevenoncegotteninyourway,haveI?"
"WhatKyomaistargetingChamo?"Fremyasked.
"SomeoneonDozzu'sside.Eventhoughuntilyesterdaytheyweremyfollowers."
"...Giveusalittlebitoftimetothink,"Adletsaid.
Hedidn'tthinkthateverythingTgurneuhadsaidwasthetruth.Butatthesame
timehecouldn'tconsiderallofittobealie.Lyingfromthebeginninguntilthe
endwastheactofafool.Liesonlyfunctionedsowellwhentheywere
interspersedamongthetruth.PartsofwhatTgurneuwastellingthemhadtobe
true.
ButAdletwasn'tabletodiscernjustwherethetruthendedandtheliesbegan.
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"There'ssomethingthatdoesn'tmakesense,Tgurneu,"Fremysaid."Whydidyou
agreethattheonewhokilledthreeHeroeswouldruleovertheKyoma?Aren't
you,Cargikk,andDozzumutualenemies?"FremysaidandforamomentTgurneu
seemedflustered.
HethenturnedhiseyesawayfromFremyandsaid,"...Iwonderifitwasthe
indiscretionofyouth.BackthenIwasafool.IdidntimaginethatDozzuwasthat
muchofacoward."
"Don'tdodgethequestion."
"Fremy,we'vealreadytalkedforalongtime.Idon'tthinkthereismuchtimeleft
forallofus."
"...You'reright."
AdletwassurethatFremywantedtocrossexamineTgurneuinmoredetail,but
Tgurneuwascorrect.
"Well,whatshouldwedo?Decideforus,Adlet,"Tgurneusaid,pressingAdletfor
ananswer.
ButAdletjustcontinuedtothinksilently.IsittruethatthetraitorDozzuand
Tgurneuopposedoneanother?Ifit'sfalsethenthatmeansFremyisaliar.But
thatcan'tbe,Adletthought.Fremywasapreciouscompanion.
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ItwaslikelythattheveryexistenceofDozzuwasalie.Sofartheyhadnot
encounteredDozzuevenonce.TherewasasufficientpossibilitythatTgurneu
createdafictitiousenemyandwaspretendingtobetheHeroes'allysothathe
couldgetclosetothem.
However,AdletandtheothershadseentheKyomacorpsesearlier.Theyhad
seentracesofthefightNashetaniaandsomeotherindividualhadwiththe
Kyoma.Itseemedroughlyapparentthattherewassomekindofinternalturmoil
amongtheKyoma.AndtherewasahighprobabilitythatDozzuactuallyexisted.
SowhataboutNashetania?IsittruethatshewasnotworkingforTgurneuandis
actuallyoneofDozzu'sfollowers?
"Adlet,ourchanceofvictorywillslipawayifyoutakesolongatimemaking
decisions."
"Bequiet,Tgurneu.Ordoyouwanttodiehere?"Fremythreatened.
Adlet,however,continuedtothink.TherewasaclearcontradictioninTgurneu's
words.
NashetaniaandthesevenththatTgurneuhadplacedamongtheHeroeswerein
opposition.AndTgurneusaidtheseventhwoulddoeverythingintheirpowerto
helpwithChamo'srescue.Soifthatwerethecase,thenwhoisGoldofandwhat
roledidheplayinthissituation?
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AfteralongsilencefromAdlet,hebegantospeak."Tgurneu.I'mthinkingthat
joiningforceswithyouwouldn'tbetheworstidea."
"Areyouserious?Adkun?"
"Whatfoolishnessisthis?!"
BothFremyandRoloniaweredumbfounded.ButAdletignoredthemand
continued.
"ButIstillhaven'theardthemostimportantthing.IsGoldofworkingforyou?"
"Right,thatisthequestion,"Tgurneusaid,strokinghisbeak."Idoknowone
thing.GoldofisnottheseventhIsent.ThatistheonlythingIknow."
"...Inotherwords?"
"Idon'tknowwhatGoldof'strueidentityis,either.UpuntilnowIhadthought
thathewasagenuineHerooftheSixFlowers.JustwhyNashetaniaviewshimas
herloyalvassalhasnotbeenrevealedtome.Thatisamystery."
Tgurneupausedforamomentbeforecontinuing."TherearethreepossibilitiesI
canthinkof.ThefirstisthatGoldofisanotherimpostorsentbyDozzu.Ifthat's
thecasethenIdon'tknowwheretheotherHerooftheSixFlowerscouldbe.
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ThesecondpossibilityisthatheisagenuineFlower,butforsomereasonheis
beingmanipulatedbyDozzu.Ithinkthisisthemostprobablescenario."
That'snotit,Adletthought.TheGoldofhehadfoughtbeforedidntseemlikehe
wasbeingcontrolled.Hewasfightingthemunderhisownwill.
"ThethirdpossibilityisthatheisagenuineHero,buthehasbetrayedallofyouin
ordertoprotectNashetania."
"Thatlastideaisn'ttrue,"Adletsaid.
GoldofwasnotbetrayingtheHeroes.Ifhedidn'thavetheunwaveringwillto
tradehislifeinordertokilltheMajinthenhewouldn'thavebeenchosentobe
oneoftheHeroesoftheSixFlowersinthefirstplace.
"Doyouthinkthatisunlikely?Morabetrayedyouallonce."
"ButMora..."
"Everythingisdoubtful,Adlet.Ourfightisfullofunlikelythings,"Tgurneucuthim
off.Adletwasn'tabletocomeupwithagoodresponseandfellsilent.
"Anyhow,it'sprobablynotmistakentoviewGoldofasthekeytothisfight.Whois
heandwhosewillishemovingunder?"
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"...'I'mgoingtoprotecttheprincess.'ThatiswhatGoldofsaid,"Fremysaidand
Tgurneu'sbeakshook.Itappearedasifhewerelaughingbitterly.
"Weareinaprecarioussituationatthemoment.HansandMoraareconfinedto
theirlocationsandcan'tmove.Anditdoesn'tseemlikethatgiantfoolCargikkis
goingtomakeamoveatthistime.SowhyintheworlddoesGoldofthinkhe
needstoprotecttheprincess?"
"Tgurneu,doyouhaveanycluesaboutwhereNashetaniahid?"Adletasked,but
Tgurneushookhishead.
"Well,mypawnswentonthelookoutforNashetaniaandGoldof.Andafteryou
allfought,Nashetania,Goldof,andDozzumetupwithoneanother."
"WhatkindofKyomaisDozzu?"
"Hehasthepowertowieldlightningandcanfreelychangehisform.Nowhehas
thestrangeappearanceofsomethinglikeacrossbetweenadogandasquirrel.
Thoughitmusthavebeen200yearssinceIlastsawhim,theredoesn'texist
anotherKyomathatcanuselightningsoI'msureDozzuishere."
"So?"
"Therewasabasinaboutakilometereastfromhere.Mypawnsfollowedthem
there,buttwoofthemwerekilledallofasuddenandoneofthemgotaway.
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ThenseveralminuteslateronlyGoldofexitedthebasinandwentevenfarther
east.WhenthelastKyomapeakedintothebasinagaintheycouldn'tfind
Nashetania.Shehaddisappearedwithoutatrace."
"SothatmustmeanNashetaniawassomehowabletohideherself,right?"
"That'sadifficultquestion..."
RoloniastareduncomfortablyasAdletandTgurneutalkedwithoneanother.Her
eyesseemedtobecomplaining,Doyoureallyintendonjoiningforceswithhim?
"Perhapsitisn'taKyomaability."
"Whatdoyoumean?"
"Icommandapproximately4000pawns,yetevenIhaven'tseenaKyomawiththe
abilitytomakeasinglehumanvanishwithoutleavinganytracesbehind.Rather,I
thinkit'simpossibleforthemtoexist.Fremy,doyouthinkthesame?"
Fremydidn'trespond,butshedidn'tdenyit.
"Wellthen,couldshebehidingthepowerofaSaint?Itseemsunlikely.
NashetaniaistheSaintofBlades.Nomatterhowsheusesthatpower,shecan't
hideherbody."
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"That'stheproblem."
AdletandTgurneuwentquiet.FremylookedatAdletandhereyesseemedtobe
asking,justhowlongareyougoingtocontinuetalking?Theyalsoseemedtoaskif
itwereokaytokillTgurneu.Adletwhisperedforhertowait.
"...About400hundredyearsago,itissaidthatthePienakingdomofthetime
madeSaintscreateuniqueSaintInstruments,"Tgurneusaid."ThoseSaint
Instrumentswerepasseddownfromkingtokinggenerationaftergeneration.Itis
saidthattheyweregiventotheroyalfamilyasademonstrationoftheSaints'
abilitiesandloyalty.Unfortunately,Iwasn'tabletodeterminewhoisin
possessionofthoseinstrumentsorwhatkindofpowertheyhave.Perhapsthere
isonethatcanhideaperson,andmaybeGoldoforNashetaniaisusingit."
SaintInstrumentsweretoolsimbuedwiththepowerofthegods.Adletwondered
ifMoraknewsomethingaboutthem.
"Doyouhaveanyproof?"Fremyasked.
"No,butIcan'tseeanyotherpossibility."Tgurneusuddenlystartedwalking."We
havenotimetostandaroundandtalk.Let'sgofindNashetania."
AdletthenfollowedbehindhimandRoloniaalsowentalong.
"Howdoyouplanonfindingher?"
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"First,we'llheadtothelastplacemypawnsspottedNashetaniainandthenwe'll
lookforcluesthere."
"Seriously?Adkun,areyoureallygoingtoworkwithTgurneu?"Roloniaasked,
clearlyupset.
Adletturnedaroundandreplied,"Don'tworry.Justbequietandcomealong."
Roloniaseemedtohaveafacethatsaidshecouldn'tbelievewhatwashappening.
ButFremywasquietandcomposed.Ofcourseyou'dbecalm,Adletthought.And
evenwithoutsayinganythingsheseemedtounderstandwhatAdletwasthinking.
"Ifwecan'tfindanycluesthenwe'llsearchforGoldof.Hesurelyknowsabout
Nashetania'slocation,don'tyouthink?Afterthat..."
Tgurneustoppedhalfwayinhissentence.SomethingtumbledtowardsTgurneu's
feet.ItwasoneofFremy'sexplosives.RightbeforeitexplodedAdletmoved.He
tookouthisswordandleapedtotheside.
Caughtoffguard,Tgurneuwasnotabletodefendhimselfcompletely.He
protectedhisfacewithbothofhishandsandcouldn'tdoanythingotherthan
jumpbackastheexplosionflunghimbackwards.Adletthenrushedtowardshim
andswunghisswordattheKyoma.
"Ifthat'sallyouhavetotellusthenourbusinessisdone."
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"Youbastards!"
TgurneustoppedAdlet'sswordwithhisarm,thebladegoinghalfwayintohislimb
beforestopping.Hisskinwasextremelytoughandhismuscleswereresilient.
TgurneuthenlungedatAdlet'sstomachwithhisfists,butAdletbenthisbodyand
twistedaroundtoTgurneu'sback.Hethenwrappedbothofhishandsaround
Tgurneu'sthroatandbegantostranglehim.
ThenextinstantoneofFremy'sbulletspiercedTgurneu'schest.Tgurneuaswell
asAdlet,whowasrestraininghim,tumbledtotheground.ThisTgurneuisfar
weakerthantheonewefacedintheValleyofSpilledBlood,Adletthought.
"Rolonia!Runtotheright!SurroundTgurneu!"
"Ri,Right."
FremyandRoloniarantotheleftandrightrespectively.
"AreyouanidiotAdlet?!"TgurneushoutedashetriedtoshakeAdletoff."Don't
youunderstandthatI'mnotlying?!"
Adletgrinned."EvenifIassumethateverythingistrue,that'snotareasontolet
youlive."
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"...You'llregretthis."
Fremy'sbulletsbrokeTgurneu'sknees,andRolonia'swhipsqueezedoutallthe
bloodfromhisbody.TheinstantthatTgurneustoppedmovingAdlettookouthis
trumpcard.ItwasaweaponthatcausedcertaindeathforallKyoma,theNailof
theSaints.Tgurneu'strueformwasthatofafigfruit,sohefounditandthentried
tostabthenailthroughit.
AtthatmomentastrangechangeoccurredinTgurneu'sbody.Hisnecksuddenly
extendedandwithaloudsnaphisheadrippedoff.
Thecrow'sheadandtheyeti'sbodyseparated,withtheyeti'sbodyfallingtothe
groundlifelessandtheheadgrowingwings.Thenwithunbelievablespeeditflew
upintothesky.
"Fremy!Shoothimdown!"Adletshouted,grippingtheNailoftheSaintsinhisleft
handandthrowingapoisondartwithhisrighthand.
Fremythenshotherrifle.Althoughthecrowwasabletododgethebullet,Adlet's
poisondarthithimsquareon.Thecrowlostitsbalanceinmidairandit
desperatelyflappeditswingsinanattempttoescape.
"Itsrealbodyisthehead!"
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AdletthenthrewtheNailoftheSaints,butTgurneujustbarelymanagedtododge
it.Thenailslightlygrazeditswingsasitsailedthroughtheair.
"Co,come,someone!Comeyoudimwits!"Tgurneushouted,buttherewasno
response."Shit,isnoonegoingtocome?!Youdimwittedfools!"
Adlet'sdartscouldnolongerreachhim.Fremycontinuedtofirerapidly,but
thoughanumberofbulletsgrazedhim,noneofthemshothimdown.And
eventuallyTgurneuhadflownfarenoughawaythatheseemedtodisappearinto
thedistance.
"...Shit!"
AdletpoundedthegroundashestaredafterTgurneu.Duetotheground'sheat
thesweatonhishandsturnedintosteamandfloatedupwardsfromhisfists.They
hadmissedtheirbestopportunitytokillTgurneu.
AfterthatAdletwentandpickeduptheNailoftheSaintshehadthrown.Heonly
hadthreeofthemleft,sohehadtotreatthemwithcare.
"Good.IthoughtyouwerereallygoingtojoinforceswithTgurneu,"Roloniasaid,
relievedafterAdletreturnedfromfindingthenail.
"Ofcourse.Theenemyofanenemyisnotourfriend."
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"But,whatwaswithhim?HewasmorepatheticthanIthought,"Roloniasaid,
staringofftowardswhereTgurneuhaddisappeared.
"Itwasallanact.Hewasjustactinglikethatinordertomakeusgrowcareless
anddropourguard,"Fremysaid.
"SoAdlet,whatdoyouthinkaboutwhatTgurneuhadsaid?"
"Idon'tknow.Ifeellikeallofitwasalie,andatthesametimeIfeellikeitwas
mingledwithtruth.ButIknowthatattheveryleasthewasn'tplanningon
teamingupwithus.Hewasjustsearchingforanopportunitytokillus."
"That....Ivaguelygotthesameimpression,"Roloniasaid.
"There'snoneedtothinkaboutit,"Fremysaid."Anythingandeverything
Tgurneusaysisalie.TheimpostorFlowersareNashetaniaandGoldof.Tgurneuis
theonebehindthecurtains.Tgurneucametousandsaidthathewantedtojoin
forcesinordertothrowusoffourguard.Dozzu'snotrelatedtothis."
"It'snaturaltothinkthat,"Adletreplied.
"There'snowaythattwoKyomacouldhappentoworkoutthesamestrategy
separately,"Fremysaid.
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"Butifhewantedtokillushewouldn'thaveneededtocomealone.Hecould
havejustsentallhisforcesthisway.SoattheveryleastTgurneuhadareasonfor
notsendinghisunderlings.Perhapsthemajorityofwhathesaidwastrue."
"Fromwhatparttowhatpart?"Roloniaasked,butAdletmetherquestionwith
silence.
ItwascertainthatsomethingcomplexwasgoingonamongtheKyoma,butAdlet
wonderedwhoopposedwhomandforwhatreason.
WasNashetaniareallyanassassinsentbyDozzuorwassheworkingwithTgurneu
afterall?WhowasGoldof?WasheTgurneu'sunderlingorDozzu's?Orcouldhe
perhapsbeagenuineflower?Thereweresomanythingsthathedidnot
understand.
However,ifheremainedconfusedtheywouldnotbeabletoachievevictory.So
theyneededtodiscernwhattoprioritizeandwhattoputoff,andthenact
accordingly.
"KillNashetaniaandsaveChamo.Andthenweshouldknowwhatistrue."
FremyandRolonianodded.Thentheydescendedtherockyhillandonceagain
begantorun.
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ChapterThree:PartTwo
Adlet,Rolonia,andFremyresumedtheirsearchforNashetania.First,theyraided
thebasinwhereTgurneusaidNashetaniahaddisappeared.
AdletandFremyhadalreadycheckeditoncebefore.ItwaswherethetwoKyoma
hadbeencharredintocorpsesbylightning.Holeswerealsopresentintheground
Nashetaniahadusedthepowerofblades.Otherthanthose,therewasnothing
elseinsight.
Thethreecarefullysearchedtheground,thenlookedoverthesurroundingarea.
However,theyweren'tabletofindanythingthatresembledaclue.Roloniaeven
lickedtheground,butshewasn'tabletodetermineanythingfromtheKyoma's
blood.
"There'snothinghere,"Fremysaid,displeased."TherearejusttheKyoma
corpses,right?"
"SoTgurneuwastryingtodeceiveusafterall.That'sobviousnow."
Tgurneu'swordsreverberatedinthebackofAdlet'smind.Nashetaniawasn't
beinghiddenbyaKyoma'sabilitybutwiththepowerofaSaintInstrumentthat
Goldofpossessed.ButshouldIbelievethosewords?
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"Let'ssplitupintotwogroups.IwilltryandaskMoraabouttheSaintInstruments
andfindoutwhichoneswerehandeddowntothePienaRoyalFamily.Andifit
reallyisaSaintInstrumentthatwe'redealingwith,thenI'llfindouthowwecan
breaktheeffect.Meanwhile,youtwowillsearchtheplaceswhereNashetania
couldbehiding,"Adletsaid.
"But,where..."Roloniasaid.
"Shesprobablyunderground.Thereisnootherpossibility,"Fremysaid.
"Howshouldwesearchtheground?IfonlywecoulduseChamosan'spower..."
"It'sokay,Rolonia.I'llfindit,"Fremysaid,producingabombinherhand.Unlike
herotherexplosives,thisonewasintheshapeofathinnail.Shethenthrewit
below,thebombslippingbetweenthegapsoftherocksandfinallystabbingthe
verybottom.Thenanexplosivesoundrangthroughtheairaschunksoftherocky
hillweregougedoutandblowntopieces.
"Ifsheishidinginthegroundthenthiswillbeconvenient.Iwillscourtheground
onebyonewiththeseexplosives.AndafterIhaveburiedheraliveshewillbe
torturedtodeath."
"Waitasecond,aretherenootheroptions?"
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"Otheroptions...right.RoloniasaidthatthereareKyomaprowlingnearChamo's
location.Shemightbeinoneoftheirstomachs."
IntheIllusionFogBarrier,NashetaniahadhiddenLeura,theSaintoftheSun,
withinthestomachofaKyoma.
"Wecan'tkillalloftheKyomawithintheeffectiverangeofthebladegemandrip
opentheirstomachs.Arethereanyotherplacesshecouldbehiding?"
Thethreeofthemcontinuedtothink.Nashetania'stacticswereunconventional,
soitwasunlikelythattheywouldbeabletofigurethemouteasily.
Theyputforwardvarioussuggestions:ShecouldhavecapturedaflyingKyoma
andflownabouttheairatakilometerdistance.Shecouldbeusingthepowerof
ametamorphosisKyomatotransformintoarock.Shecouldbeunderground,she
couldbeinsideaKyoma'sstomach,orshecouldbeusingthepowerofaSaint
Instrument.Butthoseweretheonlypossibilitiestheycouldcomeupwith.
"That'senoughthinking.Let'smove.Ifwethinkofsomethingelsewe'lltelleach
other."
"Right.Firstwellsearchfortunnelsunderground,andatthesametimewe'llkill
alltheKyomanearbyandriptheirstomachsopen.It'suptous,"Adletsaid.
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"Youcanrelyonus,"Fremyreplied."Anhourshouldbeenoughforanarealike
this."
AgainanumberofbombsappearedinFremy'shandbeforeshechuckedthem
intotherockyhill.Alongwithathunderousroar,acloudofdirtroseupintothe
air.Thenoneoftherockyhillsbegantocollapse.Geyserseruptedeverywhere
andtheareabecameenvelopedinsteam.
"Rolonia,piercethegroundwithyourwhip.Tellmeimmediatelyifyoufind
anything."
"Ri,right."
Adletfiguredthetwoofthemwouldbealrightbythemselves.AndifNashetania
wereactuallyhidinginthegroundthentheywoulddefinitelybeabletofindher.
SoAdletdecidedtosearchfortheSaintInstrumentthatGoldofmighthave.
OnlytwohoursremaineduntilChamosexpecteddeath.Theyhadtohurry.
Thelavabeltsuddenlygrewnoisy.AfterhearingseveralofFremysexplosionsgo
off,AdletfinallyreachedtheotherbasinwhereChamowas.
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About20Kyomaprowledaroundthesurroundingarea.Itlookedliketheyhad
separatedintogroupsoffive,neitherfightingnorrunning,butsimplywatching
Chamoandtheothers.Meanwhile,HanshadbeenfightingwithseveralKyoma
insidethebasin.AndwithChamoclingingtoher,Morawasprotectingherfrom
theKyoma'sattacks.
AdletwentandhelpedHansdispersetheKyoma.AftertheKyomascatteredinall
directionsliketinyspiders,AdletwaseasilyabletoexplainthesituationtoMora,
Hans,andChamo.
"You'resaying...Tgurneuwantedtoallywithyou?"
"Dozzu,meow.Onceagainthethingswedon'tknowhaveincreased,meow.But
isittrue?"
MoragrippedherheadandHanstiltedhisheadtotheside.
"TheSaintInstrumentsaremoreimportantrightnow.Mora,doyouknow
anythingaboutthem?"Adletasked.
"Ifit'sapowerthatcanconcealaperson,thenitmustbethepoweroftheSaint
ofIllusions.But..."Morafrownedandshookherhead."Theredefinitelyshouldbe
arecordattheHeadTempleifaSaintInstrumentwasmade.Thatisourjobatthe
HeadTemple.TherewasaSaintInstrumentgiventothePienaKinginthepastbut
aSaintInstrumentthatallowsapersontodisappearhasnotbeenproduced.
Don'tyouthinkaSaintInstrumentthatwouldallowitsusertofreelymaketheir
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bodydisappearwouldbeusedforassassinations,gatheringsecretintelligence,
andbeabusedasmuchastheuserwanted?"
"SodoesthatmeanwhatTgurneusaidwasalieafterall?"Adletasked
"Umeow.That'snotentirelythecase,"Hanssaid."TheSaintsarehuman.There
aretimeswhentheycanbeenticedbymoneyandtimeswhentheycouldbe
convincedtogoagainstauthority.Ormaybetheywerepersuadedbylove,meow.
It'snotstrangeforsomethinglikethistohappeninsecret,evenattheHead
Temple."
Moradidn'tdenythatpossibility.Thisagain,Adletthought.Onceagainthere
werepossibilitiesbuttheyhadnoproof.Thatseemedtobetheonlykindof
informationtheycouldeveraccumulate.
"IsthereawaytobreaktheeffectofaSaintInstrumentifNashetaniaorGoldof
hasone?"
"...Thereis."MorastrokedChamo'sbackassheclungtoherchest.Thenshelaid
ChamoonthegroundandstooddirectlyinfrontofAdlet.
"IfaSaintInstrumenthasbeenused,thenremnantsofitsenergywillremain,and
thereisawaytosensethose.SuccessiveTempleHeadshavepassedonthe
techniquegenerationaftergeneration.Andwithlittletimeyoucoulduseittoo."
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MorathenglancedatChamo.
"Itwilltaketime.Chamo,holdoutuntilthen."
Onherside,Chamoliftedherheadslightly.Shethennoddedasiftosayitwas
okay.Morathenclosedhereyesandbegantochantanincantation.
Abouttenminutesafterthat,MoratouchedAdlet'sfaceasshecontinuedto
chant.HerthumbstouchedAdlet'seyesandasensationofsomethingwarm
pouredintohisbody.
"...Diditwork?"AdletaskedrightbeforeMorastaggeredtotheside.
However,shesoonpickedChamobackup,placedherhandbackonherback,and
resumedpouringenergyintoherbody.
"Sohowdiditgo,meow?"Hansasked.
ItdidnttakelongforAdlettorealizethathecouldseethingsnowthathe
couldntperceivebefore.HecouldseealightinChamo'sstomach,whichwas
probablythepoweroftheBladeGemthatNashetaniahadinsertedintoher.
TherewasalsothesamekindoflightonthebackofhishandandonMora'sback,
thesameplaceswheretheyhadtheircrests.ThatwasthepoweroftheSaintof
theSingleFlower.
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"TheplaceswherethelightisshiningaretheplaceswheretheSaintInstruments
arebeingused.Ifyoucanseeafainthaze,thatmeansaSaintInstrumenthad
beenusedinthatplacealittlewhileago.Theeffectlastsforaboutthreehours..."
HalfwaythroughherexplanationMoragrimacedandtouchedherforehead.She
wasexhausted.
"...Butyouareonlyborrowingthispower,soyouwon'tbeabletocompletelysee
alltheremnantsoftheSaintInstruments.Perhapsonlyfainttraceswillappear
beforeyou."
"I'muncomfortableaboutthis,meow."
"Well,atanyrateyoullundoubtedlybeabletocatchtheremnantsofsucha
powerfulSaintInstrumentthatcanmakeapersondisappear.Nowgo,Adlet.
Thereisn'tanytime."
"Waitasec,meow.DidyoucheckGoldofwiththatpower?"
"Idid,butIwasn'tabletoseeanything.Thispowerissimplyineffectiveunlessa
SaintInstrumentisinuse."
Hansshrugged.
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"I'mgoingtoreturntosearchingforNashetania,Adletexplained.Iwillleave
thisplaceinbothofyourhands.AndifyouarespottedbyaKyomayoumustkillit
andripitsstomachopen.Nashetaniacouldbehidinginsidetheirbodies."
"Understood.Nowgo,Adlet."
MoraurgedAdlettoleave,butbeforeheleftAdletwentclosertoChamo.Her
bodywascurledupandherfacewaspaleassheclungtothecenterofMora's
chest.Withinjustafewhoursherfacehadgrownhaggard.Itwasaheartbreaking
sight.
"Nashetaniaiscornered.Don'tworry."
"Ehehe,right.Whatareyousaying?Chamoiscompletelyokay."
"..."Adletdidntknowhowtorespond.
"What,youlookworried.Chamoisstrong.That'swhyChamoisfine."
AdletwordlesslycaressedChamo'shead.Thenheranoutofthebasin.
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Adletcontinuedtorunthroughthelavabelt.Thegroundwasshakingslightly
fromFremysbombings.
Afterclimbingtothetopofarockyhill,heusedthepowerMorahadgivenhimto
checkthearea.However,hedidn'tfindanything.Feelingdespair,Adlet
continuedtorun.
Hescaleduphills,thendescendedthem,climbeduptothetop,thencameback
downagain,repeatingtheprocessoverandover.Eventuallyhemadehisway
backtoFremyandRoloniaasFremycontinuedtobombtheground.
"Adkun!Howwasitoverthere?!"
"IborrowedanabilitytosearchfortheSaintInstrumentsfromMora.Leavethis
areatome,"AdletshoutedbacktoRolonia.
"You'reinterfering,Adlet!"Fremyshouted,abouttothrowabombnearhim.
Withastart,Adletran.HecontinuedalongtheareaofthelavabeltthatFremy
hadalreadybombed.Withthecrumblingoftherockyhillshecouldseethearea
muchbetterthanbefore.Butatthesametimethegroundbeneathhimseemed
tocrumblethemomenthesetfootontheground,makingitdifficulttorun.
Thedramaticchangeoftheterrainshouldhaverenderedwhoeverwaswithinthe
groundhelpless.
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Eveniftheywereabletowithstandthebombingstheyprobablywouldnotbe
abletocontinuetohide.Andeveniftheywereluckilyabletoconcealthemselves
theywouldmostlikelyleavesomekindoftrace.Plus,theywouldntbeabletodig
overseveraldozenmetersdownwardbecausetheywouldrunintomagmaand
theundergroundwatercurrents.
Adletincreasedhisspeed,andafterawhilehespottedwhathewaslookingfor.
Squinting,hecouldseeafainthazeoflightamongwispsofvaporandsmoke.It
wasfardimmerthanthelighthe'dseeninChamo'sstomach.
Adletapproachedthelighthaze.TheareawasthesamespotTgurneuhadsaid
whereGoldof,Nashetania,andDozzuhaddisappeared.
Helookedoverthesurroundings,buthecouldn'tfindaplacewherethelight
shonebrightly.Atthemoment,noSaintInstrumentswereinuse.Therewasonly
thefainttraceofenergyfromwhentheSaintInstrumenthadbeenusedbefore.
Adletthendugintothegroundandcarefullyexaminedthearea,buthedidn'tfind
Nashetanianoranycluesaboutherlocation.
Buttherewasonethingheclearlyunderstood:eitherGoldoforNashetaniahada
SaintInstrument,andtheywereusingit.
AdletlefttheareaandcontinuedtosearchforNashetania.Hedidntthinkthere
wasanyreasonwhyheshouldn'tbeabletofindher.IfNashetaniahadbeenusing
ahidingplacethatcouldn'tbefoundbyanymeans,thenshewouldhavehidden
thereimmediatelyafteractivatingtheBladeGem.Butshedecidedtofightwith
Adletandtheothersbeforeeventuallygettingaway.
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InotherwordsNashetaniahaddecidedtorunawayfromthebattlewithAdlet
andtheothersandhideoutofnecessity.SoAdletguesseditwaspossibletofind
her.
Adlethadalreadysearchedmorethantwothirdsoftheeffectiverangeofthe
BladeGem,andFremyhadalreadyreducedtwothirdsoftheeffectiveareato
rubble.SoevenifNashetaniawerehidingwithinthegroundorevenifshewere
usingthepowerofaSaintInstrument,theyshouldbeclosetofindingher.
Italsoseemedunlikelythatshewashidingandmovingsecretlyatthesametime.
HeshouldhavebeenabletofindsometraceleftbytheSaintInstrumentora
tunnelundertheground,orsomething.
Don'trush,Adletthoughtashecontinuedtosearch.LittlebylittleChamostime
continuedtofade.
Meanwhile,FremyandRoloniawereatthebasinwithChamo.Afterlaunching
explosivesintothetrapezoidhill,thegroundstartedtobreak.Abigholeopened
upintherockyhillandmagmabubbledupfromundertheground.
ButtherewerenoKyomainthearea.Rolonia,Fremy,andHanshaddestroyed
themall.
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"There'snothinghereeither?"Fremymutteredassheliftedherheadupfromthe
ground.
Thoughtheyhadsearchedtheholesshehadmadeintheground,Nashetaniawas
nowheretobefound.Andtheycouldn'tfindanyevidencethatNashetaniahad
dugaholeinthegroundherself.
Asshestaredatherconfusedcompanions,Moracontinuedtopourenergyinto
Chamowhowasrestinginherarms.Chamohadalreadylosttheenergytobluff
abouthercondition.AndMoranolongerhadanyideajustwhenshemightdie.
"Fremy,it'suselesstokeepsearchingundertheground.Nashetaniaisnotthere,"
Hanssaid.
"...Buttherearestillplaceswehaven'tsearchedyet.Wemighthavemissedher.
Shecouldhavealsousedsomekindofspecialtechniqueafterhiding
underground."
Hansshookhishead."Stop.Ifshewereinthegroundthentheenemywouldhave
cometostopyou.Sincetheyaren'tcomingthatmustmeanweareoffthemark."
Hearingthat,Fremygroundherteethinfrustration.
"Calmdown,meow.Attheveryleastitisclearthatsheisnotunderground.Even
ifthat'severythingwe'vefoundout,itsstillresults."
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"Butifsheisnotundergroundthenwhereisshehiding?Wehaven'thadcontact
fromAdkun,sowhatshouldwedo?"Roloniaasked.
"It'sGoldof.HehasaSaintInstrumentafterallandheisusingittohideher,"
Morasaid.
"Ifthat'sthecasethenAdletshouldhavefoundthatout,"Fremycountered.
"Let'sthinkaboutthisagainfromthebeginning.SomehowTgurneuisfoolingyou,
meow.Soforgeteverythinghesaidandreevaluatetheinformation!"
"That'smeaningless.NomatterhowTgurneumaybedeceivingus,what'scertain
isthatNashetaniaiswithinthisonekilometerarea."
"Soit'saKyomaabilityafterall.TheremustbeaKyomathatFremysanandAd
kundon'tknowabout.Andshemustbehidingusingthatability...."
Thethreeofthemshoutedatoneanother,buttheywereunabletosettletheir
debate.EventuallyChamovomitedbloodagainwhichbroughtanendtotheir
argument.
"Meow,Mora.Itlookslikewereallycan'tmoveChamo,huh?"
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"It'simpossible.Shewouldn'tbeabletohandlejustmovingahundredmeters,"
Morareplied.
"...IwillgosearchforNashetaniatoo.Wearen'tgoingtosettleanythinglikethis,"
Hansdeclared.
"Itseemslikethathasbecometheonlythingwecando."
EventhoughtheyhadeliminatedalltheKyomainthearea,therewasstilla
possibilitythattheenemycouldcomedownuponthem.AndifHanswerent
therethentheymightnotbeabletodefendthemselves.Nevertheless,Mora
nodded.
"Go.IwillprotectChamo,evenifIhavetogiveupmylifetodoso."
"Youdothat,meow.Chamoisfarmoreimportantmilitarilythanyouare,meow."
"...Youcanbequiteblunt,butthat'sgood.Andyou'reexactlyright."
"Youcan'tdothat,"avoicecalledtothemfromoutsidethebasin.
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Theycouldn'ttellwhetheritwasmaleorfemalefromthevoice,butsoonasmall
animalappeared,slowlywalkingtowardsthemthroughthecracksofthebroken
rocks.Ithadastrangeappearance,likeamixbetweenasquirrelandadog,andit
didn'tseemlikeaKyomaatall.Butsureenoughitdidhaveahornonitshead.
"PleasewaitabitmorebeforesearchingforNashetania."
"DoyouknowthisKyoma,Fremy?"Moraasked.
ThemomentMoralookedatitshecouldsenseitspower.Itwasthesameaura
shefeltwhenshehadfacedTgurneubefore,andevenHans.TheKyomabefore
themwaspowerful.
Thoughtheydidn'tknowwhy,theKyoma'sentirebodywascoveredininjuries.
Thereweregiantgashesonitsheadandonitsstomach.Evenso,Moragotthe
hunchthatitwouldnotbeeasytokillhim.
"I'veseenhimonce,"Fremysaid."Hewashereatthelavabeltyearsago.Tgurneu
hadcalledhimDozzu."
"That'sright.MynameisDozzu.Iheardyoutreatedmycomradesverywellinthe
IllusionFogBarrier,"Dozzusaidandthensparksappearedaroundhishorn.
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HewastheKyomatraitor.IfTgurneu'swordsweretobebelievedthenhewasthe
mastermindbehindthebattleintheIllusionFogBarrier.Tensionranthrough
Mora'sbody.
"Bytheway,IheardthatyoumetTgurneu.MayIaskwhatyoutalkedabout?I'd
appreciateitifyoucouldletmeknow."
"No,meow,"HanssaidandthenpointedtowardsFremyandRolonia,indicating
forthemtogo.
"Hans,willyoubealrightalone?"
"WorryaboutChamomore,meow."
HanssmiledasFremyandRoloniaretreated,scalingbackoverthecrumbling
rockyhill.ButDozzuignoredthem.
"Meohi?You'regoingtoletthemgo,meow?Didn'tyoucometostopus?"
"Stoppingyouwillbeenough,Hanssan.Nashetaniasaidthatyouareamore
formidableopponentthanAdletorChamo."
"Meomeow.Princesssanhasagoodeye,meow,"Hanssaid,coldsweatforming
onhisforehead.
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"Doyouneedbackup,Hans?"Moraasked.
"Umeow,I'mokay.YoucontinuetoprotectChamo."Hansreadiedhissword.
"Ithinkitwillbebetterifwedistanceourselves.EvenforyouHanssan,involving
Chamosanisprobablynotyourintent,right?"
HansglancedbrieflyatChamo.
"Iwilldothat,meow.YouarequitethesensibleKyoma."
"Notreally."
"Moreimportantly,areyoualrightfightingwithyourinjuries,meow?"
"Thankyouforyourkindconcern,butyoudonotneedtoworry."
MorasilentlywatchedHansandDozzuwalkawaytogether.SoonHanscrouched
downandtookabattleposition.Atthesametimesparksemanatedfromaround
Dozzu'shorn.
"Wellthen,shallwebegin,Hanssan?"
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Andthenthebattlestarted.
"...Whatsgoingonhere?"Adletaskedashesatatoponeofthebrokenrocks.He
hadalreadyfinishedsearchingeverywherewithintheBladeGemsrange.
TheonlyplacewherethereweretracesofSaintInstrumentusewasinthesingle
smallbasinTgurneuhadindicated.Butthatwasinthepast.Atthemomenthe
couldntfindanytracesofaSaintInstrumentcurrentlybeingused.
WasNashetaniareallyhidingwiththepowerofaSaintInstrument?Eventhough
ithadbeenusedonlyoncealittlewhileago,wastheSaintInstrumentstill
concealingherbody?IfMora'swordsweretobebelieved,thentheexistenceof
suchaSaintInstrumentwasunlikely.
Adletlookedoverhissurroundings.ThankstoFremy'sbombings,hisviewofthe
areahadvastlyimproved.Nowonlysparseshorthillswereinsight.Still,Adlet
wasnotabletofindNashetaniaorGoldof.
IsTgurneutrickingus?Ifso,thenwhatisheusingandhowishedoingit?Adlet
recalledwhatTgurneuhadsaidbuthecouldntfigureitout.Tgurneumostly
spokeaboutDozzuanddidntsaymuchregardingNashetania'swhereabouts.
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IfNashetaniawasnothidingwiththepowerofaSaintInstrument,thenshewas
probablyusingtheabilityofaKyoma.Butifthatwerethecase,thenwhatinthe
worldwastheSaintInstrumentthathadbeenusedhere?
Adletcouldfaintlyfeelhisresolvewaver.Hetriednottothinkabouthowhewas
failingtouncoverthetruthorevenfindanyclues.
Imoverlookingsomething.TheresjustsomethingImnotseeing.IfIcouldjust
findthestartofthethread,Ishouldbeabletosolveeverything,Adletthought
rightbeforeFremyandRoloniacamerunningfromChamosbasin.
"Fremy!Rolonia!Didyoufindthem?"Adletshouted.Buttherewasnoneedto
ask.IftheyhadfoundNashetaniaorGoldofthentheywouldhavealready
contactedhimwiththefirecrackers.
"We'vegottrouble.Dozzucame!Nowhe'sfightingwithHans!"
"What?"
FremyandRoloniathenproceededtoexplainthesituationtoAdlet.Thesituation
hasgottenevenworse,Adletrealized.Buttheycouldn'tbackHansup.Theyhad
nochoicebuttorelyonHanstotakecareofDozzu.
"Whatshouldwedo,Adkun?Howmuchtimedowehaveleft?"Roloniaasked,
flustered.
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"...It'sGoldof.He'sthekeytothis.Ican'tthinkofanyotherpossibility."
However,hestillhadnotfoundNashetaniaorGoldof.
AsAdletpuzzledoverthesituation,Roloniasaid,"SpeakingofGoldofsan,wesaw
himonce."
AdletstaredatRoloniaasFremywentintomoredetail.
"Sorrywewereabitslowtellingyouthis.WesawGoldofaboutthirtyminutes
ago.Hewastothenorthwestattheedgeoftheeffectiverange.Itriedtokillhim,
buthegotaway."
"Wheredidherunto?"
"Outsidetherange.Theterraingotroughandwelosthim."
Adletwasatalossforwords.Goldofshouldhavebeenfightinginordertoprotect
Nashetania.Sothenwhydidherun?Whydidn'thefightwithFremyorRolonia?
Andwhydidn'thegotokillChamoalongwithDozzu?
SuddenlyanexplosionrangaboutfifteenmeterstothesideofAdlet'slocation.
Subconsciously,Adletmovedintoabattlestance.
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However,itwasjustboilingwaterspewingoutfromtheground.BecauseFremy
hadbrokentheground,themagmaandthewatercurrentsundergroundwere
becomingunstable.
"Shit,thatsurprisedme."
"Let'shurryupandgo,"FremyurgedandAdletstartedtorun.
WhiletheyranAdletthoughtaboutGoldof.Whatishisroleinthisbattle?He
camealongtothelavabelt,thenheappearedbeforeusonceandthenhe
preventedusfromkillingNashetania.AndifhehadaSaintInstrumentthenfor
somereasonhehaduseditonce.
ButthatsallGoldofhaddone.IfhisobjectivewastokilltheSixFlowersthenthere
wereanumberofotherthingsthathecouldhavedone.Hecouldhaveobstructed
oursearchandhecouldhavedirectlygoneandkilledChamo.
Adletcouldn'tunderstandhim.Whointheworldishe?
Tgurneu,Dozzu,Nashetania,andGoldof.Variousenemieswerealljumbled
togetherwithinthelavabelt.AndsomethingwasgoingonthatAdletjustcouldnt
figureout.
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"...Shit!" Adletbellowedsubconsciously.Hedidn'thavetimetospeculateabout
thesituationtheywerein.FornowfindingGoldofwasthenumberonetask.He
couldn'tdoanythingmorethanthat.
Only45minutesremained.Iftheycouldn'tfindGoldofthenitmightbetheend
forallofthem.
Moraheldherbreathinanxietyasshewatchedoverthebattlehappeningfifty
metersfromher.HansandDozzuwerefightingtothedeath.
"Umeow!"
Hansrolledineverydirection,tirelesslyandconstantlychangingcoursesashe
dodgedthelightningstrikes.OntheothersideDozzucontinuedtomoveand
releaselightningwithouttreadingintoHans'attackrange.
Fromjustobservingtheirfight,theboltsofelectricityseemedinescapable,yet
Hanswasn'thitbyasingleone.Thatwasn'tduetohisreflexesbutduetohis
characteristicpredictingprowess.Evenso,ifhisevasionwasjustahandswidth
mistimedthenHanswouldprobablybeburnedtoacrisp.
Morathoughtthatstayingoutofthefightwasprobablythebestcourseofaction.
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Sheprobablywouldntevenbeabletokeepupwiththetwoofthemifshehad
joined.Addingherunskilledhandstothebattlewouldbecomenothingbuta
hindrancetoHans.
"..."
MorahuggedChamo'sbodytightly.ShewantedtogetChamoawayfromthe
fight,andatthesametimeshewantedtogosearchforNashetaniaalongwith
Adlet.Butatthemoment,seepingenergyintoChamoasastopgapwastheonly
thingshecoulddo.
"...Catsanisfightinghard,huh?"Chamosaid.Theywerethefirstwordsshe'd
utteredinalongtime.
"Don'tspeak,you'llwasteyourenergy,"Morareplied,butChamodidn'thearher.
"Hey,Obachan.It'salittleweirdtosaythis,butChamoisabithappy."
"What?"
Chamosmiled."Hey,ChamoisChamo...sonoonehaseverworriedabout
Chamo."
"...Isee."
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"ChamoneverthoughteveryonewouldtrysohardlikethisforChamo.Even
FremyisworryingoverChamo.AndChamothoughtthatCatsanwouldntwant
theburdenandwouldjustkillChamo."
"Isthatwhatyouthought?"
EvennowHanswasfightingDozzuwithallhisstrength.
"...Catsanisagoodperson,huh?"Chamosaidandthensheclosedhereyes.
Itseemedlikesheclearlyunderstoodthatshewasnearingherlimit.
"Moveoutoftheway,meow,youshittydog!"HansshoutedandslicedatDozzu.
"That'srude.Iamnotadog."
DozzureleasedalightningattackasHansdodgedtotheside.Itdidn'tseemlike
therewouldeverbeanendtotheirfight.
TherewerestilltonsofrockyhillsoutsidetheeffectiverangeoftheBladeGem.
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EvenifGoldofwasjustlyinglowontheground,discoveringhimwouldbe
difficult.Sothethreeofthemsplitupandspreadoutovertheareatosearchfor
him.FremyandAdletwereatdifferentplacesneartheedgeoftheeffective
rangewhileRoloniaheadedfurtherout.
Afterrunningforaboutfifteenminutes,Adletfoundsomethingstrange.The
groundwasshiningfaintly.SomeonehadusedaSaintInstrumentthere,thoughit
washighlyunlikelythatithadbeenNashetania.ItmusthavebeenGoldof.
"...Whatisthis?"Adletaskedinfrustration.
MoreandmorehewasbecomingconfusedbytheSaintInstrumentandGoldof.
PerhapstheSaintInstrumentinGoldof'spossessionhadnoconnectionto
Nashetaniasconcealment.Butifthatweretruethenhowwassheconcealing
herself?
Thenextinstanttherewasasmallexplosionfarawayinthesky.TheHeroeshad
alreadydecidedthatifoneofthemfoundGoldoftheywouldimmediatelycontact
theothersbyreleasinganexplosionintothesky,soAdletranasfastashecould
towardsit.
AlongthewayhemetupwithRoloniaandtheycontinuedrunning.Thedirection
theywereheadingwaswithintheBladeGem'seffectiverange.
"Whywasitinsidetherange?"Adletmuttered.
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WhentheyfinallyreachedtheareatheysoonspottedFremyrunning.Thenthey
sawthatGoldofwasaboutthreehundredmetersaheadofher.
AndthenAdletfinallysawit.Goldof'shelmetwasglowingfaintly.Thatwasthe
SaintInstrument.
Thelightemittingfromthehelmetwasextremelyweak.Itprobablyonlyuseda
smallamountofpower.ButifAdletcouldunderstandthetruepurposeofthat
SaintInstrumentthenhewouldbeabletofigureoutwhatwasgoingon.
"...Hecan'tescape,alright?"AdletannouncedasheranandstaredatGoldof.
FremyhadmanagedtopullupnearGoldofandwaspointingherrifleathim,but
Goldofdidn'ttakeouthisspeartofightthem.
"Fremy,becareful!"Adletshouted.ThatwaswhenAdletnoticedthatGoldofwas
nowatthesamebasinwheretheyhadbeenfifteenminutesago.
"Adlet,heshere,"Fremysaid.
AdletstoodinfrontofFremyandreadiedhissword.ThenGoldofquietlyspoke.
Hewasn'tlookingatAdlet,Rolonia,orFremy.Hewasstaringatafragmentofa
brokenboulder,hisprofilefacingthem.Buthisguardwasstillupandtheywould
notbeabletoeasilylaunchanattackagainsthim.
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"Whatareyoulookingat?"Adletasked.
Goldofdidn'treplythough.Hejustsilentlystaredattheboulder.Hisexpression
wascalmandAdletknewuponlookingathisfacethathehadtheeyesofa
personthathadseenfiercerbattleshisentirelife.
"Whatisoverthere?"Adletasked,butasexpectedGoldofdidn'tanswer.
Afterstandingforseveralseconds,GoldoffinallylookedtoAdletandtheothers
andspoke."Didyoufindtheprincess?"
"Ah,soon.You'vegivenusahardtime...butthatendshereaswell."
"...Didyoufigureoutthetruth?"Goldofasked,thoughhedidntmovehiseyes
anyfurtherfromtheboulder.
"Whoareyouasking?Imthestrongestmanintheworld."
Goldofseemedtobesmilingslightly.
"Tellus.WhatisthetruepurposeofthatSaintInstrumenthelmetofyours?"
Fremydemanded.
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"...SaintInstrument?"Goldofmuttered.
"We'regoingtokillyouafterthis,"Fremysaid,puttingherfingeronthetriggerof
herrifle."Butbeforewedothatwewanttohearwhatyouhavetosay.Is
NashetaniabeingconcealedwiththepowerofthatSaintInstrument?"
"Askingthatismeaningless.Bothformyselfandforallofyou."
GoldofgrippedhisspearwithtwohandsandAdletgulped.Adletunderstood
Goldof'struepower.Evenifitwasthreeagainstone,hedefinitelywouldn'tlose.
Butatthemomenttherewassomethingelsethatcouldsurpassthedifferencein
theirstrength.
"I'mdisappointed,Adlet,"GoldofsaidquietlyashestaredatAdlet."Ithought
thatyoumightbeabletonotice."
"Noticewhat?"
"Illtellyoueverythingoncethisisover."
GoldofreadiedhisspearasAdletandtheothersinturneachreadiedtheirown
weapons.Roloniaalsobegantowhisperherinsultsandprofanities.
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"Iwillprotecttheprincess,"Goldofsaid.ButhisnextwordsleftAdletcompletely
dumbfounded.EvenRoloniastoppedmutteringtoherselfandFremy'seyes
openedwide.
"AndIwillalsosaveChamo."
GoldofthenchargedstraightatAdlet.
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ChapterFour:PartOne
GoldofAurora.
Theyoungboywhosenamewasknownacrosstheworldastheyoungknight
prodigy.HewasevencalledtheprideofthePienaKingdom.However,therewere
notthatmanypeoplewhoknewabouthisbackgroundandlineage.Hisorigins
werehiddenfromboththepeopleoutsideofthekingdomandthecitizenswithin
Piena.Therewereevennoblesandpeopleamongtheknightswhodidn'tknow.
GoldofcamefromthelowestclassofcitizenswithinthePienaKingdom.Hewas
borninasmallporttownwestofthekingdom.Hisfather,whilepickinguptrash
fromthestreets,wasapettythiefwhowouldgoaftercommuters'pursesand
smallaccessories.ItwasalsosaidthatGoldof'smotherwasaprostitute,buthe
neverknewwhatshelookedlikeorevenwhathernamewas.
Goldofwasraisedamongthugsintheslums.Itwasaplacewheretheywould
stealmoneyfromwelloffpeopleinthecitiesinordertolive.Andasachild
Goldof'sjobhadbeentosellitemshecollectedfromthetrashthatcouldstillbe
used.
Farfromtradingwordswithroyaltyortheupperclassnobility,Goldofwasnever
allowedtoevenenterintotheirfieldsofvision.
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Goldofwasanextremelyreservedyoungboy.Iftalkedto,hewouldrarelyreply
andwhenhedidhewouldonlyspeakafewwords.Hesimplydigested
expressionlesslywhatwassaidtohimbyhisfatherandbyotheradultsinthe
area.Thepeoplelivingintheslums,everyoneinfact,hadthoughthimstupid.
HowevertherewasonethingaboutGoldofthatwasdifferentfromtheother
youngboys.
Goldofhadbeenbornwithincrediblestrength.
Hisbodygrewatdoublethespeedofthechildrenaroundhimandsodidhis
strength.Goldofhadreflexes,agility,dexterity,andatopnotchandpeculiarly
sharpmindthatonlyknightspossessed.
Buttherewasnodiscerniblereasonwhyhewassostrong.Hedidn'thavea
teacher,norhadhetrainedeversohard.Heneverevenwantedtobecome
stronginthefirstplace.Hewasjuststrongfornoreason.
However,Goldofknewfirsthandthathisabilitieswerenotalwaysablessing.
Thefirsttimehehadkilledalivingcreaturewaswhenhewasfouryearsold.He
grabbedthetailofastraydogthathadbithimandswungitaroundintheair
untilitdied.
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Thefirsttimehe'dbrokensomeone'sboneswaswhenhewasseven.Ontheway
tohisfathersafterpickingupasmallringonthesideoftheroad,ayoungboy
aboutthesameageashimselfstoletheringfromhissidepocket.Goldofgrabbed
theboy'shandwithallhismightandheardadisgustingnoise.Theboythen
coweredtotheground,wailingintears.Goldofjuststoodoverthecryingboyand
lookeddownathim.
Thefirstfighthehadgottenintowasatthesameageofseven.
Theyoungboysintheslumhadformedagangandwerelivingtogether.They
figuredthatiftheystayedtogethertheywouldbeabletoprotectthemselves
fromunreasonableviolenceandalsoworktogethertostealfromtheadults.The
gangplottedrevengeagainstGoldofforthepickpockethehadinjuredearlier.
Andinthemiddleofthenighttheysurroundedhim,holdingmakeshiftweapons.
Withoutsayinganything,Goldofbeatandkickedthemaround.Hedidn't
apologize,nordidhecry.Thenwhenhisheadwashitwithametalpole,his
memorycutout.
Severalminutesafter,Goldoffoundhishandscoveredinbloodwhileallofthe
otheryoungboysweredownontheground.Outofthenine,twosuffered
injuriesthatwouldlaterpreventthemfromeverreturningtonormalfortherest
oftheirlives.
ThefirsttimeGoldofhadkilledsomeonewaswhenhewaseight.Hispettythief
ofafatherhadstolenawalletfromaslightlybadmark.Hisfatherthenendedup
beingsurroundedbyagroupofbrutesonthestreetandwaskickedaround.
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Goldofapproachedoneofthemenfrombehind,grabbedhimbythehairand
smashedhimintotheground.Thenhetwistedtheman'sneck.Themaninstantly
stoppedmoving.
Twosmallsistersranoutfromthecrowdsurroundingthemenandrushedtothe
corpse.Theyclungtothedeadman,cryingandshoweringGoldofwithasmany
cursesastheycould.Apparentlythedeadmanhadbeentheirolderbrother.One
ofthegirlsthentriedtostabGoldofwithakitchenknifebuthekickedheraway
ashardashecould.
Thefirsttimehehadbeatenhisfatherhadbeenthesameyear.
Inasmallhutatabackalley,Goldof'sfathergrabbedhimbythecollarand
screamedathimwithtearsrunningdownhisface,"Becauseyou'vebeengoing
aroundbeingviolent,thepeopleareevenstartingtohateme.Ican'tlivehere
anymore.Andit'sallyourfault."
Goldofheadbuttedhisfather,thenproceededtokickhisfaceuntilitbecamea
disfiguredmess.EventuallyhisfatherapologizedandbeggedforGoldoftostop.
AndwhenGoldoffinallystoppedkicking,hisfatherscurriedawayfordearlife.
AfterthatGoldofneversawhisfatheragain.
Goldofbeatcountlesspeople.Sometimesithadbeentoprotecthimself.And
othertimesithadjustbeenforthemosttrivialofreasons.
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EversincehewasyoungitfeltlikedarkcoalsresidedwithinGoldof'schest.
Wheneversomethingrubbedhimthewrongwaythosecoalswouldignite.Andit
didn'tmatterhowpettytheconflictwasorevenwhowasatfault.Whenthat
darkfireflared,everythingaroundGoldofdescendedintoaseaofblood.
Whetherhisopponentwasasmallgirlorhisfather,hisonlybloodrelative,it
madenodifference.
Oncethefireroared,evenGoldofhimselfcouldn'tputitout.
Manypeopledetestedhim.Welloffpeoplefromthecityavertedtheireyesjust
atthesightofhim.Andyoungboysaroundhisagewouldhidewhentheysaw
himandrunaway.
Eventheworstofruffiansdidn'taccepthim.Theirviolencewassimplyameansof
survivalwhereasGoldof'sfightingjusttobreakandinjureotherswasatcomplete
oddswiththeirmentality.Intheshadowstheyallcalledhimterriblethingsand
waitedeagerlyforachancetotakehislife.
Itwasn'tthatGoldofenjoyedbeatingothers.Norwasitthathebecamehappy
whenhewon.Hewasn'tproudofbeingstrong.
Goldofsimplywantedtoliveanormallife.Hewantedtoplaywithfriends,havea
relationshipwithhisfather,andlivewhileholdingontoasmallsemblanceof
happiness.Howeverwhenthefireragedwithinhimheinjuredthepeoplearound
him.AndwhenthathappenedGoldofcouldn'tdoanythingaboutit.
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Goldoflivedthroughhisyouthfearedandhated.
Beforelonghecametorealizeonetruth:Theworlddidnotdesirehisexistence.
Infacttherewasn'tevenonepersonintheentireworldwhowishedforhimto
live.Andprobablyneitherdidhe.
Thenwhenhewasten,theboythatwasdetestedbyeveryoneandeverythingin
theentireworldmetagirl.
Severaldaysbefore,Goldofhadnoticedagiantcommotioninthecity.Soldiersof
theroyalfamilythatgovernedthecitywereprowlingeverywhere.Farfromtrying
topreservepeace,theyusuallydidnothingbutextortmoneyfromthepeoplein
thecity.
Thesoldiersalsocametotheslums,quietlylurkingamongthepeoplesoasnotto
causetoomanyproblems.
AtthetimeGoldofhadbeenearninghisdailyincomepickinguptrash.Whenever
heappeared,peopleofthetownwouldpurposefullyaverttheireyesasyoung
childrenandwomenwouldhurryanddisappear.Evensellerswhomhesoldthe
itemsofvaluetowouldbarelytalkwithhim.ThatwasthedailylifeGoldofwent
through.
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Thesoldiersseemedtobesearchingforsomethinginthebackstreets.Andfrom
whathecouldoverhear,itsoundedliketheywerelookingforagirl.Goldofdidn't
knowwhothatgirlwasorwhytheyweresearchingforher,butarumorwas
goingaroundthetownthatwhoeverfoundherwouldgetalargeamountof
money.
SomeoftheSlumsresidentssearchedforthegirlinanattempttogetrichquick
whileothershidoutofconcernthatfightswouldbreakoutinthestreets.There
werevariousotherreactionsamongthecitizens;howeverGoldofhadno
intentionofgettinginvolvedwithanyofthose.
"Heykid.Haveyouseen...?OneofthesoldierscalledouttoGoldof.
"Moveaside,"Goldofsaid,glaringatthesoldierandinterruptinghimbeforehe
couldfinishwhathewassaying.
ThesoldierflinchedatGoldof'sretortasGoldofwalkedwordlesslyrightpasthim.
Forasmuchaspossible,Goldoftriednottogetinvolvedwithpeople.Sohenever
talkedwithanyone.Aslongashedidthatmuch,hewouldn'tbeabletohurt
them,neitherwouldhebeabletohurthimself.He'dpickedupthisworldly
wisdombythetimehewasten.
"Mr.Soldier,itmightbebetternottotalktohim.He'llgetangry."
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Goldoffaintlyheardanothermanwarnthesoldierfrombehindhim.Luckilythe
darkcoalswithinhimhadn'tflaredup.Iftheyhad,heprobablywouldhave
beatenthesoldiertodeathaswellasthemanwhohadtalkedtohim.
Aftertradingthetrashformoneyandbuyingsomebread,Goldofwentback
home.Evencomparedwiththerestoftheslums,hissmallhutwasstillinthe
dirtiestarea.
Whenhetriedtoopenthebrokendoortohishut,Goldofnoticedthattherewas
someoneinside.
Isitapettythiefwhodoesn'tknowmeandunluckilydecidedtorummagethrough
myhome?Orisitsomeonewhohasagrudgeagainstmeandistryingtolightmy
hutonfire?Goldofhadnoideawhattheirmotivewas,butregardless,thedark
firewithinhischeststartedtoflareup.
WillIkillthem,Goldofwonderedasheopenedthedoor.However,thenext
momentGoldoffroze.
"...Who...?"
Therewasagirlinsidethehut.Shewaslyingcurleduponthefloorwithhereyes
closed.Shewasclothedinragsthateventhekidsintheslumswouldn'twear.Her
facewasextremelydirtyandhercheekswerehollow.However,herlongblonde
hairwasglimmeringslightly.
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ThemomentthatGoldofsawherfacethefirewithinhimsuddenlywithered
away.Itwasthefirsttimethathadeverhappenedtohiminhisentirelife.Every
timesofarthefirewithinhimignitedhewouldendupbeatingsomeone.
Thegirlwasbeautiful.Shewasprobablyinherearlyteensoryounger.Hedrew
closerandquietlytriedtotouchthegirl'scheek.Butrightwhenhisfingerwas
aboutacentimeterfromherfacehestopped.
ForsomereasonGoldoffeltlikehecouldn'ttouchher.Hefeltlikeifhetouched
hershewouldbreak.
"...Ah."
ThegirlopenedhereyesandstareddirectlyintoGoldof'seyes.Thatalonewas
enoughtomakeGoldoffeeluneasy.Hefeltlikehehaddonesomethinghewasn't
supposedtodo.
SeeingGoldofpetrifiedwithhishandstillextended,thegirltiltedherheadtothe
side.
"IsMiniaokay?"thegirlaskedasshesatup.
Notunderstandingwhatshemeant,Goldofwasunabletorespond.
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"Ah,soIguessyou'renotoneofBabbittsmen,"thegirlsaid.Babbittwasthe
nameoftheroyalthatgovernedthecity.AnditwasatthatmomentGoldof
realizedthatshewasthegirlthesoldierswerelookingfor.
"Idon'tintendonrunning.Sopleaserelax.PlusIthinkitwouldbebetterto
capturemewithoutinjuringme.You'llprobablybeabletogetabiggerreward."
Stillsittingonthefloor,thegirlquietlyhuggedherself.Shewasscared,Goldof
realized.Butnotknowingwhatheshoulddo,Goldofcontinuedtoremainquiet
foralongtime.
"Umm...don'tyouplanoncapturingme?Orareyouperhapsthepersonwholives
inthishouse?"
Goldofnoddedandthegirlloweredherhead.
"Sothat'sit.I'msorry.I'veselfishlybotheredyou.ButIwasreallytiredandI
wantedtorest.Ican'tdoanythingatthemoment,butatleastIcangiveyouthis
apology."
Idon'tmind,Goldoftriedtosaybutthewordswouldn'tcomeout.
Thegirl'sfacecaptivatedGoldof.Hewasn'tabletoseeanythingelse.Itwaslike
hehadforgottenabouteverythingelsebesideshimselfandthegirl.
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Suddenlytherewasalargecommotioninfrontofhishut.
"Didyousearchthishouse?!"
"Notyet!"
Withoutknockingonthedoorthesoldiersenteredthehut.Andwhenthesoldiers
sawthegirltheireyesopenedwide.Thentheyapproached,practicallylicking
theirlipsinanticipation.
"Wefinallyfoundyou.Youcan'trunanymore."
Thegirlsilentlystoodup.Thecolorofherfacehadchangedandnowherfacewas
stiffwithterrorandherlegsweretrembling.
"Cometous.Wewonttakenoforananswer."
"...Ununderstood,"thegirlreplied.
ThesoldierscompletelyignoredGoldof.Theygrabbedthegirl'sarmsandstarted
tomarchheroutofthehut.ButinamomentthefirereignitedwithinGoldof.And
itburnedstrongerandhotterthaneverbefore.
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Hedidn'tknowwhothisgirlwasorwhythesoldiershadbeenpursuingher.Allhe
knewwasthatheimmediatelyfeltlikehehadtokillthemall.
Goldofballedhishandsintofistsandtookastepforward.
"Thatguyoverthere!"Thegirlshoutedsuddenly,surprisingthesoldiers.Atthe
sametime,Goldof,whowasabouttoattack,alsostoppedmoving."Thatguyover
there...thishasnothingtodowithhim."
ThesoldierslookedatGoldofandshrugged.ThenthegirllookedatGoldof'sface
andwithasmilesaid,"HeyI'mfine.Pleasedon'tworryaboutme."
TheinstantGoldofheardthosewordsthefirewithinhischestonce
againdisappeared.Goldoffiguredthatifthegirlsaiditwasokaynottofight,then
hedidn'tneedtofight.
Surroundedbythesoldiers,thegirlwasescortedoutofthehut.Goldofsilently
watchedherassheleftandeventuallythegirlturnedaroundandbowedher
headtoGoldof.
"Youngman,truly,thankyouforeverything.Iwon'tforgetyourkindness."
Thesoldiers,notunderstandingthemeaningofherwords,tiltedtheirheadsin
confusion.
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ForawhileGoldofcontinuedtostandstillwherehewas.Hedidn'tknowwhathe
shoulddoorwhythegirlhadthankedhim.
"...Ah,Igetit."
AfterawhileGoldoffinallyrealizedwhatshehadmeant.Thegirlsawthathewas
abouttobeatthesoldiers,andthinkingthatthesoldierswouldhavekilledhim
hadhedoneso,shestoppedhimfromattacking.Andsofortryingtohelpher,
shethankedhim.
ThatgirlhadstoodupforGoldof.Perhapsshewouldhavebeenabletoescape
whilehewasfighting,yetshehadplacedGoldof'slifebeforeherown.
Themomentafterhe'drealizedthatGoldofleaptoutfromhishut.
Itwasn'tuntilmuchlaterthatGoldoffoundoutthegirl'snamewasNashetania
LouisPiena.Andayearafterthey'dmet,thenameAugustrawasaddedtoher
own,designatingherastheheirapparenttothePienathrone.
Atthetimehemether,however,therewasalargescalepoliticalchangetaking
placewithintheKingdomofPiena.
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ThekingNalphtumwentmadallofasudden.HeannouncedthatPaganfollowers
werespreadingthroughoutthekingdomandthattheybelievedreligiouslyinThe
Majinandwereplottingtoannihilatetheworld.Andhethoughttheywere
comingafterhim.
Undertheruseofprotectingtheworld,manyinnocentpeoplefromcitizensto
nobleswerevictimizedunderhishand.AndevenhisowndaughterNashetania
wasdeemedoneofthepaganfollowers.
However,nomatterhowmuchtheknightsandtheprimeministersearchedthey
couldnotfindthatpagancultwithinthePienakingdom.StillNalphtums
delusionswouldnotgoawayandintheendhedisownedhisdaughterand
orderedherexecution.
Thekingnamedoneofhisdistantrelatives,aprincefromanothercountry,asthe
nextking.Thenhedeclaredthatthepersonwhokilledthemostpaganfollowers
wouldbegivenabigrewardandaspecialpositioninthekingdom.
Andsoacivilwareruptedwithinthekingdom.Peopleseekingmoneyandstatus
framedinnocentnoblesandaristocrats.Afterwardsthekingwouldeitherrevoke
theirpositionsorhavethemexecuted.
Nashetania'slifehadbeentargetedsoshehadnochoicebuttoleavethecapital,
disguiseherselfasacommoncitizenandrun.Shewouldn'tbecometheSaintof
Bladesuntilthreeyearslater.Atthattimeshewasmerelyjustapowerlessgirl.
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ThedayshemetGoldof,Nashetaniaandsomeofhervassalsmusthavegoneto
thenoblesthatgovernedGoldof'scity.Howeverthosenoblesbetrayed
Nashetaniaandarrestedherguardsandthemaidsthatfollowedher,allexcept
forone.
Nashetaniacontinuedtorunwithoutherguards,butintheendshelostsightof
eventhelastmaidatherside.Beforelongshemanagedtoreachthesmallhutin
theslumswhereshemetGoldof.
Goldofranoutofthehut,thedarkfirescorchinghischest.Hiseyeswereblood
shotandhisbreathingraggedlikeawildanimal.Otherthanhiswilltofight,all
otheremotionsfadedfromhismind.
Hesearchedforthegirlandthesoldiers.Buttheyhadalreadywithdrawnfrom
theslums.
Goldofstoppedpeoplegoingdowntheroadandquestionedthemaboutthegirl's
whereabouts.Majorityofhisquestionsnooneknewanythingabout,butthere
wasonepersonwhohadoverheardthesoldierstalking.Fromwhathecould
gatherGoldofthoughtthatthePrincesswouldbeforciblybroughttotheRoyal's
mansionwhereshewouldbekilled.
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HethencontinuedtogoaroundaskingaboutthePrincess'whereaboutsindetail.
Eventuallyhefoundsomepeoplewhohadspottedtheprincessleavingthecityin
afourhorsecarriage.
"...TheAristocrat's...mansion?"Goldofmuttered.
Pillagingthebiggesthammerhecouldfromanarchitectnearby,heheadedoutof
theporttown.
Goldofrandownthecitystreets.Althoughthearistocrat'smansionwasabout
halfadayaway,nomatterhowfastGoldofranitwasimpossibleforhimtocatch
upwiththefourhorsecarriage.
Thesunfellandtheareabecamewrappedindarkness.ButGoldofcontinuedto
rundownthemainroad,withwolveshowlinginthedistance.Eventuallyhe
reachedthearistocrat'smansion,butwhenhetriedtoapproachthedoor,two
gatekeeperspointedtheirspearsathim.
Thefireinhischestwasburninghotterthaneverbefore.Butatthatmomentthe
heatwasn'tunpleasant.Goldofhowledlikeawildbeastandattackedthegate
keepers.
Hedidn'treallyrememberwhathappenedafterthat.Withthegianthammerin
hishand,Goldofbeatdownanyonethatappearedbeforehim.Andwhenthe
hammerbrokehestoleoneofthespearsthesoldierswerewielding
andfranticallyswungitaroundlikeamadman.
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ButnomatterhowstrongGoldofwashewasstillatenyearoldboy.Itwasalso
thefirsttimeinhiswholelifethathehadusedaspear.Therewasnowaythathe
couldmatcharmedsoldierswhohadbeenformallytrained.
Withhisconsciousnessfading,Goldof'svisiongrewhazy.However,healso
noticedthattherewerepeopleotherthanhimselffighting.Abouttenknightshad
pushedintothemansionandwerefightingwiththesoldiers.
"ThePrincessissafe!"Oneoftheknightsshouted.
AndthensuddenlyGoldof'sconsciousnesscutout.
WhenGoldofcameto,hisentirebodywaswrappedinbandagesashelayona
softunfamiliarbed.Whenheaskedtheyoungknightbesidehimaboutwherehe
was,theknighttoldhimthathewasatoneofthebarracksoftheBlackHorn
Knights.Previouslyithadbeenaspecialinfirmarythatonlythemembersof
royaltycoulduse,buttheknightsaidGoldofwasreceivingspecialtreatment.
Goldof'snextquestionwasifthegirlwassafe.Theknightlaughedandreplied,
"PrincessNashetaniaissafe."
ThatwasthefirsttimeGoldofhadheardthegirl'sname.Andtheknightwas
shockedthatGoldofdidn'tknowwhoshewas.
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"Areyousayingthatyoufoughtthatmuchforsomeonewhosenameyoudidn't
evenknow?"
WhenGoldofnoddedtheknightwavedhishandasifhedidn'tbelievehim.But
GoldofwantedtoknowmoreaboutNashetania.
Accordingtotheyoungknight,Nashetaniahadbeensavedbyoneofthe
kingdom'stwelveknightcorps,theveryBlackHornKnightswhosebarrackshe
wasinatthemoment.
AtthetimeGoldofmetNashetania,theleaderoftheknightsGazamahadalready
knownthatNashetaniahadfallenintodanger.Heorderedhisknightstoheadout
tolaunchasurpriseattackagainstBabbittsmansionandsaveher.Allegedlythey
hadarrivedjust30minutesafterGoldofhadbrokenin.
BabbittwaskilledbytheBlackHornKnightsandNashetaniawassaved.The
knightthenexplainedthattherewerethreeknightcorpsatNashetania'sside
now,soshewasnolongerindanger.
Besides,itlookedlikeBabbittwasonlyintendingtokillNashetaniaaftertaking
hertothecapital.SowhenGoldofhadattackedthemansionNashetania'slife
hadn'tquitebeeninimmediatedanger.
Inotherwords,evenifGoldofhadn'tfought,Nashetaniawouldhavebeensaved
bytheBlackHornKnights.SoitseemedGoldof'srescueattempthadbeen
pointless.
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Howevertheyoungknightdidsaythatthecourageittookforhimtoheadtothe
enemy'scampaloneinordertosavetheprincesswasgreaterthananyknights
andthatallknightsshouldtrytoemulateGoldof'sbehavior.
Buttheknight'swordsconfusedGoldof,seeingasitwasthefirsttimeinhisentire
lifethathehadbeenpraisedbyanyone.
Suddenlytherewasaknockatthedoor.Theknightstoodatattentionandinvited
thevisitorin.
Nashetaniaentered,dressedinasimplewhitedress.Withanelegantgaitshe
walkedovertothebed.AshewatchedherGoldof'sheartbegantothrobandhis
bodygrewhot.Itwasenoughtomakehisunhealedwoundsbegintooozeout
blood.
"Soyouaresafe.FirstI'dliketoaskyourname."
Nashetaniaspokewithaneleganttonecompletelydifferentfromthefirsttime
theyhadmet.Withhisfaceturningred,Goldofsaidhisname.
"Goldof...that'sanicename."
Nashetania'swordsdidn'treachGoldof'sears.Hewascaptivatedbythegirl'sface
andcouldn'tthink.
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TheknightbesideGoldofthensaid,"Goldofdono,whentheprincessgivesyoua
complimentyoushould..."ButNashetaniawavedherhandindicatingitwasn't
necessaryforhimtocontinue.
"KnightBob.Pleaseleaveyourpost.Iwanttotalkwithhimalone."
"Asyouwish."
TheentiretimetheknightwasleavingtheinfirmaryGoldofstillcontinuedtostare
atNashetania'sface.WhentheywerefinallyaloneNashetanialoweredher
composedlookandshowedacarefreesmile.
"SotheguyiscalledGoldofsan?AndIamactuallycalledNashetania.Hehehe,
wereyoushocked?"
Goldofnodded.ThenNashetaniaextendedherhandtowardshim.Goldofvery
hesitantlyacceptedthehandshake.Itwasthefirsttimehehadbeentouchedbya
girlsohehadtoholdherhanddifferentlythanwhenhewasbeatinguppeople.
"Eversincewefirstmet,youhavebeensuchaquietguy."
"...That'sright."
"Howoldareyou?Whotaughtyouhowtouseaspear?"
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"That...wasthefirsttime...I'dtouchedaspear.And...I'mten."
"Really?Ten...you'reyoungerthanme?!"
Nashetania'seyeswidenedasshelookedGoldofupanddown.
"What?Really?Yourbodyisn't...ah,butyourfaceisquitechildlike."
Goldoffeltembarrassedbeingcheckedoutbyhersoheavertedhiseyes.And
Nashetania,aftertiltingherheadmanytimes,seemedtobeconvincedhewas
tellingthetruth.
Sheaskedhimabouthisinjuriesandthengentlytouchedhisbodytocheck
them.NotallofthemwereminorbutNashetaniasmiledhappily,knowingthathe
wouldheal.
WhenGoldofspokewithNashetaniaastrangefeelingwelledupwithinhim.The
feelingshonethroughhisheartmakingitfeelwarmandatpeace.Goldofrealized
laterthatthefeelingwasapeaceofmind.
"Goldofsan,no,that'snotright.Goldofkun.ThereisoneimportantthingthatI
forgottoask.Whydidyoucomehelpme?"
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DuringtherescueGoldofhadbeencompletelyabsorbedwithinhisownmind.He
couldn'tskillfullyputthereasonintowords,andashetriedtothinkofan
explanation,tearsstartedtospilldownhisfacewithoutwarning.Andnomatter
howmanytimeshewipedthemawaytheywouldnotstop.
"What'sthematter?Areyouinpain?"
Goldoftriedtosaysomethingbutthewordswouldn'tcomeout.
Nashetaniasmiledandsaid,"Youdon'thavetoforceyourselftospeak.I'llwait
untilthetearsstop."
ForalongtimeGoldofcried.Whenhehadawokenitwasstilldaytime,butthe
sunhadsetthenandGoldofstillcontinuedtocry.TheentiretimeNashetania
waitedwithoutmakingasingleunpleasantface.
ForalongtimeGoldofwantedtobepraisedbysomebody.Hewantedtobe
neededbysomeone.Andthoughitwasgoodthathecouldliveintheworld,he
hadwantedsomeonetoconfidein.Forthefirsttimelivinghadmeaning.And
Goldofcriedatthebeautyofthat.
AfterNashetanialeft,Goldofrealizedthathewantedtoprotecther.Hewanted
tobeneededbyher.Andhewantedtoseeheragain.Nashetaniawassafeand
shehadstoodbeforehim.Thatfactbyitselfwasbeautifulanditmadehimcry.
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EventuallyGoldofstoppedcrying.Thenafterhislong,longconfessionNashetania
replied,"Goldofkun.I'mgladthatyouareinthiskingdom.Thankyouverymuch
forcomingtohelpme.Please,inwhatwaycanIthankyou?"
"There...isn'tanything...Iwant."
Nashetaniashookherhead."Forastrangertodothismuchforme,Ican'tnot
thankyou."
HowevertherewasnothingthatGoldofwanted.Healreadyreceivedwhathe
wanted.HehadwantedtoseeNashetaniaonceagainandbethankedbyher.
Anythingmorethanthatwasn'tnecessary.
Afterthinkingandthinking,Goldoffinallysaid,"Ihavejustone...request."
"Whatisit?"
"Ifyoufallintodangeronceagain..."AsGoldofwassayinghisrequest,he
hesitated.Hewasuneasyoverwhetherornotshewouldaccept."Woulditbe
alrightformetocomesaveyouagain?"
HearingthosewordsNashetaniaplacedherhandtohermouth.Therewasa
glimmeroftearsinhereyes.
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"Ofcourse.Pleasesaveme.Againandagainandagain,pleasesaveme."
Goldofthoughtthathistearshadrunout,butrelievedbyherresponsetheyonce
againstartedtofall.
AndthatwashowGoldofbecameaknightthatservedNashetania.
WhenthecivilwarwassettledNashetaniareturnedtothecapital.King
Nalphtumhadallofhispowerrevokedandbecameamerefigureheadonthe
throne.TheprimeministerNashetaniahadnamedtookontheresponsibilityof
governingtheentirekingdom.
ByNashetania'scommandGoldofbecametheapprenticeofthelowclassknight
KenzoAurora.AndasaresultGoldof'snamewaschangedtothatoftheknight's.
Goldoflearnedhowtoreadandwrite,hewastaughthowtouseaspear,andhe
pickeduppoliteetiquetteandtheknight'sknowledge.
Hecouldn'tsaythatlivingattheroyalkingdomwaspleasant.Hehadtocarrythe
weightofcomingfromalowclassbackground.Andtherewereotherknightswho
enviedthefactthathewassopowerful.Butthatdiscomfortwasnothing
comparedtothejoyhefeltwhenhewasabletobebyNashetania'sside.
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WhenhewasbyNashetania'ssidehewasabletosuppressthedarkfirewithinhis
chest.Andhewasabletoforgethisviolentpower.Itwaslikehewasmakinga
freshstart.
ButNashetaniawasanunbelievablyextremetomboy.Andoftenthetroubleshe
causedaroundthekingdomconfusedevenGoldof.
WhenGoldofwasfourteenhebecametheyoungestpersoninhistorytowina
tournamentbeforetheGoddess.Andashisreward,hewasgiventhepositionof
theleaderoftheBlackHornKnights.Howeverhewastheleaderinnameonly.In
actualitythecommanderoftheknightswasstillthepreviousleaderGazama.
AtthesametimeGoldofwasgivenanotherreward.ItwasaSacredInstrument
thathadbeenpasseddownthroughgenerationsofthePienaRoyalline.Itwasan
itemthathadbeenmadeinsecret400yearsagobytheKingofPienaatthat
time.TheleaderoftheHeadTempledidnotknowofitsexistence,andGoldof
wasnotallowedtodisclosetheexistenceortheabilitiesoftheinstrumentitself
toanothersoul.
ItwascalledtheHelmetofTruthanditwasaSacredInstrumentimbuedwiththe
poweroftheSaintofWords.TheabilityoftheHelmetofTruthwould
automaticallyactivateifitsmasterwascaptured.Firstabelllikenoisewould
ringthenthemaster'sdangerwouldbeconveyedtothepersonwearingthe
helmet.Nooneotherthanthepersonwiththehelmetcouldhearthatsound.
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ThenthemasterandthepersonwearingtheHelmetofTruthwouldbeableto
actuallyexchangewordswithoneanother.Nomatterhowfaraparttheywere,
withjustaslightwhispertheycouldheareachother'svoice.
Howeverthehelmetdidhaveadrawback.TheInstrumentwouldonlyactivateif
themasterhasbeencaptured.Evenifthemasterfallsintodanger,foraslongas
heorshewasn'tcaptured,thehelmetwouldnotreactatall.
Goldofcontinuedtokeepthehelmetclosetohimatalltimes.Sometimeshe
wouldwearitinthemostunreasonableofsettings,turninghimselfintoa
laughingstock.
ButGoldoflovedNashetania.Thatwasafacthecouldnotdeny.More
importantlyhowever,Goldofhadpledgedadeeployaltytoher.Thereweretimes
whenhislovecooledforher.ButGoldof'sloyaltyneverceased.Goldofbelieved
thathisloyaltywasfardeeperthanhisloveforher.
Nashetaniawasagoodmaster.
Thereweremanytimeswhereshehadselfishlycreatedtroublefor
others.Sometimesshewouldslipoutofthecastleandtalktopeopleoflower
socialstatus.Othertimesshewouldtroublehervassalswithimpossible
challengespresseduponthem.Shewasalwaysactinginawayunfitfora
princess.
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Themosttroublingthing,however,thatshedidwaswhenshehadthrowna
tantrumuponbecomingaSaint.Nevertheless,allofNashetania'sbehaviorwas,in
herownway,doneforthesubjectsandthecitizensofherkingdom.
"Idon'twanttobecomeaprincesswhoisonlyprotectedbyothers.Iwillbecome
aprincesswhoprotectsthepeople,"Nashetaniahadsaid,withhercheststuck
outinpride.Goldofwasworriedabouther,butatthesametimehefoundher
lovelyandwasveryproudofher.
ShewasthereasonforGoldof'sexistence.
Mastermaynotbetherightword.Thenuanceisthepersonthattheholder
serves,liketheirruler,notsomeonewhomtheyareaslaveto
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ChapterFour:PartTwo
Thisisabaddream,Goldofthought.Ifheweretoclosehiseyesandthenopen
themagain,hewouldcertainlyawakefromthedream.Nashetaniawouldn'tbe
theseventhandshewouldstillbethemasterhehadtoprotect.Thinkingthat
Goldofclosedhiseyes.
"..."
Afterkeepinghiseyesclosedforawhile,Goldofopenedhiseyelids.Butthesight
beforehimwastrulyanightmarishrealityafterall.HewasintheWailingDemon
Territory.AndwithhimwerefiveHeroesoftheSixFlowersandoneimpostor.
AndhisbelovedNashetaniawasnowheretobeseen.
Ifthisisanightmarethenhurryupandwakeup,hehadthought,butashe
openedhiseyestherealityinfrontofhimdidn'tchangeatall.
ItwasnoonontheseventeenthdayaftertheMajinhadawoken.Afterleavingthe
ForestofSeveredFingerstheHeroesoftheSixFlowerswerenowinfrontofthe
giantvalleyseparatingtheWailingDemonTerritory.
"Meoww!It'shuge,meow!ThisisthefirsttimeI'veseensomethingthis
incredible."
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Hansseemedtobeinagoodmoodattheedgeoftheover100meterdeep
valley.Theothercompanionsgaspedattheenormityofthevalleywithonly
Fremyremainingcalmandcollected.MeanwhileGoldofhadbeenstaringblankly
atthemfromalittledistanceaway.
"It'sunbelievable.WasallofthisdugoutbytheKyoma?"
"TheKyomahavecontinuedtoprepareforthebattlewiththeSixFlowersfor
threehundredyears.Excavatingavalleylikethiswasnotroubleatall."Fremy
replied.
"Howarewegoingtogetacrossthisvalley?Tgurneuwillsoonnoticethatwe
havegottenoutoftheforest.ThenKyomawillfloodthisareaandwe'llbe
surrounded."
Thecompanionsalllookedseriousastheytalkedwithoneanother.Whereas
Goldofjuststoodtheresilentlywithoutcontributinganythingtotheconversation.
FourdayshadpassedsinceNashetaniadeclaredherselftheseventhand
disappearedfromGoldof'ssight.ForGoldofthosefourdayshadbeena
nightmare.
Everythinginfrontofhimseemedterriblyfaraway.Hecouldn'tcollecthis
thoughtsaboutanythingandhisexpressionwasblank,asifhehadlefthis
emotionsbehindsomewhere.Neithersadnessnorangercouldbeperceivedon
hisface.
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Rolonia'sappearance.ThementeringtheWailingDemonTerritory.Theirfight
withTgurneu.AdletunravelingthesecretsrevolvingaroundMora.Their
conversationattheEternalFlower.Thesevenofthemworkingtogethertoget
throughtheForestofSeveredFingers.Allofthosememorieswerevagueandhe
couldn'tclearlyrecallasingleone.
FremyandMorahadsaidthattheyweresuspiciousofhim.Andoverandover
againAdlethadtriedtocheerhimup.ButGoldofdidn'tcareaboutthateither.
"Istherenobridge,Fremy?"
"Thereis.Theresoneonboththenorthernandsoutherntips.ButIthinkitwould
beimpossibletogettothem.Cargikk'sfollowersarewaitingtoambushusand
areplanningtowipeusoutassoonasitseemslikewecouldgetacross,Fremy
replied.
"Istherenothingelse,Fremy?Nosecretpathorsomething?Isthereanywaywe
cansafelycrossthevalleywithoutusingthebridges?"Chamoasked.
"TherewasprobablynoreasontomakesomethinglikethatsincetheKyoma
usuallyusethebridgestocrossthevalley."
Thecompanionsconsideredwaystocrossthebridge,butGoldofcouldn'taddto
theirdiscussion.Ifhetriedtothinkhecouldn'tcollecthisthoughts.Andevenifhe
triedtotalkhedidn'tknowwhatheshouldsay.
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ForthepastfourdaysGoldofhadbecomeunabletotalk.Hehadbeenaquiet
personforaslongashecouldremember.Andforthepastsixyearsheshould
havelearnedtheappropriatebehaviorandmannerofspeakingbefittingaknight.
However,nomatterwhathedidGoldofcouldnotrememberhowhehadbeen
abletospeakinthepast.
Goldoflookedoverthevalley,buthewasnotthinkingofawaytocrossit.Hewas
searchingforNashetania.ForthefourdayssincehehadcometotheWailing
DemonTerritoryhehadconstantlybeensearchingforher.
"..."
TheeventsoffourdaysagofloatedaboutinGoldof'smind.ThetimeNashetania
hadconfessedhercrimesandthenrunintotheforest.
TheHeroesoftheSixFlowersranthroughthedarkforest.Hans,Chamo,and
MorahadbeenchasingafterNashetaniawhowastryingtoescape.Meanwhile
AdletwasunconsciousandFremywastreatinghisinjuries.Itwasgetting
extremelylateanddawnwasnear.
WithinthenightforestGoldofalonestoodinfrontofthetemple.
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"Goldof,didNashetaniacomebackthere?"Moraspoketohimfromtheedgeof
forest.ButGoldofshookhishead."Therearenosignsofherhereeither,"Mora
continued."Itseemswe'velosttrackofhersomehow.Ifwecan,Iwanttokillher
tonight."
ItwassaidthatevenaftertheIllusionFogBarrierwasdeactivated,theeffectsof
thebarrierwouldcontinuetolingerforawhileuntilthefoghadcompletely
clearedup.ThatwouldmeannotevenNashetaniaherselfcouldleavethebarrier
thatnight.HansandMorabothinsistedthatiftheycouldn'tfinishheroffthen,
theHeroeswouldprobablyfallintoanotherdangeroussituationlateron.
"ItseemslikeNashetaniaisusingsomestrangetechnique,"Morasaid.
"ShesuddenlyvanishedinfrontofHansandmyselfmultipletimes.Haveyou
noticedthatatall?"
GoldofwouldntevennodandwithasighMoraleftthetemple.Alittlewhileafter
shehaddisappearedfromsight,avoicecalledouttohimfromthetemple.
"Itlookslikesomehow...Iwasabletofoolthem."
NashetaniacameoutfromthegiantholeintheTemplefloor.Herarmorwas
broken,herrapierhadbeensnappedintwoandshewaspressingherhandsto
thecutsonherarms.Sheseemedtobeextremelyexhausted.
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"Ifyouhadn'tbeenthereIwouldbedead...Hanssanistrulyfrightening."
Nashetaniasaidwithasmile.
Nashetaniawascornered.Shedidn'tstandachanceagainstHansorChamo.Plus
Hanshadalreadyfiguredouthermysterioustechniquefordisappearing.But
Goldofwoulddefendherwithouthesitation.
"Soonthebarrier'seffectivenesswillend.IwonderifafterthatI'llsomehowbe
abletogetoutofhere...ughh."Nashetaniawinced.Shewasprobablyhurting
fromHans'injuries.
"...Why?"Goldofasked.
"Why?That'sallyoudon'tknow?Whatdoyoureallywanttoaskme?"
WithawrysmileNashetaniaspreadherarmsoutwide.Herexpressionwasthe
NashetaniaGoldofknewwell.Thegirlwhowasselfishandlovedteasingaround.
Shewashonestandnottwofaced.Shewasalwaysoverflowingwithconfidence
andnomatterwhatkindofpersonshewasfacingshewouldinteractwiththem
withoutdistinction.Shebothtroubledthecitizensofthekingdomandwasloved
bythem.ThatNashetaniawasstandingbeforehim,unchanged.
"Why...why...whydidyou...?"
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Goldofwasconfusedandcouldnotskillfullygetthewordstocomeout.Seeing
GoldoflikethatNashetanialaughedasifhewereahopelesschild.
"Goldof,youmaynotbeabletobelieveit,butIamtheseventh.Fromthe
beginningIhadcomehereintentonkillingtheHeroesoftheSixFlowers."
Nomatterhowmanytimesheheardit,hestillcouldn'tbelieveit.Heprobably
didn'twantto.
"I'mnotbeingmanipulatedbyanyone.Andit'snotlikeIhavenochoice.Me,I
foughtofmyownfreewill...andlost.ButIdon'tplanongivingup.AslongasIlive
Imustcontinuetofight."
"...Forwhatpurpose?Whydidyoubetrayus?"
"Forambitions."TheinstantNashetaniasaidthatsheshowedGoldofafacethat
hehadneverseenbefore.Inhereyestherewaslevelheadednessand
anunshakableresolve.
"Ihaveambitions.AndinordertoaccomplishthoseIamnotafraidofanykindof
hardships.Itdoesn'tmatterwhatkindofsacrifices,andI'mfinewithwhatever
kindofbadreputationIhavetobear.Becausemylifeisnotprecious."
"...Ambitions,"Goldofmutteredthatword.Itseemedlikeawordthatdidn'treally
matchNashetania.
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"Right,ambitions.Dreamsandideals,thosenicesoundingwordscannotbeused
toexplainthisthought.Ifitisadream,Icangiveup.IfitisforanidealthenIcan
throwitaway.ButtheambitionsIbear,IcannotgivethemforaslongasIlive."
NashetaniadrewclosetoGoldof'sface.FromherexpressionGoldofcouldsense
fear.Itwasafacethathehadneverseenonthemasterhehadsworntoprotect
forhisentirelife.ItwasNashetania'strueself.
"Youwon'tunderstand.Peoplethatdon'thaveanyambitionscannotunderstand
myfeelings.
StaringatthesilentGoldof,Nashetaniagiggled.Cometothinkofit,heand
Nashetaniahadaratherlongrelationship.Howeverhemayhaveneverspoken
withhertruepersona.ButGoldofwantedtoprotecther,andthecurrent
revelationcouldnottramplethatfeelingatthebottomofhisheart.
"Sowhatareyougoingtodonow?"
"I'mgoingtorun.ThenIwillreunitewithmycomradesandthinkaboutwhatto
donext."
"...Comrades?"
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"That'sright.Ihaveacomrade.HisnameisDozzu.BeforeImetyouDozzuhad
beenbymyside.Thesameambitionburnswithinusandwearefightingtogether.
IwillnotbetrayDozzubyanymeansandDozzuwouldneverbetrayme."
"WhoisthisDozzu?"
"HeistheKyomatraitorwhoselifeisbeingtargetedbytheotherKyoma.Iamthe
humantraitorandDozzuistheKyomatraitor.Ahaha,it'salovelyrelationship,
don'tyouthink?"Nashetaniasaidjokingly."I'mgoingtogonow.Thebarrier's
effecthasended.Itwillbeafairlydifficultfight,butIshouldbeabletoescapeat
least."
"...Princess."
"WewillprobablymeetagainifIsurvive.Iwonderifatthattimewe'llmeetas
enemiesorasallies.IfpossibleIwouldlikeittobeasallies."
Pleasecomebacktosanity,Goldofwantedtosaytoher.Buthecouldn't.His
princessgenuinelyintendedonfightingtheHeroesoftheSixFlowers.Which
meantthattheonlyoptionhehadwastostoptheHeroesfromkillingher.
NashetaniaturnedherbackonGoldofandstartedtoheadbacktowardsthe
escaperouteinthetemple,butGoldofcalledouttoher.
"Princess.What...shouldI....do?"
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"YouandIareenemies.Soyoudon'tneedtospeakpolitely,"Nashetaniasaid
andthencontinuedwalking."Iaskthatyoubelieveinyourselfandbelievethat
whatyouaredoingiscorrect.ThatistheonlythingIcansay."
"Whatintheworld..."
"Findyourself.Andifyoubelievethatyouarecorrectthenyouwon'tresent
yourselfordespairevenifyouhavetokillDozzuormyself."
"...Princess,whatareyourambitions?"
Nashetaniatouchedahandtoherchestandwithprideshesaid,"Isaiditbefore,
didn'tI?Tocreateapeacefulworld.AworldwhereIcanseethesmilesonthe
facesofeverypersonintheworld.Iwanttocreateakingdomwhereboth
humansandKyomacanbecomehappywithoutdistinction.Thatisall."
"Evenifyouhavetosacrifice500,000people?"
"Ipreferthatasfewpeopleaspossiblehavetodie.Butwithoutkillinganyonemy
ambitionscannotcometrue,"Nashetaniasaid,andthensheexitedthetemple.
Maybeeverythingthatshe'dsaidhadbeenalie,Goldof,nowalone,
thought.Perhapsallofthekindwordsshe'dsaidsincethefirsttimethey'dmet
hadbeenalieaswell.Andmaybeevenhisfeelingthathewantedtoprotecther
wasnttrue.Maybeforhewasjustapawntobeused.
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ThenatthatmomentNashetania'svoicecamefromoutsidethetemple.
"UpuntilnowIhavetrickedyouandI'msorry.Ididnotintendtodeceiveyou,but
Ihadtodoit."
"...Princess."
"Butthereisonethingthatistrue.SixyearsagowhenIheardyourrequest,the
joythatIfeltthatmademewanttocrywasgenuine.Icouldn'tbelievetherewas
someonewhothoughtaboutmefromthebottomoftheirheart;someonewho
wantedtoprotectmeeveniftheyhadtotradetheirlifetodoso."
Nashetania'svoiceslightlyfadedaway.
"Ihavetoldyoualotoflies,butthisonethingisthetruth."
AndwiththosewordsGoldofcouldnolongerhearNashetania'svoice.Aftera
whilehebegantohearHansandMoraandtheirbattlewithNashetania.Andthe
entiretimeGoldofstoodrootedtothespot.
Goldofdidn'ttellanyoneabouthowhehadhidNashetaniaorevenhis
conversationwithher.Inaway,Goldofwasalreadybetrayinghiscompanions.
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AstheycontinuedthroughtheWailingDemonTerritoryGoldofcontinuedto
thinkaboutwhathadhappened.
WhatcouldNashetania'sambitionsbe?
Ifshewantedtoseethesmilesonthefacesofeveryoneintheworldthenwouldn't
itbebettertoimposeagoodgovernmentoverthelandasqueen?Shecouldhave
donethat.Orwasherambitiontomaketheworldherown?Ifthatwerethecase
thenshecouldhavedonethattoo.WiththepowerofthePienakingdom,withmy
fightingabilities,andwithNashetania'sownfightingabilitiesandrenown,it
shouldhavebeenpossible.
Sowhydidshebetraymankind?WhydidshejoinforceswiththeKyoma?Andwhy
wasitnecessaryforhertofighttheSixFlowers?
WhatkindofpersonwasDozzu?FremyhadsaidthatDozzuwastheKyomatraitor
andthatheopposedTgurneuandCargikk.ButwhenandwhydidtheKyoma
traitorandNashetaniameetinthefirstplace?
WhowasNashetania?
Thegirlthathelovedwasprobablynothingmorethanalie.Butnomatterhow
muchhethoughtaboutithecouldn'tcomeupwithananswer.
WhatshouldIdonow?
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NashetaniawilldefinitelyfightwiththeHeroesonceagain.AndatthattimewillI
havetofightheragain?WouldIevenbeabletodoso?
Therewasnowayhecoulddothat.NashetaniawaseverythingtoGoldof.Ifhe
lostNashetaniathenhewouldn'tbeabletolive.SoinsuchasituationGoldof
wouldhavetofightwiththeHeroesinordertoprotectNashetania.Buthe
couldn'tchoosethatpatheither.WhatwouldhappentotheworldifalltheSix
Flowerswerewipedout?Therewasnowaythataworldwherepeopleand
Kyomalivedtogethercouldbecomeareality.Itwasunthinkablethattheworld
wouldbedestroyedbyhisveryownhands.
Goldofanguished.WhointheworldamI?AmIaknightthatwillprotect
NashetaniaoramIaherothatwillprotecttheworld?Ifhecouldonlychooseone
ofthetwochoicesthenhewonderedwhichonehewouldchoose.
Ihavetoprotecttheworld,Goldofthought.ButtheworldthatGoldofwantedto
protectwasaworldwithNashetaniainit.Hecouldn'tfindanyvalueinaworld
withouther.
Nashetaniatoldhimtobelieveinhimselfandhisactions.ButGoldofdidn'tknow
whatwasrightanymore.
AsGoldofcontinuedtoanguishalone,hisothercompanionstohissidecontinued
theirconversation.TheyweretalkingaboutamethodtocrossCargikk'svalleybut
itseemedliketheystillhadn'tcomeupwithanyideas.
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"Well,fornowthere'snouseintalkingamongstourselves.Let'sdivideintothree
groupsandsearchforawaytocrossthevalley.Itdoesn'tmatterhowparticular
theplanis.Findsomething.HansandMora,headnorth.Rolonia,Goldof,andI
willgosouth.ChamoandFremywillremainheretokeepaneyeoutforenemies
comingfromtherear."
"ItlookslikethiswillbemoretroublesomethanIthought."Morasaid.
Goldofcouldn'ttalkabouthisconcernsandanxietytohiscompanions.Evenifhe
toldthemtheyprobablywouldn'tunderstand.Becausetheywerenothim.
Goldofcontinuedtobelostuntilitexhaustedhim.Hiswonderingtohimselfover
andoveragainwithoutevercomingupwithananswerworehimdown.Especially
sinceGoldof'sspiritwasbynomeanstough.
Atthemomenthehadonlyonewish.HewantedtoseeNashetaniaagain.And
whenhemetherhewantedtotalkwithher.Hewantedsomethingtoresolvethe
anguishofnotknowingwherethingswereheaded.Howeveratthemomenteven
suchatriflewishasthatcouldn'tcometrue.
"Let'sgo,Goldof,"Adletsaid.ItseemedlikeAdlet,Rolonia,andhimselfwere
goingtosearchforawaytocrossthevalley.
AsGoldofstaredatthevalleyhethought,WillNashetaniabethereontheother
side?WillIbeabletoseeheragainsafeandsound?
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AlittlebeforethatNashetaniawasatthesoutheastsectionoftheLavaBelt,
sittingonaboulderandstaringfarawayintothesky.Dozzuwassittinginherlap.
Nashetaniagentlyhadherhandswrappedaroundhisneckandwasembracing
himtoherchest.
Therewereover50Kyomaaroundthem.Amongthemwasarockskinnedlizard
Kyoma,alankymonkeyKyoma,andasilverfurredgiantwolfKyoma.Allfiftyof
themwerequietlywaitingtoreceiveorders.
"IwonderwhatGoldofsanisthinkingaboutrightnow,"Dozzusaidwithaquiet
voice.ItwassosoftthatNashetaniawastheonlypersonwhocouldhearhim.
"That'sright.He'scertainlytroubledoverwhethertojoinoursideorcarryoutthe
wishesoftheFlowers.Andmorethananythinghewantstoseemeagain.That's
probablywhathe'sthinking."
"Isthatso?"
"It'sGoldof.There'snoreasonIwouldn'tknowthat,right?"Nashetaniasaidand
thenshesmiled.
"Youweretrulyraisedasacruelgirl.DoyouevenfeelsorryaboutusingGoldof
san?
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"Whatareyousaying?Goldofisdefinitelysatisfiedtobeusedbyme."
NashetaniaplayedwithDozzu'sear,amischievoussmileonherface.
"Andwasn'thetheonewhogotmethisfar?"
"You'reabsolutelyright.Youwereraisedsplendidlyraised."
AtopherlapDozzusmiled.
"Thereisonlyalittlebitoftimeleftuntilweareready.Let'sbelieveinGoldof.He
willdowellforus."
Hotairwasrisingupfromthebottomofthevalley.Goldofleanedovertheedge
andfeltthehotaironhischeeksashestareddownbelow.Evenifhestrainedhis
eyeshecouldn'tfindaplacewhereitlookedliketheycouldcross.Adletand
Roloniawerealsosearchingthevalleyforawayacross.
SuddenlyGoldoflookeduptotheskyandsawamothKyomaflyingtowardsthe
southeast.
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"...Hey,Adkun."
"Didyoufindanything?"Adletreplied.
ItseemedlikethetwoofthemhadnoticedthemothKyoma.Goldof,however,
didn'tpayitanymind.Hejustreturnedbacktoblanklystaringdownatthe
bottomofthevalley.
ThenwithoutanywarningGoldofcouldhearthesoundofabell.Helookedup
andscannedthearea.Therewasnothingthatseemedtoberinginglikeabell,
andAdletandRoloniaweren'treactingtothesoundatall.Theyjusttalkedand
lookedupatthesky.Itseemedliketheycouldn'thearit.
ItwasthenthatGoldofrealizedtheringingsoundwascomingfromtheHelmetof
Truth.Itwasthefirsttimesincehehadreceivedthehelmettwoyearsagothat
thehelmethadactivated.TheHelmetofTruthonlyactivatedwhenitsmasterwas
captured.WhichmeantsomeonehadcaughtNashetania.
Thehelmetwasrepeatingashrill,piercingbelllikeringing.ItmadeGoldofrecall
thedetailsofthehelmetthathehadheardfromNashetania.Thehelmet's
methodofringinghappenedwhenseriousdangerwasapproachingitsmaster.
"Princess?Princess?Whathappened?"UnconsciouslyGoldofplacedahandtohis
helmetandcalledtoNashetania.
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"...dof,areyoustillmy...ifyouare..."
Nashetania'svoicewascomingfromthehelmet,butherwordskeptoncuttingin
andout.Itsoundedlikeshewashavingaverydifficulttimebreathing.
ThemomentGoldofheardhervoice,hisentirebodygrewtense.Itwaslikehis
heartwasbeingstrangled.
"Princess?Whocapturedyou?Whereareyou?"Goldofwhisperedback.Theidea
thatNashetaniawastheenemyhadfadedfromhismind.
"I'vebeencapturedbyTgurneuintheLavaBelttothesouthoftheForestof
SeveredFingers.I'minsideaKyoma'sstomach..."
Thenextinstant,Goldofheardwhatsoundedlikesomethingbeingcrushed,then
thesoundoflaboredbreathingandwhatsoundedlikesomeonevomiting.After
thathecouldn'thearanything.Goldofinstantlyrealizedthatwhathe'dheardwas
thesoundofathroatbeingstrangled.
ReasontoldGoldofthathedidn'tneedtogoandhelpher.Shewastheenemyof
theSixFlowers.Andnotonlyhadsheabandonedhimbutshewasatraitorthat
wasagainstallofmankind.
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Buthisemotionsviolentlyurgedhimtogoandsaveher.Nashetaniawasbeing
murdered.Andhelivedinordertoprotecther.Abandoningherwouldbethe
deathofhissoul.
Goldoffeltthedarkfirerisingupwithinhischest.Itwasthesamefireaswhen
he'dattackedthearistocrat'smansionaloneinordertosaveNashetaniasixyears
ago.Whenthatfireburned,hisreasoning,hisfear,
hislevelheadedness,everythingwasburnttocindersandGoldofcouldn'tthinkof
anythingelsebutfighting.
Goldofstoodandstartedtowalktowardsthesouth.Hehadnochoice.
"What'sthematter,Goldofsan?"Roloniacalledtohim.
ButGoldofdidn'tstop.Atfirsthehadbeenwalkingslowingbutgraduallyhe
increasedhisspeedasheheadedsoutheast.
"Yo,don'tactonyourown.Atthemomentyouhavenobusinessoverthere,
AdletsaidashegrabbedGoldof'sshoulder.
Don'tinterfere,Goldofthought.Hewasfinewithanyonewhogotinhisway
drownedinthesea.OnreflexGoldofgrabbedAdlet'swristandthrewhimtothe
ground.
"Adkun!"Roloniascreamed.ButherwordsnolongerreachedGoldof'sears.
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"Whatthehellareyoudoing,Goldof?!"
Adletplannedongettinginhisway.Don'tinterfere.Thatwastheonlyphrase
occupyinghismind.
"...ThePrincessisindanger."
HisfistsautomaticallystartedtomovetohitAdlet.Butwithjustthelittlebitof
reasonhehadlefthestoppedhimselfbeforemakingcontact.
"Whathappened?What'supwiththePrincess...withNashetania?"
NolongerweretheHeroesoftheSixFlowers,ortheMajin,ortheseventh,or
evenhimselfinGoldof'smind.Theonlythinghecouldthinkaboutwassaving
Nashetania.
"Wait,Goldof.Explain.WhathappenedtoNashetania?"
"ThePrincessisintrouble.Iamgoingtohelpher."
"Whatareyouthinking?Nashetaniaistheenemy."
ThemomentGoldofheardthathealsothought,Iwonderifyou'retheenemytoo.
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Inaninstanthisreasonvanished.HepunchedAdletinthegut.Adletcrumbledto
hiskneesasRoloniascreamedandcameovertohisside.
"Adlet,Rolonia.IamgoingtohelpthePrincess."
"Whyallofasudden?"Roloniaasked.
Goldofhoweversimplyspokeplainandclear."Listenupandlistenwell.Donot
getinmyway.IamgoingtohelpthePrincess."
Goldofdecidedwithoutanyhesitationorconfusionthathewouldgosave
Nashetaniabyhimself.AdletandtheotherswereNashetania'senemy.Ifthey
actedtogethertheywoulddefinitelytrytostopGoldof.
Leavemealone,Goldofthought.Youallhaveyourownfight.AndIhavemine.
"Iwillgoalone.Donotfollowme."
GoldofturnedhisbackonAdletandcontinuedtowalkaway.
"Pleasewaitamoment,Goldofsan!Whathappened?!"
"Circumstanceshavechanged.Ifyouinterfere,Iwillnotletyoulive."
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"Le...letuslive?"
Rolonia'sfacecontortedinfear.Goldofwasserious.Thefirewithinhischest
couldnolongerbesuppressedbyanyone.Perhapsinhiscurrentstatehe
wouldn'tallowanyonewhohurtNashetaniatoliveeither.Idon'twanttofightmy
companions.Soleavemealone,Goldofthought.
HelefttheconfusedAdletandRoloniawheretheywereandwalkedaway.And
onlythendidhenoticethathehadbeencrying.
"...Princess,Iamgoingtosaveyounow."
Withinhismindtherewasstillasmallamountofreasonleft.Thatreasonwas
whisperingtohim.Thismightbeatrap.Nashetaniaisdeceivingyouandmightbe
tryingtokillyou.Orshemightbetryingtouseyouinordertokilltheother
Heroes.
Butevenifhethoughtthatwasthecase,Goldofhadnochoicebuttodoashe
wasdoing.
I'msorry,Goldofthoughttohimselfasheran.
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Goldofcontinuedtorun.Hedistancedhimselffromthevalleyandranacrossa
plain.OnhiswayheencounteredthreeKyomaontheothersideofthehills.Inan
instantheunderstoodthesituationandwonderedwhatwasthebestwaytokill
them.Thenherushedtomeetthemandswunghisspear.Afteronlyseveral
secondshehadstabbedhisspearthrougheachoftheKyomaastheyfelltothe
ground,spewingvomit.
Goldoffeltthathissensesweregrowingsharper.Hissightandhishearingwere
sharperthaneverandhewasclearlyabletounderstandallofhissurroundings.
Perhapshewasstrongernowthaneverbefore.
SuddenlyherecalledNashetania'swords.Shehadsaid,"...InsideaKyoma's
stomach..GoldofusedthetipofhisspeartoripopentheKyomawithoneslash.
Buthedidn'tfindanyoneinsidethem.Sohekeptonrunning.
"Princess,canyoutalk?Whereareyou?Whatkindofenemiesarearoundyou?"
GoldofcalledtoNashetaniaasheplacedhishandstohishelmet.
Hecouldfaintlyhearwhatsoundedlikelaboredbreathing,butnowords
respondedtohim.
SomethingwascrushingNashetania'sthroat.AndwhenitcametoTheHelmet,if
Nashetaniadidnotcalloutwithhervoicethanhewouldn'tbeabletohearher.
Nashetaniahadsaidthatshe'dbeencapturedbyTgurneu.AndDozzuwasthe
Kyomatraitor.SotheHeroeswerenottheonlypeopleafterNashetania'slife.
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ThirtyminuteslaterGoldofexitedtheplainsandenteredintoaforest.Within10
secondshehadcutthemalldown.Thenherippedopentheirstomachsand
searchedforNashetania.
AsNashetaniaindicated,TgurneuwasintheLavaBelt.Tgurneuwasanopponent
whothreedaysagoAdletandtheotherscouldn'ttakedown.ButGoldofdidn't
feelanyfearatall.WhenhefoughtforNashetaniaallthefearvanishedfromhis
mindatonce.
TheHelmetofTruthcontinuedtoringinGoldof'shead.Nashetaniawasstillalive.
Andshewasstillindanger.Asheran,Goldofwondered,whydidTgurneucapture
Nashetania?Whatdidheintendondoingwithhercaptured?Hethoughtaboutit
overandover,buthecouldntfigureitout.
ThensomethingappearedbeforeGoldof.Stunned,Goldofcametoastop.
HesoonrealizedthatthefigurewasaKyoma.Thehorngrowingoutofitshead
wasproofofthat.Butitwassmallenoughthathecouldwraphisarmsaroundit,
andithadthestrangeappearanceofsomethinglikeacrossbetweenadoganda
squirrel.
However,GoldofrememberedseeingthatKyomabefore.Otherthanthehorn
growingoutofitshead,itwasexactlythesameasoneofNashetania'spets.It
wasastrangedognamedPortawhichshefavoredgreatlyovertheotherpets.
"...Itcan'tbe."
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GoldofpointedhisspearattheKyoma.TheKyomahadbeeninjured.Itsentire
bodywascoveredincuts,burns,andbruises.
"It'sbeenalongtime,Goldofsan."TheKyomabentitshindlegsandsat,politely
bowingtoGoldof.
"There'snoway...itwasyou..."
"Youarecorrect,"TheKyomasaid,sensingwhatGoldofwasabouttosay."Iam
Dozzu.IamoneofthethreecommandersthatgoverntheKyomaandIam
Nashetania'scomrade.AndforawhileIhadbeenNashetania'spet.
GoldofrecalledthatthatKyomahadbeenbyNashetania'ssidelongsincebefore
Goldofhadbeenbyherside.Nashetaniahadsaidthatshediscoveredhiminthe
forestbychance,thenpickedhimupandtookhimbacktoherhomebecauseshe
thoughthelookedamusing.
"DidyoucausethePrincesstoactthisway?"
"No,Ididn't,"Dozzudenied,shakinghishead."Nashetaniaapprovesofmy
ideologyandshebecameacomradewhowillfightforthoseambitions.Byno
meansdidIinstigateanything."
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It'sthesamething,Goldofthought.IfithadntbeenforthisKyomathen
NashetaniaGoldofgrippedhisspearandstartedtothrustitatDozzu,aimingfor
hisheart.
"Goldofsan,asshamefulasitis,IhavesomethingI'dliketorequest.I'dlikeyou
topleaserescuemycomradeNashetania."
"?!"Goldofstoppedhisspear.
"NashetaniahasbeencapturedbyTgurneu.Sheshouldstillbealive,butherlifeis
injeopardy.Ican'topposeallofTgurneu'sforceswithmypoweralone.Goldof
san,please."
Dozzuloweredhisadorablefacetotheground.Andseeinghiminthatdeepbow,
Goldofloweredhisspear.ThenheapproachedthesmallKyoma.
"We'lltalkafter."
AftersayingthatGoldofpickedupDozzu'ssmallbodybythescruffofhisneckand
ranwithhimdanglingfromhishand.
"Wha...Whatareyoudoing?"Dozzuaskedinconfusion.ButGoldofdidn'tpayhim
anymind.
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NashetaniahadsaidthatDozzuwasherpeerlesscompanion.Shecouldnever
betrayDozzuandDozzuwouldneverbetrayher.Perhapsitwouldbedifficultfor
GoldoftosaveNashetaniaonhisown.Heneededhelp.
"IwillsavethePrincess.Youdidn'tneedtoask."
"Goldofsan,areyouserious?"
"IfIwasn'tseriousthenIwouldn'thavecomeherealone."
Dozzu'seyeswidened."Youcameherejustbyyourself?Ican'tbelieveit.Iwas
worriedabouthowtoaskforyourhelp,butIneverthoughtyouwouldsay
somethinglikethat."
"WhereisthePrincess?"
"ShehasbeencapturedintheLavaBelt.Itwilltakeonehourfromhereifwerun.
Itseemslikeshewillbethere."
Itlookedliketheyweregoingintherightdirection.GoldofstaredattheKyoma
danglingfromhishandsandsaid,"Tellme.Whatistherebetweenyouandthe
Princess?"
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"...Yes,asyouwish.Luckilyitlookslikewehavetimetotalk,"Dozzusaid,and
thenhequietlybeganhisstory.
"MyambitionistostopthefightingbetweenhumansandKyoma.Iwanttobuild
aworldwherehumansandKyomacanlivetogetherinharmony.Twohundred
yearsagoIlefttheWailingDemonTerritorywiththisambitioninmyheart.AndI
wentintohidingwithinthehumanworld."
"Tomethatdoesn'tseemlikeanythingmorethanadelusion."
"IfthiswasthefirsttimeI'dheardit,thenI'dprobablyagreewithyou.ButIam
confidentthatsuchanambitionispossible.AndsoisNashetania."
"...ThePrincess...too?"
"Thetwoofusknowhowtorealizeourobjectives.ButIabsolutelycannottell
secretstosomeonewhoisnotacomrade.Pleaseunderstandthat."
"...Continueyourstory,"Goldofcommanded,andDozzucomplied.
"Inordertomakethisambitioncometrueweneededcompanions.Therewere
fewKyomathatwouldfightalongsideus,butIwastheonlyonethatcould
developthepowerneededforwar.Sowehadtomakeacomradeoutofahuman
warriorthatpossessedthepowertobechosenasoneoftheHeroesoftheSix
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Flowers.Andinordertofindthatcomradewecreatedasecretsociety.Fortwo
hundredyearswehavebeenslowlyformulatingourplan."
Dozzudidn'tsayinwhatwaytheyhadcreatedthatsecretsocietynorhowthey
hadadvancedtheirplan.Butitdidn'tmatter,becausetherewereotherthings
Goldofwantedtohear.
"TheinfluenceofoursecretsocietyhadevenreachedthecenterofthePiena
Kingdom.NowNashetania'smotherRacheltaniahaspassed.Andsohasherolder
brother,Clyetum,whohadlosthislifewhenhewasyoung.Bothofthemweremy
comrades.ButbackinthedaywhentheybroughtNashetaniatome,shetoo
becamemycomrade."
"..."
"Aristocrats,businesspeople,thevariousneighboringkingdoms,allofthem
areaffiliatedwiththeBlackHornKnights.Andmycomradesarewithintheirranks
aswell."
GoldofrecalledthattheKingofPiena,Nalphtum,wascurrentlysemiimprisoned.
Sixyearsagohehadcausedunrestwhenhe'dsaidtherewerehereticsspread
acrossthekingdomwhowantedtodestroytheworld.Goldofnowrealizedthat
thatwascertainlynotadelusion.
"Nalphtumwassimplyafoolishruler,butcontrarytoexpectationshehadasharp
mind.Thedisturbancehecausedsixyearsagowasverydangerousforus."
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Itwasadisgustingfeeling.ThemotherlandthatGoldofhadpledgedhisloyaltyto
wasalreadyundertheKyoma'scontrol.
"...Whydidyouallfightwithus?Ifyourobjectivewasworldpeacethencouldnt
youhavemadethathappenifyouwantedto?"Goldofasked.
"Iwillexplainthataswell.Nomatterwhat,wehavetokillthreeoftheHeroesin
ordertogetTgurneuandCargikktoobeyus."
"Whatdoyoumean?"Goldofaskedautomatically.Dozzu'swordsweren'tadding
up.
"BeforeleavingtheWailingDemonTerritoryIwasinvolvedinacontract
withCargikkandTgurneuwiththeSaintofWordsasanintermediary.Theone
whofirstkillsthreeoftheHeroesoftheSixFlowerswillbecometheleaderthat
commandstheKyoma.TheothertwoKyomacommanderswouldhavetoobey
thenewleader.Andwewilldieifwebreakthatcontract."
"..."
"IfwecankillthreeofyouHeroesthenTgurneuandCargikkshouldbecomemy
subordinates.Andifthathappensthentherewillnolongerbeanyonestandingin
thewayofourambitions.Wehadstakedeverythingonwinningthefightwithin
theIllusionFogBarrierfourdaysago."
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"But..."
"Butyoualreadyknowtheresults.NashetaniawasbeatenbyAdletsan's
ingenuityandtenaciousness,aswellasHanssan'sperceptiveness.Ifeitherof
themweren'ttherethenthefateoftheworldwouldhavebeenchanged."
Goldofgrittedhisteeth.
"Butthisisincomprehensible.WhydidTgurneuorCargikkagreetosucha
contract?"
"Isn'titobvious?Itrickedthem,"Dozzuquicklyreplied.
ThenbeforeGoldof'seyesfiveKyomaappeared.WithDozzustilldanglingfrom
oneofDozzu'shands,heswunghisspearandkilledthemall.Thenhetoreopen
theirstomachsandcheckedtheirinsides.
"Goldofsan,you'rewastingyourtime.Nashetaniaisnotinaplacelikethat,"
Dozzusaid.
Goldofalreadyknewthat.Buthestillhadtosearchforher.
AfterfinishinghissearchGoldofcontinuedtorun.TheLavaBeltwasnolonger
thatfaraway.
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"...Iunderstandyoursituation.ButthePrincessismoreimportant.Whatisgoing
onwithher?"
"Right,letmeexplain.AftershewasbeatenbyallofyouNashetaniaswaminthe
oceanforadaybeforereunitingwithme.ThatwaswhenTgurneu'sforces
appeared.Wecouldn'tdoanythingbutrunfromplacetoplace."
"...Andthen?"
"WegatheredallofourremainingcomradesattheLavaBelt.Thenwelured
Tgurneuoverandlaunchedourfinalbattle.IthoughtthatifIcouldcrushTgurneu
apathwouldopenuptous.ButoverthepasttwohundredyearsTgurneuhas
becomesostrongthatIcouldntstandachanceagainsthim.Allofourcomrades
werewipedoutandevenNashetaniawascaptured."AfterthatDozzufellsilent.
"IhaveanumberofthingsIwanttoaskyou."
"Goahead."
"Whoistheseventh?"
"...Ihavearoughidea,butIcan'tsayforcertain."
"Whatareyousaying?"
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"TheseventhamongtheHeroesisnotourcomrade.AfterseeingTgurneu'splans
thereisprobablynomistakingit.Thoughitishardtobelieve,bothTgurneuandI
cameupwiththeplantohaveanimpostorHerokillingtheSixFlowersfrom
within."
"Ican't....believethat."
"Ifeelthesameway.OurcomradeshadsearchedforyouHeroestocheckonyour
situation.AndwhenNashetaniaandIheardfromthemthattheHeroesoftheSix
Flowershadonceagainincreasedbyonewewereatalossforwords."
"...IstillhavethingsIwanttoaskyou.Howdidyouacquirethefakecrestthatthe
Princesspossesses?"
"Ican'tanswerthat,"Dozzurepliedflatly.
"Well,there'ssomethingelseIwanttoask.Doyou...Doyouandtheprincessstill
planoncarryingoutyourambitions?"
Asfarashe'dheardfromDozzu'sstory,itseemedlikeDozzuandNashetania
wereinahopelesssituation.
Afterthinkingforawhile,Dozzureplied."Thosewhoholdontoanambition
cannotstopuntiltheirliveshaveended.Evenifthepossibilityofsuccessiszero,
aslongaswearealivewehavetocontinuetofight."
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ThatwasthesamethingthatNashetaniahadsaidintheIllusionFogBarrier.
"YouandIareenemies,"Goldofsaidclearly."ButIwanttoprotectthePrincess.I
wantthePrincesstolive.AndIwilldowhateverIhavetoinordertostopthe
Princessfromcontinuingthisinsanefight."
"Unfortunatelythatisimpossible.Nashetaniawillcontinuetofightforour
ambitionsforaslongassheisalive.Ifyouwanttoprotectherthentheonly
optionyouhaveistofightalongsideherforthosesameambitions."
Goldofwentsilent.Hecouldn'tthinkofaresponse.
"...I..."
"AtthemomentI'mnotgoingtoventureandaskyouforareply.Ijusthopethat
youfollowthepathyoubelievetobecorrect.Nashetaniasaidthesamethingto
you,right?"
WillIprotectNashetania?That'swhatGoldofwaswondering.Butinordertodo
thatwhowouldheprobablyhavetofight?Wasthereanotherwaytoprotectthe
PrincessbesideskillingDozzutostopNashetaniaorkillingtheHeroes?
Goldofdecidedtoholdoffonmakingadecision.Therewasnothinghecoulddo
aboutthefuturejustbythinkingaboutit.Atthemomenthehadtorescue
NashetaniafromTgurneu'sclutch.Thatwasall.
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"Tgurneushouldn'tbeabletokillNashetaniaashepleases,"Dozzusaid.
"Whatdoyoumean?"
"AboutayearagomybrethrenintheWailingDemonTerritorysentamessageto
meintheroyalpalace.TheysaidthatTgurneuwantedtomeetwithme.Ihad
thoughtthemessagewasstrange,butIansweredthecallanyway.Ichangedmy
appearanceandheadedtothemeetingplacethatTgurneuindicated.
"Ah,I'mlateinexplainingthis,butIhavetheabilitytochangemyappearance.
EventheformIhavenowisnottheformthatIwasbornwith."
"So?"
"AtthelocationwereTgurneuandMarmannasan,theSaintofWords.Tgurneu
madearequestofme.HewantedmetokillFremySpeeddraw."
That'sstrange,Goldofthought.FremysaidthatTgurneuhadintendedon
discardingherfromthebeginning.Ifthatwerethecasethenitwasunnaturalfor
himtogetinvolvedinacontractlikethat.EitherthatorDozzuwaslying.
"IsaidIwouldacceptonlyifIcouldmakeanotherrequestinreturn.Upuntilnow
Ihavegivenamarkofprooftoallofmyhumancomrades.Irequestedthat
Tgurneuwouldnotkillanypersonwhoborethatmark.
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TgurneuwillinglyagreedandwecreatedapactthroughMarmannasan.Of
courseNashetaniaisoneofthepeoplewhobearmymark."
Goldofthoughtaboutwhetherornothiswordsweretrue.Butifsuchanevent
didn'thappenthentherewouldbenoreasonforTgurneutoletNashetania
live.WhywasNashetaniastillalive?Whyhadn'thekilledhiscaptive?Therewas
nootherwaytoexplainit.
"WhatshouldthePrincessdonow?"
"IthinkperhapsTgurneuplansonhandingNashetaniaovertoCargikk.SinceI
didn'tmakeacontractwithCargikk,hewouldprobablydealwithNashetania."
"...IsFremytheseventh?"Goldofasked.
"Idon'thaveanyproof.ButIthinkperhapssheis."
IfhewereoneoftheHeroesoftheSixFlowersshoulderingthefateoftheworld
heshouldimmediatelymeetupwithAdletandtheothersandtellthemwhat
he'dheard.AndthenheshouldinterrogateFremyandconfirmwhethershewas
genuineornot.ButGoldofcouldnotstophisadvancetowardstheLavaBelt.
HewasgoingtosaveNashetania.Thatwasthesolereasonhewastakingaction.
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"TheinformationaboutFremywillhavetowait.Iwillsavetheprincess.Thatsall
Imgoingtoworryabout."
Hecouldn'tcompletelytrustDozzu.DozzuwasaKyomaandanenemyofthe
HeroesoftheSixFlowers.HoweverinordertosaveNashetaniahehadnochoice
buttocooperatewithhim.
Attheveryleast,therewasnomistakingthefactthatNashetaniahadbeen
capturedandwasnowindanger.Hishelmetwouldn'thaveactivatedifthat
wasn'tthecase.
Goldofrecalledthetimehehadbeengiventhehelmet.ByNashetania,noless.
Perhapseventhehelmetwasapartofherplans.
EvensoGoldofcontinuedtorun.PerhapsNashetaniatrulyhadfallenintodanger.
AndifthatwerethecasethenGoldofhadnochoicebuttokeepongoing.Evenif
itwasatrap.
Whilerunning,heturnedtocheckbehindhim.IwonderwhatAdletandthe
othersaredoing.Ihopetheyleavemealoneandjustcrossthevalley.Hecould
acceptfallingintoatrapifitwasonlyhim.
Beforeheknewit,thetreesintheareagrewsparse.Thegroundathisfeetwas
coveredwithdarkgrayrocksandtheweedsweregettingfewerandfewer.Goldof
hadsetfootintotheLavaBelt.
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Goldofprobablydoesn'tcompletelybelievewhatI'vesaid,Dozzuthoughtashe
dangledfromGoldof'shand.Butthat'senough.FromthebeginningInever
thoughtthatIcouldcompletelydeceivehim.
Nevertheless,GoldofheadedtotheLavaBeltexactlyasDozzuandNashetania
hadanticipated.Sooverallhewasfulfillingtheirobjective.
Butnowtherewasanotherproblem.
WillGoldofrealizethetruth?Andifhedoes,when?Dozzuwonderedifheand
Nashetaniawouldbeabletoaccomplishtheirplan.Butallofthatdependedon
Goldof.
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ChapterFive:PartOne
GoldofandDozzucontinuedacrosstheLavaBelt.Theviewintheareawaspoor
sotheyshouldhavemovedcautiouslywhileremainingonthelookoutfor
ambushes.HoweverGoldofandDozzucontinuedtorunwithoutanyconcernat
all.
AstheymovedtheytookoutmanyKyomathatcrossedtheirpaths.Andafter
eachkillGoldofwouldripopentheKyomaandsearchforNashetania.
"Youaren'tfindingherbecausesheisn'tinaplacelikethat,"Dozzusaid.
Goldofhadthesamefeeling.NeverthelesshehadtoripopentheKyoma.
"MoreimportantlyhaveyoureceivedanywordfromNashetania?"
"Ihaven't.Perhapstheprincessisnotinasituationwhereshecantalk,"Goldof
saidandthenplacedahandonhishelmet.Otherthantheringingthatnotified
himofNashetaniascapturehehadn'theardanythingelse.
GoldofalreadytoldDozzutheinformationhe'dreceivedfromtheHelmetof
Truth.DozzufrownedwhenheheardthatNashetaniawasinsideaKyoma's
stomach.ItwouldbedifficulttofindoutwhichKyomashewasin.Andwithout
informationfromNashetania,itwasclosetoimpossibletospecifyherlocation.
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GoldofandDozzucontinuedfartherintotheLavaBelt.Astheyclimbedarocky
hill,theysawanotherlargetrapezoidalone.
"Overthere.ThatiswhereNashetaniawascarriedoffto."
Thetwoofthemquicklyscaledthehill'sslopeandstoodatthesummit.Atthe
centerofthehillwasalargebasinandinthemiddlewasalargeamountof
Kyomacorpses.Noneofthemweremoving.ItseemedlikeTgurneuand
Nashetaniahadalreadymovedtoadifferentlocation.
"Weretheseyourforces?"Goldofasked.
AsGoldofdescendedtheslopewithDozzuwalkingbesidehim,theKyoma
replied,"Everyonewasbrave.IfIdontrepaytheiractionsanddie,Iwouldntbe
abletorestinpeace,"Dozzusaidashewalkedabouttheslopewithhisnosenear
theground.Hesmelledthegroundwithanaudiblesniffingsound.
"Couldyouwaitamoment?I'msearchingforwhereNashetaniaheaded."
Goldofnodded.Hekeptawatchfuleyeonhissurroundings,makingsurethere
wasnothingtoworryabout.Howeverwithjusthisrudimentarysearch,he
couldn'tfindanything.OverandoveragainhecalledtoNashetaniathroughhis
helmet,butintheendtherewasnoreply.Whileherestrainedthepanicinhis
mind,hewaitedforDozzutofindsomething.
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"Isee.Ihaven'tpickedupNashetania'sscent,butIunderstandwhichway
Tgurneuandhisfollowerswent.TheremainingKyomaareheadingsouth.
PerhapsTgurneuisalsoamongthem."
"Understood.Let'shurrythen,"Goldofsaidthenimmediatelystartedtorun,
Dozzufollowingbehindhim."Tgurneuisgoingsouth,whatdoyouthinkheis
planning?"
"He'sgoingtokillNashetaniaafterall.Sincehecan'tkillherhimselfhewillhand
herovertooneofCargikk'sfollowersandhavethemkillherinstead."
"Isthereanyotherpossibility?"
"Ormaybehewilltakeherhostageandusethattothreatenyou.Thosearethe
onlytwowaysofvaluethatTgurneucanuseher."
"...Isee."
Goldofthoughtaboutthepossibilitiesasheusedbothhisfeetandhandstoscale
thesteepslope.WasDozzureallytellingthetruth?HadNashetaniatrulyfallen
intodanger?
RegardlesstherewasnowaythatGoldofcouldstop.Nashetaniamightbekilled.
Andiftherewassuchapossibilitythenhehadtoheadouttosaveher.Ifitwasa
trapthenGoldofwouldonlytalkabouthowtocutthroughit.
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AfteranotherfifteenminutesGoldofandDozzucontinuedonwardacrossthe
LavaBelt.EventuallyDozzusniffedthegroundandtiltedhisheadtotheside.
"What'swrong?"
"It'sstrange.TheKyomaaremovingtooslow.IfTgurneuintendedonhanding
NashetaniaovertooneofCargikk'ssubordinatesthentheyshouldbetravelingas
fastaspossible."
"Whatareyousaying?"
"Idon'tknow.WhateverTgurneuisplanning...atanyrateweshouldsooncatch
uptohimifwekeepgoingatthisspeed."
Dozzuranwithhisheadtiltedtotheside.Aftertheyclimbedthenextrockyhill
theycouldseeaslightlyopenarea.Butwhattheyfoundintheareaastounded
Goldof.TherewereaboutfiftyKyomawaitingtoattack.Itwasclearthattheyhad
beenwaitingforGoldofandDozzutocome.
ButGoldofwasn'tshockedbythemultitudesofKyoma.Whathefound
astonishingwasthefactthatNashetaniawasatthecenterofthemall.Shewas
playingwithherrapierwhilestraddlingthebackofagiantlizardKyoma.Her
armorwasdifferentthanbefore,butshewaswithoutadoubtNashetania.
"Princess!"Goldofshouted.
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WordlesslyNashetaniapointedthetipofherrapieratGoldof.ThentheKyomaall
atoncechargedinhisdirection.
Atfirsthehaddoubtedit,butintruthitwasatrap.AndfromDozzu'sface,Goldof
couldtellthatthesmallKyomaalsoseemedflustered.
"Nashetania!Areyoualright?!"Dozzushoutedandrushedovertowards
Nashetania.
TheKyomarushingtowardsthegrouplaunchedattacksonDozzu.Butjumpingto
thesideandrollingacrosstheground,Dozzudodgedthemall.Thenalarge
amountofbladessprungupfromtheground,grazingDozzu'sbodyandcausing
bloodtosprayoutfromtheKyoma'ssmallbody.
Goldofcouldn'tunderstand.Evenifthisisatraptokillme,whyaretheyeven
tryingtokillDozzu?NashetaniahadsaidthatDozzuwouldneverbetrayherand
shewouldneverbetrayDozzu.
TheKyomaweredrawingcloser.GoldofreadiedhisspearandrepelledtheKyoma
headinghisway.ButthoseKyomawerenotopponentsthathecouldkillinjust
onestrike.TheywereclearlydifferentfromthesmallfryKyomahehadfought
withinthepast.TheywereupperlevelKyoma.
"Princess?!What'shappening?"Goldofshouted.
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ButNashetaniadidn'tanswer.Nashetania'sbladesjustrelentlesslyattacked
Dozzu.Wordlessly,sheonlycontinuedtofightwithasmileonherface.
Goldof'snextquestionwaswhetherNashetaniawasanimpostorornot.He'd
heardfromAdletthattherewerethoseamongtheKyomathatcouldfreely
changetheirappearance.Butevenifthatwerethecase,theywouldn'tbeableto
imitateNashetania'sabilitytowieldblades.
Soinotherwords,theNashetaniabeforehimwasgenuine.
However,Goldof'shelmetwasstillringing.Evenatthatmomentthehelmetwas
indicatingthatthePrincesswasstillcapturedandstillindanger.
ButGoldofjustcouldn'tunderstandthesituation.
"Whatareyoudoing,Nashetania?!Wecametohelpyou!Don'tyourecognize
us?!"DozzushoutedasheevadedtheKyoma'sattacks.
Thensparksscatteredaboutfromhishorn,andwithathunder,lightningrushed
aboutthearea.WithonestriketwoKyomafelltotheground,dead.
"Nashetania!Why?!"
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AsDozzutriedtorushtowardsher,abladehithim.Itstabbedthroughhis
abdomenandjuttedoutthroughhisback;impalingtheKyomaandmakinghis
bodyhangintheairofftheblade.Dozzutwistedhisbodyandwriggledhimselfoff
theblade.ThenhedistancedhimselffromNashetania.
WithhisattentioncaughtbyNashetaniaandDozzu,Goldofdidn'tnoticethe
Kyomabehindhimandtookablowtotheback.Ashestaggeredfromtheblow
threeKyomarushedtowardshimfrominfrontofhim.
Goldofswunghisspearhighupintheairandpositionedhimselftostrikedown
theKyomaattheheadofthepack.Butinsteadheusedthebuttofhisspearto
stabaholeintotheground.Thenthrowinghisweightintothespear,heliftedup
hisbodyandleapedhighupintothesky.Heflippedhighthroughtheairand
landedbehindtheKyoma.ThenhechargedtowardsNashetania.
Ofcoursehedidnotintendonkillingher.AfterhekilledtherocklizardKyoma,he
wouldhitherinthechinorthestomachtoknockherout.
NashetaniagiggledasbladessprungupfromthegroundandattackedGoldof.
Hisarmorblockedthemajorityofthemandtherestheknockedawaywithhis
spear.ButjustoneofthemwentthroughGoldof'sfoot.
"Gaa!"Goldofgruntedandcollapsedtotheground.
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ThenextmomenttheKyomacameathimfromallsides.Evenso,Goldofreached
outtoNashetania.
Abladethenstabbedthroughhishand.Hisbloodtraileddownthemetaland
drippedtotheground.
Why?ThatwasthequestiononGoldof'smindashepickedhimselfupandrolled
totheside,dodgingaKyoma'sattack.HecouldnolongerapproachNashetania.
Theonlythinghecoulddonowwasgoonthedefensiveandescape.
"Princess!"
WithoutlisteningtoGoldof,NashetaniasmackedthestonelizardKyoma'shead
beneathherasitsluggishlybegantorun,slowlytakingNashetaniaawayfrom
Goldof.
"Goldofsan!PleasefollowafterNashetania!"Dozzushouted.
HoweveragroupofKyomawereblockingGoldof'spathwhiletheotherKyoma
followedbehindNashetaniaastheyallheadednorthtogether.
"Whereareyougoing?!Nashetania!Nashetania!"
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NashetaniadidnotturnaroundtorespondtoDozzu'spleas.Shesimplycontinued
overarockyhilluntiltheycouldn'tseeheranymore.
SurroundedbyformidableKyoma,ittookclosetothirtyminutestowipethem
out.Theycouldn'tleaveearlier,sincewhenevertheytriedtochaseafter
NashetaniatheKyomawouldpersistentlyholdthemback.
OncealloftheKyomahadbeenkilled,GoldofstaredatDozzuwitheyesfullof
animosity.
"...What'sgoingon,Dozzu?"
HisHelmetofTruthwasstillsignalingthatthePrincesswasindanger.However,
theNashetaniathey'djustseendidn'tseemtobecaptured.
"Goldofsan,istheHelmetofTruthstillringing?"
"Yeah."
"Then...Nashetaniaisstillcaptured."
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"...Explainnow,"Goldofsaid,takingoutaneedleandthreadfromhisarmor.Still
standingupright,hequicklystitcheduphiswoundsandappliedasalvetostop
thebleeding.
"Tgurneu'ssubordinatesarecalledtheDarkSpecialists.Theirfightingabilitiesare
low,butinstead,eachoneofthemhasauniqueabilitywhichcannotbeimitated
byanyotherKyoma.AmongthemtheremightbeaKyomathatcancontrol
humans.Theabilitytocontrolhumanswouldbeanextremelydifficultsituation
forus,whetherthecauseisaDarkSpecialistorotherwise."
"AreyousayingthePrincessisbeingcontrolled?Doyouhaveanyproof?"
"Idon't.TheabilitiesoftheDarkSpecialistsareshroudedinmystery.ButIcan't
thinkofanyotherpossibility."
AfterhearingDozzu,GoldoftriedtoheadnorthandfollowafterNashetania,but
thepainfromNashetania'sstabwoundbroughthimtoastop.Hetookoutasmall
ironbottlefromhisarmoranddrankitallinonegulp.Themedicinewasoneof
thePienaRoyalFamily'sprizedSaintInstrumentsthathadbeenpasseddown
overtheyears.Themedicinedidnothealinjuries,butitmadetheuservoidof
painorexhaustion,forcingthebodytofightagainstitsownwill.Halfofitwasa
medicine,whilehalfofitwasapoison.
"HowshouldwekillthathumancontrollingKyoma?"
"Perhapsit'saKyomawithanappearanceclosetoaparasite.Ifwecanremove
theparasitefromNashetania'sbodythenthereshouldn'tbeanyproblem."
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"Atanyrate...there'snochoicebuttocapturethePrincess,right?"
Itwascompletelyunexpected.Goldofcouldn'tbelievethatinordertosavethe
Princesshewouldneedtofighther.Howeveritwasstillpossibletosave
NashetaniasinceGoldofwascertainthathewasstrongerthanherinaoneon
onefight.
GoldofandDozzucontinuedrunningnorth.
"Canyouhearit,Goldofsan?Someoneisfightingaheadofustothenorth.Ithink
Nashetaniawascapturedaroundthebasinoverthere."
"Whatwasthat?Who'sfighting?"
Goldofstrainedhisears.Thesoundfromhishelmetmadeitdifficulttohear,but
hecouldfaintlyheargunfire.
"It'sthem...Itoldthemnottocome..."
TheHeroeshadfollowedGoldof.InhismindGoldofcursedAdlet.Whycouldn't
youhavejustleftmealoneandfocusedontryingtocrossthevalley?
"TheSixFlowersareprobablyfightingwithNashetania.Wehavetostopthem.If
thingscontinuelikethisshewillbekilled,"Dozzusaid.
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AstheyranGoldofworriedaboutthesituation.Adletandtheotherswould
withoutadoubtkillNashetania.SoinordertosaveherGoldofwouldhaveto
fightthemtoo.Goldofknewthattheywouldn'tforgiveher.Evenifshewasbeing
usedbyTgurneuitdidnotchangethefactthatshewasanenemy.
EversincetheyhadinfiltratedtheWailingDemonTerritoryGoldofhadfearedthis
timewouldcome.ThetimewhenhewouldhavetoprotectNashetaniaorprotect
hiscompanions.Thetimewhenhewouldhavetomakeachoicehadfinally
arrived.Goldofstoppedrunning.Sincehewasunabletocometoadecision,he
wasunabletocontinue.
"Goldofsan,whatareyougoingtodo?"Dozzuasked.TheKyomahadalso
stoppedanditseemedasifhewasconcerned,justasGoldofwas.
"NashetaniaandIbothbelievethatyoucan'tfightyourcompanions.Soifthats
truethenthere'snothingwecando."
"Shutup,"Goldofsaid.
Goldofthenplacedhishandonhischest.HerecalledNashetania'svoicewhenshe
hadusedtheHelmetofTruthtoaskhimforhelp.Thefirewasburninginhis
heart.ItwasshoutingforhimtokillallthepeoplethatwouldharmNashetania.
Fromthebeginninghehadknownthathewouldhavetocompletelyannihilateall
thosewhowouldharmNashetania.
"Let'sgo,Dozzu.Let'ssavethePrincess."
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"Thankyousomuch.Andatthesametime,I'msosorry,"Dozzusaidashedrew
closertoGoldof'sfeet."Goldofsan,howmanytimeshaveyoufoughtwith
Nashetania?"
Dozzu'ssuddenquestionconfusedGoldof."OnetimeattheFightingTournament,
andthetimebeforewouldbethesecond."
"AndhowmanytimeshasNashetaniarunawayfromyou?"
"...Whyareyouaskingsuchaquestion?"
"...Forgiveme.Thisisnotthetimeforfrivoloustalk.Let'sgo,"Dozzusaidandthen
startedtorun.
TherewassomethinguneasyaboutDozzu'sexpression.Itseemedlikethefaceof
apersonattheirwits'end.
"Whatareyouimplying,Dozzu?"
"It'snothing."
Afterrunningforaboutfiveminutes,theysuddenlynoticedthatthesoundsfrom
thefarawayfighthadstopped.ButGoldof'shelmetwasstillringing,so
Nashetaniawasdefinitelystillalive.
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FromthedistancetheyheardMora'svoice."Goldof!Goldof!Canyouhearme?
ChamohasbeenattackedbyNashetania!"
Goldofunconsciouslystopped.
"NashetaniaembeddedaSaintInstrumentinsideChamo'sstomachandifwe
don'tkillherthenChamowillbekilled!Nashetaniaisrunning!Followafterher
andkillher!"
GoldoflookedtoDozzu,buttheKyoma'sfacewastwistedinafrownandhisfur
wasstandingonitsends.
"Somehow...itlookslikethesituationhasjustgottenworse."
GoldofwasstandingabouttwokilometersfromthebasinwhereChamowas
located.
HelistenedcarefullyasMoraexplainedwhathadhappenedwithhermountain
echoes.DuetotheBladeGemNashetaniainsertedintoChamo'sbody,Chamo
wasslowlybeingkilled.Iftheydidn'tkillNashetaniathenChamowouldnotbe
saved.MoraalsoexplainedthatNashetaniawaswithinakilometerradiusofthe
basin.AndtherewereonlyaboutthreehoursuntilChamodied.
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Understandingthesituation,Goldofgrippedhisspeartightlyandaimedthetipat
Dozzu.
"Isallthattrue,Dozzu?!"
"Waitasecond,Goldofsan,"Dozzusaid,retreatingbackwardsastep.
"...Soyourtargetwasn'tme,butChamo?YouusedmeinordertoluretheSix
Flowerstothisplace,andthenyouactivatedthesocalledBladeGem.Isthat
true?!"
"No,you'vegotitallwrong.WedidnotinserttheBladeGem.Youknowthat.
NashetaniacannotcreateSaintInstruments."
"..."
"TgurneuistryingtouseNashetaniaasadecoy.HeisconvincingAdletsanand
theothersthatNashetaniaistheculpritinordertoaverttheireyesfromthe
truth."
"Thatsounds..."
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"NashetaniawillbekilledbyAdletsan.AndinthatopeningtheBladeGemwillkill
Chamo.ThatisTgurneu'sobjective,"DozzusaidhastilyasGoldofpressedhimfor
answers.
"Pleasetrytocalmlythinkaboutit,Goldofsan.IfNashetaniacouldusetheBlade
Gemorwhateverthenshewouldhaveuseditearlier.Ifshehaduseditwhileshe
wasrunningabouttheIllusionFogBarrierthenattheveryleastshewouldhave
beenabletokilloneperson.OrshecouldhaveattackedChamosanbefore
everyonehadgatheredandbeenabletoassassinateher."
"...but."
"Nashetaniadidn'tuseit.Andmoreimportantlythereisn'tanyproof,right?"
Stillgrippinghisspear,Goldofstoodperplexed.IsDozzumyenemyormy
ally?Goldofdidn'tknowwhohisenemywasandwhoheshouldfightinorderto
protectNashetania.
"InrealityitwasprobablyFremysanwhoputtheBladeGemintoChamo.Shehad
foughtwithChamosanoncebefore,althoughshelost.Idon'tknowwhatkindof
methodsheused,butatthattimeshemusthaveinsertedtheBladeGeminto
Chamo."
Ifhethoughtaboutit,itmadesense.ButGoldofcouldnolongertrustDozzu.The
HelmetofTruthcontinuedtoring,indicatingthatNashetaniawasintrouble.But
GoldofhadnoideawhetherNashetaniahadtrulyfallenintodanger.
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"Iknowatthispointitisabsurdtohopeforyoutotrustme.ButwhatI'vesaidis
thetruth.AndifthingskeepgoingthewaytheyarethenNashetaniawillbekilled
byAdletsanandtheothers."
"Shit!"Goldofshoutedandthenstartedtorun.
Thetruthwasn'tgettinganyclearer.HoweveratthemomentNashetaniawas
surelyindanger.Hehadtosaveher.
AtthetimeGoldofdidn'tthinkhewasbetrayingtheSixFlowers.Hedidn'tintend
onkillinghiscompanions.AndatthesametimethathewassavingNashetaniahe
wouldbesearchingforawaytoprotectChamo.HoweverGoldofdidnotanswer
hiscompanionMora'scallandchosetocooperatewithhisenemyDozzu.
Fromanoutsider'sperspective,hewasalreadynothingotherthanatraitor.
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ChapterFive:PartTwo
GoldofcouldfaintlyhearexplosionsinthedistanceasheranthroughtheLava
Belt.Itdidn'ttakelongtorealizethattheywereFremy'sbombs.SoGoldofand
Dozzuchangeddirectionsandstartedtoheadwest.
"Iwillactundertheassumptionthatwhatyou'vesaidtomeistrue,"Goldofsaid
asheran."First,wewillsubduethePrincess.YoueliminatetheKyomathatis
manipulatingher.Canyoudoit?"
Dozzunodded."Icanhandleit.Nashetaniawilljustloseconsciousness,butIcan
onlydothatiftherearenoenemiesinthevicinity."
"Ifthat'sthecasethenI'llhandletheenemies.AfterI'vetakencareoftheKyoma,
youwilltakethePrincessandleavetheBladeGem'srange."
"Understood."
"ThenAdletandtheotherswillrealizethatthePrincessisnottheirenemy.And
afterthatIwillsearchforthetrueculpritwhoisusingtheBladeGemsothatIcan
saveChamo.
"Thiswillprobablybe...adifficultfight,"Dozzumuttered.
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Hewasright.However,Goldofwasnotafraid.Hekepttellinghimselfthatno
matterwhatkindofenemyhefacedhewouldwinregardless.
ButtherewasapossibilitythatinordertoprotectNashetaniahewouldneedto
fightwithherdirectly.SobeforeenteringintobattletherewassomethingGoldof
neededtoconfirmfirst.
"Dozzu.TheconcealingabilitythatthePrincessuses.Itcanbebrokenby
squintingone'seyesorharmingone'sself,right?"Goldofasked.
Dozzu'sexpressionchanged.HestaredatGoldof'sfacewithapensivelook.
"That'sright.Youknowalotaboutit.That'sgood.ThenIcansavethetimeit
wouldtaketoexplainit."
Goldofdidn'tknowwhetherornotDozzuwastrulypleasedofhisknowledge.He
hadnoideawhatthesmallKyomawasthinkingabout.
"IfthePrincessisn'tremovedfromtherangeoftheBladeGemthenI'llconsider
youaliar.Andthen...I'llkillyou.I'lldefinitelykillyou."
"Iunderstand."
AftergoingoverarockyhilltheynearedtowardstherangeoftheBladeGem.
NashetaniawasrunningalongsidesomeKyoma,andGoldofcouldseethatAdlet,
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Fremy,andRoloniawerefollowingafterher.However,itdidn'tseemlikethere
wereanyotherHeroesbesidestheminpursuit.
TheKyomawereattackingAdletinanattempttoholdhimoff.ButRolonia'swhip
andAdlet'sswordwereabletotakecareofthemeasily.ThenGoldofsawoneof
Fremy'sbulletsgrazeNashetania'sheadandthemusclesinhisbackgrewstiff.
Nashetaniawasunderattackandshewasonthevergeofbeingkilled.The
momenthesawthat,thefireinhischestflaredup.Hissenseofreasonvanished
andthedesiretokillAdletandtheotherswelledupwithinhim.Goldofplaceda
handtohischestanddesperatelytriedtosuppresstheurge.
"IwillstoptheHeroes.I'llstopthethreeofthem...twoattheveryleast.You
subduethePrincess,"GoldofsaidtoDozzuandthenheran.
"Goldofsan,becarefulofthatability,"Dozzucalledouttohim.
"Ofcourse,"Goldofreplied.
"Pleasekeepatit!Can'tyourunanyfaster?!"Nashetaniawasshouting.Herlife
wasindanger.
Goldofhaddecidedthathecouldn'tsettlethingsbytalking.Hedidn'thaveaway
withwordsasAdletdid,andhiscompanionsdoubtedhim.Theyprobably
wouldn'thaveevenlistenedtowhathehadtosay.
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Goldofremovedthechainfromhiswrist,whichwasusedtopreventhisspear
fromslippingfromhishand.Thenwithallofhisstrength,hechuckedthespearat
AdletasDozzurushedofftointerceptNashetaniaattheexactsamemoment.
AfterthespearhadmissedAdletandlandedonthegroundinfrontofhim,he
andRoloniaheadedtowardsGoldofwhileFremycontinuedtochaseafter
Rolonia.Ihavetostopher,GoldofthoughtandstartedtorunafterFremy.
Fremyproducedabombinherhandandthrewitathim.ButGoldofjumpedto
thesideandweatheredtheexplosion.Hecouldfeelthewoundhereceivedfrom
Nashetaniabegintohurtagain.
"YouthinkImgoingtoallowyoutohurther?!"
GoldofbarelydodgedAdlet'spoisonneedles,butatthesametimeFremyhad
aimedherrifleathischest.Withhischestplatebeingthetoughestpartofhis
armor,itwasabletostopthebullet.Neverthelesshewasstillflungbackwardsby
theimpact.
GoldofhadtostopthreeoftheHeroesoftheSixFlowers.Ifhefoughtthemhalf
heartedly,notonlywouldhebeintercepted,hewouldprobablybekilled.Hehad
beenpreparedtogethurt,butnowhehadtofight.
"Fremy!Rolonia!FollowNashetania!Leavehimtome!"Adletshouted.
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"...Icantletyougo."
RoloniajoinedFremyinchasingafterNashetania.Goldofdesperatelytriedto
followthem,butAdlethadattackedhimfrombehind.Eventhoughhewasableto
blockoneofAdlet'ssmokepellets,Rolonia'swhipandFremy'sbulletshad
relentlesslypummeledhimdown.
HewassomehowmanagingtoholdoffAdletandRoloniawithjusthisfists,but
Fremyhaddistancedherselfbeyondhisreach.
"Fremy!Don'tworryaboutus!YoucannotlosesightofNashetania!"Adlet
shouted.
GoldofonceagaintriedtochargetowardsFremytostopher.ButRoloniastoodin
hisway.SohewasforcedtogiveuponthepossibilityofstoppingFremyhimself.
"IwillleaveFremytoyou!"HeshoutedtowardsDozzuwhowaschasingafter
Nashetania.HehadnochoicebuttoentrustFremytoDozzu.HewouldstopAdlet
andRolonia.
"...You'reinmyway,"Goldofsaid.
AdletandRoloniabothspreadtheirarmsoutwide.Adletpulledthespearthat
Goldofhadthrownoutoftheground,assumedafightingstance,andbeganto
speak.
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"Why,Goldof?Dontyouunderstandwhat'shappened?Chamoisslowlybeing
killed.TheonlywaytosaveheristokillNashetania.Didn'tyouhearMora's
mountainechoes?
Ofcoursehe'dheardit.Goldofwastakingactioninresponsetoit.
"Pleasestop,Goldofsan.WehavetodefeatNashetaniasan.Thatistheonlyway
tosaveChamosan."
Roloniawasalsotryingtogetthroughtohim.Theyarenicepeople,Goldof
thought.Evennowhewashesitantaboutkillingthem.Andjustfightingthem
gavehimafaintsenseofguilt.
"Goldof,talktous.Youaresomehowbeingdeceivedbysomeone."
"Goldofsan,don'tyouthinkthisisthesameaswithMorasan?Haven'tyoufallen
intosomekindoftrapandbeingforcedtofightus?AmIwrong?"
AdletandRoloniatookturnstryingtoreasonwithhim.
Perhapswhattheyweresayingwascorrect.Goldofmighthavejustbeen
deceived.NeverthelessstoppingthefightwassomethingthatGoldofcouldn'tdo.
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IfheweretoletthemleavethatplaceNashetaniawouldundoubtedlybekilled.
Evenifshewereanenemy,andevenifshewereatraitortomankind,Goldof
wantedNashetaniatolive.
Discardyourconfusion,Goldoftoldhimself.Ifyouhesitate,youwon'tbeableto
beatthem.
"Iwillnotletyougoanyfurther."
"Goldof."
"Ifyouplanongoing...thenyou'llhavetokillme."
ThemomentAdletheardthosewordshisgazechanged.Allofthekindnessand
softnesshe'dhadupuntilthenvanished.Heintendstokillme,Goldofthoughtas
hepreparedhimselffortheinevitableconfrontation.
HewouldhavetoholdthetwoofthematbayuntilDozzuhadgottenridofthe
KyomathatwasmanipulatingNashetania.Atthemomentitwastheonlythinghe
coulddo.
Goldofwasdefinitelyatadisadvantage:itwastwoagainstone.PlusGoldof's
spearwasinAdlet'shands.NeverthelessGoldofwasnotafraid.
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Andsoonthefightbegan.
Rolonia'sshoutsechoedthroughtheLavaBelt.
"Traitor,die,die,die,die,thetraitorwillnotlivetoseetomorrow!"
Rolonia'swhipcrackedagainandagainacrossGoldof'sarmor.Ifhisactualflesh
wastouchedthenhislifewouldbeover.MeanwhileashewithstoodRolonia's
onslaught,GoldofreachedouttohisspearinAdlet'shands.Adletthrustathim
withthespearandkickedinanattempttokeepGoldoffromstealingbackthe
weapon.
Hiseyesburnedfromthesmokepellets.AndRoloniaswhipsentjoltsofpain
throughouthisinjuries.NeverthelessGoldofcontinuedtofight.
PerhapssomewhereintheirmindsAdletandRoloniaarehesitatingtoo,Goldof
thoughtashefought.Dotheythinkitsagoodideatokillmeoraretheyunsure?
Eventhoughhewasfighting,Goldof'seyeslookedoutinthedirectiontowhere
Nashetaniahadgone.IwonderifDozzuwasabletodohistaskswell.Didhestop
FremyandgetridoftheKyomathatwasmanipulatingNashetania?OrisDozzu
alsointrouble?AtthemomentGoldofcoulddonothingbutprayforDozzu's
success.
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"Adlet,don'tkillthePrincess,"Goldofsaidwhilehefought.
ThoughAdlethaddefinitelyheardwhathe'dsaid,itdidn'tseemlikehewas
listening.
"Why,why,why,won'tyoudie?!Don'ttouchAdkun!Don'ttouchFremy,don't
touchChamo.Die!"
AsRoloniashoutedandlashedherwhipathim,Goldofdodgedherattacks.His
evasioncreatedanopening,sohemovedtostealthespearagainfromAdlet.In
responseAdlettookoneofhishandsoffthespear,reachedtohisside,andtook
outoneofhissecretweapons.SuddenlyGoldofgrabbedAdlet'shandand
wrenchedthepoisondartfreefromit.
HethenchuckedthedartatRolonia'sfacewhileatthesametimetakingbackhis
spear.GoldofrecalledwhatDozzuhadsaidtohimearlier.Fremywastheseventh
andshewastheonewhohadputtheBladeGemintoChamo.Asthebattle
concluded,Goldofwonderedaboutconveyingthisinformationtothetwoheroes.
"Listenwell.ThePrincessisnotyourenemy.Fremyis,"Goldofsaidandthenhe
thrustthebuttendofthespearintoAdlet'sgut.
Theyprobablywon'tbeabletomoveforawhile.Sothisshouldbeenoughtostop
them,Goldofthoughtashefinishedthefight.Itwasgoodthattheydidn't
interferewithhimhelpingNashetania.Iftheydidthenhewouldhaveareasonto
killthem.
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MoreimportantlyheneededtogoandbackupDozzu.Atthemomenthehadno
cluewhatwasgoingonwithhim.
GoldofraninthedirectionNashetaniahadgoneto.Afterclimbingarockyhillhe
sawFremyfightingwiththeKyomathatNashetaniahadbeenwithbefore.But
Nashetaniawasnowheretobefound,andneitherwasDozzu.
"Icouldnthavewishedformore,"Goldofmuttered.
Thereweretwowaysinwhichhebenefitedfromthesituation.Fremywouldn't
beabletomoveforawhileandtheKyomathatsurroundedNashetaniawould
notgetinhisway.SoGoldofproceededpastFremyandcontinuedtorunina
clockwisearc.
Asheranhethoughtaboutwhathewoulddowhenhecaughtupwith
Nashetania.Firsthewouldrenderherunconscious.Thenhewouldremovethe
allegedhumancontrollingKyomafromherbody.Andafterthathewouldtake
heroutoftheeffectiverangeoftheBladeGem.Ifshelefttheareathenatleast
forthetimebeingshewouldn'tbekilledbyAdletandtheothers.
ButifwhatDozzuhadsaidwasalieandthepersonwhohadputtheBladeGem
intoChamowasactuallyNashetaniaherselfthenhewouldkillDozzu,restrain
Nashetania,andtakeheroutoftheeffectiverange.Hisactionswouldbehelping
bothNashetaniaandChamo.
"Iwon'tletyoudiePrincess,noryouChamo,"Goldofmuttered.
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DuringhispursuittheHelmetofTruthhadneverstoppedringing.Nashetania
wasstillindanger.Afterrunningforabouthalfacircle,GoldoffoundDozzu.And
aheadofhimNashetaniawasrunningbyherself.
"Dozzu!"
"Overhere!"Dozzureplied.
IttooktenminutesforGoldoftocatchupwithhim.Andhewasquitecloseto
beingabletocatchNashetaniaaswell.
"Iwasheldup,butjustforalittlewhile,"Goldofsaidastheychasedafter
Nashetania.
"Iknewsomeonelikeyoucouldhandlethem,"Dozzusaidwithalaugh.
NashetaniawasscalingupasteepslopeofaslightlyelevatedrockyhillasGoldof
andDozzuchasedrightbehindher.Goldofwasusingbothofhishandsandfeetto
crawlupthehill.I'llcatchuptoheraroundthesummit,Goldofthought.
"Goldofsan,I'llkeepherfrommovingwithmylightningstrikes.Canyoupinher
downandapplypressuretohercarotidarterytomakeherfallunconscious?"
"Understood."
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Theyreachedthesummitandattheverytopwasagiantbasin.Nashetaniawas
standinginthecenterofthehollowwithherswordpoisedandreadytomeet
GoldofandDozzu'sattacks.Goldofkickedoffthestonehillwithallhisstrength
andchargedatNashetania.
Butsomethingfeltoff,andtrustinghisgutsGoldofimmediatelydodgedtothe
side.
LightningstruckrightwhereGoldofhadbeenamomentearlier.Dozzuhadshota
boltoflightningathisbackanditwouldhavekilledhimhadhebeenstruckbyit.
"Youmissed?"Nashetaniaaskedassheswunghersword.
Goldofrolledtothesideanddodgedabladethatemergedfromtheground.Then
hedodgedasecondlightningstrikefromDozzu.
Oneafteranother,lightningfrombehindandbladesfromthegroundcameat
Goldof.
Goldofwasntsurprised.Onthecontraryhefiguredthatatraplikethiswould
havehappened.Everythinghadbeenalie.NashetaniaandDozzuhadtrickedhim
andallalongtheyhadintendedtokillhimaftertheyweredoneusinghim.
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NashetaniahadneverbeencapturedbyTgurneu.Shewastheonewhohad
placedtheBladeGemintoChamo.WhichmeantthattheideaofTgurneu's
KyomacontrollingNashetaniahadalsobeenalie.
Nashetania'saimwastoluretheSixFlowerstoherlocation.Thenshewoulduse
theBladeGemtokillChamoandaftermakingGoldoflowerhisguardshewould
killhimwithasurpriseattack.
Thatwasthetruthanditwasexactlywhathe'danticipated.
"Dozzu!Don'tletGoldofgetaway!"Nashetaniashouted.
LargesparksemittedfromDozzu'shorn.Thebiggestlightningstrikeyetthen
lashedouttowardsGoldof.
Ican'tdodgeit,Goldofrealizedandflunghisspear.
Thunderechoedthroughoutthearea.Thelightningstruckthespearbutdidnot
reachGoldof.HowevertheshockwavefromtheexplosionscorchedGoldof's
body.Itwasthefirsttimeinhislifethathe'dbeenelectrocutedandthepain
knockedhimdowntotheground,causinghimtotumbledownthebasinslope.
AshefellNashetaniaconjuredbladestoattackhim,buttheyhadbarelymissed
hisvitalorgans.
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"Guwaaa!"Goldofscreamedinpainwhiletumblingdownthebasin.
Strangely,hewasn'tangryatall.Hewasntupsetaboutbeingtricked.Fromthe
beginningheandNashetaniahadbeenenemies.SoGoldofwasmoreatfaultfor
beingdeceivedthananything.
GoldofsawthatDozzuwaspreparingafinallightningstrike,butbeforeitwas
releasedhehadbeenabletograboneofNashetaniasbladesfromthegroundas
herolled.Withbloodspillingdownhisfingershesnappedthebladeandhurledit
atthesmallKyoma.Thebladegrazedhisface,causingthelightningtoveeraway
andbarelymissingGoldof.
GoldofthenchargedatNashetania,butthebladesspringingupathisfeetblocked
hispathandpiercedhissides.BloodpouredfromGoldof'smouthashisbody
burnedfromthelightning.Slowlyhisentirebodygrewnumb,beginningtoloseits
abilitytomove.
NeverthelessGoldofcontinuedtofight.Evenatatimelikethishecouldn'tthink
aboutkillingNashetania.ProtectingNashetaniawastheonlythinghecouldever
thinkabout.
DozzuandNashetaniastoppedtheirattacks.Theywerebothoutofbreath.
"...Hedoesn'tseemhuman,"Nashetaniasaidamongraggedbreaths.
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"Youarestillstanding,eventhoughyouweresurroundedbyKyoma,attackedby
Adletsanandtheothers,andevenambushedbyoursurpriseattack.Youarean
unimaginablemonster."
Goldofsmiledfaintly,slightlypleasedbythecompliment.
"Ihavearequest,Goldof.Iwaswonderingifyouwoulddiepeacefullyforus,"
Nashetaniasaidwithamalicioussmile.
"IfIkillyouandamabletokeeprunninguntilChamosandiesthenwe'llbeonly
onestepawayfromvictory.AndifwecankilljustonemorepersonthenTgurneu
andCargikkwillbecomeourservants."
"...Princess."
"Die,Goldof,andhelpus."
ForawhileGoldoflookedtotheside.Andafterstaringathisfeet,hesaid,
"Certainly.Asyouwish,myPrincess."
"What?"
"Goldofsan?"BothNashetaniaandDozzulookedshocked.
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AtthesametimeGoldofmoved.Hekickedarockathisfeetashardashecould,
causingthestonetobreakintopiecesandstrikeNashetania'sface.
"Sometimes..."
Itallhappenedwithinamoment.GoldofsuddenlyrantowardsNashetania,
somersaultingoverthebladesastheysprungupfromtheground,andthen
trippedher.Breakingherbalance,GoldofgrabbedNashetania'sfaceandsmashed
hertothegroundwithallhismight.
"...Ialsolie."
Nashetaniatookonemorebreaththenstoppedmoving.Hewasn'tgoingtolet
herdie,buthewasgoingtostopherfrommovingforatleastalittlewhile.
GoldofstoodupandglaredatDozzu.Allthatwasleftnowwastokillthatlast
Kyoma.
Withinhishearthecouldfeelthedarkfireflaringupmorethaneverbefore.This
wastheonlyKyomathathecouldn'tallowtolive.
SparksscatteredfromDozzu'shornjustasGoldofhadtornoffoneofhis
gauntletsandchuckedittowardsDozzutodivertthebolt.Howeverjustthatone
gauntletwasn'tenoughtocompletelyblockthelightning.Andeventhough
Goldofleapedbackhisbodywasstillscorchedbythesparks.
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"Haa!"Dozzushouted,gatheringallhisenergyintohisbody.Thehornonhis
foreheadthenreleasedevenbiggersparks.Inthenextinstantthebiggest
lightningstrikeyetwasreleasedfromhishorn.
ThemomentGoldofsawitherolledtotheside.Buteventhoughhehadbeen
abletoavoidthedirectstrike,theshockwavefromthelightningtravelledthrough
hisarmorandburnedhisbody.
Evennow,withthebattleoneonone,Dozzuwasnotaneasyopponent.IfGoldof
hadwaitedtoseethelightningbeforemoving,hewouldn'thavebeenableto
dodgethemintime.Soinordertoavoidtheattackshehadnochoicebuttoget
outofDozzu'srange.However,doingthat,hewouldloseallmeansofattack.
Commonsensetoldhimthatheshouldprobablyescape,butinsteadGoldofran
righttowardsDozzu.
"...Fool."
AsGoldofdodgedDozzuslightningstrike,Goldofhadkickedarocktowards
him.HowevertheKyomaeasilydodgedit.
"I'veseenthattrickbefore,"Dozzusaid.Thenwithoutamoment'sdelayhehit
Goldof'sbodywithastringofsuccessiveattacks.Andwhentheyweredone,
Goldofslowlyfelltotheground.
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"You'refinished."
ToDozzuitprobablylookedlikeGoldofwascrumblingpowerlesstotheground.
Butjustashisfacewasgoingtotouchtheground,hemadehismove.
Goldofhadbothofhishandsplacedontheground,andinhisrighthandhewas
holdingarock.UsinghislefthandandbothofhisfeetGoldofthenflunghimself
forward.
GoldofhadseenthroughDozzu'sfightingstyle.PerhapsifDozzuhadreleasedall
ofhisenergyatoncehecouldhaveproducedalightningstrikethatwouldhave
killedhiminoneblow.ButDozzuonlyattackedhimwithenoughforcetokeep
himconfinedtooneplace.
GoldoffiguredthataftertheKyomareleaseditsboltofelectricity,hewouldneed
timetogatherenergybeforefiringthesecondstrike.AndthatwasGoldof's
plan.HewasgoingtostrikeinthemomentbetweenDozzusfirstandthesecond
attacks.Helethimselfgethitbythefirst,wageringbothhisbodyandhiswillon
hisstrategy.
"What?!"Dozzushouted.
AtthesametimeGoldofcrushedthestoneinhishandandchuckedthe
fragmentsatDozzu.ThebrokenshardspiercedDozzu'seyes.Andashetriedto
retreatbackwards,Goldofreachedoutandgrabbedhim.Hethenpickedupthe
Kyoma'ssmallbodyandslammedhimtothegroundwitheverythinghehadleft.
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"U,gaa!"
AshewassmashedintothegroundDozzu'slegsliftedupintotheair.Butupon
strikingthegroundhislegsbouncedbackinrecoil.Goldofcouldfeelthe
unpleasantsensationofbonesbreakinginhishands.
"Uh,uuuu...."DozzumoanedandGoldofreleasedthesmallKyoma.
DozzutriedtodragitselfalongthegroundawayfromGoldofashepickedupthe
spearhe'ddroppedontotheslope.Withthespearatready,Goldofapproached
thecrippledKyomaandpositionedhisspeartogivethefinishingblow.But
somethingfloatedinthebackofGoldof'smind.
"Dozzuismycomrade."HerecalledthatwhenNashetaniahadsaidDozzu'sname,
sheseemedtohaveaproudexpression.
"Thesameambitionburnswithinusandwearefightingtogether.Iwillnotbetray
DozzubyanymeansandDozzuwouldneverbetrayme."
"..."
Goldofloweredhisspear.ThePrincesswoulddefinitelybesadifIkilledDozzu.
Dozzucan'tgoanywhere.Ishouldlethimgo.
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"ThePrincessismoreimportant,"Goldofsaid,turningfromtheKyomaand
walkingtowardsNashetania.
Nashetania'seyeshadcompletelyrolledbackintoherheadanditdidn'tseemlike
shewasfakingunconsciousness.Ifhepickedupherunconsciousbodyandranfor
justfiveminutestheywouldbeabletoleavetheeffectiverangeoftheBlade
Gem.ThatwouldprobablysaveChamo,whichwouldalsoendthecurrentfight.
WhatshouldIdonow?ShouldIreturntowhereAdletandtheothersare,or
shouldItakeNashetaniaandescape?Althoughthosequestionscrossedhismind,
hehadnotimetothinkaboutwhatwasahead.Fornow,hewouldtryandtake
herawayfromtheeffectiverange.
Withthatdecisioninmind,GoldofextendedhishandtoNashetania.
"...Goldof."GoldofcouldhearthePrincess'svoicecomingfromtheHelmetof
Truth.
"Huh?"
Shehadbeenunconsciousjustamomentago.SowhyamIhearinghervoicefrom
thehelmet?Themomentherealizedthereason,hetookagiantleapbackwards.
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Thenextinstantanumberofbladessprungupfromthegroundandattacked
him.IfGoldof'sdodgehadbeenabitslowerhewouldhavebeenskeweredand
killed.
Morebladesemergedfromthegroundasheranabout,hittingthemawaywith
hisspear.
HowisNashetaniaabletousethepowerofbladeswhileunconscious?WhyamI
hearingNashetania'svoicefromtheHelmetofTruth?
Theanswerwasclear.TheNashetaniathatwasinfrontofhimwasafake.
Thebladeattackstopped.ThenrightbeforehiseyestheNashetaniainfrontof
himtransformedintoalankymonkeylikeKyoma.AmetamorphosisKyoma.
Butwhatwasstrangewasthatevenasthemonkey'strueformappeared,itstill
hadtheleftarmofahuman.
"Didn'tIsaybeforethatyouarereallyamonster?Regardlessofthefactthatyou
wereabletoavoidDozzu'ssurpriseattack,howwereyouabletododgemyattack
justnow?"
Thevoicewascomingfromthegroundandfromtheearthathin,longsnakelike
Kyomaappeared.Itsskinwascomposedofsilvermetalpiecesandscales.Then
thesnakeKyomaspoke.
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"Ah,Isee.TherealNashetaniateasedpeopleIwenttoofarwithmy
impersonationofNashetania.Therealteasedpeopleexcessively.Sheisatruly
sarcasticperson."
Goldofhadheardthattoneandwayofspeakingbefore.IthadbeenintheValley
ofSpilledBlood."
"...Tgurneu?"
"Aah,I'vebeenfoundout.Well,that'sfine.Hello,Goldofkun."
ThesnakeKyoma...Tgurneustuckitstongueoutandflickeditinlaughter.
"Whatdoyouthink?Didn'tImakeagoodimitation?NotonlywasIableto
deceiveAdletandtheothersbutyoutoo."
Tgurneu'swordsdidn'treachGoldof'sears.ButthefactthatNashetaniawasan
impostormadehisbackgrowstiff.
EvennowtheHelmetofTruthcontinuedtoring,indicatingthatNashetaniawas
indanger.AndnowGoldofunderstoodthereason.TherealNashetaniahadbeen
capturedandwasbeingheldsomewhere.
"WhereisthePrincess?"GoldofpointedhisspearatTgurneu.
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"AreyoureallyaskingwherethePrincessis?Well,wheredoyouthinksheis,
Goldofkun?"
ThemetallicsnakestaredatGoldofasifitwererunningitstonguealloverhis
face.
"WhereisthePrincess,Tgurneu?!"Goldofshoutedandlungedwithhisspear.
TgurneumerelyshowedanunpleasantsmileandeasilydodgedGoldof'sattack.
"Isn'titobviousthatIwon'ttellyou?Nomatterhowmuchofafoolyoumaybe,
youprobablyunderstandthatmuch,"Tgurneusaid.
Goldofrecalledalloftheeventsthathadoccurredupuntilthatpoint.He'dheard
therequestfromtheHelmetofTruthandheadedofftosaveNashetania.
HeencounteredDozzuandfinallyarrivedattheLavaBelt.He'dheardthatChamo
wasbeingkilledbytheBladeGem.ThenhewasattackedbyDozzuandthefake
Nashetania.
Hecouldn'tunderstandwhatwasgoingon.Whowashebeingdeceivedby,who
werehisallies,whowerehisenemies,hedidn'tknowanything.Hismindwas
confusedandhefeltlikehewasabouttoscream.
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"...Kuhuhu,huhuhu,ahahahahahaha!"Tgurneulaughed,hisheadpointedup
towardstheheavens."Youreallyarestupid,huh?I'veknownyouwerestupidall
thistime,butIneverthoughtyoucouldpossiblybethisstupid."
Flappinghistongue,TgurneudrewclosetowardsGoldof'sface.Thenhistongue
tickledGoldof'scheek.Itwasasifhewerebeingpettedlikesomeadorable
animal.
"Youareincompetent.Hopelesslyincompetent.Ihaveahardtimeunderstanding
whyNashetaniatrustsyouatall."
"...Youbastard."
"Itwasamusingtoseeyoudeceived.Infact,youweresoextremelyeasytofool
thatIactuallywonderedwhetheryouwereplottingsomething."
NearGoldof'sface,Tgurneusmiled.
"ButnowIwanttotellyouthetruth.Becauseifthingscontinuethewaytheyare
thenIwillendupkillingChamoandNashetaniaandthatwon'tbeanyfunforme
atall."
"Thetruth?"
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"Youshouldthankme.WhatI'mabouttotellyouistheunadulteratedtruth.It'sa
rareoccurrenceformetotellthewholetruth.Infact,it'sthefirsttimeI'vedone
itinyears."
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ChapterSix:PartOne
WhenGoldofencounteredTgurneu,Morawasinthemiddleofthebasinpacked
withKyomacorpses.ShehadherhandonChamo'sbackandcontinuedtopour
energyintothegirl'sbodyasbloodendlesslypouredoutofChamo'smouth.Hans
ranaboutthebasin,cuttingupanyKyomathatwastryingtogetatChamo.
"Obachan,ithurtssomuch.Willitbeanylonger?"Chamoaskedasbloodspilled
fromhermouth.
"Don'tworry.SoonAdletandtheotherswillcatchuptoNashetania.Anopponent
likeNashetaniawillbenomatchforthethreeofthem."
"Aha,that'sright.That'sright....soit'sgood,"Chamosaidwithasmile.
Moradidn'tknowanything.Shedidn'tknowthetroubleAdlethadfalleninto,nor
didsheknowaboutthethreatfacingGoldof.
AtthattimeAdletwasabout1.5kilometersfromChamo'sbasin.Hewasfighting
theKyomaalongsideFremyandRolonia.
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Thethreeofthemhadn'tnoticedanything.Theydidn'tknowthattheNashetania
theywerechasingwasafake,nordidtheyknowwhothemastermindwasbehind
theirbattle.Theydidn'tknowanything.
ItwasalsothatatthisexactsametimeNashetaniawasinsidethestomachofa
Kyoma.
Itwascramped,hardtobreathe,andextremelyhot.Sweatwasrelentlesslybeing
squeezedoutfromherbody.Ontopofthattherewasaslimywarmstickyliquid
coatingherflesh.
Nashetaniahadbeengruesomelyinjured.Herleftarmwasrippedoffatthe
shoulder,andonlyasimpleropewasusedtostopthebleedingofthewound.
Tentacleswerewrappedaroundherthroatandcrushinghertracheaandvocal
cords.Shecouldalsofeeltheburrowedoutwoundinherbackwherealarge
maggotKyomawaswigglingitsfaceintoherbody.
Nashetaniatriedtoscream.Howeveronlylaboredbreathsescapedfromher
throat.
TheonlythingNashetaniacoulddowithintheKyoma'sstomachwaswaitfor
Goldoftocomeandsaveher.GoldofwouldseethroughTgurneu'splanandfind
herwherevershemaybe.
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ButifGoldof'shelpdidnotcomeintime,thenNashetania'slifewouldbeover.
"Thetruthisquitesimple,"Tgurneusaidquietly."DozzuandIareatoddswith
oneanother.NashetaniaisDozzu'spawnandtheotherseventhismine.Untilthe
IllusionFogBarrierbattleoccurredIdidn'tknowDozzu'splan,nordidheknow
aboutmyotherseventh.Thatisthecompletetruth.Well,Ishouldalsomention
thatit'strueweestablishedapacttwohundredyearsago."
Tgurneucontinuedwithhisstory.
HetalkedabouthowafterlosingintheIllusionFogBarrier,Nashetaniajumped
intotheoceanandswamforaday,eventuallyreachingtheForestofSevered
FingersandmeetingupwithDozzu.
AtaroundthattimeDozzuhadgoneofftonegotiatewithCargikk.Hewasgoing
toproposeapacttostopthefightingbetweentheirfactions.IfNashetaniafailed
thenhewouldneedtoprepareforthepossibilitythathecouldnotkillthreeof
theSixFlowers.HoweverCargikkrefusedDozzu'sproposalandsenthiselite
subordinatestogoandeliminatethesmallKyoma.
"DozzuandhisfollowersranaroundtheForestofSeveredFingers.Hisfollowers
wereinjured,Nashetaniawasinjured,andintheendtheywerecorneredwithno
wayofescape.Thenthismorningtheycametomeseekinghelp."
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ItwasthenthatDozzutoldTgurneuthatheandNashetaniahadinsertedaBlade
GemintoChamo'sstomach.AndwiththosebladestheywouldkillChamoand
thengivethepointtoTgurneuifinexchangeTgurneuprotectedthem.
Tgurneuacceptedtheirproposal.Hetoohadexperienceddifficultydealingwith
Chamo.Sotherewasnoreasonforhimtorefusethechancetogetthepointfor
killingher.
ThenTgurneukilledallofCargikk'sfollowersthathe'dsent.Thebasinwhere
ChamowaswithalloftheKyomacorpseswasthesiteofthebattlebetween
Cargikk'sfollowersandTgurneu'spawns.
Havingwipedoutthenuisances,theyquicklyworkedoutastrategytokillChamo
andbeganmakingpreparations.
"...But..."Dozzuinterrupted,dragginghisbodyacrossthegroundbeforefinally
pullinghimselfup."Tgurneuneverintendedonprotectingus.AfterkillingChamo
san,heplannedtogetridofussincewehadalreadyservedourpurpose."
Tgurneudidn'tdenytheaccusation.Hejustsmiled.
DozzuknewthatTgurneuwouldbetrayhim,sowhydidntherun?Goldof
wonderedjustastheanswerpoppedintohismind.Andwhenhefinallyrealized
whatwasgoingonheinstantlydespairedathowfoolishhewasfornotrealizing
thetruthuntilthelastmoment.
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NashetaniahadbeentakenhostageandDozzuhadbeendoingwhatTgurneutold
himtodo.DeceivingGoldofandtryingtokillhimwerebothTgurneu'swill.
Itwasatrulymessedupsituation.TheKyomadeceivedoneanother,killedone
another,andatsametimeusedoneanother.
Tgurneucontinuedtoexplain.
Inthebeginning,TgurneurestrainedNashetaniaandforcedDozzutoobeyhim.
ThenoneofhisDarkKyoma,number31,amaggotwiththepowertoblockSaint
abilities,useditspowertoblockNashetania'spowerofBlades.
Afterthat,inordertodeceiveAdletandtheothershecreatedanimpostor.
ThedeceptioninvolvedtwoseparateKyoma.OnewasametamorphosisKyoma
thattransformedtolooklikeNashetania.AndtheotheronewasasnakeKyoma
thatpossessedtheabilitytowieldblades.ThesnakeKyomawouldthenattack
fromthegroundwithitsbladesanditwouldseemasifitwereusingtheSaint
ability.
PretendingtobetheSaintofBladeswasnotsomethingaKyomacoulddowith
superficialabilities.SoTgurneufedhisownbodytothesnakeandincreasedits
strength.
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UntiljustafewdaysagothemetamorphosisKyomahadbeenlurkingwithinthe
PienapalacesothatitwouldknowNashetania'swayofspeakingandmannerisms
well.ItlearnedtoemulateNashetaniasowellthatitcouldevenfoolAdletand
Goldof.
However,theproblemwasRolonia.Ifshelickedtheimpostor'sbloodthenit
wouldberevealedwhethertheywererealornot.SoTgurneudrewout
Nashetania'sbloodandrippedoffherleftarm.ThemetamorphosisKyoma
attachedthatleftarmtoitsbodyandpouredherbloodoverit.ThenitletRolonia
tasteNashetania'sbloodasitflowedthroughhergenuineleftarm.Asaresult
evenRoloniawasn'tabletorealizethattheimpostorwasn'ttherealNashetania.
"ThePrincess'...herleftarm...bastard...youbastard..."
Goldof'sentirebodywasshakinginrage.Payinghimnoheed,Tgurneucontinued
onwithhisstory.
ItwassimpletoluretheSixFlowers.Oncecaptured,theHelmetofTruthwould
conveytoGoldofthatNashetaniawasindanger.Andexactlyaccordingto
Tgurneu'splanGoldofcame.AfterhimtheotherHeroesfollowedGoldoftothe
LavaBelt.TgurneuthencommandedDozzutodeceiveGoldof,separatethe
companions,andmanipulatethesituationuntilGoldofendedupfightingwiththe
otherFlowers.Andafterallthatwasdone,Dozzuwasorderedtokillhim.
TgurneuplacedaKyomaintoDozzu'sbodywhichwouldtransmitinformation
backtohim.WhichmeantthatTgurneuoverheardeverythingthatDozzuand
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Goldofhadsaidtooneanother.SowithNashetaniatakenhostage,Dozzu
couldn'tdoanythingelseotherthanobeyTgurneu'sorders.
"Sowhatdoyouthink?Don'tyouthinkevenafoollikeyourselfshouldbeableto
understandthesituationaftersuchakindandthoroughexplanation?"
"ThePrincess,whereisshe?Speak,Tgurneu."
TgurneulaughedscornfullyatGoldof."TherealNashetaniaissomewhereinthe
LavaBelt.AmongmypawnsthereareKyomathatcanhidethingsverywell."
TgurneudrewhisfaceclosertoGoldof."Whereisshe?Whatkindofabilitywas
usedtohideher?Don'tyouthinkIcan'ttellyouthat?AtthelongestIestimate
therearetwomorehoursuntilChamodies,andIplanoncontinuingtohide
Nashetaniathroughoutthattime."
"Giveherback!"
"Irefuse.ItoldherthatifshetriestoescapeIwillkillher.Ifshedeactivatesthe
BladeGemonherownthenIwillkillher.IfDozzutriestotakeherorevenattack
mejustonce,Iwillkillher.Icankillherjustaseasilywithonlyahintofasignal."
"You,willnot,killthePrincess."
"That'snottrue.Isn'titobviousthat'snottrue?Doyouevenknowwhatyou're
saying?"
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"GivemebackthePrincess."
"Imsayingno.ButIwilltellyouwhatImgoingtodonext.Iplanonkilling
NashetaniatheveryinstantChamodies.Butyoudon'tcare,right?Sheisyour
enemy,afterall."
TgurneustaredatGoldofwiththewidestsmilespreadacrosshisface.
"ActuallyIthoughtthisplanofminewouldhurtyouthemost.Buttherewasa
chanceyoucouldhavediscoveredthetrueNashetaniaifAdletorHanshad
learnedabouttheinformationyoureceivedthroughthehelmet."
"SoIseparatedyoufromtheHeroesandmadeitsothatyouwouldn'tbeableto
combineyourinformation.Really,Ididnthavetoevendothatmuchsinceyou
willinglybrokeawayfromtheHeroesonyourown."
Goldofwasgrindinghisteeth.
"Youweredeceivedsooften,Goldof.InfactIheardallofyourconversationswith
Dozzu,andtobehonestIfounditdifficultcontainingmylaughter.EventhoughI
hadorderedhimtokillyou,IneverthoughtthatyouGoldofwouldactuallytry
andkillAdletandtheothers."
TgurneumovedawayfromGoldof'sface,thenstabbedDozzuwithabladethat
grewoutfromhisbody.
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"Dozzu,Iunderstandwhatyourobjectivewas.YouintendedtohaveGoldofkun
saveNashetaniaforyou,right?"
GoldofwastakenabackasDozzunoddedslightly.
"Iknewthatwasyourplan.Afterall,ifyouthinkaboutitthatwasjustaboutthe
onlywayallofyoucouldhavesurvived.But,asIexpected,Goldofkunis
incompetent.ItissimplyimpossibleforhimtosaveNashetaniabyanymeans.
Chamoisgoingtodieandsowillallofyourighthere.Andthenthatwillbethe
endofit."
DozzuglaredatTgurneu.However,Tgurneupaidhimnoheedatall.
"Hey,doyouknowwhyIamtellingyouthetruthsocandidly?"ThistimeTgurneu
facedGoldof.
"Why?"
"BecauseevenifItalkedwithyou,itwouldn'tbeaproblem.Ifyouweretotell
AdletandtheotherswhatItoldyou,IcouldjustkillNashetania."
Goldoftensed.
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"OfcoursethatwouldmeanIwouldbeunabletokillChamo.Butjustthethreatis
sufficientenoughbecauseIunderstandthatyouwillneverbeabletoabandon
Nashetania.Besides,originallyIhadanothermethodIwasgoingtousetokill
Chamo.Soevenifthiscurrentstrategyfails,itwouldn'tcauseanymajor
problems.
Plustheseventhwilltellmeifyoutalk.SowhatI'mtellingyounowisnotabluff.
IfyoutalkIwilldefinitelykillNashetania."
"...ThePrincess...thePrincess..."
"DoyouwanttosaveNashetania?Ifso,thenitwouldbebettertohurry.Adlet
andtheothersaresearchingforher.Perhapstheymaybeabletofindher."
"If...Adletfinds...thePrincess..."
"Huhuhu.Naturallyhewillkillher."Laughing,TgurneudrewclosertoGoldof.
"Say,Goldofkun.Showmeyourface."
"...What?"
"Iliketolookathumanfaces,"Tgurneusaidandthenheonceagainstaredinto
Goldof'sface."Facesshowmevariousthings.Anger,panic,sadness,despair,and
evenwhenapersonclingstothattinyglimmerofhope."
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Goldofdidn'tsayawordinresponse.
"Ilikehumanemotions.IfIdoagreetingIcanconnecttotheirhearts.IfIspeak
withthemwecanunderstandoneanother.IfIseetheirfacethenI'llbeableto
figureoutwhattheyarethinking.IliketofeeltheemotionsofthepeopleIwill
defeat.ItisforthatreasonthatIfightandforthatreasonthatIamliving."
TgurneustuckouthistongueandonceagainhelickedGoldof'scheek.
"Now,itwouldn'tbringmeanyjoyifIkillyou.Iwanttoseeyoursuffering,your
confusion,andyourregret.Ihavegivenyouthehopethatyoucansave
NashetaniasoIwouldliketoseethedespaironyourfacewhenyouareunable
toaccomplishthatfeat."
TgurneuseemedtohaveabandonedallsenseofcautionashetauntedGoldof.
Andashelookedathisface,thethoughtofkillingTgurneucrossedGoldofsmind.
"That'sagoodface.You...no...alloftheHeroesoftheSixFlowersaresuch
wonderfulspectacles."
Dozzuthenspoke,"YoumustnotkillTgurneu.IfyoudothenNashetaniawillbe
killedattheexactsametimeashefalls."
GoldofcoulddonothingbutgrudginglyacceptDozzuswordsasheputupwith
Tgurneustaunts.
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"Say,Goldofkun.DoyouthinkthatyoucansaveNashetania?Youweren'table
tofigureoutmyplanatall.Ontopofthatyou'reabsolutelywornoutfromyour
fightwithDozzu.Youprobablycan'tfightanymore."
"...You..."
"Tomakemattersworse,youareisolatedandhelpless.YoufoughtagainstAdlet
andtheothers.Soiftheyseeyounowtheywillprobablycomeandkillyou
immediately.Youhavebeentrulyfoolish."
"...Goldofsan,"Dozzusaid,inapainedvoice.
"Ah,that'sagoodface.Youreallyareincompetent.AndIlikethefacesof
powerlesspeople."
TgurneupulledhisfaceawayfromGoldof.AtthattimeaKyomawithacrow's
headandayeti'sbodyapproachedTgurneu.
TheYetiKyomathrustitshandintoTgurneu'sthroat.Andfromhisthroatitpulled
outafigfruitandbitit.ThentheyetiKyomabecamethenewTgurneu.Afterthat
itcrushedtheneckoftheSnakeKyoma,thebodythatTgurneuhadusedupuntil
then.Tgurneuprobablyhadnofurtheruseforit.
"Wellthen,it'sabouttimeIranaway.Itwouldbegoodforyoutorunaswell
Goldofkun.Adletandtheotherswillbecomingsoon."
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Goldoflookedtowardsthehills.Adletwassurelychasingafterhim.Andifhe
reachedGoldof'slocationhewouldfindhim.
"Dozzu.Scorchthisareawithlightning.Afteryou'redonewiththat,restfora
whileandhealyourinjuries.Iknowaboutyourhealingabilities.You'llbeableto
fightafteranhourorso,right?Afterthat,goandkillHansandthosewithhim.I
willnotallowyoutorefuse."
"...Ihavenochoicebuttoobey."
"That'sright.Well,seeyou,Goldofkun,"Tgurneusaidandleftthearea.
Goldofstoodparalyzedinastonishment.Hehadcomeinordertosave
Nashetania.Andhehadintendedtocrushwhateverenemyinordertodoso.
ButinrealityhehadjustcontinuedtodanceinthepalmofTgurneu'shand.
Incompetent,thewordreverberatedthroughGoldof'smind.Butitwasnot
somethingthathecoulddeny.
"Goldofsan,"Dozzucalledouttohim.
"Dozzu.IswhatTgurneusaidtrue?"Goldofasked.
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"Excludingonepoint,everythingwasthetruth."
"Justone?"
DozzustaredintoGoldof'seyesandsaidclearly,"Youarenotincompetent.There
isn'taknightanywhereintheworldthatshalfasgreatasyouare.Itiscertainly
notimpossibleforyoutosaveNashetania.
"...But..."
"AtthemomentIcannothelpNashetania.Noonecan,exceptforyou."
"...I..."
"Ipromiseyou.IfyousaveNashetaniaIwillimmediatelyreleaseChamosan.That
isnotalie."
"....Isthattrue?"
"Nowpleaserun.IfyoustayhereyouwillbekilledbyAdletsanandtheothers.
Youareouronlyhope.YouaretheonlychanceNashetaniahastobesaved."
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AfterthatGoldofwalkedaway.Heheadedtowardsoutsidetheperimeterofthe
BladeGem.Hisbodyhurt,anditwasevenpainfultomove.Thespearhecarried
inhishandsfeltextremelyheavy.
IwillsavethePrincess.Thatthoughtwasnowtheonlythingrushingwithinhis
mind.
Goldofcouldnotrunanymore.Hisarmsandlegshadbeenpiercedbythe
impostorNashetania'sblades,andhisarmorhadbeenhitbyRolonia'swhipand
Fremy'sbullets.AlsohisbodyhadbeenburnedbyDozzu'selectricity.Andhewas
terriblyexhausted.
HedesperatelyadvancedthroughtheLavaBelt,andafterdistancinghimself
aboutthreekilometersfromChamo'spositionhisfeetstopped.Duetohisburns
histhroatwasdry.Itseemedlikehewasgoingtodieofpainandthirst.
"...Princess."
Hefoundageyserandapproachedit.Forthetimebeinghetriedtotreathis
thirst.Buttheinstantthathetriedtodrink,aterriblepainrushedthroughhis
tongueandnose.Goldofgruntedandthrewuphotwater.
Hethenfelltohisknees,nolongerabletomove.
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Firsthehadtotreathisburns.Hewouldnotbeabletokeeponlivingifhe
didn't.Thenhewouldtreattheinjurieshe'dsustainedfromDozzu.Hedidn'thave
alotofmedicineonhand,butitwasbetterthannothing.
Goldofturnedaround.HehadtoquicklyreturntotheLavaBeltandsave
Nashetania.AndhehadtodosobeforeChamodied,orbeforeAdletandthe
othersfoundhim.
Hehadamountainofthingsheneededtodo.Neverthelesshisbodydidn't
move.Allofasuddenhesensedapresencebehindhim.Therewereaboutten
KyomastaringatGoldofandlickingtheirlips.
"Didyougiveup,Goldof?"aKyomaasked.
"Iwill...protectthePrincess."
Goldofreadiedhisspearandstoodtohisfeet.Withabodythatfeltasheavyas
lead,hefoughtback.Eachtimehetookabreakhisthroathurt.Eachtimehe
movedalimbhisentirebodyhurt.
Thepain,theburns,theexhaustion:theywerealltakingtheirtollonGoldofand
astheyateawayathisenergyhishopesofsavingNashetaniastartedtofadeas
well.
"I'vegotyou!"
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AgiantearthwormKyomawrappeditselfaroundGoldof.Theknightcutoffits
head,butevendeaditstillcontinuedtosqueezehisbody.
ThenadogKyomarushedtowardshim,aimingtobiteGoldof'sneck.Goldof
dodgeditandknockeditawaywithhisfist.
"I...will...protect...thePrincess,"Goldofmuttered.
Hesaidthewordsinordertoencouragehimself,butdespairwasslowlycreeping
uponhim.
IwonderifIcanfindNashetania.TgurneuhadsaidthataKyoma'spowerwas
beingusedtohideher.AndhisvoicehadconfidentlydeclaredthatGoldof
wouldn'tbeabletofindher.
CanIseethroughTgurneu'splan?Idon'thavetheintelligenceofAdletorHans.
NordoIhavetheknowledgeregardingtheKyomaasFremydoes.WhatcouldI
possiblydo?
"You,Goldof!"
GoldofshookofftheearthwormKyoma,butthedogKyomahadbithisleg.Even
thoughhehadstabbeditthroughitscorewithhisspear,itsfangswouldnot
detachfromhisarmor.
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Aimingforthatopening,theremainingKyomarushedtowardsGoldof.SoGoldof
draggedthedogKyoma'scorpse,itsfangsstillbitingintohisarmor,andran.
AsheranhetriedtotearoffthedogKyoma'sbody;howeverhishandswere
devoidofenergy.
"Shit!"
Adletandtheotherssawhimastheenemy.Iftheycaughtupwithhimthey
wouldcomeandkillhimimmediately.Andhecouldnolongerexpectbackuplike
he'dreceivedinthepreviousbattles.
AtthemomentGoldofdidn'tevenhavethepowertofightofftheHeroes
anymore.
I`llprobablybekilledwhenIgetneartheBladeGem'srange.Iwon'tevenbeable
togetclosetofindingNashetania.
"Run!
"Followhim!Wecankillhimnow!"
GoldofcouldnothopeforDozzutohelphim.Hecouldnolongerhear
Nashetania'svoice,andhedidn'thaveanycluestosaveher.
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GoldofranfromtheKyoma.Hecutdownoneofthosethathadcaughtupwith
him,andthenranagain.OncemoreanotherKyomacaughtuptohimandagain
hecutitdownandran.Againandagainthecycleofsliceandrunrepeateditself.
Perhapsdozensofminuteshadpassed.Yethecouldonlythinkofasinglesolution
tohispredicament.AbandoningNashetania.
TgurneuhadsaidthatifGoldoftoldAdletandtheothersthetruththenatthat
instanttheywouldkillNashetania.EventhoughifNashetaniadiedChamowould
besaved.
AftertakingdowntheKyomaaroundhim,hefigureditwasbesttoreturnto
whereAdletwas.ThenhewouldtellAdletthetruthandhecouldbegforhis
forgiveness.However,evenAdletwouldprobablykillGoldofwithoutwaitingto
hearwhathehadtosay.
TheywouldfighttogetheragainstTgurneu,annihilatetheMajin,andthenhe
wouldgooffsomewhere.Andhehopedthathecouldforgetallthedayshehad
spentwithNashetania;itbeingnothingmorethanadream.
Hewasjustaboutfinished.
GoldoftookdownaleopardKyoma,thelastofwhichhadsurroundedhim.Then
heheadedsouthandfoundthedirectiontowardswhichAdletandtheothers
wereheaded.
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"...Princess."
VariousemotionswelledupwithinGoldof'schest.Theshockhefeltwhenhehad
firstencounteredNashetania.Theexcitementandthrillhefeltwhenheheaded
tosaveherwiththeironhammerinhishands.Andtheemotionhefeltwhen
Nashetanialistenedtohisrequest.
Theconfusionhe'dfeltwhenhefoundoutNashetaniawasanunbelievable
tomboy.Theangerhefeltwhenshewouldplaytricksonhim.Andthelovehefelt
whenoverthedaysshebecamemoreandmoreofawoman.
Thebewildermenthe'dfeltwhenitwassuddenlyannouncedthatshewould
becomeaSaint.Theworryhefeltwhenshesubjectedherselftoharshtraining
withoutconsideringherownlife.Thejoyhefeltwatchingoverherdevelopinto
theSaintofBlades.Theregrethefeltwhenhetookiteasyonheratthe
tournamentbeforetheGoddessandendedupconcedingvictorytoher.
Theuneasinesshefeltwhenhefoundoutthathehadbeenselectedasoneofthe
HeroesoftheSixFlowers.Thefightingspirithehadwhenhedeterminedto
returnherfromtheWailingDemonTerritorysafely.Theslightjealousyhefelt
towardsAdlet.
AndthefactthatNashetaniaexistedandhowthatfactalonefilledhischestwith
asenseofrelief.
"IfitwerejustadreamIwouldbeabletoforgetit."
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AtearrandownGoldof'sface.
"Howgreatwouldthathavebeen?
TheleopardKyoma'scorpselayathisfeet.Hepickeditupandbitintoitsneck.
GoldofloudlyslurpedtheremainingbloodfromtheKyoma'sbody.Perhapsitwas
thefirsttimeahumanhadtastedaKyoma.
TheKyoma'sbloodsoothedtheburnsinhismouth.Thenheremovedhisarmor
andappliedtherestofhismedicinetohisbody.Afterthathedownedthe
medicinehe'dreceivedfromthePienaRoyalFamilyinonegulp.
Themedicinewasstrong,closetoapoison.Itmadeintensepainrushthroughhis
throatandhisgut.Buthewithstoodtheurgetovomitandcroucheddown.
"..."
ThenGoldofstoodbacktohisfeetandballedhishandsintofists.Heswunghis
spearandmovedhisbodyaround.
Icanstillfight,hethoughtashequietlywalked.
Hehaddecided.Nomatterhowmanydifficultiescomehiswayhewould
absolutelysaveNashetania.
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Abouteighteenhoursearlier,NashetaniaandDozzuwerehidinginacornerof
theForestofSeveredFingers.
Theyhadbeentalkingwiththeirfacesdrawnclosetooneanother.Infact,they
weresoclosethatitwasdifficulttotellthemapart.
Noneoftheircomradeswereinthevicinity.TheyhadfoughtwithCargikk's
followersandthosewerenowalldead.
BloodwasdrippingfromDozzu'sentirebody,andNashetaniawasmoreinjured
thanhewas.Shehadbeenstabbedthroughthechestbyahornwiththewound
reachingherback.Thetendonsononeofherlegshadbeencutdeep.Thankstoa
KyomathathadbeenfusedwithherbodyNashetaniapossessedotherworldly
healingabilities,butevenwiththatthewoundwastoodeep.
Dozzuwonderedhowmanymorehourstheywouldbeabletocontinue
running.Cargikk'sfollowershadsurroundedDozzu'sforcesagainandagain.And
hewasunsurewhetherthetwoofthemwouldmakeittomorning.
"Nashetania.Iwillcutopenapathforyou.Pleaseuseittoescape."
"...Dozzu."
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"Ifyoudieeverythingwillbeover.Aslongasyoucontinuetoliveourhopeswill
persevere.So,pleasesurvive."
"No.Ican'tdoanythingbymyself.Ifthetwoofusdon'tsurvivethenour
ambitionswillfallapart."
Dozzuwasabouttosaythattherewasnothingthatcouldbedonetopreventthat
now.HoweverthenextmomentNashetaniasaidsomethingthathecouldn't
believe.
"Let'saskTgurneuforhelp."
"...Areyouinsane?"
"No.Itstheonlyoptionwehave.WecanusetheBladeGemweinsertedin
Chamosan'sstomachtonegotiate.WewillhaveTgurneukillCargikk'sfollowers
forus.AndinexchangewewillkillChamosan."
Nashetanialookedtothewestoftheforest.FromtheKyoma'smovementsthey
surmisedthatwasTgurneu'slocation.
"IthinkthatTgurneuwillrespondtoourproposal.Hemostlikelydoesn'tknow
howtohandleChamosan.Sountilwekillher,hewillprotectus."
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Thatwasapossibility,butDozzucouldnotagreetotheidea.Tgurneuwasmore
terrifyingthananyotherpersonDozzuknew.Therewasnowaythathewould
helpthem.
"Ifwecangetoutofthissituationthenapathwillbeopenedupforus.Itdoesn't
matterhowwedoit,wehavetosurvive.Andthereisnootherwaywecan."
Dozzuknewthat,buthestillcouldn'tconsent.
"Nashetania.AfterChamosaniskilled,wewillnolongerbeofanyuseto
Tgurneu.Itdoesn'tseemlikelythathewillletuslive."
"Wewillonlyjoinforcestemporarily.AfterwegetawayfromCargikk'sforceswe
willescape.AndweshouldbeabletogetawaybeforewekillChamosan."
"You'reviewingTgurneuassoft.Itsunlikelythathewillletusescape,"Dozzu
said.
"IfIamcapturedbyTgurneuthentheHelmetofTruthwithGoldofwillactivate.
AndifthathappensthenGoldofwillcomeandsaveme."
"...Buthe..."
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"TheHelmetofTruthwillonlyactivateifIamcapturedbysomeone.Soatthe
momentitcan'tcalltoGoldof.ButifIamcapturedbyTgurneuthenthatis
anotherstory.TheHelmetwillconveytohimthedangerI'min."
"WillGoldofsanreallycomeandsaveyou?"
"Ibelievehewillcome."
DozzuclosedhiseyesandthoughtaboutGoldof.DozzuhadwatchedoverGoldof
whenhewaspretendingtobeapet.
Heknewwellthathisloyaltywasabsolute.AndinDozzu'sconsiderablylong
lifetimehehadneverseenthelikesoftheyoungboy'sloyalty.Itactuallymade
himfeelsorryfortheyoungboy.
Thatloyaltywasthereasonwhyhehadn'tbeenabletobringGoldoftotheirside.
Hedidnotliveinordertofulfillhisownambitions.Heprobablyjustfoughtto
protectNashetania.AndsinceDozzuandhisfollowers'ambitionsexposed
NashetaniatodangeroverandoveragainGoldofmighttrytoobstructtheirgoals
inordertosaveNashetania.
"YoubetrayedGoldofsan.Nomatterwhatyoumaythink,itwouldbenaveto
notdoubthisloyalty."
"Youdon'tunderstandhim,Dozzu.Thatkidcannotlivewithoutme."
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"...Nashetania."
"SincethefirsttimeImethim,Goldofhasbeenthatway.Andevennowthat
won'tchange."
Dozzucouldhearrustlingsoundsbehindhim.Cargikk'sfollowerswerealready
approaching.
"Goldofwillcome.Hewilldefinitelycometohelpme.PleaseDozzu.Trustme."
"Iwonderifhecandoit.Canhesaveyouafteryou'recapturedbyTgurneu?"
"Hecandoit,"Nashetaniareplied,andthenshesmiled.
"Chamosanisnotthestrongestpersonintheworld.Ignoringthelikesofagiant
foollikeAdletsan,IbelievethattheWorld'sStrongestisGoldofwhenhetriesto
protectme."
Dozzuclosedhiseyesandnodded.
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ChapterSix:PartTwo
AlthoughDozzuwasfarattheoutskirtsoftheLavaBelt,hewasabletohear
Goldof'swarcrysincehishearingfarsurpassedhumancapabilities.Fromlistening
tohisroarDozzucouldtellthatGoldofhadstillnotgivenupon
savingNashetania.
TheentiresituationwasproceedingasNashetaniahadpredicted.
TgurneureadilyagreedtotheirproposalandkilledallofCargikk'sfollowers.Then
herestrainedNashetaniaandforcedDozzutoobeyhim.Soitwasclearthat
TgurneudidnotintendtoletNashetanialive.AndDozzuknewthatwhenshehad
servedherpurposeheplannedtokillheratonceaswell.
Still,everythingwasexactlyasNashetaniahadanticipated.
ShehadanticipatedthattheHeroesoftheSixFlowerswouldbeluredtotheLava
Beltandfallenintoatrap.AndshehadexpectedGoldoftocometotheLavaBelt
inordertohelpher.
Buttheproblemwasafterthese.
IfChamoweretodieasthingswerenowthenNashetaniawouldbekilled.And
therewasprobablyanhourandahalfleftuntilthattime.Itwasn'tpossiblefor
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Nashetaniatoescapewithherownpower,andDozzucouldn'thelpher.Theonly
wayforhertosurvivewasforGoldoftorescueher.
AndifAdletfoundNashetaniafirstthenshewouldwithoutadoubtbekilled.It
wasextremelyunlikelythathewouldallowNashetaniatokeeponliving.
IwonderifGoldofcansaveNashetania.
DozzuknewhowTgurneuhadhiddenNashetania.HoweverifhetoldGoldofthen
TgurneuwouldhaveNashetaniakilledatonce.Nottomentionthefact
thatTgurneuraisedDarkKyomawithfrighteningabilities.Itdidn'tseemlike
Goldofwouldbeabletofathomthoseabilities.SothepossibilitythatNashetania
wouldbesavedmightaswellhavebeenzero.
Nevertheless,theonlychoiceDozzuhadwastotrustGoldof.Theonlythinghe
coulddowashopethathecouldsaveNashetania.
WhetherTgurneu'splanorNashetania'swascarriedout,everythingdependedon
Goldof.
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GoldofcamebacktotheedgeoftheBladeGem'srange.Helaiddownunderthe
shadeofarockyhillthenpeekedhisheadouttosurveythearea.Therewere
severalplumesofdirtspiralingintotheairacrosstheLavaBelt,andnotonly
couldGoldofhearexplosionsinthedistancebuthecouldalsoseetheground
crumblingafterwards.Howeverhedidn'tknowexactlywhatwashappening.
Goldoflookedovertothedirectionwheretheexplosionsweregoingoff.Rolonia
andFremywereinthedirtcloudsanditlookedliketheyweresearchingfor
somethingunderground.
PerhapstheyaresearchingforNashetania,Goldofthought.Buttheydon'trealize
thattheNashetaniathey'vebeenchasingisanimpostor,right?Tothemitwould
onlyhaveseemedthatNashetaniahadsuddenlyjustdisappeared.Somaybethey
arethinkingNashetaniaishidingunderground.
"...WheredidyouhidethePrincess?"Goldofmutteredfromhishidingplacein
theshadeoftherockyhill.
MorahadannouncedearlierwithhermountainechoesthatNashetaniawas
withinakilometerofChamo'slocation.Thatinformationseemedcredible.Plus
NashetaniatoldhimthatshewasinsideaKyoma.Soifbothofthoseweretrue
thenthatKyomawassomewherewithinaonekilometerradius.Andaslongasa
specialabilitywasnotbeingusedtohideittherewasnoreasonthathecouldn't
findit.
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Whatwasthatability?
Goldof'sthinkinghadreacheditslimits.Whatkindofabilitywashidingher?He
simplyhadnoclue.GoldofdidnothavetheknowledgeofAdletorFremy
concerningtheKyoma,andhedidnotknowwheretheKyomathathid
Nashetaniawas.
Hewasatastandstill.
"Ican'tgiveup,"hetoldhimself.Butalthoughthewordscheeredhimup,they
couldnotmakeupforhislackofknowledge.AsheheardFremyblowingupthe
ground,Goldofcontinuedtothinksilently.
"Well,that'sshallowthinking,don'tyouthink,Fremy?"
AtthesametimeTgurneuwasflyingaboutinthedistance.Atthemomenthis
bodywasjusttheheadofacrow.AfterescapingfromFremyandtheothers'
attacks,TgurneuhadtakentotheskiestooverlooktheLavaBelt.Andthanksto
thebirdKyoma'svision,hecouldclearlyseewhatAdletandtheotherswere
doing.
Blowingupthegroundandthensearchingundertheearth.Tgurneulaughed
scornfullyattheidea.TherewasnowayhewouldconcealNashetaniasoeasily.
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Chapter 62

EvenAdletwasagainsearchinginthewrongplace.HewasdeceivedbyTgurneu
andnowbelievedintheexistenceofsomeimaginarySaintInstrument.
AndsoTgurneubelievedhehadwonthecontest.Itwouldprobablystilltake
moretimeuntilAdletandtheothersrealizethattheyweremistaken.Butbythen
itwouldalreadybetoolate.
"...Mu."
HefoundGoldofattheedgeoftheBladeGem'srange.Hewaslyingonthe
groundandsearchingforsomething.ItactuallyshockedTgurneuthathestill
hadn'tgivenup.
Goldof'sexistencehadbeenreallyfavorableforTgurneu.HehadluredtheSix
FlowerstotheLavaBelt,andthroughhisfoolishactionsAdletandtheothers
wereconfusedandhadlostsightofthetruth.Evennowhewastryingtosave
Nashetaniaalonewithouttellinganyofthevaluableinformationhe'ddiscovered
toAdletandtheothers.
Itdidn'tseemlikelythatGoldofcouldsaveNashetania.Hewouldjustbekilledby
Adletandtheothersbeforelong.Tgurneualsomadesuretoorderhispawnsin
advancetokillGoldof,butperhapstherewasnoneedfortheirhelp.
Remainingcalm,TgurneulookedovertheLavaBelt.Hewaswaitingforthelook
onGoldof'sfaceattheexactmomentwhenallofhishopesfellapart.
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Chapter 62

Goldofcontinuedtothinkashehidamongtherockyhills.HeknewofoneKyoma
abilitythatcouldconcealthings.Nashetaniahaduseditearliertohideherself.
HoweveraccordingtoFremyeventhatpowerwouldonlylasttensecondsat
most.Therewasnowayshecouldcontinuetoconcealherselfforseveralhours.
OrisFremytrulytheseventhandtherereallyisaKyomathatcouldmake
someonedisappearforalongtime?
Goldofshookhishead.Adletsaiditwasimpossiblefortheeffectofthehypnosis
tolastforseveralhours.IfFremywerethesevenththenthatmeantAdletwas
genuine.Sincebothofthemmadethesameclaimitwashardtoconsidertheir
wordsalie.
Sotherehadtobesomeotherway.
GoldofwonderediftherewasaKyomawiththeabilitytoshrinkNashetania's
bodyafterswallowingher.Ifthatwerethecasethennomatterhowhardthey
lookedAdletandtheotherswouldneverfindher.
Iwonderifthereissomeonewiththeabilitytoexpandtheeffectiverangeofthe
BladeGem.IfthereisthenNashetaniacouldbeinaplaceevenfartherthanwe
think.
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Chapter 62

VariousideascrowdedGoldof'smind.Butwithoutanycluestherewasnowayhe
couldorganizehisthoughtsintoacohesivetheory.EventuallyGoldofrealizedthat
hisdelusionswereonlycomplicatingthingsmeaninglessly.
Ihavenoclues.AndIhavenowayoffindingany.
GoldofonceagainlookedatFremyandRoloniawhowerestillblowingupthe
ground.PerhapsNashetaniareallyisbeinghiddenintheground,justlikethey
thought.
TheremustbeaKyomathatcandigundergroundandmoveatthesametime.
Thatkindofabilityseemspossible,especiallysinceitwouldbesimilartothe
abilitiesthatevenChamo'sJyumapossessed.
Andifthat'struethenonewaytofindNashetaniaistowaitforFremyandRolonia
tofindNashetania.Theinstanttheyfoundherhewouldlaunchhisattackand
keepNashetaniasafe.Otherthanthat,Goldofcouldn'tcomeupwithanyother
goodideas.
Butisthatreallyokay?hewondered.IwonderiftheKyomathatateNashetania
isreallyunderground.
"..."
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Chapter 62

Thatwasn'tright.Goldofwascertain.IfthatKyomawerehidingunderground
thenTgurneuwouldhavetriedtostopFremy.Heshouldwanttoavoid
Nashetaniabeingfoundatallcosts.
Nashetaniaisnotunderground.Orattheveryleastshecan'tbefoundbyFremy's
methods.Nashetaniaisbeinghiddenwithsomeotherability.
AndIhavetofigureouthow,Goldofrealizedandthencontinuedtothink.
TherewasaKyomaintheLavaBeltlookinguptotheskyandstaringatthesunin
thought.
ThereisprobablyaboutonehourleftuntilChamoRossodies.Andnomatterwhat
effortsaremadetoextendthattime,itwon'tbelongerthananhourandahalf.If
Icancontinuetohideheruntilthattimethenmydutywillbeover.Iwouldhave
beenabletoassistwithkillingthestrongestoftheSixFlowers.
Hewaslookingforwardtoexperiencingthatfeeling.Thedeathofoneofthe
FlowerswouldbethegreatestjoyfortheKyoma.
TheKyomawasagiantlizardwithrockskin.Forabouttwohourshehad
continuedtostandquietandstillabout800metersfromChamo'slocation.
Nashetaniawasinsidehisstomachandhistonguewaswrappedaboutherthroat,
restrictinghermovements.
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Chapter 62

Ifshetriedtosayanythinghewouldimmediatelybeabletosqueezeandsmash
herthroatasinstructedbyTgurneu.Butatthemomentitseemedthat
Nashetaniawasunconscious.
Hedidn'thaveaname,butifhehadtosayonehewouldprobablycallhimselfthe
DarkSpecialistNumber26.HewasoneoftheKyomathatTgurneuhadraisedto
haveuniqueabilities.
Aboutahundredyearsago,Tgurneuorderedhimtoperfecthisabilitytohide
bodies.Sooverthenexthundredyearsheremadehisbodyandasaresultit
becamebrittleandhisfightingabilitydecreaseddramatically.However,hisability
toconcealbodieswashonedtopeerlesslevels.
Aboutfourandahalfhoursago,hehadplacedNashetaniainhisstomach.And
whenNashetaniahadaskedGoldoftohelpher,hesmashedherthroatsothat
shewouldn'tbeabletospeak.
ThenabouttwohoursagotheHeroesoftheSixFlowerscametotheLavaBelt.
ThelizardKyomafollowedthefakeNashetaniaTgurneucreatedandfoughtthe
SixFlowers.HepredictedwhenChamowouldcomeandattackthemandthen
signaledNashetaniainsidehisbodytoactivatetheBladeGem.
IfNashetaniadidn'tobeythecommandshewouldhavebeenkilledimmediately.
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AftertheBladeGemwasactivatedthelizardKyomaranfromtheSixFlowers.
Thenhefinallyreachedhiscurrentlocationandafterconfirmingthathecouldn't
seeanyenemiesinthearea,heactivatedhisabilityandhidhisbody.
Hehadbeenstandingthereeversince.
ThreeHeroeshadpassedinfrontofhiseyesandhehadevenseenGoldof.Infact,
Goldofhadcomewithinmetersofthelizard'sposition.Howevernoneofthem
realizedhewasthere.TherewasabsolutelynowayforhumansorKyomatofind
himiftheydidnotknowabouthisability.
AboutthirtyminutesagooneofTgurneusmessengerssenthimanewcommand.
PreventGoldoffromsavingNashetanianomatterwhat.Andinthecasethathe
couldn'tstophim,thenhewaspermittedtokillNashetania.
HoweverthelizardKyomawasnotworriedatall.Noonewasabletofindhim.
Goldofthoughtaboutgoingtoanotherlocation.Hehadtofindsomeclues.
HestartedtomovediscreetlysothatFremyandtheotherswouldn'tnoticehim.
However,whenhefinallystoodtohisfeethesensedsomethingcomingforhim
anddroppedbacktotheground.Abulletflewrightabovehishead.
335
Chapter 62

"Sohewasthereafterall!"GoldofheardRoloniashout.
WithhiscoverblownGoldofgotbackupandranasfastashecould.
Thisfightwasdifferentthanbefore.FremyandRolonia'sattackswererelentless,
eachonewiththeintentofendinghislife.Evenifhestoodandfought,hehadno
hopesofwinninginhiscurrentcondition.
Fremyaimedaccuratelyfortheopeningsinhisarmor,andifheranstraighther
bulletswouldhavemadecontactwithhisskin.SoGoldofdashedfromsidetoside
andusedthedifficultterrainascover.
"Youcancatchhim,Rolonia!"
"Right!"
Heheardthetwoshoutingbehindhim.ThenheheardRolonia'sfootsteps
drawingnearer.InresponseGoldofurgedhisinjuredbodytocontinuerunning.
Fremythrewabombhiswayandtheexplosionhithisback,breakingGoldof's
balance.MeanwhileRoloniaadvancedwithinstrikingdistanceofherwhipand
screamedsoloudthatitechoedthroughouttheforest.
"You'regonnadie!Youtraitor,Iwon't,Iwon't,Iwon'tletyoukillChamosan!
Showmeyourinsides!"
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Hisarmorcouldn'tstopalltheattackssohehadtoresorttofendingoffherwhip
withhisspear.Withjustinstinctheswunghisspearbackandforth,blockingeach
ofRolonia'sstrikesastheycameathimfromalldirections.
However,defendingagainstRolonia'swhipkepthimrootedtothespot.There
wasn'tasingleopeningwherehecouldapproachwithanattackofhisown.And
atthesametimeFremywaspullingupclosetohim.Ifhewerehitwithoneofher
bombsorbulletsthatwouldbetheend.
Goldofhadtomakeamove.Afterblockingherwhipwithherspear,Goldof
chargeddirectlyatRoloniaandkickedherinthechest.Withhisstronglegsthe
forceofthekicksentherflyingbackovertenmeters,evenwithherarmoron.
"Rolonia!"
FremyshotatGoldof'sface,butthebulletswerestoppedbyhishelmet.Itjolted
hisheadimmensely,andhefelthisconsciousnessstarttofade.Goldofturnedhis
backonthebothofthemandonceagainresumedhisescape.
Rolonia'swhipwasthirtymeterslong.Hehadtoavoidthatrangeatallcosts.
"Ifyoudon'treleaseChamosan,I'llkillyou,Goldof.I'llkill,I'llkill,I'llkill,I'llkill
you!"
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AsheheardRolonia'sshoutsGoldofthought,Youdon'tknowhowhappyI'dbeifI
coulddothat.ButTgurneuhascapturedNashetaniaandisforcinghertoChamo.
Ifsherefusesthenshe'llbekilled.
Goldofcontinuedtorun.IwonderifIcantellanyoneaboutthetruthIheardfrom
Tgurneu.Afterallthere'snowayIcanfindNashetaniaonmyown.
TgurneusaidthatifhetoldtheHeroesthentheSeventhwouldinformhim.So
Goldofwonderedifhecouldsecretlyspeakwithsomeonehetrustedwithoutthe
seventhfindingout.
"...Kuu..."
Asheran,Goldofturnedtolookbehindhim.Hecouldn'ttellRoloniaorFremythe
truthsincehewasn'tsuretheyweren'ttheseventh.Theonesthathadahigh
probabilityofbeinggenuinewereMoraandChamo.HoweverHanswasrightnext
tothem.AndGoldofcouldn'tsayforcertainthathewasgenuineeither.
SowhataboutAdlet?Goldofthought.
"Runfaster,Rolonia!"
"Youfilthybrute,howdareyourunfromus.I'mgonnaripallthebloodoutof
you!"
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Chapter 62

Adletwasnogood.Goldofalsocouldn'tsaydefinitivelythatAdletwasgenuine.In
fact,hehadnoconfidencethatAdletwasn'ttheseventh.
TheHeroestrustedAdletallbecauseNashetaniahadtriedtokillhim.However,
GoldofknewthattheseventhandNashetaniawerenotallies.Andifthatwere
thecasethentherewasstillapossibilitythatAdletwasindeedanimpostor.
Inshort,hecouldn'ttellthetruthtoanyone.Therealityofhissituationwasthat
Goldofhadnochoicebuttofightaloneandunassisted.
"Rolonia!Don'tchasehimfartherthanthat!"Fremyshoutedafterseveral
minutes.
RoloniacametoastopandGoldofkeptonrunning.
"Adletisallalone!TgurneuorNashetaniamightgoafterhim!"
"Ri,right!Let'sgoback."
Thathelped,Goldofthoughtasheleanedhisbackagainstaboulderandtook
raggedbreaths.EventhoughhehadtofindawaytosaveNashetaniahewasn't
evenclosetofindinganyclues.
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LookinguptotheskyhesuddenlythoughtaboutAdlet.Hetoohadexperienced
fightingalonewithoutanyassistancewithintheIllusionFogBarrier.Andyetafter
thathewasabletounravelallthemysteriesandwin.
ButIcan'tfightlikeAdlet.Hehaswitandintelligence.Andhehasthepowerto
winthetrustofothers.Goldofdidn'thaveanyofthat.Andnowthathehadbeen
placedinthesamesituationhefinallyunderstoodforthefirsttimejusthow
incredibleAdlettrulywas.
Ican'tcomparetoAdlet.Butthere'snowayIcangivein,Goldofthought,even
thoughhismindwasstilljustgoingaroundincircles.
MeanwhileNashetaniawasinsideaKyoma'sbellywaitingforGoldoftocome
saveher.
Theplacewhereherleftarmhadbeentornoffhurt.Itwashardtobreatheand
shecouldn'tmoveherhead.Itseemedlikeshewouldpassoutatanymoment.
However,shebitherlipandstayedawake.
NashetaniawasjoinedwithaKyomathatgrantedherahealingpowershe
desperatelyusedtryingtofixhersmashedthroat.
340
Chapter 62

ShehadtotellGoldofherlocation.Butwiththecurrentconditionofherthroat
shecouldbarelyproduceasound.
"...Princess,areyouwell?Whereareyou?"
SometimesshewouldhearGoldof'svoicewithinherhead.Hewasstillsearching
forher.Hewasstilltryingtosaveher.Andifthatwerethecasethenshewouldn't
losehope.
TheonlythingsthatNashetaniaknewwerethatshewasinaKyomawhichwas
withintherangeoftheBladeGemandthatitwasstandingcompletelystill.But
shehadnoideahowtheKyomawasconcealingitsbody.
WithinthedarknessNashetaniaheardnumeroussounds.Sheheardthesoundof
theKyoma'sfootstepsastheyallranatonce.SheheardthesoundofAdletor
FremyfightingwiththeKyoma.Andsheheardcountlessexplosionsgoingoff
aroundher.
Fromthosesoundsshecouldguessthatshewasaboveground.Andshe
supposedthatAdletorFremyhadpassedbyheranumberoftimes.Howeverit
wasstillamysterywhynoonehadbeenabletodiscovertheKyomathatshewas
insideof.
"..."
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Chapter 62

Nashetaniawasnotmoving.Shepretendedtobeunconsciousinordertomake
theKyomashewasinsideofdropitsguard.However,shestrainedherears,trying
topickupanynoisethatcouldhelphergraspthesituationoutsideandpinpoint
herlocation.AndthenshewouldtellGoldof.
Asshelistened,NashetaniawonderedwhatshecouldsaytocompelGoldofto
comeandhelpher.Whatcouldshesaythatwouldhelphimfindher.
ThensherecalledwhatGoldofhadsaidsixyearsago.Hesaidthathewantedto
saveheragain,butshestillwasn'tabletogranthiswish.
HidingoutsidetherangeoftheBladeGem,Goldofcontinuedtothink.
HerecalledeverythingthathappenedafterhearingNashetaniaasktobesaved.
Nashetania'swords,Dozzu'swords,Tgurneu'swords,AdletandMora'swords,he
wonderediftherewasacluewithineachofthem.
Butnothingcametomind.MoraonlyconveyedChamo'ssituation.Adletsaidthat
hehadn'tfoundanyotherclues.Tgurneuhadchosenhiswordscarefullysothat
Goldofwouldn'tbeabletofindNashetania.AndDozzuwasbeingwatchedby
Tgurneusohecouldn'tsayanything.
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Chapter 62

OnemoretimeGoldofthoughtabouteverythingfromthebeginning.Hethought
aboutallthethingsthathe'dseenandheardinthebattlesupuntilthatpoint.
Eachonehescrutinizedcarefully.
NashetaniatoldhimthatshewasatthesouthoftheforestwithinaKyomainthe
LavaBelt.Andshetoldhimtofollowwhatshesaidandcometoher.
ButGoldofhadquestions,withthemostfundamentalofthosebeingaquestion
hecouldnotanswer.
WhytheLavaBelt?IftheywantedtoluretheSixFlowersandactivatetheBlade
Gemthenanywhereintheforestshouldhavebeenokay.Tgurneudistinctlychose
theLavaBeltasthebattleground.
Therehastobeareason,areasonwhyeverythinghadtohappenhere.
SuddenlysomethingcametoGoldof.Hestoodupontherockyhillandstaredup
attheemptyskyinthought.Butbeingsopreoccupiedwithhisquestionsand
thoughtsGoldofhadstoppedpayingattentiontotheareaaroundhim.
Adletwaswalkingabout200metersawayfromhimandGoldofhadenteredright
intohislineofsight.PanicrushedthroughGoldof,buthemanagedtoslowly
lowerhimselftothegroundandhidehimselffromAdlet.
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Chapter 62

Forawhileheremainedsilent.IfhenoticedmethenhewillprobablycalltoFremy
orRolonia.Andifthathappensthentheywillsurroundandkillme.Goldof
wonderedifheshouldheadoutandtakeAdletdownbeforehecouldcalltohis
allies.Butthattoowasimpossible.
Pleasedon'tnoticeme,GoldofwishedashewaitedforAdlettopass.
Aftersometime,Goldofslowlystuckouthishead,andAdlethadmovedfaraway.
Goldofthenimmediatelyloweredhisheadbacktothegroundandcovertly
distancedhimselffromthearea.
Adletseemedtobesearchingforsomethingandhiseyesseemedtobegivingoff
astrangelight.Buthedidn'tlooklikehewaswanderingaboutwithoutan
objective.Perhapshehasfoundsomekindofclue.
Whatareyousearchingfor?Whathavefoundout?
"Thereisnotime,"Goldofmutteredandthencontinuedtothink.
NashetaniastrainedherearsasshewaitedwithintheKyoma'sbelly.Shecould
hearexplosionsgoingoffnonstopallaroundher.PerhapsthatsFremy'spower,
shespeculated,thoughsinceshecouldntseeshehadnowayofknowingfor
sure.
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Butshewascertainthattheotherswerelookingforher,andthatitwasnotjust
Goldof.Iftheyfoundherfirstthentheywouldprobablykillher.Nevertheless,
Nashetaniaforceddownherfearandcontinuedtoconcentrateonthesounds
outside.
"...It'snouse,Fremysan.Thereisn'tanythinghere."
"Itlooksthatway."
Thevoiceswerequiteclose.ItwasFremy'svoice.Shedidntrecognizetheother
voicebutitwasmostlikelyRolonia.
"Isntsheunderground?So...whereintheworld..."
"Doyouthinksheishidingevenfurtherbelow?TheremightbeaKyomathathas
thatkindofability,"Roloniareplied.
"Evenifthatweretrue,therewoulddefinitelybesometracesleftover.Itseems
unlikelythatwewouldn'tbeabletofindanythingafteroverturningtheentire
area."
ThetwoofthemdidnotnoticetheKyomathathadingestedNashetania.The
Kyomawascompletelystill,probablydesperatelytryingtokeepitspresencea
secret.Perhapsitwasunsureofitsabilitytoremainhidden.
345
Chapter 62

"Therearestillplaceswehaven'tcheckedyet.ThebasinwhereChamois
located....therockyhillssurroundingthem.Let'sgoandsearchthoseplaces."
"Whatifit'snotthere?"
Thetwo'svoicesweregettingfartherawayandsoonNashetaniacouldnolonger
makeoutwhattheyweresaying.Shewonderedwheretheywent.
AtthemomentNashetaniadidn'thaveanymeansofpinpointingherlocation.She
couldn'treceiveanyinformationthatshecouldconveytoGoldof.
Butshehadtotry.SoNashetaniastrainedherearsandcontinuedtolistenfora
clue.
"Theremustbesomething."
GoldofmanagedtoevadeAdletandwasnowstaringsilentlyattheareaFremy
hadblownup.AlthoughhewassureAdlet,Fremy,andRoloniawerentaround,
hestillcouldn'tentertheBladeGem'srange.
Hedecidedthathewouldonlyenterafterhehadfoundananswer.
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Chapter 62

WhytheLavaBelt?Eventhoughhehadnoprooftobackuphisspeculations,
Goldofwasconfidentthatifhecouldjustunravelthemysterysurroundingthe
questionthenhewouldfinallybeabletoreachNashetania.
Itcouldn'tbeanywhereelse,ithadtobetheLavaBelt.Theareawashotandthe
heatcontinuouslyrosefromthegroundandthroughone'sfeet.Hewonderedif
thatheatcouldbeusedtohidesomeone.Goldofponderedthepossibilityfora
momentbutcouldntcometoaconclusion
Hepickeduponeoftherocksathisfeet.Didthestonehavesomekindofsecret?
hewondered,butevenifhestaredatituntilitmadeahole,itwouldn'tleadtoan
answer.
Nothingcametomind.HecouldntthinkofanyreasonastowhytheLavaBelt
waschosen.Buttherehadtobesomething.Theonethinghewassureofwas
thattherewassomekindofsecretwithintheLavaBelt.
Ashepondered,hecouldhearthesoundoflightningstrikesinthedistance.They
werecomingfromthedirectionofChamo'sbasin.
"...IsthatDozzu?"
GoldofrecalledthatTgurneuhadorderedDozzutostopHans.ProbablyDozzu's
truefeelingsweretosaveNashetaniaaswell.Howeverhewasunabletogo
againstTgurneusoGoldofcouldntexpectDozzutohelphim.
347
Chapter 62

"..."
Goldofonceagainwentovereverythingthathadhappenedsincethebeginningof
thebattleswithNashetania.HethoughtbacktoallthewordsNashetaniaand
Dozzuhadsaid.
TgurneuiswatchingDozzuandforcinghimtoobeyhim.Maybehecantdo
anythingtosaveNashetania.
No,thatisntright.IfGoldofwereinDozzu'spositionhewouldhavedefinitely
takenmeasuressothatNashetaniacouldbesaved.Andifhedidn'tthenhewould
havegivencluesthatTgurneuwouldn'tnotice.
GoldofthoughtbacktoeachofDozzu'sactions.Aftersometimehismindstopped
ontheonlyonethatcouldbecalledunnatural.Ithadbeeninthemiddleofthe
fightbetweenthefakeNashetaniaandtheSixFlowers,rightbeforetheBlade
GeminsideChamo'sstomachhadbeenactivated.
"Goldofsan,howmanytimeshaveyoufoughtwithNashetania?"
AtthetimeGoldofhadbeenconfusedbythesuddenquestion.Butthinkingabout
itforasecondtimeitdidseemthatforsomereasonDozzulookedanxious.After
thatheaskedabouthowmanytimesNashetaniahadgottenawayfromhim.
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Chapter 62

WhydidDozzuaskthosequestions?Nashetaniawascapturedsomyexperience
fightingwithhershouldnothavebeenaseriousconcern.Andwhatintheworld
doesherrunningawayfrommehavetodowithanything?
Dozzuwastryingtoconfirmsomething.
Wasthereanythingelsethatwasodd?Goldofdidn'tjustreconsiderhiswords,he
eventhoughtabouttheslightchangesinDozzusexpressionandevenwhenthe
smallKyomashiftedhisgaze.
AfterabitGoldofrememberedatimewhenDozzusexpressionhadchangedright
beforehewasgoingtofightwithAdletinordertohelpthefakeNashetania.
Dozzu.TheconcealingabilitythatthePrincessuses.Itcanbebrokenbysquinting
oneseyesorharmingonesself,right?
GoldofrememberedthatDozzusexpressionchangedwhenhedaskedthat.The
smallKyomastaredupatGoldof'sfacequietly,asifhewerethinkingabout
something.
Thenhereplied,"That'sright.Youknowalotaboutit.Thatsgood.ThenIcan
savethetimeitwouldtaketoexplainit."
"...Itcouldn'tbe."
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Chapter 62

HadDozzubeentryingtoconfirmearlierwhetherornotIknewaboutthe
concealingability?
WhenDozzuheardthatGoldofunderstoodhowtobreaktheability,thesmall
Kyomaseemedrelieved.OnthesurfaceDozzuseemedtohaverespondedina
brusquemanner,butitwasclearthatDozzuhadbeenpleased.
Theconcealingability.CouldthatbehowtheKyomawashidingitsbody?
Justashehituponthetheoryanotherideapoppedintohishead.Fremysaidthat
whentheconcealingabilitywasusedasweetsmellwasemittedinthearea.And
thatwaswhyTgurneuchosetheLavaBeltastheirbattleground.
ThesmellofsulfurfilledtheLavaBeltandifsomeonewereintheLavaBeltfor
severalminutestheirsenseofsmellwouldgrownumb.TgurneuchosetheLava
Beltsothatwhentheconcealingabilitywasusedthesmellofsulfurwould
obscureit.
"...I'vegotyou,"Goldofmuttered.Withinthedarknesshecouldfinallyseeafaint
light.Henowunderstoodtheenemy'sability.
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ChapterSix:PartThree
Keepingconcealed,Goldofranasfastashecouldaroundtheperimeterofthe
BladeGem'srange.TherewasstillthedangerofbeingdiscoveredbyAdletor
Fremy.Buthewasnolongerinasituationwherehecouldthinkfreelyaboutthat.
Fremy'sbombswererippingaparttheterrainoftheLavaBelt.Evenfromthe
outskirtsoftheBladeGemrangehecouldseethechangesintheterrain.
GoldoffoundAdlet500metersaway.Hewassittingwithhisheadhungand
thinkingaboutsomething.ItwasunlikelythathewouldspotGoldof,butitwas
stillprobablydangeroustoapproachhim.Goldofstoppedmovingtowardshim
andstartedgoinginadifferentdirection.
GoldofwascertainthattherewasaKyomausingaconcealingabilitysomewhere
intheBladeGem'srange.AndNashetaniawaswithinitsstomach.
Allegedlytheconcealingabilitywasakindofhypnosis.
AccordingtoFremy,theKyomascatteredauniquenarcoticaroundtheareawhile
emittingasoundthatcouldnotbeheardbyhumans.
AndGoldofknewhowtobreakthroughit.Ifheinflictedasharppainontohis
bodythentheeffectsofthehypnosiswouldweaken.Andifheforcedhismindto
focusandsquintedhardthenhewouldbeabletoseewhowashidden.
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Inthepasttheconcealmentcouldnotlastlongerthantenseconds,soGoldofdid
notknowhowtheKyomawashidingitselfnow.Butifitwereusingthesamekind
ofabilitythenthewaytobreakthroughitwouldbethesame.
"Uguu!"
Asheran,Goldofgrabbedoneofhisfingernails.Hethengatheredhisstrength
andbrokethenailoffhisfinger.Thatshouldweakenthehypnosis,Goldofthought
ashewithstoodthepainandstrainedhiseyes.
HowevertherewasnothinginthevastLavaBeltthatbecamevisibletohim.
Isitsomewhereelse?Goldofwonderedashemovedandrippedofftherestofhis
brokennail.Hethensquintedagainandstillcouldn'tfindanything.
"...Shit!"
HecouldnolongerhearthesoundofthebombsthatFremyhadbeenthrowing.
Perhapsshehadgivenuponsearchingbeneaththegroundandwasnow
searchingforanotherclue.
HehadtofindNashetaniabeforeAdletandtheothers.Buthehadalreadylooked
abouttheentireareaoftheBladeGem'srange,andeventhoughhehadbroken
allthenailsonbothofhishandshestillhadn'tbeenabletofindanything.
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Perhapsmytheorywasincorrect.
Maybepainwasn'tenoughtoseethroughtheconcealmentability.Orthereisstill
somethingelsethatIneedtofindNashetania.
Therewerelessthan30minutesleft.Panicwascloudinghisthoughtsand
irritationwaschippingawayathisconcentration.
AbletoseetheLavaBeltmuchbetterthanbefore,DarkKyoma26continuedto
watchtheSixFlowers.AndallthewhileNashetaniawasstillwithinhisstomach.
Adlet,Fremy,andRoloniawerehavingaconversationabout20metersawayfrom
hislocation.HowevertheKyomawascertaintheyweren'tawareofhim.
HansandMoradidn'tseemliketheyweregoingtoleavethebasin.Sotheytoo
weren'taproblem.
TheonlyproblemwasGoldof.HemayhaverealizedthatNumber26wasusinga
concealingability.
"Yourconcealmentabilityisweak,"Tgurneuhadtoldhim200yearsago.
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Atthattimehecouldonlyhidehimselfforseveralseconds.Butthedrainonhis
strengthwasintenseandsoafterusingitoncehewouldbeunabletoconceal
himselfagainforawhile.Ontopofthathisabilitytoconcealwasincompleteand
ifthewaytoseethroughhistechniquewasdiscoveredthenhewouldbeunable
tousetheabilityanymore.
Atbest,takingtheSixFlowersbysurprisewasprobablytheonlywaythe
concealmentcouldbeused.ButthewarriorsthatwouldbechosenasHeroesof
theSixFlowerswouldmostlikelynotbebeatenbyasurpriseattack.
However,Tgurneuhadsaidthattheconcealmentabilityhadadifferent
possibility.Itcouldhideabody.Andasminorasthatsounded,dependingonhow
itwasusedthatsimpleabilitycouldleadtotheannihilationofalloftheHeroes.
AndsotheKyomabecameoneofTgurneu'sspecialistKyoma,calledtheDark
Kyoma.Hewasgiventhenumber26.
But26couldonlyextendtheeffectivenessofhisconcealmentforseveral
seconds.Nomatterhowmuchhisabilitiesprogressedhecouldn'tchangethat.
Andsohethought,IfIcan'textendtheeffectivenesslongerthan10secondsthen
maybeitwouldbegoodifIrepeatedthetechniquebacktoback.ThatwayIcould
doittens,hundreds,oreventhousandsoftimes.
Butnomatterhowmuchhisabilityprogressedhewasn'tabletochangethefact
thatifheusedtheabilityoncehewouldnotbeabletouseitagainforseveral
seconds.
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Thenhegottheideaofseparatinghimselfintothousandsortensofthousandsof
pieces.Andthatiswhathedid.Hechangedhisbodysothathisnewformgrew
ovaries.Thenheseparatedhisowncoreandacquiredtheabilitytoproduceeggs.
Thechildrenbornfromtheeggswereaboutonecentimeterlongandabouta
millimeterindiameter.Theydidn'thaveorgansthatcouldprocessfood,norcould
theydrinkwater.Whichmeantthattheywoulddieafteronlyaday.
Butthechildrencouldusetheconcealmentabilityinthesamewayastheir
parent.Fromtheirbodiestheydispersedanarcoticandemittedaspecificsound
wavewhichwouldputthehumansintheareaunderhypnosis.Asaresultthe
hypnosistrickedthehumans'perceptionandhidboththechildrenandtheir
parent'sbodyfromsight.Number26hadstrewnabout50,000ofhischildren
acrossthethreekilometerareaoftheLavaBelt.
Evenifsomeonewereabletobreakthehypnosisofoneofhischildren,another
wouldimmediatelyplacethembackunder.Andiftheycouldbreakfreefromthat
hypnosisthenanotherchildwouldact.ByrepeatingthatagainandagainNumber
26'sbodyremainedhidden.
Fremy'sbombshadkilledalargeamountofhischildren.AndevenNumber26
hadbeeninjuredbytheexplosions.Neverthelesstherewerestillenoughofhis
offspringtomaintainthehypnosis.
Goldofhadprobablyalreadyrealizedthathewasusingaconcealingability.But
thehypnosisplacedonhimwasstillquitestrong.
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AndalthoughNumber26wasinjuredtheystillwouldnotbeabletofindhim
easily.Andaslongastheydidnotfocusalloftheirattentionononepointor
straintheireyes,thentheywouldnotbeabletobreakthroughhisconcealment
ability.
GoldofwasrunningarounddoingeverythinghecouldtofindNumber26,butit
wasnouse.Therewereonlythirtyminutesleft.Hewoulddefinitelybeableto
maintaintheconcealmentforthattime.
"...It'sGoldof.Heholdsthekey.Ican'tthinkofanyotherpossibility."
RightbesidetheKyomaAdletandtheothersseemedtohavefinishedtheir
conversation.Theywerefoolish.Theywereabouttogosearchforaclueeven
thoughwhattheywerelookingforwasrightnexttothem.
Adletandtheothersthenbegantorun.Andatthatverymomenttherewere
suddenlytwoexplosions.Hotwatereruptedoutfromtheground.Mostlikely
Fremy'sexplosionsfromearlierhaddisruptedthemagmacurrentsunderground.
Itwassurprising,butitdoesntseemlikeanythingmajor,Number26thought.
NashetaniahadbeenwaitingwithintheKyoma'sbodyforthechancewhenshe
couldtellGoldofherlocationorratherwhatsheknewaboutherlocation.
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Chapter 63

Shepretendedtobeunconsciousandpatientlywaitedtohearsomethingthat
couldhelp.
Herthroatwasalreadyhealingtoanextentandperhapsithadsufficientlyhealed
forhertobeabletotalk.HoweveriftheKyomaevenheardhersayonewordit
wouldprobablystrangleher.
ShecouldonlysayafewwordstoGoldof.
"...It'sGoldof.Heholdsthekey.Ican'tthinkofanyotherpossibility."
NashetaniacouldhearAdletandtheotherstalking.Theywererightnexttoher.
ShethoughtabouttellingGoldofaboutthem,butitwasn'tenough.
Isn'tthereanythingGoldofcouldusetopinpointmylocation?Nashetania
wonderedrightbeforesheheardtwoexplosions.
IttookNashetaniaawhiletofigureoutthattheexplosionswerejusthotwater
shootingupfromtheground.Butwhenshedid,Nashetaniadecidedthatthatwas
theonlytimeshecouldcontactGoldof.
"Goldof,twogeysersjusteruptedrightnexttome."
Themomentshewasdonewhispering,thetentaclesaroundherthroatsqueezed
tightandNashetaniapassedout.
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Chapter 63

GoldofwasstillsearchingfortheconcealingKyomawhenheheardNashetania.
"Goldof,justnowtwogeyserseruptedrightnearme."Hervoicewassohoarse
thatitwashardtobelieveitbelongedtoNashetania.
ButitwasdefinitelyheranduponhearingitGoldofimmediatelybegantorun.
FortunatelyAdletandtheotherswerenotintheBladeGem'srange.Itseemed
liketheyweresearchingforsomethingoutsideoftheperimeter.Evenso,Goldof
figuredhewouldprobablybediscoveredwithintenminutes.Sobeforethathe
hadtofindNashetaniaandsaveher.
Goldofran.Eventuallyhefoundonegeyser.Buttherewasnosteamrisingup
fromitnearby.SoGoldofcontinuedonandfoundanothergeyser.Butthatwasn't
therightoneeither.
Allofthepaininhisfingersandalloverhisbodydisappearedfromhismind.He
justranandran,thinkingonlyaboutNashetania.
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DarkKyomaNumber26feltlikehisbloodhadgrowncold.Hehadthought
Nashetaniawasunconscious,butnotonlyhadthatbeenalie,butshehadalso
beenabletotellGoldoftheirlocation.
Goldofwouldcomelookingforherrightaway.SotheKyomadesperatelybegan
moving.Howeverhemovedslowerthanawalkinghuman.TheKyomahad
exhaustedallofitsenergyontheconcealingability.Plushehadbeeninjuredby
Fremy'sexplosions.
TgurneuhadsaidthatGoldofwastheonlyonetheKyomaabsolutelycouldnotlet
findNashetania.HeorderedNumber26tokillNashetaniaifitseemedlikethat
wasabouttohappen.
Goldofwillbeheresoon.WhatshouldIdo?Althoughhewaspanicked,there
reallywasnochoice.Number26hadtoobeyTgurneu'sorders.ForaKyoma,not
followingtheirmaster'sorderswasapainworsethandeath.
"...What'sthat?Didsomethinghappen?"Tgurneumutteredfaroffinthe
distance.
HehadbeenwatchingovertheLavaBeltasheflewthroughthesky.Goldof
suddenlydashedintotherangeoftheBladeGem.AndNumber26sluggishly
begantomove.
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There'snoway.Wastheirlocationfiguredout?FromadistanceTgurneucouldn't
seewhatwasgoingon.
"Hmm.Iwonderwhathappened.ShouldIstilltrustNumber26?"
TgurneuunderstoodthatNumber26hadfallenintodanger.However,theideaof
helpinghimnevercrossedhismind.IfTgurneuapproachedcarelesslythenhis
bodymightbeplacedindanger.Hehadallowedhimselftofallintodangeronce
before.Hewouldnotletthathappenagain.
"Alright,Number26.I'mgoingtorootforyoufromhere.Goodluck,fighthard,
don'tgiveup!"Tgurneusaidhappilyashecontinuedtoremainonthesidelines.
"Isthatit?"
Goldoffoundtwoholeslinedupwithsteamshootingout.Ithadalreadybeenfive
minutessincehe'dheardfromNashetania.
Goldofbitononeofhisbrokenfingers,gratingthebonestogether.Asanintense
painrushedthroughhisfingerGoldofstrainedhiseyes.
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Chapter 63

Outofthecornerofhiseyehesawsomethingmove.Hethenconcentratedallof
hisattentionontothatpointandagainbithardononeofhisfingers.Whateverit
wasshookandslowlybegantotakeformbeforeeventuallyGoldofwaslookingat
asingleKyoma.Ithaditsbackturnedtowardshimandwastryingtoescape.
Goldofbrokeintoadash,butatthatverymomentavoicecalledouttohim.
"Stop,Goldof."
HeheardthevoiceatthesametimeastheKyoma'sbodybecameclearlyvisible.
ItwasalizardKyomawithstoneskin.Andwhenitturnedaround,Goldofstopped
withoutthinking.
"...Youbastard."
TheKyomaopeneditssmallmouthandinsideGoldofcouldseeNashetaniawitha
sharpfangpressedtoherface.Goldofrecognizedthethreatinstantly.Ifhewere
toadvanceevenjustasteptheKyomawasgoingtokillNashetania.
Therewereabout30metersbetweenhimselfandtheKyoma.ButGoldofsimply
hadnowayofclosingthatdistancefasterthantheKyomacouldcrush
Nashetania'shead.
Goldofunderstood,althoughitwasn'tentirelyclear.Tgurneumusthavewanted
topreventNashetaniafrombeingrescuedatallcosts.
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Hemusthavethoughtthatitwasbettertokillherthantohaveherbe
saved.EvenifitmeantthatChamowouldbespared.
"...Don'tmoveanotherstep."
AlthoughtheKyoma'smouthwasstuffed,itstillspokeskillfully.Goldofcouldsee
thattheKyomawasdetermined.ItwouldnothandNashetaniaover.Itdefinitely
wouldnotletNashetaniaberescued.
"Justabitmore."
EvennowTheHelmetofTruthwasindicatingthatitsmasterwasindanger.
GoldofwonderedjusthowmuchtimewasleftuntilChamodied.Shemightdieat
anytimenow,andifshediesthenNashetania'slifewillbeover.
"...ThePrincess,I'mgoingtosaveher."
Goldofcautiouslytookastepforward.AshemovedtheKyoma'sfangsbitinto
Nashetania'shead.Blooddrippeddownherforeheadandtohercheeks.Iteven
soundedlikeherskullhadcracked.
"Princess....please,wakeup,"Goldofcalledtoher.Howeverherlimpbodydidn't
moveaninch.
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ButevenifNashetaniahadwokenupthereprobablywouldn'tbeanythingshe
coulddo.TgurneusaidthatthesocalledNumber26Kyomahadapowerthat
preventedthePrincessfromusingherblades.
Justonestepisnotenough,Goldofthoughtasheedgedforwardabitmore.But
theKyomadidn'tmisshisslightadvanceandbitdeeperintoNashetania'shead.
Ican'tgetclose.
CanIcreateanopening?Goldofwondered.Howevereverysingleoneofhis
moveswasbeingwatchedsohecouldn'tdoanything.
WellifIcan'tmovethenmaybecanIthrowmyspear?Goldofwondered.Buthe
hadafeelingthattheKyomawasexpectingthatandhefiguredthatthemoment
hemovedhishandtohisspeartheKyomawouldbiteintoNashetaniaashardas
itcould.PlusGoldofwassurethatifhecouldn'tkilltheKyomawithonestrike
thenthenextinstanttheKyomawouldcrushNashetania'shead.Themomenthe
triedtogoforitsheadtheKyomawouldkillNashetania.Andhewasunsureif
hedbeabletoaccuratelyhittheKyomasheartwithoneshot.
"...Iwillnothandherover,nomatterwhat."
SweatdrippeddownGoldofschinandtotheground.TheKyomaandGoldof
werecompletelystillastheystaredatoneanother.
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Chapter 63

GoldofdesperatelythoughtofawaytokilltheKyomainonestrikewithoutgiving
itthetimetocrushNashetania'sheadinitsteeth.Butthemorehethoughtabout
itthemorehegotthefeelingthattherewasnowaythathecouldsave
Nashetaniawithhisownstrengthandtheweaponshehadonhand.
Still,Goldofdidnthavetheluxuryofbeingabletoretreatandsearchforawayto
saveher.Therewasverylittletimeleft.AndtheKyomawouldprobablyhidethe
momentheleft.Nowwashisonlychance.
TheKyoma'seyesnarrowedandGoldofcouldtellitwassmilingathim.Andthen
asenseofdreadpiercedhisentirebody.Hehadnttakenhiseyesfromthe
Kyoma,butGoldofcouldsensethatsomeoneelsewasathisright.ItwasFremy,
thirtymetersawaywithherrifletrainedonhim.
"Goldof.AdletandRoloniawillbehereshortly,"Fremysaid.Shecouldnotseethe
Kyomainfrontofhim."Justincaseyoureunsure,I'llsayitagain,releasing
Chamoistheonlywaytosaveyourlife.Sowhatwillyoudo?"
Goldofdidn'treply,whichhecouldtellmadeFremyslightlyirritated.Buthe
wouldn'ttakehiseyesawayfromtheKyoma.
Whatidiocyareyoutalkingabout?Goldofthought.IwanttosaveChamojustlike
youdo.
Fremydidn'tshoot.Itwasntthatshewaslookingforsomekindoftrap;shewas
justwaitingforAdletandRolonia.Andsoonenoughthetwoofthemarrived.
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FromtheKyomasexpressionGoldofknewthatitwasjustgoingtowaittherefor
himtobekilledbytheothers.
"Soyoucame,Adlet,"Goldofsaid.
"Whatareyouseeing?"Adletasked,butGoldofdidn'tanswer."Whatsthere?"
Hedoesntknow,Goldofrealized.Adlethadn'tdiscoveredanything,andhe
wasntevenawareoftheconcealmentKyoma.
NeverthelessGoldofventuredtosay,"ThePrincess,didyoufindher?"
"Ah,wewillsoon.You'vebeengivingusahardtime,but...thatsallovernow."
"...Haveyourealizedthetruth?"
"Whoareyouasking?Iamthestrongestmanintheworld."
Thatwasabluff,Goldofunderstoodimmediately.Adletwassurprisinglybadat
lying.
"Tellme,Goldof,whatsthestorybehindthatSaintInstrumenthelmetofyours?"
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Chapter 63

"...Saintinstrument?"
WhydoesheknowabouttheHelmetofTruth?Andwhyisheaskingmeabout
suchatrivialthinginaplacelikethis?Goldofdidn'tknowtheanswerstothose
questions,butitdidntmatteranyway.
Witheverythingthathadhappeneditdidn'tseemlikelythatGoldofwouldbe
abletoconvinceAdletandtheothers.EvenifGoldoftriedtosaysomethingthey
wouldprobablyjustkillhimwithoutanyhesitation.Goldofcouldpracticallyfeel
theirdesiretokillhimemanatingfromtheirbodies.
Hedoubtedhecouldbeatthemiftheallthreetookhimonatonce.Butperhaps
hecouldholdthemoffforaminute.
SoIhavetofinishthisinoneminute.
Goldofbroughthismindintofocus.Hecontrolledhisbreathingashisblood
seethedandfilledhisbodywithenergy.IcansaveNashetania,hebelieved.
"We'regoingtokillyou.ButbeforewedoIwanttoknowifNashetaniaisbeing
hiddenbyyourSaintInstrument."
"There'snopointinaskingthat.Neitherformyselfnorforanyofyou."
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Whattheyweresayingwasmeaningless.Theyreallydon'tknowanything,nota
singlething.HefiguredthatAdletattheveryleastwouldhavebeenabletofigure
outsomething.
GoldofglaredscornfullyatAdletandtheothers.
"Youfailed,Adlet."
"Atwhat?"
"Ithoughtyoumighthavebeenabletorealizewhatwasgoingon."
Goldofreadiedhisspearandtheotherfollowedsuitwiththeirownweapons.As
theydid,GoldofwatchedAdletcarefully,waryofallofthesecretweaponsAdlet
carriedonhiswaist.
AdletstartedtoapproachandRoloniastartedtomurmurhercurses.
ButbeforethebattlebrokeoutGoldofspoke.Hespoketodeclarehis
determinationandtoshaketheresolveofAdletandtheothers.
"IwillprotectthePrincess."
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Chapter 63

Goldofcroucheddownandpreparedtochargetowardsthem.
"AndIwillsaveChamo."
GoldofsawatwingeofhesitationinAdletsfaceandinthatinstantGoldofran
straightforhim.
Forjustaninstanttheysquaredoffagainstoneanother.Butthevictorwas
decidedinmereseconds.
"Goldof,youfilth.I'llscatteryourvulgarinsidesandbloodthensquishyoulike
theworthlessinsectyouare."
Rolonialashedoutwithherwhip,coilingtheweaponaboutinordertokeep
GoldofawayfromAdlet.FremyaimedforGoldof'shead.AndAdlettookoutthe
metallicchainattachedtohiswristintheblinkofaneye.
Thelongerthisgoesontheworseitwillbeforme,Goldofthought.
SoGoldofusedhisbestattackatthestart.Goldofdashed,twistedhisbodyand
usedcentrifugalforcetochuckhisspear.Sincethechainconnectingthespearto
hiswristhadalreadybeenbroken,thespearlaunchedoutofhisgrasp,spiraling
throughtheairasitflewatRolonia.
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Chapter 63

Thethreeofthembelievedhewastryingtokillthemsotheyprobablydidnt
thinkhewouldletgoofhisspear.Andintheirconfusionthespearshiltflewright
intoRolonia'schest.Sinceshewaswearingarmorsheprobablywasntseriously
injured,buttheimpactcausedherwhiptogoawry,leavingAdletopenforattack.
AndAdletwashisrealtarget.
AdletlookedabitworriedaboutRolonia,butheimmediatelyrefocusedonkilling
Goldof.ButifRoloniamanagedtodistracthiminanywaythatwasgood.
"Ha!"
Adletleapeddirectlytothesideandlaunchedhismetallicchain.Itwasthesame
weaponhedusedtorestrainTgurneubefore.ItmovedfasterthanGoldofcould
reactandwrappedaboutGoldofsrighthand.
AtthesametimeFremyshotathisstomachthroughoneofthecracksinhis
armor.Sheprobablydidn'taimathisheadtoensurethatshewouldn'tmiss.
Regardless,Goldofcouldn'tblocktheshotsoheletthebullethithim.Aslongasit
didnthitboneandshotcleanthroughhisbodythenitwouldn'tstophim.
FeelingtheheatofthebulletholeinhisstomachGoldofbrokeoffintoa
sprint.Butrunningalongsidehim,Adletyankedonthechainwithimpeccable
timingjustasbothofGoldofsfeetwereairborne.Goldofpitchedforwardina
stagger.
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Chapter 63

Goldoffelltotheground,holdinghisstomachwherethebullethadshotthrough.
Fremyreloadedherrifleandshotathisface.Goldoffiguredthatifheplacedhis
handsonthegroundthenhewouldn'tbeabletoinitiatehisnextattack,so
insteadheslammedhisownforeheadtotheground.
WithhishandsfreeGoldofrippedoffthearmorcoveringhisrightarmwithhis
lefthand.Hethenrolledacrossthegroundwithhisfacenuzzledtotheearth.
Fremywasaimingathisfacesoheusedhisshoulderarmortoblockthebullet,
theimpactthrowingGoldof'sbodybackwardsintoatumble.
AsherolledtohisfeetGoldofpulledashardashecouldonAdletschain,
catchinghimbysurpriseandyankinghisbodythroughtheairtowardsGoldof.
GoldofcastasidehisarmorandreachedoutforAdlet'sthroat.Adlettookouthis
swordandswungatGoldof'shandindefense.ButhishandreachingforAdlet's
throatwasjustafeint.AtthelastminuteGoldofpulledbackhishandand
droppedhisbodytotheground.HethenaimedforAdlet'swaist.
Roloniafinallygotbacktoherfeetandresumedherwhiptwirling.Fremyloaded
anotherbulletintoherrifleandchargedathim.Shewastryingtogetinto
pointblankrange.AndAdletcrashedtothegroundfaceup,butmanagedtoroll
withthemomentumandpulloutsomepoisondarts.
GoldofdistancedhimselffromAdletwhiledodgingthepoisondarts.Thenallofa
suddenhetookagiantleapbackwards.Inhishandhewasgrippinganail20
centimetersinlength.
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Chapter 63

"Ooaaaaa!"GoldofscreamedandthrewtheweaponhedtakenfromAdlet.His
aimwasrightattheheightoftheconcealmentKyomajustnearhim.
TheweaponwascalledtheNailoftheSaints.Itwasoneofthefourtrumpcards
thatAtroSpykerhadentrustedtoAdlet.Itcoulddefinitivelyinonesinglestrike,in
onesinglemoment,killtheconcealmentKyoma.AndAdletwastheonlyperson
whohadsuchaweapon.
GoldofhadntmadeamoveagainsttheKyomanotbecausehewaspetrifiedwith
fear,butbecausehehadbeenwaiting.HehadbeenwaitingforAdlettocome
withtheNailoftheSaints,theonlythingthatcouldsaveNashetania.
"Ga,Gagagiya,Gyagaa."
ThenailstabbedintotheKyomaanditimmediatelystartedtosquirmand
convulseinagony.Butwithoutmissingabeat,GoldofrushedtowardstheKyoma,
ignoringRoloniaswhipandFremysbulletsastheygrazedhim.
FremyandRoloniaseemedconfusedbyGoldof'sactions.Theylookedoverto
wheretheKyomasscreamswerecomingfrom,butforthemitjustlookedlike
Goldofhadsuddenlylaunchedanalloutattackatnothingbutair.
"Whatareyoudoing?"Fremyaskedjustasshefiredherrifle.
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Goldoftwistedhisbodytododgethebullet,butitstilldugintohischeek,ripping
offofachunkofhisskin.
"WaitGoldofyoufilthytraitor.Yourbloodhasntsprayedallovertheplaceyet,"
Roloniasaidasherwhipcutthroughtheair.
"Princess,"GoldofshoutedandstuckhishandintotheKyomasmouth.
HishandgrabbedholdofNashetaniasshoulderandhisheartfilledwithjoy.Ashe
processedthefactthathesbeenabletoaccomplishhisgoal,Goldofpulledthe
Princess'bodyoutfromtheKyoma.
"Princess!"Goldofshoutedagain.
Oncehehadherinhisarms,Goldofleapedfartotheside,justbarelydodging
Rolonia'swhip,Fremy'sbullet,andAdlet'spoisondarts.
Itstooearlytolosefocus,herealized.IhavetostopAdletandtheothers.Ineed
tomakethemunderstandthatthebattleisover.
"Princess!Chamo!HurryandsaveChamo!"Goldofshoutedagainandagainat
Nashetania.
AfterafewmomentshereyesflutteredopenandshelookedupatGoldof'sface.
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Chapter 63

Andthenshesmiled.
AtthesametimethefightwithHansandDozzuwasreachingitsclimax.
HansclotheshadbeenburnedbyDozzu'selectricsparksandhewasnakedfrom
thewaistup.Hisentirebodywasredandcoveredinburns.
Dozzuontheotherhandhadadeepcutinhisfrontlegsandtherewasalsoa
largegashonhisface.Thoughtheyhadonlyfoughtforaboutfiveminutes,they
heldnothingbackandfoughtwitheverythingtheyhad.
HoweverHanswastheoneatadisadvantage.HehadtotakedownDozzuas
quicklyaspossiblesothathecouldgoandsearchforNashetania.Eventhough
therewaslittletimeleft.
MoraheldChamo'snearlydeadbodyasshewatchedthetwoofthemfight.Shed
beensendingallofherbody'senergyintoChamo.MoraknewinChamoscurrent
statethatshewoulddieifshestopped.
"Cat...san."Chamosaid,startlingMora.Sheshouldnthavethestrengthtospeak
anymore.
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"Cansan..."Chamowassmilingandstrengthwasreturningtohereyes.
"...Chamo?Canitbe?"
"Iwillhelpyoufight!"
Chamoopenedhermouthwideandstuckherfingerdownherthroat.Alongwith
acopiousamountofblood,shevomitedoutadarkliquidwhichtooktheformof
aJyumabeforetheireyes.
TheinstantChamoshoutedDozzumoved.HeturnedhisbackonHansandran
awayasfastashislegswouldcarryhim.Hanshoweverdidnotfollowhimand
insteadmovedovertoChamo'sside.
"Chamo!Areyoualright?"
"Catsan!Dontworryaboutme!WewillkillGoldof,wellkillthatsmallanimal,
wellkillallofthem!"
Chamoseemedtohaverecoveredfromherweakenedstate,buttherewas
probablysomedamagestillleftover.Nevertheless,Chamo'sfightingspirit,evenif
sheweredying,couldn'tbekilled.
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"CHAMOHASBEENSAVED!ADLET!CHAMOISSAFE!"Morashoutedusingher
mountainechoes.
AtthatinstantDozzuturnedasheran.AndMoracouldseewhatlookedlikea
smile.
Somethinghappened.Adlethadbeencompletelyconfusedtheentiretimehehad
facedoffwithGoldof.ThenallofasuddentheKyomaappearedandGoldofwas
pullingNashetania'sbodyoutfromitsmouth.
Nowseeingtwoenemies,Adletblindlychargedforwardwithhisattack.
ThenMora'smountainechoesreachedhim.
"CHAMOHASBEENSAVED!ADLET!CHAMOISSAFE!"
ThethreeHeroesallstoppedatthesametime.
"...It'sover?Why?"Roloniamuttered.
375
Chapter 63

Fremy'seyeswerewide.DidallofthismeanthatNashetaniaandhersidehad
surrendered?WhowastheKyomathathadbeenstabbedandkilledbytheNailof
theSaints?
Adletwashalfoverjoyedandhalfpuzzled.Hecouldn'tmakesenseofwhathewas
seeingrightinfrontofhim.
HelookedatNashetaniaasGoldofheldherinhisarms.Shedidn'thaveany
armor,norwassheholdingasword.Herclotheswereintatters,herentirebody
wascoveredininjuries,andherleftarmwasmissingfromhershoulder.Andat
themomentitlookedlikeshewashavingtroublebreathing.
Asheheldherbatteredbody,GoldofglaredatAdletandtheothers.Itwasasif
heweresayingthatiftheymovedasinglestephewouldkillthem.
"...SoyousavedChamo,huh?"Fremyaskedwhileslowlystartingtolowerher
rifle.Perhapsshestillcouldn'tdecidewhethertheyshouldcontinuethefightwith
GoldofandNashetania.
"That'sgreat.Wedidit!Wedidit!"Roloniayelpedindelightwithhervoice
returningtonormal.
Fremyhoweverlookedatherandaskedcoldly,"Didwhat?Whatdidwedo?"
Roloniacouldn'tanswer.
376
Chapter 63

"Thankyoufornotattacking,"Goldofsaid."Don'tkillthePrincess.Shewillnot
causeyouanyharm.Shedoesnotintendtofightanymore."
Adletthoughtquietlyaboutwhattheyshoulddonext.Nashetaniaistheenemy.
AndsoisGoldof.Imightnotunderstandthesituation,butthatfacthasn't
changed.Perhapsitwouldbebetterifwekilledthemhere.
No,thatwasn'tright,Adletthought.
"Fremy.Rolonia.Putawayyourweapons.LeaveNashetaniaandGoldofasthey
are."
"...Adlet,I..."Goldofbegan.
"Iunderstand.Youdon'tintendtofightanymore,right?Wellthenfirstexplain
whathappened."
"Iwilltellyoueverything."
FremyandRoloniaputawaytheirweapons.NeverthelessGoldofdidntletgoof
Nashetania.
ThoughNashetaniawasgaspingforair,sheseemedtobesmilingfaintly.Itwasa
smileofvictory.
377
Chapter 63

"Adlet,isitreallyalrightifwedon'tkillNashetania?"Fremyasked.
Adletdidn'trespond.HedidntstopthefightjusttohearGoldof'sstory.Atthe
momenthejustdidntthinktherewasanyproofthattheywouldbeabletowin
eveniftheykilledNashetania.AndthoughGoldofhadlosthisspear,wasinjured,
andatthebrinkofexhaustion,itstilldidn'tseemlikeAdletcouldbeathim.
Goldofwouldprobablyovercomeanydifficultythatstoodinhispathifitwereto
protectNashetania.
"IhaveonethingIwanttoaskyouGoldof.Whatisyourobjective?"
ToAdlet'squestionGoldofreplied,"...Iwantedtoseeheragain."
"Isthatall?"
"Thatisall.Ihavenootherobjective.Icouldn'tthinkofanythingotherthan
seeingheragain."
Goldof'sexpressionhadchanged.Nolongerwasitthefaceofthemonsterlike
warriorthathadstoodintheirpaths.Nowitwasjustthefaceofayoungboy.And
forthefirsttimeAdletnoticedjusthowmuchofachildGoldofstillwas.
AtearfellfromGoldof'seyes.
378
Chapter 63

"...Gol...dof."Nashetaniaspoke.Hervoicewasraspyanditlookedlikeherthroat
hadbeencrushed.
"...Iwasabletogranttherequestyoumadesixyearsago."
NashetaniasmiledandGoldofloweredhisheadtohers.
"Princess.Truly,thankyou."
FromlookingatthesituationitwasclearthatGoldofhadbeentheonewhohad
savedher.Sowhyishethankingher?
Adletdidn'tknowtheanswer.Howeveritwasclearthatwhateverthereasonit
hadnothingtodowithhim.ItwasafeelingthatnooneexceptforGoldofand
Nashetaniacouldunderstand.
379
Epilogue

Epilogue
Eventuallynightcame.
AdletlefttheLavaBeltandwasnowonhiswaybacktotheForestofSevered
Fingers.IftheyremainedintheLavaBelttherewasachancethattheywouldbe
attackedbyTgurneu'sfollowers.Reachingthearea,Adletfoundhiscompanions
inthecorneroftheforestsittinginwait.
Aftertheirfight,AdletandthosewithhimheadedbacktoChamo'slocation.
HedeclaredatemporaryceasefireonGoldofandNashetaniasothattheycould
getthetruthoutofthem.AndthoughChamoseemedlikesheobjectedtothe
ideashereluctantlyfollowedAdlet'scommand.EvenDozzuwhohadrunaway
fromthefightwithHansreturnedandmetupwiththemafterhefoundoutthat
thefightinghadstopped.
ChamoremovedtheBladeGeminoneofherJyumasstomachsthencarefully
checkedthebodiesofallherotherJyuma.AsforDozzu,hevomitedoutthe
parasitewithinhismouththatwasfeedingTgurneuinformation.Thenhe
incineratedtheKyomaonNashetaniasbackwhichwasrestrictingherSaint
abilities.
WithinthedimlightemittedbytheLightGems,AdletandtheHeroessatwith
Dozzu,Nashetania,andGoldof.TheSixheroeswerehuddledtogetherwith
Goldofsittingaslightdistanceaway.
380
Epilogue

HewasstillholdingNashetaniatightlyinhisarms.DozzusatrightnexttotheSix
HeroesandtoldthemthetruthaboutwhathadhappenedintheLavaBelt.
HeexplainedthepactCargikk,Tgurneu,andDozzuhadmade.Thenhetoldthem
aboutwhenheandNashetaniahadbeenpursuedbyCargikk'sfollowersandhow
theyoptedtobecapturedbyTgurneuinsteadofkilled.Andthenhedetailedhow
Goldofhadrescuedthem.
Dozzudidmostofthetalking.Nashetaniasthroathadbeencrushedsoshewas
stillunabletospeak,andGoldofwasdevotingallofhisenergytoprotectingher.
"Andthat'severything.Iswearthatsthetruth.Ihopethatyouwillbelieveme."
AdletandDozzulookedatoneanother,butbothremainedquiet.Therewasno
proofthatanythingDozzusaidwastrue.Nevertheless,itdidn'tseemlikeDozzu
hadbeenlying.
Adletwasshockedtolearnjusthowfarhehadbeendancingfromthetruth.The
SaintInstrumenthehadbeensearchingforwasonlyatoolforspeakingto
Nashetania.Whenhefoundcluesoftheremnantsofthehelmetspowerithad
justbeenwhereGoldofandNashetaniahadtalked.Adlethadbeentrickedby
Tgurneu.No,hehadbeenbeaten.
"Soinanutshelltheonlyoneswhowontodaywerethetwoofyouandtherest
ofyourforces,right?"HansaskedDozzu,completelyindifferenttohowAdletwas
takinghishumiliation.
381
Epilogue

"That'scorrect.OuronlyobjectivewasforNashetaniaandmyselftosurvive,"
Dozzusaidinaclearvoice."WeusedTgurneutoescapefromCargikk,andwe
usedGoldoftogetawayfromTgurneu.Itwasquitethefeat,aswaseverythingall
ofyoudidaswell."
"Wearetrulyhonoredtoreceiveyourpraise,"Fremysaid.
HoweverDozzuwasnotperturbedbyhersarcasm.
"Hey,sincetheconversationisoverthatmeansit'salrighttokillyouall,right?
Chamocan'tcontainherselfanylonger."
"...Chamosan."Dozzuloweredhisbodytothegroundandpressedhisnoseto
theearth."ForsomanythingsIwouldliketohumblyapologize.Iknowmy
actionswereunacceptable,butstillIaskforyourforgiveness."
"...Ummm,areyouapologizing?"Takenabackbyhiswords,Chamoleanedher
headtotheside.
"Chamosan,itwasnotourintenttohurtyou.Itwasjusttheactionwehadto
takeinordertosurvive,"Dozzusaid,andbehindhimNashetanianodded.
"Shouldn'twekillyouthough?Youaretheenemy,"Morasaid.
382
Epilogue

DozzuliftedhisheadandsawFremy'sriflepointedathim.Keepingonearm
aroundNashetania,Goldofgrabbedhisspearandrosehalfwaytohisfeet.But
HanshadhishandsaroundhisswordsreadytocutGoldofdownifhetriedto
attack.
"Everyone,pleasewait.Sure,weareyourenemy.Howeveratthemomentwedo
notintendtofightwithyou,"Dozzusaid.
Adletmotionedwithhishandsforhiscompanionstositbackdown.Dozzusaid
exactlywhathe'dexpected.Iftheyhadintendedtofightthentherewasno
reasonforthemtobothertellingthetruth.
"Dozzusan,whatareyoutryingtosay?"Roloniaasked.
AdletwantedtoknowwhyRoloniahadaddressedhimpolitely.
"IfIkillthreeoftheHeroesoftheSixFlowersthenTgurneuandCargikkwillfall
undermycontrol.ThefightwithintheIllusionFogBarrierhadbeenourwayof
accomplishingthat.ButtrytounderstandthatkillingtheHeroesoftheSix
Flowersisnotourobjective."
"...Sowhatareyousaying?"
"WhatI'msayingisthatitsmostlikelyimpossibleforustokillthreeofthe
Flowerswithourpower.
383
Epilogue

Itmightbepossibleifweweretolaunchasurpriseattack,butifwedidthatthen
wewouldn'tbeabletorealizeourambitions,"Dozzusaidashelookedacrossthe
facesofAdletandtheotherHeroes.
"WewouldliketodefeatTgurneuandCargikk.Theyarethebiggestobstacles
hinderingourobjective.Andsoinordertofulfillthatgoalwewouldliketojoin
forceswithallofyou."
Withatwitch,Moraobjected,"Don'tyouthinkyou'reaskingabitmuch?Its
becauseofyouthatChamowasalmostkilled."
"AndforthatIamtrulysorry.Butthatwasnotourintention,"Dozzuanswered
back."Wewantedtomeetupwithyouearliertomakethisproposal,howeverwe
weren'tabletoreachyou.Youallhadalreadydepartedwhenwemanagedto
reachtheEternalFlower.Wethenfollowedafteryou,butyouwererunning
abouttheForestofSeveredFingerstoavoidTgurneu.Soweweren'tableto
ascertainyourwhereabouts."
"IfwehadjuststayedattheEternalFlowerabitmore..."Adletmuttered.
"That'sright,Adletsan.Ifthathadhappenedthenthisfightwouldnothave
happened.Wewouldnthavehadareasontodeceiveorfightyou."
Ifwhatheissayingistrue,theneverythingthathappenedtodaywasunnecessary.
384
Epilogue

"Please,Iaskthatyouacceptmyoffer.Itshouldbeabeneficialpropositionfor
bothparties,"Dozzusaidthenonceagainplacedhisheadontheground.
Everyone'sgazesfellonAdlet.Hewastheoneinchargeofmakingthedecision.
"There'snowayChamowillbesatisfiedwiththis.Adlet,canyoutellChamothat
shecanbeatthemtodeath?"ChamoaskedfromAdlet'sleft.
Andfromhisright,Roloniaretorted,"ButAdkun,ouralliesareincreasing.That's
good."
"However,Rolonia,willtheyreallybeourallies?"Moraasked.
"Iwouldneverdaretoexaggerateourrelationshipjusttogetyoutohelpus.The
truthisweareyourenemy.Butwewilljustjoinforcesinordertotakedown
TgurneuandCargikk.Aftertheyaredefeatedwewillprobablyfightwithyouas
enemiesonceagain,"Dozzureplied.
"Wewell,ifthat'sthecase..."Morabegan.
"Regardless,Iwouldstillliketoallywithyou."
"Whatarethebenefitsofyourproposal?"Adletasked.
385
Epilogue

"IshouldbeabletohelpyoufightandsowillNashetaniawhenherwoundsare
healed.Inadditionwewouldalsobeabletoofferyouinformationpertainingto
theWailingDemonTerritory,theKyoma,andTheMajin."
"Woulditbeusefulinformation?"
"Itshouldbe.Youhaven'tevenbeenabletofindawaytocrossCargikk'svalley.
Andontheothersideofthevalleytherearevariousobstacleswaitingforyou.
Withoutourcooperationitwouldprobablybeimpossibleforyoutoreachthe
LandofFallenTears."
Adletcouldn'tsayanythinginresponse.EverythingDozzuwassayingseemed
likely.
"ThereisstillinformationthatIcanoffer.Idon'tknowwhoamongyouisthe
seventh,butIdohavesomeclues.Icanassureyouthattheinformationpertains
tothetrueidentityoftheseventh.AndIcanprobablyeventellyouaboutthe
originoftheImpostorcrest."
AdletandtheothersweresilentastheystaredatDozzu.Therewasnoreasonto
thinkaboutit,theydesperatelyneededtheinformation.
Adletlookedoverthefacesofhiscompanionsandhecouldsensefromtheir
expressionsthattherewasnoonewhoopposedthealliance.NeitherChamo,nor
eventhedeeplysuspiciousFremy,seemedtodisagree.
386
Epilogue

"Goldof,"Adletsaid.
StillholdingNashetaniatohischest,GoldoflookedupandmetAdlet'sgaze.
PerhapsGoldofisagenuineflower,Adletthought.Howeverhealsorecognized
thepossibilitythatGoldofcouldhavejoinedforceswithTgurneuwithout
NashetaniaorDozzuknowing.Wassuchathingtrulypossible?No,itwas
extremelyunlikelythatNashetaniaandGoldofwereseparateenemieswhenthey
hadsuchastrongbond.
AndintheendGoldofhadsavedChamoandcrushedTgurneu'splans.Goldofand
Tgurneuwereenemies.Soitdidn'tseemlikehewastheseventh.
"...Whatisit,Adlet?"
"Doyouagreewiththisalliance?"
Goldofwasquietforawhile,butthenhespoke."IwanttoprotectthePrincess.
SoifIllbeabletodothatthenIagree."
Heisnolongerourally,AdletthoughtafterhearingGoldof'swords.
"Goldof,afterwedefeatTgurneuandCargikkdoyouplantofightus?"
387
Epilogue

"...I...IwillprotectthePrincess.Thatisthemostimportantthingforme.The
victoryoftheSixFlowerscomessecond."
Hedidn'tclearlysaythathewouldfightthem.Buthiswordswerethesameas
declaringhisseparationfromtheHeroes,despitehowimpossibleitsoundedto
theotherFlowers.
AtraitorhadappearedamongthegenuineFlowers.
Atthemomenttherewereeighthumans.NashetaniawasDozzuscomradeand
theseventhwasTgurneu'ssubordinate.AndnowGoldofhadgoneoverto
Dozzu'sside.
Adletfeltdizzy.Threeamongusareenemies.Howarewesupposedtofightina
situationlikethis?
"So,Adletsan.Willyouacceptanalliance?"Dozzuurged.
AdletwantedtoavoidafightwithTgurneuandCargikkasmuchaspossible.The
SixFlowersobjectivewastodefeattheMajin.HoweverAdletneededthe
informationDozzupossessed.
Forthetimebeingtheywouldjoinforces,butsoonerorlaterhewouldendit.
ThatwasAdlet'sdecision.PerhapsDozzuhadonlymadehisrequestafter
predictinghowAdletwouldreact.
388
Epilogue

"I'mabouttosaythatIaccept,butbeforeIdothereissomethingthatIhaveto
ask."
"Iwillansweryourquestion.Pleaseaskaway."
"YouandNashetaniasaidthatyouwillbuildaworldwherehumansandKyoma
liveinharmony.Buthowdoyouplanonaccomplishingthat?"
"Icannotanswerthat.IfIdoourchanceofsuccesswilldie."
"Tomeyourambitionssoundlikenothingmorethancrazydelusions.AndI
cannotagreetojoinforceswithcrazycompanions.Tellmewhatyoucan,evenif
it'sjustonepartofyourplan."
DozzuglancedatNashetaniaandshegaveaslightnod.
"Understood.Itlookslikewehavenochoicebuttoexplainifwearetogetyour
approval."
AlloftheHeroesfocusedtheirattentiononDozzu.EvenGoldofleanedforwardto
hearwhattheKyomahadtosay.
"OurgoalistosubstitutetheMajin."
389
Epilogue

"Substitute?"
Adletdidn'tunderstandthemeaningofthewordinthiscontext.TheMajinwas
theMajin.Itwasn'tpossibletoswitchitforsomethingelselikeakingortheHead
oftheTemples.
"ThecurrentMajin....thatugly,insanemonster...we'regoingtodestroyitand
bringforthanewMajin.ThenewMajinwilllovetheKyomaandmankindandit
willhaveaheartthatlovespeace.IfthenewMajindoesn'thavesuchaheart
thentherewillbenopointinreplacingthecurrentone.Andunderthenew
Majin'sruleallKyomawouldbereborn.Theirexistencewouldshiftfromone
wheretheyhatehumanstoonewheretheycancoexistwiththem."
"....Suchathing...Ican'tbelievethat..."
InsteadofreplyingdirectlytoAdlet,Dozzucontinuedhisexplanation.
"ThenwiththenewMajinwewillinvadethehumanworld.Andwewilldestroy
corruptkingsandaristocratswallowinginsloth.Wewillunitetheworld.Thatis
ourultimateobjective.AndthatisallIcantellyouatthistime."
ItwassograndiosethatAdletwasatacompleteloss.
"Dozzu.Whatdoyouknow?Tellus.WhatintheworldistheMajin?"
390
Epilogue

FremystartedtoapproachDozzu.Hervoicesoundedtense.HoweverDozzu
continuedtolookcalmlyattheHeroes.
"TheMajin,TheKyoma,theSaintoftheSingleFlower,thecrestsoftheSix
Flowers,theoppositionbetweenTgurneu,Cargikk,andmyself,andthetwofake
crests.Allofthosethingsseemonthesurfacetobeseparate,butinrealitythey
areallintricatelyintertwined."
TheHeroessaidnothingandwaitedforDozzutocontinue.
"Iwilltellyouaboutthebeginningofallofthis.ThreehundredyearsagoI
encounteredasingleSaint.Wejoinedforcesandtriedtounravelthemysteriesof
theworld.HernamewasHayuhaPressio,theSaintofTime."
TheHeroeseyeswidened.Therewasnoonealiveonthatcontinentwhodidn't
knowthatname.HayuhahaddefeatedtheMajinthreehundredyearsago.She
wasoneoftheHeroesoftheSixFlowers.
"ThecrestNashetaniahasnowisthefirstofthefakecrests.Andoriginallyithad
beengiventomethreehundredyearsagobytheSaintofTime."
391
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