Chapter 59

"So this is... the entrance to the Holy See."

The end of the Great Forest of Kerdan.

Staring at the cliff that linked as cleanly as if sliced by a blade, Dandel murmured.

Hoooo-

The sound of water and wind from below the cliff. Cliffs stretching endlessly to both sides, and one long bridge across the middle.

An entrance to Kelt Holy See, and the end of the continent.

"Park the colossus in front of the bridge."

- Let us do so.

There was no worry; after all, only he could move it anyway.

From the colossus appeared Yaan in cold-weather gear and Ren wrapped head to toe in white fur.

"You wear that many layers inside the Frame too?"

"Try riding it. You'll freeze to death."

Yaan, gazing at the cockpit that showed not the slightest consideration for its rider, spoke.

A foggy morning. The giant bridge vanishing into the gray mist seemed a dreamlike passage to another world.

"A long life lets you see it all. I'll see every corner of Kelt while I live."

"Some of the deserters were never found, right? Maybe they fled here."

"If this is a frontline base, that could be true."

With the soldiers' chatter, Yaan and the delegation stepped onto the bridge.

Swain began to explain that the brilliant white bridge itself was a colossal legacy of the Creator.

"Built after the natural disaster to reconnect the isolated region, the Human Federation's greatest state project."

"Even after you say it, he still doesn't get it."

From a distance Ren added her explanation for Yaan.

If Swain, who was happily lecturing up ahead, had heard it, his eyes would have sparkled, but unfortunately it stirred nothing in Yaan.

Half a day after crossing the bridge while listening to Swain and Ren's explanations back and forth.

When the soldiers, who had marveled at the unfamiliar scenery and buildings, began to yawn with boredom, the far end of the bridge finally came into view.

"Thinking of the trip back makes me dizzy."

That was what Yaan thought, but seeing the monks of the Holy See waiting at the end of the bridge, he could only close his mouth.

"May the Creator's blessing be upon the guests from the Vailsar Empire."

"Thank you for the welcome. His Imperial Majesty also sends his gratitude."

"First I will guide your party to your quarters. This way..."

Hair, eyebrows.

Monks who had shaved every hair on their faces led the group.

A city of Kelt that differed both from the Empire's stone and straight architecture and from Alfraia's wooden and curved style-this place felt utterly cut off from the continent.

"These buildings really..."

"...look terribly dull."

A church and houses of simple form, bearing no pattern save the symbol of the Creator.

The entire city seemed to embody asceticism, and combined with Kelt's frigid climate it looked like part of the snowfield itself.

"Then, please rest well."

"If you need anything, call us."

With those words the monks bowed politely and left. The quarters fell briefly into silence, then gradually regained life as the soldiers' chatter returned.

"Did you see those monks?"

"Yeah. They shaved it all off."

"If they shaved even their eyebrows, did they shave... that too?"

"Is that all you ever think about?"

While the company's lofty debate raged, the three delegates in ceremonial red uniforms beckoned Yaan.

"What is it?"

"What do you mean? You need to get ready too, Lieutenant."

Emily was the one speaking.

"Ready? I'm afraid I don't follow..."

"Do you really think His Imperial Majesty would single you out just to assign you as an escort?"

Yaan's eyes hardened at the words. The same was true for the three watching him.

"Sounds like it'll be an important conversation."

Saying so, Yaan quietly followed them outside.

Their destination: the Cathedral of the Creator's Glory in central Kelt.

The largest Creator Church on the continent, the headquarters of the Creator Church where the Pope resided.

"We are the delegation from the Vailsar Empire. We have come to meet Cardinal Sian."

"We have been informed. Welcome. This way."

The monk who spoke led them to the church basement.

"Welcome. We have been expecting you."

Underground chapel.

Waiting for the delegation and Yaan in the oldest part of the church was a white-robed priest with a shaggy beard.

'A human?'

Having seen only elves even in the streets, Yaan's eyes widened at the first human form.

"I'm glad you seem well, Cardinal Sian."

"Haha, by the grace of the Creator. Here is the item His Majesty requested."

The cardinal handed something to the delegates.

A tiny square piece of metal, smaller than a thumb.

"Thank you. His Majesty will be pleased."

"His Holiness the Pope also sends his regards to the Cardias Emperor."

After a few more pleasantries, smiles bloomed between the delegation and the cardinal.

"But I see a guest I have not met."

Saying so, Cardinal Sian extended his hand to Yaan.

Not knowing what to do, Yaan received quiet advice from Rick.

"Raise your right hand and place it to your forehead."

Hand to forehead.

Recalling the ritual the elf tribesmen had shown him, Yaan forced his expression still and followed Rick's instruction.

"My name is Yan Verkut."

Introducing himself as anything but an Imperial held no meaning here.

"A man of strong will. I could see it in your eyes."

About to answer with polite words, Yaan froze at the cardinal's remark.

Wait... eyes?

Thinking so, he looked again. The cardinal's gaze was fixed on Yaan's left eye.

Just like the Emperor when they first met.

"I..."

"I know. You were chosen by an angel and now undergo the trial. His Majesty has sent a most precious guest."

Guest.

Remembering the weight of that term, Yaan clenched his fist.

'If he means an angel... I know who.'

Recalling the girl in pure white who had insisted on following despite being told she needn't come, Yaan sighed quietly.

"The Creator Church's highest priority is to find and protect the Creator's legacy. We also possess information about the angels."

The angels do not know of us, Cardinal Sian added.

At the mention of Ren's existence-and that they knew her identity-Yaan let out a heavy sigh.

"I..."

"You need not worry. The one undergoing the trial is a cherished guest of Kelt Holy See. His Holiness personally protects her."

Meaning that even the Emperor could not touch her here. At the cardinal's confident words the three delegates bowed and left.

'His Imperial Majesty summoned me to a place even he dares not touch? What is his intention?'

Watching Yaan's thoughts, Cardinal Sian smiled warmly and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"The reason His Majesty brought you here is simple. To tell you who you are, and what you must do."

"What I must do?"

Yaan frowned at the question.

But whether he knew that fact or not, the cardinal with the smiling face unhesitatingly opened his mouth toward Yaan.

"The angels are searching for the Creator's successor. Through trials and tribulations, they judge whether guests such as yourself are suitable for that role."

'You are the last remaining human candidate.'

Recalling how Ren had once said those very words, Yaan answered the cardinal with a bored expression.

"There have been those who achieved great deeds through the angels' trials. The founders of Alfraia, Alphi and Rhea, are prime examples."

The cardinal's calm remark. But upon hearing it, Yaan let out an empty laugh as though all energy had left him.

'Right. So Rael's words weren't lies after all.'

Remembering Rael's speech meant to sway him, Yaan twisted the corner of his mouth.

"However, none of those who passed the trial could fulfill the sacred duty of the Creator's successor."

The cardinal's face was full of regret as he spoke those words.

"What exactly is this sacred duty?"

Yaan's face was steeped in fatigue as he asked. The same feeling he'd had listening to Rael's speech-his head filled with nothing but thoughts of cigarettes.

'The moment I bleed, it's off to a religious tribunal.'

While he was thinking that, Cardinal Sian continued his explanation toward Yaan.

"It is noble and arduous work. To find the Creator's legacy that exists in this world and awaken it. And further, to restore the Creator's glory to this land!"

The Creator's glory.

The Ancients' glory.

Humanity's glory.

The moment Tauros' slogan came to mind-shouted madly at Glaepnir until the verge of death.

The slogan shouted by Tauros, who had butchered the half-elf that had awakened him, turning her into spare parts for himself.

'Reenact humanity's glory.'

"The angels never speak of it aloud. But you have already been chosen. You must accept this sacred duty and be reborn as the Creator's successor!"

The Creator's successor.

A human like me, who makes murder his trade?

"If you accept this duty, the Kelt Holy See will spare no support you need."

As he spoke those words, the Cathedral's layout-previously ordered to Nil-appeared.

'Colossus frame... one hundred twenty units.'

Having heard that far, Yaan let out a quiet sigh.

"Your Eminence."

"Speak."

"If I become that so-called successor of the Creator, what changes?"

The cardinal furrowed his brow as if he couldn't understand Yaan's question.

Yaan, looking at him, no longer wished to see that face.

"Will war disappear?"

"If the guest so wishes, all wars can be ended."

"Will the poor cease to exist?"

"If the guest commands it, all manner of wealth shall be given to him."

"Can the sick be healed?"

"With the Creator's technology and grace, anything is possible."

"Can I meet my dead mother again?"

"...."

At the final question, the cardinal's words stopped.

"Answer me, Your Eminence. If that is possible, I could even become the Creator's successor, the Church's dog, or a part torn from a mechanical device with its limbs severed."

"Th-that is...!"

Startled by Yaan's words, the cardinal lifted his head, his eyes widening.

Yaan's eyes as he looked at him.

Empty, holding nothing but endless void.

'What sort of life has he lived to end up like this...!'

While the cardinal, having seen Yaan's pupils, could say nothing, Yaan's mouth slowly opened as he looked down at him.

"Your Eminence. Look into my eyes."

"Urk...!"

"Why don't you answer?"

"Th-that is... Aaaargh!?"

Crash!

Overwhelmed by Yaan's gaze, the cardinal stumbled backward and fell on his rear.

"...My apologies."

With a stony face, Yaan watched the cardinal for a moment, then bowed politely and turned to leave the great hall.

"Hah...! Hah...!"

With both Yaan and the Imperial delegation gone, only the cardinal's ragged breathing filled the underground chapel of the great cathedral.