Chapter 150

Throughout the twisted space filled with discomfort, it returned to its original form with the demise of the creature.

In a place where only eternal darkness would reign if not for artificial light, torches were burning, casting away the natural shadows in a sizable tent.

It was only now that I truly realized the fallen god, brought forth through intricate rituals despite the forced nature of my desire, had completely vanished with Dominus’s destruction.

Thoughts raced in my head, oscillating between the hope that everything would return to normal if I could just erase myself from reality, to the overwhelming fear and helplessness I felt when confronting the fallen god who had descended to reclaim lost power and authority.

The feeling of being overwhelmed by such a degraded existence, even as I instinctively knew it was beneath me, and the question of whether I should give up and collapse under the immense sense of powerlessness.

Yet, amidst these negative thoughts and emotions, there was also the heavy sense of responsibility that lifted me back up and the desperate desire to protect those who joined me out of the wish to share this burden.

And then, there was the miraculous assistance of the woman who lent me her strength in response to this desperation.

All of this, leading to a smooth resolution despite all odds, happened in what felt like mere hours but seemed like years in my mind.

Perhaps it was due to the fatigue and tension accumulated from the battle against the degraded god, which had supernatural powers, finally dissipating.

No, this wasn’t an illusion. It was because I could feel the incredible power, though only partially mine, slipping away from me as the fallen god was eradicated from this land and every world.

Certainly, it wasn’t just the exhaustion…

*Thud*

My knees naturally touched the ground, a testament to how tired my body was. After pushing my physical and mental limits battling that absurd entity, it was this power that had kept me standing when I should have collapsed long ago.

Even as I felt a weary fatigue that was almost pleasant in its intensity, this power had carefully withdrawn, leaving me with nothing more than a gentle fatigue after I had used it sufficiently and the situation had ended.

This power had cared for me, adjusting itself to my needs, even as it left.

From the way that woman declared she would lend me her strength to fight the fallen god, it was clear she had been determined to help me.

“It’s over…”

Finally, I let out a low, tired statement, realizing I had escaped the dangerous situation. My voice was heavy, reflecting the exhaustion I felt.

Though I expected the usual satisfying fatigue after completing such a task, and perhaps some pride in having cut down a great evil, neither feeling lasted long.

The realization that the power which led to this conclusion wasn’t entirely my own seemed to dull my sense of accomplishment.

Yes, the power that destroyed the fallen god wasn’t mine but merely borrowed.

But regardless of whether it was mine or not, the sense of achievement from accomplishing what needed to be done lingered deeply in my heart.

– We did it.

As I sorted through my thoughts after the ordeal, Paleord approached me with a calm tone, seemingly glad the situation was over.

Even though he clearly saw me suddenly become stronger, it was natural for him to wonder why.

– From the sound of the knights’ cheers outside, it seems we’ve chased away the barbarian tribes too.

She didn’t seem interested in that direction, only informing me of the surrounding situation.

– Was that power given by your mother? It was exactly what you needed at the right moment. Must have been hard to handle?

Paleord’s words echoed in my mind, accurately guessing what had happened to me without being physically present.

“I look tired, don’t I? I didn’t move that much, but I can’t remember the last time I felt this exhausted.”

I answered her question with a light jest, ignoring the trembling in my left arm.

– Was that woman who created you? She called herself your mother, so it seems so.

I delved into the questions arising from her words.

– And Karadvolg, Ascalon, and that Weaponless one standing there with a gloomy expression—they were all born from my mother’s touch.

Paleord responded nonchalantly, acknowledging that all these famous swords were touched by the same transcendent being I encountered.

– Though powerful, they are weak because of their power, unable to interfere carelessly in the material world. They were created to hold a portion of their strength in a material that would protect the world with the will to do so.

She explained the origins of the four swords.

Paleord’s words overlapped with what the woman had said to me.

She had too much power and too much will, yet even so, she asked me to save the world on the brink of destruction by showing her power.

The thought of such a benevolent being creating something like me, Paleord, to speak to me now, made me nod in agreement.

But amidst her explanation, a question arose.

– But what about that one?

I turned my gaze towards Weaponless, who seemed so different from the others, especially since he emerged from the same creator as the other three swords.

– When your mother made him, was she not feeling well, physically or emotionally?

I questioned Paleord, seeking the reason behind Weaponless’s difference.

After all, considering the unpredictable nature of this sword-like entity, I might need to take precautions.

Even though the situation had ended, I couldn’t help but worry about Weaponless, who remained in the tent, looking around despite the torches providing minimal light.

Unlike when Dominus held him, there were no signs of danger or sudden actions.

Still, why would he be looking around this desolate place with such a solemn expression?

Just as I pondered this, our eyes met naturally.

– …What? Are you going to thank me too?

Weaponless, who seemed to be in a bad mood, softened his expression slightly and playfully guessed the reason for my gaze.

To her, it seemed like a reasonable explanation, and I had no reason to be ungrateful to Weaponless either.

– Well, you know… Sometimes siblings don’t resemble their parents. Just… understand it that way… sigh…

Paleord’s answer was not entirely satisfying, but her reasoning was somewhat acceptable, even if it came with a hint of resignation.

Unlike most beings who often held a drink or a cigar, Paleord, now a sword, couldn’t do that, and the subtle discomfort in her voice remained.

Perhaps she needed something to ease the tension.

– I don’t drink. Not even a cigar. All it does is make me cough.

Ignoring Paleord’s teasing, I smiled lightly while watching Weaponless, who bore the brunt of our concerns.

The thought of a disobedient child reminded me of how I might have viewed Dominus, who lay unconscious on the floor, as a disobedient child.

Naturally, my smile faltered, and I tried to compose myself quickly.

– Master, what’s wrong? Why are you suddenly laughing at me? Do you think it’s rude to stare at someone and laugh like that?

Weaponless, noticing my sudden laughter, protested with a stern tone, though not harshly.

…What should I say to explain?

*Steps*

From behind, a familiar, welcoming voice approached cautiously, and I rose to face her.

“You must be tired… Stay here.”

A voice like an angel, soothing the fatigue in my body, gently wrapped my shoulders with her hands, trying to make me lie down.

Without resistance, she laid me down gently.

“Use my knee… Lie down… Rest…”

Asylrin, despite her hesitation, tried to help me rest.

“Yes.”

I replied briefly, surrendering to her touch, closing my eyes.

After completing my duties, my eyes closed so comfortably.