Chapter 223

So, I tried to stab that child in the forest to atone for my sins. But what I faced was a monster. That Black Sorcerer with sky-blue hair and a goblin mask was stronger than any Black Sorcerer I’d ever met. Even with me, Media, and Master attacking together, we were evenly matched. In the end, Media made a “strategic decision” and left me to deal with him while she ran away.

I tried to mess around and escape, but he saw through all my tricks and subdued me. One kick shattered my ribs, and my insides were so messed up I couldn’t even walk properly. He stepped on my chest and said:

[The first reason I’m sparing you is that my father seemed sad when he spoke of you. The second reason is that you carry the bloodline of my father’s benefactor. And finally, your grandfather begged me to show you mercy. So, don’t disappoint me.]

It was all confusing, but he said that and chased after Media.

Later, I heard that the monster was Werner’s son from the future. He was injured fighting us and used too much power, so he essentially vanished.

[Phew, what a relief. Honestly, if he’d survived, he’d have been a huge nuisance. Even in death, he’d have suffered. How could anyone wield such cursed power?]

[What happens to Black Sorcerers when they die? They burn forever in the deepest layer of hell. Their flesh regenerates endlessly, and their minds never wear out, suffering eternally. That’s why I’d never touch Black Magic. It’s an easy path to power, but those who take it are fools.]

Hearing that, I knew Werner would come after us if he found out. When he’s angry, he can’t see anything. That’s a problem. These guys aren’t the type to be taken down when they’re blinded by rage.

So, I came up with a plan. I’d steal the relics and artifacts stored in the imperial capital to weaken their forces, then stab the child with the Magic Sword Clarent to restore him.

But there were issues. To activate Clarent’s power, the target’s emotions had to be pushed to the limit. Werner, filled with rage, wouldn’t listen to me. So, there was only one answer.

It’s fine. I was supposed to die miserably long ago. I just postponed that tragic end until now.

—

It was a bright moonlit night. Fitting for my final journey. I’m a phantom thief, after all. Werner had grown stronger. Impressive. With that body, he’s become so strong… Well, you’re my sibling, after all.

It’s fine if you tear my body apart. The pain you’ve endured is far worse. I can take it if you strike me with lightning. I won’t falter over such pain. I can endure if you burn me. There’s something hotter than those flames flowing within me.

I’m a betrayer who can no longer draw love, joy, or any positive emotion from you. All I can draw from you now is anger, sadness, betrayal, and disgust. If I can draw that out, I’ll be fine.

I can regenerate a severed leg. I can endure that much pain. Even if I fall to hell for the sins I’ve committed for you, it’s fine. But what I can’t endure…

“Don’t smile at me. You filthy betrayer, no, a pawn of the Black Round Table. It’s so disgusting I might vomit.”

[You’re prettiest when you smile. Not when you’re playing pranks and laughing like a demon, but when you smile genuinely. The former is honestly scary.]

“Oh, really? Then scream for me.”

[Your voice is always pleasant to hear. It reminds me of someone I can’t remember, and it’s comforting. Though Camellia’s face is the prettiest.]

“If you want to die so badly, why don’t you just slit your own throat?”

[Don’t die. I strangely dislike it when people with voices like yours die.]

It’s not the current pain or the fear of future suffering. It’s the disconnect between the conversations we had in the past and the words you’re throwing at me now. I guess this is another pain I have to endure.

I’m sorry it had to come to this. For a phantom thief, I couldn’t even steal one thing properly, so I had to resort to this. It’s all because I’m incompetent.

If only I could’ve told you my intentions earlier. If only I’d found the Black Round Table’s hideout sooner and rescued Zick’s daughter, none of this would’ve happened. Or if I’d just told you the truth before you fell for Media.

In that endless sea of what-ifs and past regrets, I’ve only made wrong choices. So now, I’m paying the price.

So, even if your words hurt, I’ll endure. Even if I feel like crying, I’ll hold it in. But before you’re stabbed by the sword, I need to check something. If you don’t have the power to face the King of the Black Round Table, I’ll kill you as painlessly as possible and follow you in death. It’s better than being captured by the Black Round Table.

[Phantom Magic – Pot.]

Survive this collapse, my sibling.

—

Werner was truly remarkable. Surviving that collapse. That child deserved to be stabbed by this sword. He had every right to receive everything from me.

But it hurt a little. Though the flames burning my body now feel lukewarm. The coldness in his eyes as he looked at me could freeze even these flames.

So, the emotion you’ve chosen for me is nothing but disgust. If only it were anger, hatred, or loathing, it would’ve been better.

Now, the only thing I can feel besides pain is the warm blood flowing through my abdomen.

“Spear of Divine Slayer, even gods fall before you.”

[Magic that throws weapons.]

He stabbed my thigh. This is troublesome. I can’t reach you like this, I can’t deliver it to you. But it’s fine. I’ll endure this pain and come to you.

But the more I closed the distance, the more he moved away. Unlike before, he’s only getting further from me.

“Oil clad in the armor of raging flames, engulf my enemy.”

[Magic that enchants viscosity.]

The oil clinging to my body didn’t fall. He must’ve given it viscosity.

“Of course, not all of this is your doing. I’ll hold you accountable for all these crimes, but you might feel wronged too. I understand. But… you didn’t consider the circumstances of those wronged people when you acted. Compared to you, I’m quite merciful.”

I’m sorry. To those people, to my dear friend, all I feel is regret. But it’s a problem if you’re blinded by rage.

“Still… I’m glad I came.”

Before you were blinded and hurt by someone, I’m glad I came. Before you were hurt, I’m glad I could die… truly glad.

“Nails of steel that fix even fate.”

Even if you nail my feet, I won’t stop.

“Starving earth, devour my enemy’s legs.”

Even if my legs are shattered, I’ll reach you.

[Phantom Magic – Bluffing.]

This isn’t a healing technique. It’s just an illusion magic that makes my appearance seem intact. And I distorted the vision slightly to prevent interference.

“Was I just hitting an illusion?”

“Yeah, it’s illusion magic. It’s different from the complex illusion magic that uses steam refraction.”

I’m not smart enough to use such complex techniques.

“But did you think you’d drained my magic with that? I was just playing around a little. Did you think it’d make a difference? You’re seriously mistaken.”

“What’s the point of having so much magic if you can’t even cast Great Magic like you used to?”

“It’s enough to crush a petty thief like you. If I crush you without a trace, you won’t be able to pull any card tricks.”

[Magic that enhances gravity.]

My body felt hundreds of times heavier, and the pressure in my eyes made it hard to see. It must be gravity-enhancing magic. But it’s fine. I’ll bear the gravity with my waist and walk toward you, step by step.

[Phantom Magic – All In.]

Even if I have to use all my remaining strength, I’ll reach you. I’ll return it to you.

“Just die already!”

[Magic that reverses blood flow.]

My blood flowed backward, and my mind grew hazy.

[Magic that intercepts oxygen.]

I couldn’t breathe properly.

[Magic that enhances pain.]

The pain I could endure before now felt unbearable, and tears welled up.

“Just go away, damn it! What’s with this nonsense?!”

I’m sorry.

“I told you… my emotions are the most important to me…”

I’m not like my friends Cheon-young or Zick. I can’t embrace everyone. I can’t be a hero who fights for all. I can only hold one person dear to me. My embrace is too narrow. I’ll fight for that one person most precious to me.

I’m a selfish person who values my emotions above all else. So, this feeling of wanting to restore my sibling’s body is the most important to me.

“Spear of Divine Slayer, even gods fall before you.”

But Werner, my sibling, though you act fine, it’s a problem if you’re blinded. I’ll tell you that.

[Magic that creates replicas.]

[Magic that throws weapons.]

Werner summoned ten spears that pierced my body. If he’d aimed for my neck, I’d have died instantly, but a mere stab through the heart… I won’t die.

[Phantom Magic – Anti.]

As I said that, Werner instantly took a defensive stance.

My foolish sibling, I’ve already exhausted all my magic. You’ve always been blind to everything else when you’re enraged.

I used that moment to throw the Magic Sword Clarent. The sword pierced Werner’s abdomen and began to glow black. The sword’s effect worked, so his body should return to normal soon.

“What is this…”

“I really wanted to tell you…”

I’m sorry for not coming to you sooner. I wanted to, but I was afraid of seeing you broken. I’m sorry for not telling you the truth properly.

Even with only a few dozen seconds left of my life, I’m fine. In fact, I want to tell that man. My end isn’t unhappy at all. A life where I can deliver my final words isn’t unhappy.

“All this time…”

“Oh my~.”

Ah…

“Betrayal is troublesome. Really, what was Sir Lancelot thinking? He sent me to watch over you, and you commit such a grave betrayal. What was he thinking?”

My consciousness faded. I have to deliver it… So, this is it. This is the tragic end I must face… Is this the price for killing my closest friend…?

“Werner.”

In the time I have left with clear consciousness, I want to convey all my emotions. My emotions are the most important, after all. But…

“It’s okay now.”

You were always more important than my emotions.