Book 1 Chapter 527

527.

Hwa-reureureuk! Tadak! Tadak! Ku-gu-gung!

The mansion burned.

The surroundings were literally a sea of fire.

"Aaaah!"

Within it, Berkeia cried out, holding the person she loved more than anyone and her child born from that person.

Leo approached Berkeia and knelt on one knee.

He reached out his hand as if to place it on Berkeia's shoulder.

But Leo's hand passed through Berkeia's as if it were empty air.

In this world, Leo, a mere observer, could do nothing.

"I'm sorry."

He offered an apology that wouldn't reach, his shoulders shaking.

It wasn't Berkeia's fault for striving to create a brighter world.

It certainly wasn't Leo's fault either.

But…

If only he had known that the world that was saved wasn't so bright.

That the world where darkness disappeared wasn't so beautiful.

If he had been told beforehand, couldn't this have been prevented?

If he hadn't held the complacent thought that 'a child of light doesn't need to know the world's filth.'

Couldn't this tragedy have been avoided?

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry."

Leo sobbed, his head bowed.

***

The attack of the monster queen, Silathuna.

And Berkeia, the Fairy Knight, who lost her family in its wake.

Everyone was furious.

They were enraged by Tartaros's actions for harming the family of a great hero.

But Silathuna fled the scene after confronting Berkeia.

She was not an opponent Berkeia could fight and win against.

The monster queen simply wanted to 'take out her anger.'

Countless processions of mourning followed.

This incident led to Berkeia's retirement.

Many lamented as the disciple of a great hero, the one who had led this world, stepped down from the front lines.

They clung to her, begging her not to leave and to continue leading them.

But Berkeia was too exhausted.

"I don't think I have the strength to fight for the world anymore."

With a weary smile, Berkeia disappeared from public view.

Some grieved.

Others rejoiced.

***

"It's been a while."

"Yeah, it has."

Ten years had passed since the horrific incident.

Biharu visited her friend's house after a long time.

In a room of the mansion.

Berkeia poked the cheek of her second child, who was sleeping soundly in a small bed.

Berkeia's sleeping daughter stirred.

Looking down at her, Berkeia smiled softly.

"That child has grown a lot too."

"Yes. She recently summoned a spirit? I'm not good at summoning, so I'm at a loss on how to teach her."

Berkeia smiled with delight.

Biharu, watching Berkeia, opened her mouth.

"Can we talk for a bit?"

Swish-

At those words, Berkeia sat up.

And nodded.

The two moved to the mansion's study.

The high moonlight illuminated the study.

Seeing it, Berkeia spoke.

"It's changed a lot."

"Hm?"

"Your eyes were dark before, Biharu… now they shine."

"Ah…"

"It looks good."

Berkeia said with sincerity.

"You seem to have found something in this world."

At that, Biharu asked,

"Are you… okay?"

Berkeia's gaze drifted downwards.

"For the past ten years, there hasn't been a moment without war. After you retired, disputes over interests erupted all over the world."

They aimed weapons at each other and fought.

"But recently, the wars have noticeably decreased."

The perpetrators of the wars were all slaughtered by someone.

As if someone was delivering judgment.

"Berkeia, after that incident ten years ago, you told me? Not to look for the culprit."

"Yes."

Ten years ago.

The attack of the monster queen, Silathuna.

At that time, Berkeia lost the one she loved and her child.

The monster queen had killed them.

But normally, the monster queen would never have dared to intrude upon Berkeia's territory.

Berkeia's power already surpassed that of a legion commander.

Even the monstrous monster queen, who had been destroying the world since the Age of Calamity, was merely prey before Berkeia's sword.

Not only the monster queen, but no Tartaros being dared to invade Berkeia's territory.

Even if they had invaded, they could not have escaped Berkeia's senses.

"It was impossible unless there was a traitor from within," Biharu said with a heavy voice.

Watching Biharu, Berkeia said,

"I had to wait until Beni grew up."

Berkeia closed her eyes, recalling her daughter who was in her womb at the time.

"I thought if I crossed the line, I would definitely not be able to return."

"You didn't need to cross the line. That was my…!"

"No, Biharu."

Berkeia opened her eyes and looked at Biharu.

"That was my duty."

"……"

"They didn't betray the world. They just wanted to lead the world as they wished and wanted me to step down."

Berkeia gave a faint smile.

"So it's my job."

"Yes, I understand. But… your anger might not have subsided, but… haven't you already punished those who committed sins?"

Biharu's voice trembled.

"Then why did you punish innocent people as well?"

The wars that had not ceased for ten years.

Those wars suddenly stopped.

Many who had suffered from the wars could finally breathe.

But on the other hand, there were places where screams poured out.

The powerful figures who led the wars.

Those who carelessly disregarded the lives of others for their own greed.

At first, those who deserved death were executed.

But gradually, the blade lost its mercy.

Someone delivered judgment upon those who committed sins.

And Biharu knew all too well that the one delivering that judgment was her friend standing before her.

It was right to punish sins.

'But this method is wrong.'

Berkeia turned away from Biharu's words and said,

"I've thought about it for ten years. What went wrong. I clearly did my best. My teachers… the great heroes… I was more diligent than anyone in nurturing the world they left us."

Berkeia's eyes darkened.

"Why did it turn out like this?"

Berkeia's voice became eerie.

"And I realized. It's not just those who betrayed the world from the shadows who are corroding this world. Not just traitors who deserve to die."

Berkeia's eyes glittered chillingly.

"Those who shouldn't live exist, even in the light."

Biharu gasped at the killing intent in her voice.

"Countless people sacrificed themselves for the current era."

"Ber… keia."

"So only the righteous should live in this era. Those who are worthless, all of them…"

"Berkeia!"

Biharu grabbed Berkeia's shoulders and shouted.

"I understand how you feel! There are surely those who are corroding this world! But… but…"

Berkeia's thoughts were excessive now.

It was completely unlike her, and she would eventually lose control.

"You have to accept this too. Your master… the great heroes must have considered all this when they saved the world. So… let's stop. You shouldn't do this. Especially you…"

Seeing Biharu shedding tears, Berkeia bowed her head.

Her thin shoulders trembled, and then she started to sob.

"Why…? Why? Why?! Why can't it be?! Lichinas-nim! Dweno-nim! Master Aron! Master Luna! Master Kyle! Why are those who should have enjoyed this peace more than anyone else gone without enjoying anything! Yet why are those trashy things living while corroding the world they left behind? Who do they think they are to enjoy all of that? Why do I have to watch it?! Why?! Why!"

Berkeia, burning with hatred, shook off Biharu's hands.

It wasn't mere anger.

Berkeia simply could not tolerate it.

Kyle and Luna, who were like her parents.

Those who acted shamelessly while living off the sacrifices of the great heroes who were like family.

An absurdity was occurring where they laughed at and trampled on those who lived diligently day by day.

It was a blasphemy against the great heroes.

An act of trampling on the sacrifices of the great heroes.

'Ah.'

Biharu's face contorted as if she were about to cry.

She, who had only lived in the darkness even after the world was saved, had seen the light within that darkness.

Conversely, Berkeia had found darkness within the light.

And that darkness was far too deep.

The hatred that arose in her heart due to the incident ten years ago had become a never-ending cycle, growing even larger.

Biharu clenched her lips and balled her fists.

'I have to stop her.'

If left like this, Berkeia would lose control.

She would never be able to return to her former self.

"I… will stop you."

"You know better than anyone! The ugliness of this world! You understand! Then why are you stopping me!"

The hatred and anger, pouring out like a bursting dam, turned towards Biharu.

As if she couldn't understand why her friend was stopping her.

A clash occurred between the two.

The battle ended with Berkeia's victory.

And…

Biharu died from the aftereffects of this battle.

***

"……"

As the memories shown by the Akashic Records ended, Leo opened his eyes.

Rian sat slumped on the floor, silently polishing gems.

"…It's an illness."

"You recognized it."

Click-

Rian placed the statue of Biharu on the floor and looked up at Leo.

"Biharu was already a mess due to illness. Even if she hadn't fought with Berkeia, she would have died soon."

"I see."

Leo wore a troubled expression.

Rian placed Berkeia's statue next to Biharu's.

"Berkeia didn't live much longer either. Her lifespan was also running out."

"……"

"Still, she delivered countless judgments. In conclusion, she was right. Her judgments led the world in the right direction."

"But Berkeia herself died miserably."

"Yes, she died consumed by darkness. Unfortunately."

Rian flicked Berkeia's statue over with his finger.

Thump!

"She was a great hero. But the world broke her."

Rian looked up at Leo.

"Leo-nim. This is not a request I make because you are Berkeia's master. I ask this as someone who has witnessed the life of a great hero who carried the weight of the world."

Rian, standing up, bowed his head deeply.

"Grant her peace."

As the administrator of the Hero Records, Rian was aware that Berkeia was rampaging as an undead.

At Rian's words, Leo approached Rian and knelt down.

He then placed his hand on Berkeia's fallen statue.

"What right do I have to grant her peace? I need to smack her head or kick her butt to bring her back to her senses."

"Even your words won't reach her."

Rian said, his voice flustered.

Berkeia knew her choice was wrong.

But she couldn't bear it any longer.

The anger towards those who caused her loved ones to die.

The hatred towards those who trampled on the sacrifices of the great heroes.

The guilt of causing the death of a close friend who trained under the same master.

Berkeia, who had already crossed an irreversible line, was being held back.

She had fallen into a darkness so deep that she could not be saved.

"It doesn't matter if my words don't reach her. I told you."

Leo set Berkeia's statue upright.

"It's a master's duty to correct their disciple's mistakes."

"…Aren't you disappointed in Berkeia?"

"I was thoroughly disappointed while teaching her."

Leo chuckled.

"And."

Leo stood up and smiled gently.

"Even if I am disappointed, she's my disciple and like my daughter. It's natural to offer a hand and lift up a child who has fallen."

At that sight, Rian's jaw dropped in astonishment.

'Ah, as expected, this person…'

"I've saved the world, so can't I save one arrogant elf?"

'He is clearly greater than the creator.'