Book 1 Chapter 883

883.

Whoooosh-!

Black flames were blazing before his eyes.

The flames seemed to burn greedily and destructively, as if they would burn endlessly.

As if it would be satisfied only by swallowing the world.

'No. It's actually trying to swallow the world.'

KuoOOOOOOO-!

The black flames burning before his eyes were literally a great disaster that could destroy the world.

Hwak-!

Hot heat rushed in.

'Ugh?!'

Chen Xia flinched at the heat felt right in front of her nose.

It felt like her lungs would burn just by breathing.

Only four people could confront Erebus here.

'Me, Ms. Chelsea, Ms. Eliza, and… Professor Mel.'

Except for Melina, the other three were not supposed to be on the battlefield fighting Erebus.

The fact that they could stand there now was solely due to the future obtained through the Fairy King's magic, a kind of trick.

Chen Xia, who was in charge of the front line as a Knight class, clenched her fist and looked at the giant spewing black flames.

Having grown up as a shadow of Shan since childhood, Chen Xia had countless real combat experiences.

Since entering Lumern, she had fought the demons multiple times, and this was not the first time she had seen Erebus directly.

However, this was the first time she had faced it to fight.

Just standing in front of it made her body tremble involuntarily.

'Young Master Leo… fought against things like this.'

Chen Xia, who anew felt Leo's greatness, calmed her trembling body.

'Someday… the day will come when I have to stand on this battlefield with my own strength.'

From the moment she vowed to protect Leo's back, it had become a foregone conclusion.

'When that day comes… this experience will be of great help.'

Chen Xia lowered her stance.

Woong-!

Water aura flowed out from her body as if shimmering.

Her agitated heart became calm like a tranquil lake.

Sruik-

Chen Xia closed her eyes and spread her arms.

A seemingly defenseless appearance.

A shadow fell over Chen Xia's head.

Erebus's palm descended upon Chen Xia.

Chelsea, who had been watching the situation from a little distance away, flinched.

"Xia! Too defenseless…!"

The moment Chelsea spoke urgently.

Chen Xia opened her eyes.

And at the same time…

Tukak-!

As Chen Xia swung her arm, a giant water blade shot up into the sky.

The sharp water blade severed Erebus's hand in an instant.

Of course, the severed hand did not stop Erebus.

Instead, a sticky black liquid poured from the severed part.

"Xia, danger…!"

It was when Chelsea was about to rush forward to help Chen Xia.

Wheeeeee-! Pot-!

"Oof?!"

A whip that flew from behind wrapped around Chelsea's neck.

Chelsea, who was blocked, glared behind her.

"What are you doing!"

"Protect your line, Chelsea Lewan."

"But it's too much for Xia to block alone…"

"It's a frustrating fact, but Xia is overwhelmingly stronger than us in actual combat."

Eliza glanced at the front.

"She is also better at assessing the difference in strength between herself and the enemy. And that Xia said she would block Erebus alone."

Chen Xia, a Knight class, was at the forefront.

Eliza, a Summoner class with excellent mobility, was a support moving back and forth between the front and rear.

And Chelsea, a mage, was in charge of the rear.

Although Chelsea, as a Battle Mage, could maximize her strengths at the forefront, she could not always take the position she was best at.

"Now, do your best in your assigned role. That's how you help Xia."

"Ugh…!"

Chelsea flinched at Eliza's sharp words.

Seeing Chelsea like that, Eliza took a deep breath.

Although they were in the same year and top performers in their year, there was still a difference in age.

Even if it was only a two-year difference, that difference in their teens was immeasurable.

'Chelsea Lewan wouldn't be this flustered normally either.'

Watching Chelsea compose herself, Eliza glanced at the front.

Erebus.

Maintaining composure in front of that destructive disaster was almost impossible.

Eliza was also agitated.

She was just pretending to be calm because she was slightly older than Chelsea.

'Something unimaginable is happening.'

Until she entered Lumern.

Eliza never imagined she would be fighting Erebus.

But she found herself standing at a moment in history.

'Can I do well?'

She had lived a life that was second to none as the successor of the Hergin family.

Eliza herself was proud that she would become a greater hero than any previous family head.

But the being before her was a monster that made even the history of the Hergin family seem insignificant.

Doubt and fear arose as to whether she could do well against that monster.

Eliza's hand, gripping the reins of Pegasus, trembled.

When Chelsea and Eliza wavered.

[Now, little monster ladies. Are you ready to start a new legend?]

An unfittingly nonchalant voice was heard.

Chelsea and Eliza flinched.

[Wow. Seriously, every time I feel it, I think I should never mess with Chen Xia.]

Kal stuck out his tongue.

Currently, Kal was in the rear, grasping the overall situation of the battle.

[What? Why is the atmosphere so heavy? Are you nervous, which is unlike you?]

Kal spoke playfully, but Chelsea and Eliza could not answer.

[You really seem nervous.]

Kal, with a slightly surprised expression, then said,

[Don't worry too much! Our role is to hold out until Leo arrives! And!]

Kal shouted confidently.

[Behind you, I am here as a supporter who has reached the position of a hero! Don't worry, just trust me! I will lead you to victory!]

At that shout, Chelsea snorted.

"You're too arrogant for a Kal! Eliza! You say something too!"

Chelsea looked at Eliza.

And seeing Eliza, whose face had turned slightly red, she opened her mouth wide.

Eliza, with a slightly flushed face, was looking around.

"Eliza, are you sick? Why do you have a strange expression?"

"What did you say?"

"Hoohoo. Student Kal has become quite handsome."

At that moment, Melina appeared between the two.

"Professor Mel! Handsome!"

"Oh my? He's so dignified and handsome? You're lucky, Eliza? To have such a handsome boyfriend."

"D-don't tease me."

As Eliza flustered, Melina smiled and looked at the rear.

'Now I'm really reassured.'

Kal's ability as a supporter was outstanding enough to entrust him with command with confidence.

"Well then, everyone. I know you're nervous, but."

Melina gripped her staff.

"Now, please perform beyond your capabilities. Like student Xia."

Chelsea was slightly taken aback by her firm words, unlike her usual self.

"Is it because the enemy is Erebus?"

"No. It's because it's time to prove ourselves."

"Prove?"

"Yes. We have to prove it to the last Archi who has protected the world alone for 5,000 years."

Melina glanced back.

"That you are here now."

***

Kal looked at his palm with a bewildered expression.

A small fairy sat weakly on it.

The problem was that her condition did not seem good.

The beautiful fairy's wings had lost their strength and looked like they would crumble at any moment.

Not only that.

Embers were burning in various places on her wings, gnawing at them.

Seeing that, Kal knew.

That the fairy before him had little time left.

"Are… are you alright?"

In response to Kal's question, Silo lifted his head with difficulty.

-Who are you…?

"Ah, my name is Kal Thomas."

-The one who prepares for the beginning…

"It's quite burdensome, but I am called by that name."

It was when Kal scratched his cheek.

-Father!

Kiran, who was behind Kal, hurriedly flew to Silo.

-Kiran…

Silo smiled faintly.

-It's fortunate that I can see you at the last moment.

-What are you saying! Father! You can live a little longer!

With tears welling up in his eyes, Kiran held Silo's hand.

-I will maintain the seal that Father is maintaining! Then there will surely be more time! You can freely adventure around the world with Leo during that time! That was Father's long-held dream!

At Kiran's words, Silo shook his head with difficulty.

-No, I do not intend to pass on this role to you.

Silo opened his palm.

Seeing that, Kiran gasped.

-My wings…

-I'm sorry, Kiran. I had your last wing. It was difficult to maintain the seal with only the remaining power I had.

The fragment of Erebus in Fairy Land had begun to show signs of resurrection around the time Kiran was born.

However, at that time, the sealing magic was strong and did not come undone.

The seal only cracked a few months ago.

It was because Silo's lifespan had ended.

-Why did Father do this…

- …I didn't want to burden you with my role.

Silo's eyes dimmed.

-Unlike me… I wanted you to live a free life.

Silo knew why his son had caused so much trouble.

If Kiran became the Fairy King in his place… he would inherit the duty that had not ended since 5,000 years ago.

He willingly took on that role, but Silo did not want Kiran to take on that role as well.

-This is… my fight.

The Archi left alone after 5,000 years.

He had no strength to end the fight.

Even so, he could not abandon the responsibility as one who fought in that era and fulfill his duty until the end.

-It is peace built with the sacrifice of my precious… friends.

He could not pass on the duty of the previous era to Kiran, who had to start a new fight.

-Kiran. Help the Dragon Lord.

-Father!

Perhaps before this fight ended, Silo's time would run out.

Knowing that, Kiran urgently called out to Silo.

-Don't be childish!

Silo said in a stern voice.

-If my duty as the old king is to bind that monster, then your duty as the new king is to defeat that monster! Defeat that monster before my allotted time runs out! Hurry!

If Silo died, the illusion would disappear.

Then Chen Xia, Chelsea, and Eliza would lose their power to fight.

At those words, Kiran, gritting his teeth, flew to Melina.

"Are… are you alright?"

Kal asked cautiously, and Silo nodded faintly.

-Kiran is a strong child. He will be fine.

Kal had a solemn expression.

-Ah… I miss it.

Longing appeared in Silo's eyes.

-Truly… Archi.

Despite the urgent situation, the scene before him evoked old memories.

At that moment.

Gooooooo!

"What is it?"

Kal's expression was one of shock.

"Why did he suddenly get stronger!"

Erebus's power suddenly increased.

Seeing that, Silo's eyes narrowed.

Erebus suddenly became stronger.

'Too sudden.'

It was natural for Erebus to get stronger as time passed.

But this was different.

'It's as if… I've gone back to the past…'

Thinking that far, Silo looked down at his hands.

The embers had already gnawed at his palms.

'…I see.'

Silo bit his lip tightly.

'It's because I miss the past.'