Eugene casually ran his hand through his hair, which had been tousled by the wind, as he stared at the sky where Giabella-Face had disappeared.
He felt a bit surprised. Was Gavid's death so significant that it could explicitly dampen the atmosphere like that? Eugene recalled the last expression he had seen on Noir's face.
In fact, Eugene knew. Noir hadn’t been in a somber mood solely due to Gavid’s death. It had been vague, but this had been coming for a long time now and was inevitable. Noir had always joked about their planned face-off with a beaming smile, but now, she definitely acknowledged that both of their ends were not far off.
Indeed, what form their end would take was something Eugene looked forward to, albeit with regret, sadness, and….
'Fear?' Eugene thought in surprise.
He glanced down at his hand. His fingertips were trembling slightly. He thought it was inevitable. This emotion was not something he could simply ignore. Bonds were always like that.
He closed his eyes. He thought of the Sage of the Ivory Tower, Visuhr Laviola. He thought of the Light.
Once, Eugene had thought that even if he was a reincarnation of Agaroth, he did not want to be swayed by Agaroth's bonds and emotions. He thought he was ultimately himself, and the bonds and emotions from when he was not himself were simply a hindrance.
It had been an arrogant and foolish thought. Despite making such distinctions, Eugene had benefited from Agaroth's virtues several times. While harboring contradictions, he had chosen to swallow only the sweet and spit out the bitter.
'It can't be helped,' Eugene thought wryly.He had come to a full realization of his contradictory thoughts during the introspection of half a year that he was forced to undergo at the bottom of the Southern Seas.
Following that, he came to a conclusion. Eugene could not simply dismiss the bonds from when he was Agaroth. The bonds from that time had become a desire that now made the current world and the current Eugene Lionheart exist. Denying Agaroth's bonds was akin to denying Eugene's very foundation.
Therefore, what Eugene had to do was….
'I have to end it,' Eugene thought with determination.
With the Twilight Witch, the War God's Saintess, Aria, and….
His bond with Noir Giabella could not be simply dismissed. The emotions of Agaroth ingrained in Eugene wouldn't allow it.
'Perhaps, when I... kill Noir Giabella….' Eugene halted his thoughts.
Disturbed by the sticky and painful emotions, Eugene shook his head. These feelings and thoughts didn't weaken his resolve, but they were repulsive and overwhelming. Eugene clicked his tongue and clenched his still trembling hand.
"Sir Eugene." Kristina, who had stepped back slightly, took Eugene's hand and asked, "Are you okay?"
"No, I'm not,” he responded honestly.
Normally, he would have said he was fine. However, Eugene did not act as usual today. Was it really because he was not okay? Was his mind troubled by Gavid's death and the thought of killing Noir? He wasn’t without such reasons.
"I'm really struggling. Too much has happened over this year,” Eugene confessed.
Saying this so openly was, for Eugene, a kind of surrender and a plea for his life.
He could feel Kristina’s grip around his knuckles, and the handle of her flail was clearly visible between the folds of her clerical robe. He suddenly recalled how he had vanished for a year without ever writing letters. He saw the small metal liquor flask dangling from her waist.
"I've trained desperately and ultimately won, but it wasn't an easy victory. Don't you all think so? I almost died several times in this duel…. If I had started training just a bit later, it might have been me who died in today's duel, not Gavid Lindman," Eugene quickly continued while scanning his surroundings.
However, most people did not understand the implications of Eugene's words and simply stared blankly. The problem was that most people here considered Eugene a senior. They didn’t understand why he was suddenly speaking so respectfully.
"Your Highness Crown Prince Honein,” Eugene called out.
"U-uh, yes?" Honein Abram, the future king of Aroth, looked startled at the sudden call of respect.
"You seem to have achieved a lot since I last saw you a year ago. What Circle are you at now?" Eugene asked.
"The Eight... Eighth Circle,” Honein answered hesitantly. Honein was currently twenty-nine. He belonged to a lineage of the Aroth royal family, which had been specifically developed to be adept at magic.
Eugene was exceptionally special, but Honein would also have been classified as a genius under normal circumstances. Reaching the Eighth Circle at the age of twenty-nine proved Honein's genius, even though he had just crossed the boundary.
"Weren't you at the Seventh Circle a year ago?” asked Eugene.
"I… was,” Honein answered slowly.
"How did you rise to the ranks of an Archwizard within just a year?" Eugene asked, genuinely surprised.
"That was... the war in Hauria inspired me—" Honein answered cautiously.
Eugene's eyes narrowed. That was not the answer he had expected from Honein.
"Have you ever skipped training during the year?" Eugene interrupted.
"No, not at all,” said Honein.
He was able to answer that question confidently. He had never forgotten the admonition of his father, Daindolf Abram.
To reform the homeland, he must not depend on the mercy of the lion but must possess the strength for the lion to willingly lend his teeth and claws. After hearing that, Honein devoted himself completely to magic, proved his training during the war in Hauria, grasped the enlightenment gained on the battlefield, broke through the Eighth Circle's barrier, and became the youngest Archwizard after Eugene.
"I have not skipped a single day of magical training in the year after the war. Sir Eugene, your prowess has given me great magical inspiration, and with the single-minded intent to stand by your side, I practiced magic every day," continued Honein.
"That's exactly it!" Eugene shouted suddenly.
Eugene was not particularly interested in the motivations and circumstances behind Honein's dedication to training.
"Not wasting a year and devoting oneself! That is what made you, Crown Prince, into an Archwizard," shouted Eugene.
"Uh... yes, that's right,” answered Honein hesitantly.
"Cyan, Ciel, isn't that right?" Eugene once again asked suddenly.
The target shifted. Cyan, who had been clueless about what Eugene was trying to say, flinched and stepped back.
"Uh, what?" he asked.
"Feeling your mana, both of you have reached Six Stars in The White Flame Formula. The Patriarch and Sir Gion have reached Eight Stars. All within a year!"
Gilead and Gion could not guess Eugene's intentions. They weren’t sure what he was trying to achieve by complimenting everyone’s achievements.
But Ciel was different. The Saints had severely tormented her over the past year, so she could guess what Eugene feared. What did she have to hide? Whenever drunk, the Saints often blustered about plucking all his hair out if Eugene ever returned after the duel.
"You're right, Eugene. A year is not long at all. It's actually very short. To break down walls and reach new heights, not a single day can be wasted. Training must begin the moment it's decided,” Ciel chimed in.
She immediately supported Eugene. Feigning ignorance of his true intentions could have been fun... but Ciel really liked the disheveled hair Eugene was currently sporting. Its unkempt, wild growth reminded her of Eugene when he first came to the Lionheart estate twelve years ago, like a country bumpkin.
"Ivatar!" Eugene shouted.
"I ran through the Great Forest daily for a year, wielding my axe in training,” Ivatar quickly responded.
It was a complete lie. Over the past year, Ivatar had been busy managing the newly established nation of Zoran and attending to state affairs rather than training.
But Ivatar was naturally astute and quick-witted. He had been the one to pioneer the acceptance of external cultures with an open mind, despite being born in a barbarian tribe, and had united the tribes of the Great Forest to become their chieftain. Thus, he was able to give Eugene the answer he wanted.
"Gargith! Your muscles have grown even larger," continued Eugene.
"I have not missed a single day of training or the family's muscle growth formula in twenty years,” responded Gargith.
Muscle growth formula. It had been a long time since Eugene heard those words. Despite growing so large, was he still taking muscle growth supplements? His size had already surpassed Molon's.
'What the hell does he want to become?' Eugene thought in horror.
Had eating the giant's balls made him truly want to become a giant?
"Anyway, yes," Eugene said half-heartedly.
‘That should be enough ,’ Eugene hoped. He took a breath and then slowly turned to look at Kristina.
"Because a year is so short... I felt I could not win the duel unless I started training as soon as possible," he explained.
Silence ensued at his words.
Eugene continued, "The place I intended to go is quite difficult to reach, and since Gavid could open the door, I could go there right away. So…."
"I understand,” Kristina finally responded.
To think he would resort to such pitiful excuses.... Anise sighed at Eugene's lack of boldness. But Kristina didn't think so.
'The duel with the Blade of Incarceration, Gavid Lindman, was intense enough that Sir Eugene had no choice but to dedicate himself to training wholeheartedly,' Kristina told Anise.
[My goodness, Kristina, did you really fall for that absurd excuse?] Anise asked in shock.
'Didn't you hear as well, Sister? Eugene did not make excuses,' Kristina countered.
[If that's not an excuse, then what is it?] Anise asked, astounded.
'I spent a year worrying and suffering in my heart. Knowing this, he explained it as having been unavoidable. What a kind heart he has...!' Kristina said, adoration dripping from every word.
Anise sighed again at that response. Such a favorable interpretation…. Explanations and excuses were often just a thin line apart.
"Indeed, Sir Eugene, I have been short-sighted. The grueling training without a single day off.... Even after the training ended, you had no time to rest but came straight here to fight the duel,” Kristina said, sounding apologetic.
"That's right,” answered Eugene.
"Then what you need now is rest. Though a place for rest is provided here at the duel site, since the duel is over, there is no need to stay here any longer. What will you do? Will you return to our home?" Kristina asked with a smile.
‘ Home? By that, did she mean the Lionheart family home? Why had Kristina's home become the Lionheart mansion? ’ Eugene thought shamelessly.
If Ancilla had known this thought, she might have broken another fan in vain.
"I have something to discuss with you all,” Eugene called out.
Rest was indeed needed. For a year, he had subsisted on preserved food like jerky stashed inside his cloak and the candies and sweets Mer and Raimira had stuffed in. His food had lacked meat, meat that was dripping with juice, rich and fatty meat. He wanted to fill his stomach with such meat, drink, bathe, and sleep deeply.
But that was not yet possible. Eugene looked back at Molon and Sienna. Sienna nodded slightly. She also had things she wanted to ask and hear about Eugene.
"Indeed," Kristina murmured in a low voice. The Saints were also eager to hear his stories. They had agreed not to make an issue of his sudden disappearance anymore. Eugene's past year, and….
[Phew...] Anise sighed.
She had known long ago, and her troubled heart had been settled. But to think from mere speculation to learning the definite truth, it was inevitable to have complicated feelings.
— Have you met the Light?
When Eugene arrived at the dueling arena, the Demon King of Incarceration had asked him.
"We will go ahead and return first,” Gilead was the first to speak. "Surely you won't disappear for a year this time?"
"I will arrive at the family home within a week at the latest,” Eugene promised.
"Prepare and wait,” said Gilead.
"Modestly,” Eugene emphasized his voice as he spoke. "Not lavishly, but modestly. Only at the mansion."
"Surely everyone who saw the duel here should attend, shouldn’t they?" Gilead asked.
"If that's the case... yes,” Eugene answered.
"And the collateral branches?" Gilead continued his probing.
"If it includes just the Lionhearts," Eugene said.
"His Majesty the Emperor, His Holiness the Pope, and other distinguished guests who supported you?" Gilead asked.
"There! That's enough,” said Eugene.
Eugene could not concede any further. Gilead nodded, satisfied with the negotiation’s success.
"Is there anything else you want?" he asked.
"Please tell Nina to prepare the food,” asked Eugene.
"Meat?" asked Gilead.
"Yes, the kind I have been eating since I was thirteen," Eugene replied.
That reminded Gilead of Eugene’s growing years.
During his teenage years, when Eugene was swinging his sword daily and practicing the White Flame Formula, his personal servant, Nina, used to bring him absurdly large and thick cuts of meat as per his requests and cook them to his taste, serving them three times a day. She had served dishes like stews with more meat than vegetables and perfectly grilled steaks….
"I'll pass that on," Gilead said with a wry smile and a nod.
The incredible divinity displayed in the duel and Eugene's childhood, which Gilead had observed twelve years ago, were hard to reconcile.
But one thing was certain: Eugene was Gilead's son no matter what height he reached.
"Then, I’ll see you at the mansion,” Eugene said and turned his head. "Why aren’t you two coming? Or are you not interested?"
Mer and Raimiria had been shrinking behind everyone but now jumped at each other in surprise.
"...I thought a measly familiar like me wouldn’t even be a consideration for you now that you have become such a great person, Sir Eugene,” said Mer.
"T-this lady believed in Benefactor. But even a dragon like myself does not seem so great compared to Benefactor’s greatness. So... so...." muttered Raimira.
"Stop talking nonsense and just come,” Eugene furrowed his eyebrows and opened his cloak. Mer and Raimiria no longer hesitated and quickly jumped inside the cloak.
"Let's move from here first,” Eugene said.
He gently floated into the sky. Kristina still hadn’t released his hand and followed him into the air under his lead.
Sienna watched this with dissatisfaction and finally spoke out, "You can fly, can't you?"
"It’s strange, but my wings aren't coming out right now," answered Kristina.
"Is it okay for the Saint to lie?" Sienna asked with narrowed eyes.
"It's not a lie. Really, my wings aren't coming out,” Kristina stated without changing her expression.
Sienna felt a bubbling irritation inside and pouted her lips.
"Where are you going?" she asked.
"Molon’s place,” Eugene answered.
"That cave? Why?" asked Sienna.
"Because it overlooks Raguryaran," Eugene explained patiently.
"Well, it doesn’t have to be there. Isn’t that peak over there good enough?" asked Sienna.
She pointed at a high peak, where Molon had been overseeing the dueling ground from earlier.
"Well, there is no problem with that place either—"
Whoosh!
Sienna's mana expanded. Before Eugene could finish his sentence, her mana enveloped Eugene, Kristina, and Molon.
"Here." When Sienna finished speaking, the four were at the summit of Mount Lehainjar.
"Wow." Eugene looked around and exclaimed in admiration. "It's not teleportation?"
"It's a swap,” Sienna said with a smug expression.
"I swapped the mana in this place with mine,” she responded.
"Any limitations?" Eugene asked.
"I can't swap more than ten people. Of course, my mana can easily cover thousands, but forcibly swapping that much mana would collapse the axis of space, causing a great disaster. And this is roughly the limit for distance,” she said.
"It’s convenient. Can I use it too?" Eugene asked.
"Of course not! Only those who understand the tiny world of mana and can perfectly manipulate soul power can use it,” Sienna answered.
"So you’ve decided to call it soul power,” said Eugene.
"Senior Sage called it the essence of the source, but that’s too long,” responded Sienna.
"So you decided to call her Senior,” Eugene called out.
"Are you going to keep being cheeky?" Sienna glared as she snapped at him. Eugene stopped teasing and cleared his throat, turning his head.
"First…."
Where to start?
Eugene thought for a moment, nodded his head, and then looked at Molon.
"Hey, Molon."
"What is it, Hamel?"
"From today, you are my Holy Knight."
Molon blinked in surprise at the sudden declaration.