Chapter 415

"Hehehe, so gentle..."

Muryan stretched out her hand, and Huginn, who was standing on her shoulder, leaped to her fingertips. Countless black bands and arcs of light were drawn from Huginn's fingertips, swiftly and rapidly enveloping tens of thousands of Fang Fairy close to the sky.

From their perspective, the humans and Fairy who were previously small and weak suddenly appeared enormous.

"Gorgeous and elegant~"

Muryan paused for a moment, then said, "But this still doesn't feel quite right! I'll leave it to you, Tonelico."

Although she could choose to fold it up first and then tie it up... Muryan felt that such a painful act should not be done to anyone other than Novia. As for why this pain was a painful experience, it was naturally because she had asked Novia to do this to her.

Meanwhile, Novia, who hadn't made a move, simply gazed at the earth and sighed softly.

"Cernunnos, you have every right to Wrath, but in fact, you are already Wrath right now."

Originally, there were no humans in the Fairy Britain. The origin of all humans was basically the Miko who was the last human and also the wife of Cernunnos. After the Primordial Six Aescs, poisoned Cernunnos, she used the Miko, who was annoyed by his daily preaching, as a model for creating humans. Therefore, the humans in the Fairy Britain could only live to the age of thirty and could not reproduce.

Liu Arian essentially tortured the Miko to death, subdividing her as much as possible while maintaining her vitality, down to the point where each cell remained active and, in order to preserve her freshness, possibly even retained her consciousness.

In this situation, the unconscious remains of Cernunnos harbored resentment towards the Fairy who had tormented the Miko for tens of thousands of years. However, the faint consciousness that arose from Novia still believed that the Fairy could repent, and that once they truly repented in their hearts, the curse on the Fairy would be lifted.

However.

Even though the first Great Calamity occurred in the eleven thousandth year of the Fairy Era, resulting in the deaths of Rain and Fang Aesc, Mirror Aesc, who possessed prophetic abilities, told the surviving Arian that it was the curse of Cernunnos, and also a notice issued by Paradise—

'Acknowledge your Sin, relinquish the right to forge the Holy Sword to humanity, and return to your Planet (disappear).'

However, they did not feel they had done anything wrong; on the contrary, they claimed that the earth belonged to their Kingdom, not to humans.

Novia had made this judgment long ago, after realizing that this was Fairy Britain:

This world is beyond saving. It's hard to change without a thorough baptism of blood and fire. Rebuilding on a blank sheet of paper is much easier than on a piece of paper that's disgustingly black. Only after undergoing a baptism of everything will it be completely problem-free.

However, since Ash still harbored some hope, she could only temporarily trust Novia, who had come at Odin's request and become her Teacher.

After all, he kept saying, "I don't agree with it in my heart, but since that's what you think, I can only agree with it on the surface."

In fact, Ash was aware that her Teacher was always annihilating the Fairy in the Fairy villages she had visited.

Rather than saying Novia was hiding something, it would be more accurate to say that the two of them simply tacitly avoided discussing the topic. Ash also knew that if she were to accidentally stumble into the Fairy village, those inner thoughts would no longer remain just that—inner thoughts.

Hearing Muryan's call, she snapped out of her daze and raised her wand.

"... Don't worry, my weapons are always within my reach."

Which 'story' should we choose to handle them?

Under normal circumstances, Ash would choose a normal fairy tale because she still had some hope for Fairy and felt that they, like the Rain Clan, had a heart that yearned for redemption, and that as long as they persisted, they could definitely be redeemed.

Even now, Ash, who has only found solace in Muryan, the Fairy who is devoted to her Teacher, still dreams of redeeming Britain, preventing its demise while allowing it to have a fresh start, just like an ideal.

Although the thought of redeeming them still lingered, Ash also knew that, faced with the Fang Fairy who were already controlled by their extreme appetites, the only thing she and her Teacher could do was kill them all. No matter what, they absolutely could not allow their loved ones to be harmed because of a shred of mercy.

Therefore, Ash quickly and decisively did not use the fairy tale story, but another story.

She stretched her wand forward with force, Muninn obediently stayed on her shoulder, unlike Huginn who flew onto Muryan's finger.

The Fairy of Paradise eyes reflected only the 'enemy' who had to be killed, and she abandoned all hesitation to weave a chant.

"Water Mirror, at its maximum extent. Under the name of the Fairy of Paradise-- "

The Od resonated with the clear, bright tone, releasing a flash of light. In the next instant, the gathered Od stirred like a living being, repeatedly combining and mutating, ultimately taking form.

It wasn't a mimicry of the Holy Sword, but rather a massive cannon muzzle.

A golden beam of light shot from the cannon's muzzle, unleashing a Divinity fire that extinguished all profound Evil.

The story recreates the heavenly fire of Gomorrah.

Thus, just as Novia had told her disciples, all the Fang Fairy shrouded in the Muryan Insect Space within this ancient city were completely and utterly dead. Even the blood and stench they had accumulated over the long period of time had to be turned into rising smoke.

"... The Od consumption is quite high."

After taking a deep breath, Ash couldn't help but murmur.

Although this was the first time using the mysterious story Novia had told, the damage to her Od was significantly greater than when she used the Happy Prince's magic. Ash felt that if it weren't for Novia providing Od support, she would probably be paralyzed on the ground right now.

"However, the story you told, Teacher, is indeed amazing. If I could completely recreate it, even the entire city would probably be evaporated."

Hearing Ash say that, Novia couldn't help but turn around and look at her:

"If you could perfectly recreate it, not only this place, but the entire Britain would be evaporated."

"Hmm? Is that so? But Gomorrah in the story isn't much bigger than Britain, is it?"

"I mean the source of that power."

Novia gazed at the reserved Ash before her and said, "However, I shouldn't have anything to worry about."

"... Actually, I've always felt like I'm a burden to you, Teacher."

Ash sighed and adjusted his glasses.

Regardless of the circumstances, Ash felt that he had completely dragged Novia down. Putting aside his initial attitude, even now he relied on him in many ways.

"No, we've always been on the same side, and the fact that we're on the same path together is proof of that."

This wasn't the first time Ash had heard Novia say this, but she still couldn't help but smile happily at this moment.

"In that case, I need to become stronger, stronger and stronger... and then you, Teacher, will become a burden to me, someone I can protect."

This was actually the first time the Fairy of Paradise had spoken to Novia like this, and the emotion in her voice was a warmth that could be clearly felt by the two Raven present, as well as by Muryan and Novia herself.

"I trust you."

Novia answered in this way.

Although Novia is now doing everything she can to help Ash achieve his ideals, even though she understands that the vast majority of Fairy do not need to be saved.

In fact, to some extent, Ash does have the potential to establish the Republic, but given the nature of Fairy, it is basically impossible.

After all, they never think long-term; they only care about being in the present moment.

But what could he do? He was her Teacher. If his student was so determined, then he, as her Teacher, had no choice but to see it through to the end.

However, Novia also has her bottom line. For example, with those Fairy who tried to attack Ash even after being rescued, he didn't say much to Ash before sending Huginn and Muninn to kill them. If Ash eventually loses all feelings for the Fairy, Novia plans to recreate the Great Flood to cleanse the world.

But it's too early to say for sure right now.

Novia's reason for coming to the Fang Clan's stronghold was not simply to wipe out most of the Fang Fairy there, but to find the 'Fang Aesc's ancestral essence,' which should have appeared three thousand years later. In short, it was to pave the way for Ash to become the King of Britain.

Since he didn't really want to wait three thousand years, he planned to summon one of Odin's two wolves to devour this 'Fang Aesc' as a substitute.

In this way, the Fang Clan, one of the Five Great Clans, would naturally obey in the face of an overwhelmingly powerful figure.

Ultimately, the Fang Clan is simply a clan where the strong submit to the weak. They are only suited to be Warrior; it's too much of a challenge for them to engage in scheming and plotting.

As for the Wing Clan, they appointed Muryan, who inherited the bloodline of Yaling of the Wing Clan, as their clan leader.

The remaining elements—soil, mirror, wind—but most importantly, are...

It's probably an image that pops into my mind of a disguised, supposedly most beautiful, gentlest, and kindest Fairy, but who is actually brainless.

This, in turn, caused Novia to display a rare cold expression since arriving in the Fairy Britain.

"... You two go inside, I'll keep watch outside for you."

Just as Novia and her group were about to enter the depths of the City's Royal Palace, Muryan had been silent for a long time, suddenly spoke up. Then, without waiting for a reply, the Fairy girl squatted down by the wall, propping her chin up with a bored expression.

Seeing this, Ash wanted to pick her up and go inside with her, but Novia gently shook her head, so he gave up.

After the two went inside, Muryan sighed. Actually, she was a little stunned when she saw Ash being able to frankly express his feelings and Novia giving such an answer.

Because I'm not qualified.

Her innate, deep-seated aversion to humanity prevented her from uttering such words.

The little Fairy is bound by her Fairy nature and cannot go against her instinctive 'hatred of humans'. Therefore, even if she is aware of her own emotions, she is still unable to express or show them. She can only ask to use the barbaric act of Violence against herself to make her body produce 'emotions' that are completely different from her mind.

"Someday I'll be able to be like that..."

With a slight blush rising to her cheeks, Muryan made her declaration, as if whispering to a beloved lover.

"Then I can show Novia an even more pained expression, right...?"

The sound of their footsteps echoed in the empty, white Main Hall. After a distance, Ash noticed that Novia had stopped ahead, with Huginn and Muninn surrounding his outstretched left hand, radiating Od containing special wavelengths.

"In the name of the great god Odin, I permit you to eat to your heart's content, 'Gluttony' Kulyuki."

This cry acted like a key, opening a crack in Novia's path.

Rolling out of the crack was a wolf, entirely white.

"Wow!"

The flippant voice that leaped from the crack was that of Kulyuki, one of the twin wolves Protection Odin, who sat upon the Supreme Throne in Norse mythology.

"Why doesn't our new lord have the Supreme Throne? Huginn and Muninn, what are you two doing here?"

As he spoke, the silver-white Kulyuki circled Novia, then lay down so Novia could pet him.

"Ha, didn't the master say it's not time for that yet?"

Huginn explained, "When it really comes to that, you don't even need Kulyuki. Just tell me, Muninn and I will create the best Supreme Throne in the world."

"I see, I see."

Kulyuki looked up at Novia, "Master, you summoned me, what do you want me to do?"

Here's something for you to eat.

"Um?"

Kulyuki frowned, glancing to the other side. "That thing? If I eat it, won't Paradise and the Planet be angry? But since you've said so, sir, then I—"

The silver-white wolf leaped forward and pounced straight at the target, seemingly swallowing air, but in reality swallowing the concept of 'Fang Aesc's atavism,' which should have only been born three thousand years later.

You're welcome.

Ash looked at Novia with some confusion as he watched this unfold.

"Teacher, what is this?"

"Since you want to establish the Republic, you'll need support, right? So, here's the situation: from now on, the Fang Clan will be under Kulyuki's control and become a supporter of you, as will the Wing Clan, since they have Muryan with them."

Ash listened quietly.

Then Novia slowly said, word by word:

"Right now, you are Tonelico, the Witch the Fairy see, not the Savior they believe in. Of course, I am partly to blame for that. But have you made up your mind? Even if you never commit any wrongdoings, never die, and spend your life striving for your ideal kingdom..."

The silver-haired youth paused.

"Even if it ultimately collapses mercilessly before your eyes, would you still choose to become the Savior? Actually, I don't support this choice; this is something I've warned you about from the very beginning."

Ash is a kind Fairy.

However, this kindness could not save her. The Rain Clan, whom she regarded as family and friends, was massacred, and she was persecuted for helping the Fairy. In the vast Fairy Britain, the number of Fairy who could wholeheartedly support her was practically zero.

"I accept..."

If I follow the Teacher's advice, perhaps I will have a better life in the future.

Ash held this premonition, but the reason she didn't agree immediately must be because she still clung to a sliver of hope that, regardless of friend or foe, healing everyone would allow her to encounter different Fairy as long as she could survive.

It must also be because Novia is still supporting her.

So she said softly.

"From now on, I will use the name 'Ash' again."

After the Rain Clan was destroyed, the Fairy of Paradise continued to use the false name 'Tonelico' given to her by her foster mother, the Queen of the Rain Country. Now, she says she will use the real name 'Ash' again, and the meaning behind it is self-evident.

When she was seen as Witch, she used the 'Tonelico'; when she was seen Savior, she called herself 'Ash'.

"Then, this should be yours too."

Novia reached out her hand, and a crack appeared in the space beside her, revealing three tree roots.

This is World Tree to the Ash Tree in the Rain Country, which was burned to the ground. It is the World Tree in Norse mythology and is also an ash tree.

Unsuspecting, she reached out and touched the three tree roots, and in an instant, a vortex of Od surged around her.

It was at this moment that she felt as if she had returned to the time when the Rain Clan still existed.

In the dimly lit yet warm library, Teacher appeared in front of a child engrossed in reading fairy tales at a table.