"This is—"
The Firewood Collector brought in by the Great Bonfire was Clemo. He looked at everything before him, somewhat stunned.
The four overseers fell silent at the sight.
"Clemo—"
"It seems the Great Bonfire chose you—"
The four overseers sighed. They had never imagined an ending like this.
But now that things had come to this, they had no room to consider anything further.
Though Clemo was somewhat inclined toward Candlefire, he was also a Firewood Collector with ideals and faith.
Yagony spoke wearily, explaining the situation to him. "—So, Clemo, what do you think? Can you accept merging with the Great Bonfire?"
After hearing this, Clemo took a deep breath.
He understood the risks involved. He thought of Retali in the Years of Dense Forest, but he did not hesitate. Instead, he took a deep breath.
"I'm willing."
He stepped forward firmly.
He and Retali had made an agreement long ago.
This was what he wanted, and Retali would respect his choice.
"What a surprise—"
"It seems the Great Bonfire sees more clearly than us old fellows—"
The four overseers gave bitter smiles.
Wiserk, in whom they had placed great hopes, had chosen love when faced with a choice. Meanwhile, Clemo, whom they had never thought highly of, was now shouldering the burden.
All they could say was that fate was unpredictable.
But now that things had come to this, the four overseers had no time to lament.
"We leave everything to you, Clemo—"
They left behind this final entrustment.
Then, their last remaining sliver of will began to disperse along with their obsession, vanishing completely.
They did not merge with the Great Bonfire.
As remnants of the old era, they would not tolerate even the slightest possibility of the Great Bonfire being affected. Even if it meant