New Year

"Para, you've grown old again."

At that moment, Karl Rega turned to glance at Para and said in a deep voice.

The other two also looked over.

Paracelsus appeared utterly aged, his hair snow-white, his face covered in wrinkles, and his skin sagging.

If not for those eyes, still deep and bright, filled with wisdom and the weariness of time, he would have looked no different from an old man on the verge of death.

"Hehe, after all, this is only a mortal body. Using the Philosopher's Sword beyond its limits means that, according to the principle of equivalent exchange, I must pay the corresponding price."

Para smiled calmly.

Beneath Agni's silver helmet, his blue eyes shifted toward the white cane in Para's hand. He said solemnly, "A sword forged from twelve Philosopher's Stones... this should be the limit of the mortal world. No wonder His Majesty praised it as 'the sharpest sword in the mortal world.'"

"Unfortunately, as you said yourself, a mortal body cannot bear the price of wielding it."

After a brief pause, Agni continued, "Ascend, Para... you do not have much time left in the mortal world."

"Para, you've already done enough for His Majesty and for us," Karl said with a nod.

"Before ascending, all you need to do is forge yourself another Philosopher's Stone shell for your other self to inhabit. Then you can retain peak Rank 6 strength and continue walking the mortal world for His Majesty, leading the Empire into battle."

Adams said nothing, merely casting him a concerned look, as though he agreed with the other two.

"Gentlemen."

Para looked at the three Knight Commanders.

He smiled, but shook his head. "I am the Order's final safeguard. If even I ascend, it will leave the enemy with a fatal weakness... What