"Yes, we have to kill him. Only by killing him and extracting the power of the World Tree's Leaf and the Sunwell from his body can we destroy the hilt of the Black Star." Talice took a deep breath and finally nodded as she spoke.
"Over twenty years ago, under the leadership of His Holiness Pope Decken, the strongest figure on the continent, the Church's power had reached its peak. At that time, His Holiness Decken was already the most powerful individual on the continent, both in influence and personal strength. Thus, he set his sights on the legendary myth—the Black Star.
After exploring countless elven ruins and studying ancient texts, he made a discovery. The ritual passed down by the elves was originally intended to fuse the power of the World Tree's Leaf and the Sunwell into a single person—who would then be sacrificed to the sword."
"The power of the World Tree's Leaf and the Sunwell is the only force capable of affecting the Black Star. While it cannot destroy the Black Star, it can damage it. Though this wouldn't truly save the continent from being cleansed, at the very least, this ritual could delay the doomsday capable of annihilating the continent until the next person draws the sword.
However, despite knowing this, His Holiness Decken refused to believe it. Instead, he placed his faith in Akibard's prophecy—believing that he himself was the one who had gathered enough power to change the world. So, he sought to draw the Black Star himself, relying on his own strength to challenge the legendary weapon of destruction."
"But what we seek is not to destroy the hilt itself. What we need is the dark aura released when the Black Star is damaged. According to elven records, once the Black Star is harmed, it will release a pervasive aura of dark death and destruction. While it cannot compare to the ultimate forbidden curse sealed within the blade, it is still powerful enough to kill thousands."
"That aura is our trump card against Orford. It is the most effective method—perhaps the only method—we have left."
"Orford's growth has already exceeded His Holiness the Pope's expectations and control. The allegiance of the minotaurs and harpies has significantly strengthened their forces. But most critically, they seem to be mining vast quantities of magical gemstones from the Saundfest Mountains—essential materials for crafting high-tier spell scrolls.
Theodorus' influence knows no bounds. If he succeeds in producing a large number of advanced spell scrolls, Orford's combat power will rise by several levels. Even though we've eliminated Nigen's main force and can now consolidate all of West Continent's military strength against Orford, the battle will still be an arduous and desperate struggle."
"We must take the hilt of the Black Star to the Wild Highlands and destroy it there. The deathly aura it releases won't just engulf Orford—it will consume the entire Wild Highlands. That is the most effective way to annihilate Orford. Otherwise, even if we eventually win the war against them, tens of thousands of our warriors will perish in battle on the Wild Highlands."
"Orford must be destroyed as soon as possible. The city of the orcs is developing too rapidly, and its potential is too great. So far, Theodorus has kept the orcs under control, but once he no longer needs to fear us, Orford will inevitably seek more resources and territory. Even people of different faiths struggle against one another—how could conflict not arise between different races? If Orford is allowed to grow into a true empire, the ones who will suffer will be all of humanity across the continent."
"This is why he must die. For the future of the continent—at the very least, to prevent the deaths of tens of thousands of warriors in a war against the orcs. And, more importantly, destroying the hilt of the Black Star, which may be an even greater threat. That is why he must die."
"Okay, I've told you everything now. This is what you wanted to know." Talice's face was filled with exhaustion and helplessness. Saying these words had drained her more than charging into battle ten times over.
"Now you know the truth, what difference does it make? He has to die." Talice looked at Ayime. "I know you care about him, but no one can change this reality. That's why I didn't want to tell you. Maybe if you thought this was just my decision and hated me for it, it would have been easier for you."
Ayime lowered her head and stared at the ground in silence for a long while before speaking. "Why does all the blame have to be placed on Asa alone? This isn't his fault. You know that, don't you? He's a good man."
"It's not his fault, and he bears no responsibility. I… I know he isn't truly evil, either. It's just…" Talice let out a long, weary sigh.
In truth, Ayime's words were ones she had once asked Lancelote herself.
"It's just… we have no other choice. This is the only path left to us."
"Is it justice, as you've always said, for an innocent good person to bear a responsibility that isn't theirs?" Ayime raised her head to look at Talice, her youthful face filled with determination.
"I don't know. I don't even know what justice is anymore. I only know that I have to do this." Talice also looked at Ayime, her face filled with sorrow, yet beneath that sorrow, there was determination.
Neither of them spoke again, silently gazing at each other. After a long while, Ayime suddenly spoke: "No matter what, I will find a way to save Asa, I can't let him die... I won't let you die either."
"Stop saying foolish things. Go rest. I'll have someone take you away tomorrow." Talice shook her head, thinking it was just childish talk.
However, that very night, Ayime disappeared from the camp. No one noticed how she left, and it seemed as though she had never left her tent. The only explanation was that she had brought a teleportation scroll with her.
Although Talice found it strange that Ayime had a teleportation scroll, she felt a bit more at ease. Her biggest concern had been what reckless thing Ayime might do once she learned the truth. But now it seemed that wouldn't be the case. Carrying a teleportation scroll meant Ayime had likely already planned her next move. As for what that plan was, Talice no longer had the energy or the will to concern herself with it. At this point, there was nothing anyone could do to change what had already been set in motion.
In Alrasia, at the St. Peter's Cathedral, inside the room of the newly appointed Cardinal Inham.
Just as Talice had suspected, Ayime had already made plans before coming to her, though this plan was certainly not one Talice could have anticipated.
"Your Eminences, I believe you've heard everything I said?" Ayime looked at the two Cardinals, taking a small metal piece from behind her ear.
It was a metal piece engraved with highly intricate air and spatial magic arrays. It could detect vibrations in the air and generate corresponding vibrations on another metal piece located elsewhere, perfectly transmitting the sound. This little magical trick required the carrier's own magic to operate. If it were being used against someone like the Pope or Lancelote, it would obviously be impossible to hide. However, when it came to dealing with Talice, who was often distracted, it worked just fine.
"We heard it clearly. Truly unexpected news. You've done well, thank you," Cardinal Adra smiled slightly.
Although Lancelote had let Ayime go in a very secretive manner, it wasn't difficult for them, who were deliberately looking for her, to find her, especially since she herself seemed eager to find Talice. The agreement with the young girl went exceptionally smoothly, and just as expected, she had indeed gotten those things out of Talice's mouth.
"No need to thank me; this was actually the question I wanted to ask. Instead, I should be thanking you. If it weren't for your help, I wouldn't have known where to find the answers. I could never have gotten to that place on my own." Ayime bowed to the two bishops, then casually asked, "Now, what I want to know is, what do you two plan to do with me?"
"Oh? An interesting little girl." Cardinal Adra smiled, looking rather surprised as he glanced at Cardinal Inham beside him. "What, do you think we're going to deal with you?"
"If I continue to live with all the things I know, I'm sure it would make the two of you feel unsafe. And, since neither of you are as merciful as Lord Lancelote, there's no reason for you to let me live."
"Oh? So you still dare to come back on your own?" Adra looked at Ayime, his smile still as gentle and radiant as ever, as though she were some rare and adorable little creature.
"If you two really wanted to kill me, would I still be able to hide?" Ayime said calmly, her demeanor far more mature than her age or appearance would suggest. "Since you allowed me to go see my sister, you must have been prepared for this. You're not afraid of me leaking anything or running away. Even though you're in Alrasia, I know that no matter what I do, I won't escape your watchful eyes."
Ayime's calmness was far beyond her years, a result of the many hardships she had endured, which had given her a mind and resolve well beyond her age.
"Ah, such a smart little girl," Bishop Adra nodded, his smile becoming even more charming. Indeed, the small metallic piece for transmitting sound wasn't the only thing on this little girl. She had been under the surveillance of several "Eagle Eyes" puppets the entire time. With a slightly reluctant sigh, he added, "You're so young, yet you possess such insight and courage. It's truly rare... even I feel a little sorry for you."
Although he said that, the magical fluctuations behind Adra's back had already started to gather. The things this little girl knew were far too much. If it hadn't been for the need to eliminate any traces completely before she returned here, she would have been turned into a zombie the moment they learned of the information. Even though they were in the cathedral, with their abilities and status, making a little girl disappear without anyone noticing was something they could easily manage.
But Inham's hand reached out and pressed down on Adra's, dissipating the dangerous magical energy. He looked at Ayime and said indifferently, "No need to beat around the bush. If you have something to say, just say it directly."
"I want to make a deal with both of you," Ayime replied.
"What?" Both bishops were surprised. Adra then smiled and said, "Oh? With your intelligence, it shouldn't be some trivial offer. Let's hear it then, what do you want to trade with us?"
"Inham, you're the one who caused the misunderstanding between the Tooth Tower and the Whispering Forest, resulting in their mutual conflict, right?" Ayime gathered all her strength and looked into Inham's seemingly calm yet potentially lethal gaze. "I heard from Granden the Tower Master that you really want the World Tree's leaf to cure your son... If I help you get the World Tree's leaf, would you help me rescue Asa?"