C1105
"I ought to have knocked that cursed scoundrel out much sooner!"
Sterin’s creased fist trembled as he voiced his remorse for not having demolished Rimmer when he still drew breath.
"It astounds me that even in death, he continues to wreak havoc for everyone else."
His teeth clenched in a noisy grind, a clear sign of his deep fury.
"No, I'll handle that idiot this instant... Ow!"
Sterin attempted to spring from his bed only to fall back, as the burst of vigor from his rage appeared to vanish.
"G-Grandfather!"
Siyana exclaimed in alarm while hurrying to aid Sterin.
"S-Sorry..."
Sterin’s eyes fluttered as he exhaled a drawn-out sigh.
"No, it's fine."
Siyana offered a gentle smile, remarking that she was truly pleased to witness his renewed energy after such a long period.
"But is it indeed accurate that my brother summoned those swirling winds and mists from above?"
She directed her gaze toward Raon, seeking confirmation.
"...Indeed. Lord Rimmer's spirit still dwells within those very mists and gales."
Raon hesitated for a moment before giving a nod.
"What has transpired during all this time?"
After gently returning Sterin to his bed, Siyana lifted her eyebrows in inquiry.
"As I previously stated, Master placed his soul within the Blade of Requiem. Once we pinpointed the White Blood Religion's whereabouts and initiated our assault..."
Raon recounted to Siyana and Sterin all the events that had unfolded up to this moment.
"Ah, now it makes sense..."
Siyana nodded in acknowledgment, expressing that she now comprehended everything.
"It explains why my heart felt oddly pained when I gazed upon those mists."
She emitted a quiet groan, revealing her newfound understanding of the source of her heart's discomfort.
"I experienced a similar sensation."
Sterin released a deep, weighted sigh while staring out into the dim window.
"I sensed minute tremors, like a fingertip gently prodding my timeworn soul, and it appears it was the misdeeds of that accursed grandson."
With quivering fingers, he swept his snowy hair aside.
"Who would have thought he dared to step forward despite being aware of his own limitations..."
Sterin's lips twisted into a curl, his eyes still firmly shut.
"Yet, he remains the same gentle-hearted fool as always."
Even as he labeled him foolish, his smile betrayed approval, appreciating Rimmer’s candid character.
"That's simply the nature of my brother."
Siyana’s soft smile conveyed that Rimmer had, from the start, always been more compassionate than his fellow elves.
"I too wish to share something."
Martha emerged from Raon’s shadow and positioned herself before Siyana and Sterin.
"Owing to Master Rimmer, I managed to fulfill the ambition of my life."
She bowed deeply, her eyes filled with genuine sincerity, as though intending to reciprocate the kindness that Rimmer had bestowed upon these two elves.
"Life’s ambition?"
Sterin squinted his eyes in suspicion.
"Could you please explain what that ambition entailed?"
Raising his eyebrows in curiosity, he was clearly intrigued by Rimmer’s connection.
"Certainly."
Martha offered a nod marked by an unusually courteous demeanor.
"During my youth, our village fell victim to an assault by the White Blood Religion. The 10th Apostle himself arrived, leaving us utterly defenseless..."
In spite of the agonizing recollections, she recounted every detail without a moment’s hesitation.
"Even after death, Master Rimmer remembered my aspiration, venturing into the realm of the mind to assist me in exacting my revenge."
Martha lowered her gaze, explaining that, because of Rimmer, she managed to rescue her mother and come to terms with her father’s sacrifice.
"I am deeply grateful."
She expressed her long-held thanks to Siyana and Sterin, standing in for the missing Rimmer.
"There's no need for gratitude."
Sterin brushed his hand away in a dismissive gesture.
"Reserve your thanks for the moment when you capture that idiot’s soul and drag him back here."
Unlike his earlier threats of beating Rimmer up, a gentle smile now played on his lips, as news of his grandson’s actions revitalized him.
"Y-You don't need to express gratitude to me either!"
Siyana quickly declined with a shake of her head, her face lighting up with a cheerful smile, evidently pleased by the accolades for Rimmer.
"Nonetheless, I wished to inform you of the character of your relative."
Martha bowed once more, reiterating her thanks, and even Raon couldn’t help but smile subtly, as such a display from her was a rarity.
"Does this imply that we ought not to eliminate that accursed individual?"
Sterin lifted a finger, directing attention to the ceiling of the cabin.
"That is not the situation."
Raon shook his head decisively.
"Master must have arrived here to cleanse the malice inherited from the vindictive spirits of the Blade of Requiem by harnessing the power of the World Tree. Essentially, we must eliminate the blood-soaked mists and winds to liberate his soul."
He clarified to Sterin and Siyana the actions required for Rimmer’s sake.
"Is it possible to eliminate solely the mists and winds without disturbing Rimmer’s soul?"
Sterin clicked his lips, underscoring that this was the critical inquiry.
"Although the World Tree possesses cleansing powers, attempting to remove something so vast and potent in a single effort would be overwhelming."
He frowned as he elaborated that the World Tree’s power could not be concentrated in one area, given that it was busy purifying malice emanating from not only this forest, but the whole continent.
"If left in proximity to the World Tree, the malice will ultimately vanish."
Siyana dropped her chin, adding to Sterin’s remark.
"Nonetheless, the process would be exceedingly slow—possibly spanning a decade or more."
She sighed, uncertain about the next step.
"You're both correct. Even aided by the World Tree, eradicating that malice would be a prolonged endeavor. Moreover, employing brute force would risk injuring Master’s soul. Yet..."
Raon retrieved a leaf-shaped ocarina from the pocket of his ceremonial robe, his lips curving into a slight smile.
"At last, we possess a remedy—a method to resolve all these issues."
***
"Grandfather."
Siyana moved closer to Sterin, gently massaging his hands.
"How do you feel?"
"My anger actually infused me with some energy."
Sterin nodded in agreement, remarking that he felt more invigorated than normal.
"No, perhaps it was the news of that idiotic grandson Rimmer that boosted my spirit."
He smiled warmly, noting that his mood had certainly lifted.
"I feel the same; my brother truly remains unchanged, even beyond death."
Siyana lifted her arm in agreement, confessing that she, too, felt a surge of energy like Sterin.
"Indeed, and ultimately, he is as foolish as ever."
Sterin’s playful grin revealed that it was typical of Rimmer to attempt a noble act only to inadvertently create chaos.
"Um, Grandfather..."
"Um, Grandfather..."
Siyana’s burgeoning smile gradually diminished.
"Am I truly capable of this?"
Contrary to Sterin’s assurance, anxiety gripped her as she doubted her ability to entirely eradicate the malice Rimmer had unleashed.
"Certainly, you can!"
Sterin nodded decisively, with no sign of doubt.
"Your powers are more than enough to drive it back, and it appears that Raon has arranged additional measures too."
He clasped Siyana’s hand tightly, reassuring her not to fret.
"Alright, I'll endeavor to have faith in that."
Siyana pursed her lips in determination as she consented to give it a shot.
"That's the spirit indeed."
Sterin beamed, evidently satisfied with Siyana’s resolve.
"Hmm, I feel oddly exhausted. I ought to rest."
He shut his eyes, remarking that he had been awake far too long.
"I'll retire as well. Have a good sleep."
Siyana draped a blanket over Sterin before departing his abode.
"Huh? Lord Raon?"
Her eyes grew wide in astonishment upon noticing Raon standing before her just as she was about to leave.
"Oh!"
Siyana suddenly blushed and hastily shielded her head with a nearby blanket.
"W-Weren't you meant to return to your quarters?"
"I did go, but then returned."
Raon offered a subtle smile, explaining that Erian had guided him back here.
"W-Why?"
"I possess something intended for Lady Siyana."
He grinned while producing the leaf-shaped ocarina from his possession.
"Is this... the Spirit Energy?"
Siyana’s eyes grew even wider as she detected the potent Spirit Energy emanating from the ocarina.
"With such an Artifact, couldn’t you purify that energy on your own, Lord Raon?"
She quivered slightly, as though instantly grasping the ocarina’s potential.
"True, I likely could."
"But then why bestow it upon me..."
"Because, Lady Siyana, you have a superior command of Spirit Energy compared to me, making you far more adept at utilizing it."
Raon merely shrugged, implying that it was the natural decision.
"There is, however, one additional reason."
He lifted a finger as he went on.
"On my way here, I overheard the elves’ comments; apparently, you have yet to be fully acknowledged as the Guardian."
Raon remarked, in a rather detached tone, about the prevailing situation in Sepia.
"Y-Yes, that's correct..."
Siyana bit her lip resolutely.
"I still lack the ability to summon Elayim at will, and I have spent my entire life sequestered away."
She nodded in agreement, remarking that it was only natural for the elves not to recognize her. (E/N: ...Strangely odd, as I recall Siyana once boldly leading the elves; when did she become so reclusive...)
"Nothing in this realm is truly 'natural.'"
Raon shook his head as he extended the ocarina towards Siyana.
"I am certain that Lord Rimmer, my master and your brother, would have expressed the same sentiment."
He imitated Rimmer’s distinctive tone while handing the leaf-shaped ocarina to Siyana.
"Lady Siyana, you must rescue Lord Rimmer and secure Sepia on your own."
Raon nodded, urging her to rely on her own might.
"H-Honestly, I feel rather frightened."
Siyana confided in Raon her anxieties, which she had been unable to share with Sterin.
"You are capable of it. It defies logic that a summoner of the Spirit King would be incapable of such a feat."
Raon nodded affirmatively, noting that she had surmounted far greater challenges previously.
"Thank you, but..."
Siyana squinted her eyes and sighed deeply.
"Though you assist me so graciously, I fear there is little I can offer you in compensation."
She tenderly stroked the ocarina as she spoke in apology.
"No, there is indeed something."
Raon shook his finger disapprovingly.
"Huh? What do you mean..."
"I came to Sepia for another reason. In truth..."
He elaborated that his visit was meant to secure Sepia’s backing for the successor trials.
"In essence, I can win your favor only if Lady Siyana decisively assumes command of Sepia."
Raon clasped his hands together in a prayer-like gesture, indicating that they shared the same predicament.
"Moreover, Master also arrived seeking assistance, and I am confident that he will cooperate without reluctance."
Raon beamed, remarking that Rimmer’s fortitude had been honed admirably, courtesy of Glenn.
"Ahahaha."
Siyana emitted a gentle laugh from under the blanket.
"Then I shall endeavor with all my might—for you, Lord Raon, and for my brother..."
Her tone resonated with determination, as if she had surmounted her past reclusiveness.
"An excellent decision indeed."
Raon nodded softly and bowed in deference to Siyana.
"O Guardian of Sepia."
***
The following day, Raon, accompanied by Siyana and Sterin, stepped into the secluded area of the Great Forest where the World Tree lay concealed. Even its faint aroma made their hearts race, despite the tree not being entirely unveiled.
"Merely gazing upon it is an overwhelming experience."
The World Tree maintained its regal presence, appearing vast enough to span the entire continent and beyond. Its verdant leaves, dancing in the soft breeze, evoked the splendor of an emerald ocean.
"Wooooah!"
Dorian uttered a raw, rustic cry of wonder.
"I-It appears larger than the last time I beheld it! It's formidable, even if its entirety remains hidden!"
His eyes grew wide, noting that the World Tree still appeared to be expanding.
"...No words can capture this."
Martha let out a sharp exhalation, remarking that its majesty can only be truly appreciated in person.
"It's beautiful!"
Evelyn's radiant smile echoed the tree’s splendor as she marveled at its magnificence. Yet, as the World Tree was completely unveiled, a crimson mist and swirling wind emerged above it. The malice of Rimmer’s soul was gradually descending, exuding a dreadful aura that seemed poised to engulf the tree.
"Ugh..."
Siyana's brows quivered, clearly overwhelmed by the forceful, malevolent wind and mist.
"Don't worry."
Sterin reached out with his quivering hand to hold Siyana's.
"You are capable of this. You are the Guardian to whom I entrusted my role."
He nodded, displaying his confidence in his granddaughter—indeed, in the Guardian.
"Yes. You certainly have the strength to accomplish this."
Raon moved closer to Siyana and nodded in affirmation.
"As I mentioned yesterday, Master also desired for that energy to be cleansed."
Rimmer likely arrived in Sepia with the intent of harnessing the World Tree’s power to eliminate the malice. Observing his control over the mist and wind, he would undoubtedly submit voluntarily.
"And should our efforts falter, I'll lend assistance from the sidelines."
Raon tapped his Heavenly Drive sword, urging her to place her trust in him.
"Alright."
Bolstered by their words, Siyana shed the blanket and stepped forward with renewed courage.
"Phew..."
Taking a deep breath, she then withdrew the leaf-shaped ocarina from within her chest.
"Huh? What is that for...?"
Evelyn's keen eyes shifted towards Raon.
"..."
Raon feigned ignorance, maintaining his focus on Siyana.
"I shall commence."
As Siyana channeled her Spirit Energy with the ocarina in hand, elite spirits materialized around her all at once: a hawk-shaped fire spirit of the highest rank, a unicorn-formed water spirit, a dwarf-like earth spirit brandishing a hammer, and a butterfly-shaped wind spirit of equal stature.
Their manifestation, with each spirit commanding its element, sent potent tremors throughout the Great Forest. Yet, they appeared altered from before: the hawk's wings now burned with blue fire, the unicorn's horn twisted like a tidal surge, and the dwarf's hammer shone with a concentrated, golden brilliance.
Lastly, the butterfly's wings fluttered, scattering fragments of wind as resplendent as precious gems.
"Hmm!"
"W-What is this happening?"
"The spirits have transformed."
Martha, Dorian, and Evelyn too widened their eyes in astonishment at the abrupt metamorphosis of the spirits.
"-What in the world..."
Wrath, likewise, stared in disbelief at the novel spectacle.
"-W-What on earth is going on?"
He gave Raon a shake on the shoulder, silently demanding an explanation.
"This is..."
Sterin furrowed his brows as his gaze shifted from Siyana to Raon.
"Observe closely the design of that ocarina."
Raon pointed his finger at the ocarina clutched by Siyana.
"Could it truly be a leaf from the World Tree...?"
Sterin's eyes widened in realization that the ocarina's form mirrored exactly the leaves of the World Tree.
"Indeed. That Artifact is capable of channeling the World Tree’s power, thereby enhancing both purification and Spirit Energy. In proximity to the World Tree, its might becomes unmatched."
He nodded, elucidating that the spirits had been empowered by the influence of the ocarina.
"Although actually playing the ocarina might yield even greater results, this current level ought to suffice."
Given that Rimmer is expected to comply voluntarily, the presently summoned spirits should have the capacity to cleanse the mists and winds.
"Let's move forward!"
At Siyana's command, the elite spirits ascended in unison, unleashing their full elemental might as they surged toward the roiling mists and winds overhead.
The forces of fire, water, earth, and wind soared in splendid unison with the undulations of the World Tree, seemingly poised to shatter the crimson mist.
'It worked.'
Raon gripped his fist firmly.
"-This ought to suffice."
Wrath nodded in agreement, believing that this magnitude of power would be sufficient to cleanse the mist and wind conjured by Rimmer. Yet, unexpectedly, the crimson mist and winds shifted abruptly, entirely repelling the Spirit Energy unleashed by the four spirits.
"Huh...?"
Raon's jaw fell as he observed Rimmer's soul glimmering amidst the undulating mist.
'What in the world is that cursed elf up to now!'
"Just remain silent!"
-
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