Chapter 128 : Chapter 128

Translator: AkazaTL

Pr/Ed: Sol IX

***

Chapter 128 – The Elder (1)

“Have you heard what became of our youngest?”

The Great Forest. A low, sorrowful voice echoed through the oldest woods.

“The youngest, still so young and frail, was beheaded. The severed head was stuck on a spear and displayed along the beaches of the Six Free Cities. Even in death, the child could not close their eyes. The face was soaked in blood and tears, frozen in terror. The spirits showed me the child’s final moments. Their delicate voices grew hoarse from screaming. Until the very moment the blade fell, our youngest called out our names.”

“Ah…”

“‘Mother, Father. I’m dying. It hurts so much. Please help me. They’re killing me. They’re hurting me…’”

“Ahhh…”

“‘I can’t feel the pain anymore. Mother, Father, Elder… I’m sorry. I’m sorry for leaving first. I should never have left the forest. I should never have left the joyful land. I love you. I love you…’”

The denizens of the forest—elves and spirits alike—shed tears of grief. As they wept, an old elf sitting amidst the foliage raised his gaze to the sky. An old elf—a contradiction in itself. Elves were beings of eternal life, promised immortality by the forest. They did not age—except for a rare, sacred few.

“I remember the child’s name. More than that, I remember when they were born, when they were just a tiny, frail fairy crawling through the Great Forest, smiling so brightly. I remember the spirits dancing, and the forest singing in joy. I remember their first steps, their first laughter, the day they first called out our names.”

“We remember as well.”

“In this long life of mine, the time that child spent among us was but a brief moment. But even a moment cannot be forgotten. The light that shone radiant, and that radiance cried out for help. How could I ignore it? I love my kin too deeply. I cherish the young ones far too much.”

The old elf slowly rose to his feet. And as he did, the greatest forest on the continent began to stir.

Ever since the World Tree rooted itself in the First Land, all fairies have shared the same blood. Every elf is a child of the forest—connected by one lineage, one family.

“You are all my sons and daughters, my grandsons and granddaughters, my brothers and sisters. That child was the same. You were that child’s family, and so was I.”

“The forest will think so too.”

“The child was innocent. In the final moment, the youngest sought forgiveness from the heavens. But there was no sin to forgive. The child left the forest not out of reckless love, but to study—to bring prosperity to the woods. They didn’t leave for wealth, fame, or glory. They left with a bright smile, saying they would see the world and return to tell us of it. They didn’t betray the race or abandon our embrace. I still have eight letters from the child, written in crooked handwriting, piled in my hut. I’ll never throw them away. Not ever.”

When the old elf set his feet firmly upon the earth, the oldest and grandest forest on the continent trembled.

He was the eldest of all elves—the first fairy, born when the First Land itself came into being.

He had lived through the ages of gods and wars, through peace and now into this present age—an eternal elf who had existed since time immemorial.

“I must make those who sinned pay their price.”

“By the way of the Old Forest?”

“No.”

The world called him a High Elf.

“By my way.”

***

In the bustling district of Blade City stood a tavern. Though the air was quieter than usual—war preparations had muted the liveliness—it was still crowded, befitting one of the city’s busiest pubs. The atmosphere inside The Nest of Blades was sharp, tense.

People spoke in low voices, sipping beer while stealing glances at one another, careful not to reveal too much or overhear the wrong thing.

In Blade City, tavern patrons were of all kinds—nobles, mercenaries, fixers, and knights alike.

People who would never mingle elsewhere sat side by side here.

“Sir Arhan, thanks to you, most of the complicated procedures have been cleared. I heard you received help from Sir Vermartin—impressive. It’s not easy to befriend Vermartin the Steel.”

“Is that so?”

“Of course. He’s one of the longest-serving knights in Blade City—and among the few non-noble knights ever invited to noble gatherings. He’s not only a great knight, but a great gentleman. Within Blade City, his influence runs deep.”

Tom sang Vermartin’s praises while raising a mug of golden beer.

Our group was all gathered—everyone except Audrey, who sat quietly, massaging her temples. The city’s heavy spiritual walls were clearly taking their toll on her.

“So, when do we depart?”

“Please give us just a little more time. We’ll leave soon.”

“As soon as the carriages are ready, right? Fine, I can wait that long. We’re already ahead of schedule anyway. Mind if I rest first?”

“Ah, yes. We’ll escort you to your room.”

“No need. I’ll borrow one of the rooms upstairs. Don’t trouble yourselves.”

Audrey wasn’t her usual grumbling self; she was subdued—and that made me worry rather than relieved. She was clearly in pain.

“We should finish preparations quickly.”

“Even enduring this much is remarkable. Within the city walls, every spiritual being is heavily restrained. The stronger their sensitivity, the worse the restriction.”

“She’s been struggling all day. I’ve lost count of how many times she’s thrown up.”

Seol Yoon and Tom filled me in on Audrey’s condition. At least within this city, we couldn’t rely on her as a mage.

We discussed our remaining preparations at the tavern table.

“All the supplies are ready. Thanks to our orcish lady companion here, I might add. She’s got the skills to start her own household anytime.”

“I found a decent sword. My old one’s edge was worn out.”

Tom took a sip of his beer and continued,

“The road ahead will be tough. Even with carriages, once we leave the border, things get difficult. The path to the Sky Empire isn’t fit for wagons. The Empire’s outer lands border two Forbidden Zones—the Great Forest and the Sky Mountains. Compared to the Six Free Cities, it’s a true natural fortress.”

“A fortress blessed by the heavens.”

“Exactly. That’s why we’ll take the merchant trade routes. We’ll circle around the Great Forest, pass the entrance of the Sky Mountains, and cross the border that way. Once inside the Sky Empire, we’ll rest again and gather information about the Sky Mountains before climbing. Lady Audrey said the Sky Mountains change multiple times a day—even Witches avoid climbing them without up-to-date information.”

A solid plan. Climbing the Sky Mountains would require more than courage—it demanded precision and preparation.

After a bit more talk, I stepped outside to get some air. The blazing sunlight had dimmed, and the streets grew calmer. As I watched the crowd pass, my master’s voice echoed.

「I heard the conversation you had with your other ancestors.」

“When did you listen in, exactly?”

「The ‘Land of the Small Sword’ they created is a copy of my realm. There’s no way I couldn’t know what happened there. They believed I couldn’t hear—but they were wrong.」

Liam looked at me silently.

“They said even the Seven Lords and Nine Goddesses couldn’t see that place.”

「True. But I can.」

“…Are you saying you’re greater than the Seven Lords and Nine Goddesses?”

「At least when it comes to the sword, yes.」

A faint, knowing smile crossed his face.

「My young descendant, I didn’t realize you cared for me so deeply. What they could have given you was more valuable than you think—but you refused it.」

“I had no intention of running away.”

「They weren’t wrong, though. Seeking survival at the end of all things is wisdom itself. As they said, it’s not the strong who survive—but the survivors who are strong.」

I slowly turned toward him.

“Master, may I ask something?”

「Ask.」

“Were their words true?”

「That Karavan fell because of me?」

Fell. My master said the word with a faint smile.

「It’s true. If I had bent even a little, if I had yielded my will, Karavan would have endured. My descendants wished for me to remain here, like the Swordmasters of the Black Archipelago—to be their shield and protector forever.」

“……”

「But I didn’t. I made enemies—and then I left. I believed that only by facing adversity could my descendants become great. I believed that because I did it, they could too. I had faith in them—believed they would surpass me.」

Liam’s expression wasn’t proud. Not as the ancestors had described—no arrogance, no divine self-importance.

「…But they were still young. Still weak.」

He looked sorrowful.

「I don’t think I was wrong. My intention was to leave them a worthy trial. For Karavan to grow harder, sharper, through hardship. Begged-for peace, bought peace—such things mean nothing. But… I do regret one thing. If only I had waited longer. If only I’d spent more time with them—if I had waited until he, my son, had become a man…」

“Your son?”

「…Forget it. Useless words.」

Liam fell silent. I asked,

“They said you made enemies of the Nine Goddesses and Seven Lords—that you turned the world against you. Was it because of arrogance? Because you wanted to challenge them all?”

「No.」

“Then why?”

「Because I could.」

“……”

「Because I was stronger than the world.」

Stronger than the world. That sentence struck me deeply. Not as arrogance—but as truth.

Liam’s voice carried no falsehood, and I felt it in my bones—the resonance of absolute conviction.

The greatest Swordmaster in history had stood above the world itself. Above every race, every kingdom, every god. Perhaps even higher than the divine.

「Young descendant.」

“Yes.”

「You can do it too.」

“…Why?”

「Because I did.」

“……”

「Because the Steel Blood runs in your veins.」

Even after all his sins, the distant Founder still believed in his descendant. He believed that the last, pitiful Karavan could restore the Age of Steel. And because his faith was absolute, I couldn’t look away.

Then—

“Master, there’s one more thing I want to ask.”

「Speak.」

“In the last vision from the book, I saw fragments of forgotten history—something about the natural enemies of Karavan. I want to know about that. The name was… the Swords of—”

Our conversation was cut short.

“The—”

“Excuse me.”

Just as I was about to speak, a hand tapped my shoulder. I turned to find an old man in a silk top hat. He was neatly dressed, refined—yet his pointed ears revealed his race.

An elf.

“You seem busy, but may I ask you something? Do you have a moment?”

An old elf. A strange, impossible sight.

Elves were supposed to live eternally young.

I swallowed my curiosity and smiled politely.

“Yes, please, go ahead.”

“Thank you. You’re kind.”

The elf elder smiled kindly.

“Since the World Tree first took root in the First Land, our kind has never slain the innocent. Some have forgotten that rule—but I have always upheld it. And from what I see, you and your companions, even the people walking these streets, bear no guilt. So I intend to spare your lives.”

“……Pardon?”

“But if you remain here, you may still die in the coming storm. So I must ask you—just one thing.”

His eyes gleamed like sharpened emeralds.

“The mountains, the forests, the seas—the endless plains. If you could travel anywhere… where would you wish to go?”