Novel Full Chapter 388 Lilian's Hand (1)
Chapter 388: Lilian’s Hand (1)
Kurt has emphasized the word, ‘Fallen’, a few times.
Recalling the conversation he had with Kurt, a frown slowly began to form on Roel’s forehead.
During the argument with Kurt, Roel had gotten too agitated that he ended up overlooking some of the key details, or else he would have surely asked Kurt to clarify them. One of them was the term, ‘Fallen’.
Initially, Roel thought that Grandar was deemed to be a ‘Fallen’ due to his undead reanimation, but it didn’t make sense when he thought deeper into it.
All deceased beings that were capable of moving on their own accord were categorized as undead. It was such a broad definition that it didn’t seem proper to simply label the undead as ‘Fallen’, especially since it appeared to come with extremely negative connotations.
Somehow, thinking about the term, ‘Fallen’, reminded Roel of a certain individual—Savior.
Astrid had told him about the huge impact the Savior had brought to the world in the ancient era, the most frightening one of all being His deranged murmurs that lured others into depravity. The Chaos Dream was created specifically to counter the madness He was spreading.
Could the term, ‘Fallen’, that was used in the historical records of the giants have something to do with this?
Regarding that question, Peytra spent a moment in contemplation before shaking her head in confusion.
“There’s no such thing as ‘Fallen’ in my era. The bestowment of Origin Attributes has united all races around Sia, ushering in an era of utmost peace and stability. While there were monsters like the Nine-headed Serpent, they were inherently vile creatures who lacked intelligence, so it wouldn’t be apt to call them ‘Fallen’.”
On the other hand, Artasia’s madder red eyes curled into crescents as she began laughing in ridicule.
“My hero, the ‘Fallen’ you speak of appeared after Sia’s departure. It’s only normal for that old fossil over there who died very early on to not know a thing at all.”
“Witch, are you trying to provoke me?”
“Waa, the Primordial Earth Goddess sure is frightening. I’m merely speaking the truth here.”
Faced with Peytra’s furious question, Artasia exaggeratedly patted her own chest as she ran over to Roel’s side to seek refuge.
“My hero, do you see how I’ve been bullied by her? Shouldn’t you do something to protect your princess?”
“I was convinced that you were a queen instead of a princess. Besides, you were the one who started it.”
“Witch, get away from him!”
Artasia revealed an unhappy expression at Roel’s inaction. Peytra glared sharply at Artasia and bellowed at her. It took a great deal of effort for Roel to pull the topic back on track.
“Artasia, what does ‘Fallen’ mean in the ancient era?”
“There are two connotations to it. One refers to a god who has succumbed to depravity in pursuit for power, and the other refers to those pitiful beings who fell into depravity under the Savior’s influence. The outcome is pretty much the same, just a slight difference in whether it was voluntary or not.”
“I see…” murmured Roel as he took his time to take in Artasia’s words.
It was unlikely that Grandar would fall into depravity on his own accord.
According to Peytra, he would only encounter ancient gods whom his ancestors had acknowledged and were contracted with. No matter how it looked at it, it was unthinkable for his ancestors to add a depraved evil god into their ‘gacha pool’ and doom their own descendants.
From such a perspective, Grandar was likely to be innocent.
However, it would be foolish to shrug off the historical records of the giants as lies just like that. There had to be a reason why they had recorded Grandar as a Fallen. Could Grandar be associated with the Savior while he was alive?
Grandar himself was unable to answer Roel’s doubts because he had forgotten far too much. Peytra and Artasia were also unaware of the details too. Unable to make anything out of the limited clues, Roel could only put aside the mystery behind Grandar’s past for the time being.
Most races in the Sia Continent didn’t have the habit of physically recording things down. The giants passed down their heritage verbally, so it was easy for information to get distorted along the way. By the time someone finally bothered to organize the information and pen it down in a book, it was hard to tell how much of it was truly credible.
Grandar could possibly be one of the victims of such distortion of information. If possible, Roel would like to help his old pal cleanse his name. It was just a pity that he didn’t have much information to work with at the moment.
It would be good if he could acquire the historical record that Kurt spoke of so that he could verify it in person, but that would be a thing for the future.
In any case, Roel decided to conclude this abrupt meeting since there was nothing left to discuss. He took some time to rest up before slowly making his way toward the banquet hall, where the celebration party would be held.
The moment he walked into the banquet hall, he saw Paul donned in a peculiar set of armor. He was explaining something to the crowd gathered around him.
“This is a special light armor used by the twelve generals of the Ancient Austine Empire’s Jungle Warfare Division. Its official name is Forest Fae. It serves two main functions—providing camouflage in forested terrain and enhancing the wearer’s physical ability. It was thanks to this light armor that I was able to last ten minutes in the preliminary round.”
“Ohhhhhh!”
“Its material looks pretty special. Is it a relic from the last epoch?”
“The inscriptions on it are really pretty!”
The nearby students showed looks of envy. Men were attracted toward combat-related equipment whereas women were more focused on the armor’s design and material usage.
Well-versed in history, Roel had heard about the Jungle Warfare Division that Paul mentioned. The division was founded when the Ancient Austine Empire was at the peak of its power, and its primary aim was to deal with the beast waves coming from nearby forests.
The Ancient Austine Empire boasted an expansive territory that encompassed many forests and jungles. These forests and jungles were filled with demonic beasts that would flood out once every year, rendering major transportation routes inaccessible. This left many cities stranded like lone islands amidst a sea of beasts.
There was no way the proud Ackermanns could tolerate losing control over parts of their lands.
In the early days of the empire, they had no choice but to take on defensive positions. Cities would stockpile food so that they could hide behind the safety of the city walls till the sea of beasts finally receded back into the forests and jungles.
However, as the empire developed, its military force and equipment grew much stronger. Cities started becoming dissatisfied at being confined within their own city walls for a month or two each year, so they started formulating plans to fight back against the beast waves.
It was then that the Jungle Warfare Division was founded.
Twelve different generals and their respective armies were allocated to this newly formed Jungle Warfare Division. Its equipment was specially crafted by the empire’s armory, and the strategy it adopted was slow and steady attrition warfare. They slowly chipped away at the number of demonic beasts, and around half a century later, the problem of beast waves was finally resolved.
This was the first time in history that humans had successfully triumphed over a natural disaster. It was a momentous accomplishment that signified the progression of human civilization to a higher level, but this ‘higher level’ turned out to be the peak of the Ancient Austine Empire.
The empire had successfully resolved one of the greatest problems plaguing it, but it fell into a spiral of decline for the next few centuries to come.
Its swift expansion had led to the overstretching of its military might and administrative prowess, forcing it to slow down its footsteps for world domination. During this lull period, the dreams and ambitions of the older generation appeared to have burned out.
The arrival of a prosperous and peaceful era had eroded humankind’s will to scale to greater heights.
Heroic tales were no longer seen in reverence, and the offspring of the illustrious knights immersed themselves in the enjoyment of debauchery. Money and prestige became the goal of those in power. Factional rivalry became commonplace amidst fights for power. Humankind lost the unity that made it strong. Corruption and depravity began breeding in all corners of society.
The Ancient Austine Empire had started to rot.
There was nothing more toxic in the world than contentment. Such was true be it for an individual or for a country.
I wonder what my ancestors, the Ardes, were thinking when they watched from the shadows as the empire slowly rotted away from the inside, Roel wondered.
Those thoughts left him feeling a little melancholic.
Chapter 388.5: Lilian’s Hand (2)
Knowing that his current mood was at odds with the surrounding atmosphere, Roel quickly shook his head and tried to focus his attention elsewhere, such as the name of the armor.
Forest Fae.
The designer of the armor was probably referencing it to the faes in the legends, who were rumored to travel elusively in the forest.
Somehow, the name left Roel with a weird feeling in his mind, as if something was off here. Paul’s attempt to show off the physical enhancement effect of the armor by flexing his muscles wasn’t helping either.
He walked closer to take a better look at the armor.
As a masterpiece created by top blacksmiths of the Second Epoch, Forest Fae was truly an exquisite piece of work, be it in terms of appearance or effects. In order to showcase its camouflage ability, Paul walked over to a closeby shrub with the armor on. His silhouette swiftly melded with the surroundings, making it nigh impossible to perceive him visually.
“Woah!”
“What an incredible ability that is!”
“This ability work even when the wearer is moving?”
The crowd was excited by the incredible functionalities of this legendary armor.
While Roel was aware of Paul’s abilities due to his prior knowledge from Eyes of the Chronicler, this was his first time seeing it in person. It was as remarkable as the game described it to be. It was just that Roel couldn’t shake off the feeling of incongruence he felt in her mind.
Somehow, it feels like something is off…
Roel thought hard about it for a moment when it suddenly struck him.
Wait a moment. I remember that Paul did manage to summon this armor in the game too, but he only did it when he was about to advance to the Third Grade. This means that… his growth is way faster than expected?
It was only now that he was making comparisons between reality and the game that it dawned on him just how fast Paul had grown over the past few months. He quickly made comparisons for Nora, Charlotte, and Alicia too, and the results were shocking.
He realized that those around him seemed to be growing at a much faster rate than in Eyes of the Chronicler. It felt ludicrous to see already preposterously talented prodigies growing at a faster pace than what was set for them.
Is it a coincidence? Or are there some other factors I’m unaware of affecting this?
Hoping to get to the bottom of this, Roel fell into deep thoughts.
Meanwhile, the students from the other clubs and departments started to arrive in droves, and it didn’t take long for the area around Paul to be buzzing with a huge commotion.
“I am a reporter from the academy. Would you be up for an interview?”
“Paul! We’re from the Magic Tool Guild’s Enchantment Research Club. Would you allow us to take a closer look at that perfect armor that you are wearing?”
“Ah? T-this…”
The sudden encirclement of students coming from different clubs and guilds in the academy baffled Paul, putting him at a loss. The other faction members were also caught off guard by the situation, so none of them were able to step up and take charge of the situation.
The endless requests coming in from the other students put Paul in a difficult position.
These were equipment that he could potentially use in upcoming battles, so he wouldn’t want outsiders to examine it in advance. However, he had never been treated so warmly by the crowd before that he couldn’t bring himself to directly reject them. He could only try to beat around the bush with an apologetic smile on his face.
In the end, it was a calm but authoritative voice that saved him from his dilemma.
“Visiting students from the other guilds and clubs, I’ll have to ask you to observe the order in the Azure Manor. Out of confidentiality issues, Paul Ackermann won’t be accepting any interviews at the moment, and his spells and equipment will be kept secret until the end of the tournament. I hope that you can understand where we’re coming from.”
A suave and gentle-looking black-haired man slowly walked over to Paul’s side and addressed the outsiders with a smile. His tone was affable, but his words showed that there was no discussion about this.
Since a Ringbearer had already stepped forward, the students had no choice but to give it a rest. Watching as the crowd scattered, Paul heaved a sigh of relief. He quickly turned over to thank the man who saved him from the crowd.
“Big brother Roel, thanks. I was feeling overwhelmed back there. I didn’t know how I should reject them.”
“Don’t worry, it’s a normal reaction. Most people would feel that way when surrounded by a crowd. You’ll slowly get used to it,” replied Roel with a smile.
He looked at Paul’s armor in intrigue before leaning in to ask with a whisper.
“Is it possible for others to wear your armor?”
“Ah… That might be impossible,” replied Paul with a troubled smile. “My equipment is manifested using my Origin Attribute as an intermediary and my mana as a medium. I need to continuously sustain it. The armor will disappear in due time once I take it off.”
“I see,” Roel nodded in response.
Knowing that it was impossible for Paul to lend his armor out to others, he had no choice but to drop the idea of recreating the Jungle Warfare Division and its twelve ‘Gold Saints’. Still, Paul’s feat of bringing this set of armor back to the world was a huge accomplishment in itself.
The Second Epoch’s Ancient Austine Empire was viewed to be the pinnacle of magic tool research in the history of humankind. If they could break down and understand the principles behind Paul’s armor, humankind could potentially push forward the development of magic tool technology by leaps and bounds.
This was especially important right now given the unease caused by the deviants.
Soon, it was time to officially commence the Bluerose Faction’s celebration party. The excited students raised their goblets and offered their congratulations to Roel, Paul, and Geralt.
Under the lead of an artistic young lady, joyful music began playing in the Azure Manor.
Melty had shown that she meant what she had said during the award presentation ceremony. She really joined the Bluerose Faction afterward. As a senior, a member of the academy’s music club, and a beautiful and well-mannered woman, she was warmly welcomed by the members of the Bluerose Faction. It didn’t take her long to strike it off with others.
The atmosphere grew more and more lively with Melty’s musical accompaniment.
Looking at the crowd singing and dancing merrily, Roel couldn’t help but think it a pity that Alicia was unable to show herself here.
She was an outsider and shouldn’t have been allowed to live in the Azure Manor as it violated the academy rules. She could usually move around freely as those residing in the manor were fellow members of the Bluerose Faction, so they wouldn’t rat her out.
Unfortunately, they were accompanied by many outsiders today, so it would be dangerous for her to make an appearance.
If the academy press learned that Roel’s foster sister was in the academy with him, the two of them could very well get on the headlines the following day. That would cause a huge mess.
Roel heaved a deep sigh in his heart. He took a sip of wine before walking over to Paul and Geralt’s side, hoping to spend the party with them. To his surprise, he noticed that Paul was binging on the food and beverage as he usually did. There was also something weird about his expression too.
There was a faint smile and peculiar gleam in Paul’s eyes when he looked at Roel. His peculiar behavior was only explained a while later when an amethyst-eyed woman arrived at the Azure Manor, much to the bewilderment of the crowd.
Senior?
Roel was astounded by Lilian’s arrival. He couldn’t understand why she would drop by when the two of them were intending to conceal their relationship.
Of course, Lilian wasn’t the type to recklessly charge into matters either.
“Junior Roel, I’ve come as a representative of the Ackermann House. I’d like to thank you for the aid you have offered to my half-brother, Paul Ackermann. Pardon me for dropping by without prior notice. I had to rush over after our Purplerose Faction’s party concluded, so I didn’t have time to send word over in advance.”
“No, it’s an honor for us to have Senior Lilian here. It hasn’t been long since the last partnership between both of our factions, and I’d be more than delighted if we could further our relations. Paul’s accomplishment is the result of his hard work over the last few months, so I dare not claim credit over that,” replied Roel with a smile.
The two of them were far too skilled in such formal greetings that it was impossible for outsiders to notice anything amiss in their interaction.
During their exchange, Agent Paul quietly pulled a chair over and placed it neatly right beside Roel’s seat.
As fellow faction leaders and Ringbearers, Roel and Lilian were of equal standing to each other. Naturally, their seats had to be placed alongside each other as a symbol of respect. The crowd understood this, so none of them questioned this arrangement.
Lilian took her seat and began chatting with Paul, and the nearby students chose to walk away so as to give those siblings some private space.
“Oh? I’m surprised that you’re able to utilize the Kingdom Origin Attribute in such a manner. There aren’t many in the history of our clan who have managed to accomplish that.”
“Imperial sister, are there precedents of this in our clan?” asked Paul.
The private conversation between the two Ackermanns left Roel in a slightly awkward position since it wouldn’t be appropriate for him to interject. So, he turned to Geralt, hoping to engage the latter in a conversation. However, before he could say a word, he suddenly felt a soft sensation on his hand.
In this bustling party, the smiling Lilian deftly grabbed Roel’s hand under the table.