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Echidna's eyelashes trembled in excitement for his reply, as her fingers holding her chest anxiously fidgeted about. Her lips tried several times to speak, but, hesitating moistened them with her tongue.
Is looked up at the woman who was ranting about various things. But mostly, the fact that she wants me for my Return by Death ability. A so-called Authority which would cause her Thirst for Knowledge to shrink. Yet, I was pretty sure that that thirst would never diminish. Rather, not in my life time.
Rolling out various parts of my body, I checked if I was numb or not, by pinching my lower left arm. A shock flashed through my nerve system, I felt pain. Which, somewhat weird, was a relief. I was glad that I still felt something, as I was at the brink of asphyxiation because of her scary look.
Jens : "Echidna."
Echidna : "Yes, My King Jens?"
Jens : "You… just want to use me, is that it?"
To use, and be used. That was Echidna had repeatedly proclaimed in her ranting speech. Hearing it, Echidna nodded without hesitation.
Echidna : "Yes. That's correct. Just as you may use me. The contract is merely a safeguard should either of us stray from that agreement. If you wish to chastise me for wanting to do everything in my power to hold onto you, then I can only resignedly accept it."
I formed a fist out of my hand and hit the table with it. Luckily, the impact wasn't hard enough to make a cup of tea fall from it's place, or break the table.
Jens : "I simply don't get it. How can you be so calm with that? Using different people? That's wrong! You didn't give me that Tea because you are nice, you gave me that so I would think better about you… Was this your intention from the start?"
I wasn't calm. Not anymore. This woman was beyond sane. I tried to think what Tattletale would do in a situation like this. Because as far as I know, she is an extremely smart Thinker.
Echidna : "I don't see what you have a problem with? if it means reaching the optimal future, then you won't hesitate to take whatever path to get there――Isn't that the resolve you have made? You yourself affirmed it, and I was merely agreeing and giving you a push on the back. What may be so wrong about that? Am I really the villain in your perspective? Or perhaps am I that one savior who will lead you the path to safety?"
Those words were filled with passion, thus her cheeks blossomed in excitement. Then, I finally realized it, I cannot trust such a woman who goes by the name as The Witch of Greed. Despite her words sounding as if they were covered by facts, she simply kept the truth from being told. She didn't lie, but didn't tell the story.
Multiple thoughts were flowing through my mind, and a short but painful headache flashed through my brain as well. However, I knew for certain that I couldn't trust her, not now. Speaking of which, I realized that time was going as well, and that I had no clue what will wait for me outside of this temple.
Jens : "Before I will accept to forge a contract with you, allow me to take the First Trials right now. I want to see if I truly need your help."
Echidna : "You can't. You said that you want to take the Trials right now, correct? That's simply impossible, as all the trials are needed to be taken when the Sun is down, and the Moon has risen. Also, in addition to that, it's simply rude to ignore a little girl's proposal like that. At least give me reasons why you are doubting me. From what I remember, I haven't told you a single flaw in my plan, yet you are doubting me? I'm very curious why you think so. Could it be because I'm not real, and am in this Dream World? Like I already told you, I have thousands of methods to make this contract work. I'll take care of whatever is necessary, as long I will be able to stay with you and abuse the potential which lies within your Authority Return by Death."
With no hesitation in her voice, she immediately responded to my request. She shot my proposal down in an instant. Again, a mouthful of wise words were thrown towards me. I couldn't understand how this woman was able to shot whatever I would say, down in an instant.
Echidna : "Still no response? I am not sure what I could have said wrong. In fact, my proposal is as clear as water. My reputation really did stain your thoughts regarding me didn't it?"
Jens : "Echidna… I never told anything about the blue haired Demon Girl… How in the world do you know about her?"
Despite her mouth being filled with words that could mean a thousand things, I did pick up the sole meaning of it. However, I never, never since I entered the Sanctuary Grounds, mentioned Rem. So how did she know about it?
Echidna : "Does it truly matter? As a matter of fact, I know that she's a Gluttony victim, and I know that by forging a contract together, that you'll be able to rescue her from her pitiful demise. Do you really want her to be like that forever? Don't you want the two Demon sisters to be together again?"
Jens : "Of course I do… It's just that…"
Fuck. Words weren't flowing as easily as I expected. She really did push me in a corner where I would be unable to say anything. What the fuck was this woman? It was as if she knew what to say, every single time. How am I supposed to decline her Contract, if all what she says is truth?
Echidna : "If I may ask, how did she end up in that state?"
Jens : "The Witch Cult's Sin Archbishop of Gluttony, Ley Batenkaitos…"
Those words widened Echidna's black eyes. She raised her hand and took another sip of her Tea. Then, she placed it back on the table and crossed her arms.
Echidna : "You are strong Jens. I am serious regarding that matter. However, simply defeating Gluttony does not guarantee the return of this woman. You lack knowledge regarding such things. However, I already stated it multiple times, if you would forge a contract with me, I'm sure we would be victorious. Thus, we could even learn how to return the blue haired woman."
Jens : "You don't know how to return her..?"
Echidna : "My my, of course not. The Authorities which reside within the Witch Genes alter their powers with each host. It appears that Gluttony of this current Generation has the ability to erase memories, names or both. However, by defeating Gluttony, it's not certain that those who have fallen will return. That's a simple theory."
I didn't want to accept it, but she was right. It wasn't for sure that Rem would be able to return from her current state. However, I will not fall in trickery. No matter what Echidna would offer, I cannot except this Contract. I trusted Minerva way more than Echidna.
Echidna : "It seems that made you quite angry, didn't it? Even though I'm deceased, I can still read your Aura as ever. Please, don't be frustrated because of what you were unable to achieve. I have been in that state as well. However, with the powers of theーー"
Jens : "Shut up already! I am not accepting your offer!"
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. I didn't want to say it, but it just flowed out of my mouth. I couldn't bear Echidna's voice anymore. Her voice kept misleading me, and leading my path in trickery with each sentence.
This woman… for sure, was the Witch of Greed. Her words were filled with Language that could lead anyone in trickery. Her posture, is that of a beautiful maiden, yet what resides within, is a monster that deceives.
Echidna : "My apologies. I didn't want to push you this far. Why don't you ask me a few more questions, before I'll open the First Trial?"
With that apology, and that offer, a smile rose on her face. The eyes plastered on her smug face narrowed, thus a scary look was formed on her face.
Jens : "What are you talking about? You said that the Trials were only able to be taken when the moon has risen. What is this mockery!"
Echidna : "A flaw in my words, my apologies. I'm able to bend the rules whenever it suits me. However, the Third Trial is the only trial necessary to be taken when the moon is rising."
Another lie. She really was desperate to deceive me. Yet, this proposal caught my attention. Being able to take the trials earlier, and to get more knowledge from this woman was a win win situation.
ーPerhaps it was too good to be true?
Jens : "I see. Why, if I may ask? Why are you being so nice? Opening the Trials, allowing me to ask whatever?"
Echidna : "To gain trust. As a matter of fact, it appears that you still doubt my flawless words and sentences. Thus, I must gain trust. You don't truly understand the potential which resides within your Authority of Return by Death. You could learn so much more, and so could I. By forging a contract, we could ignore whatever hindrance is awaiting us. I could help you by teaching you a countless amount of things. And you, all you would have to do is live your life. Your former loops are more than enough to fulfill my desire regarding my lack of knowledge."
I see, so that's the case. She wasn't wrong though. If I would gain information from her, I really would indeed trust Echidna more. However, I've had enough of her "too calm" face. She doesn't understand the situation. She doesn't understand my situation. Thus, I must do the trials to save the Sanctuary, and everyone outside.
Jens : "Alright. I got it. I'll play your little game, but that doesn't guarantee a contract. Alright?"
Echidna : "Whatever suits you the most. I'm just happy to stand in front such an incredible organism like you, my Little King Jens."
At the end of that sentence, Echidna winked at me. However, something was odd about that. "Little King", that wasn't the title that suited me. The title Little King affiliated from astrology.
Jens : "What do you mean… Little King…?"
Echidna : "Did I say too much? I didn't think you would recognize that title."
Yes, now I realized it. I widened my eyes as soon as I realized that Little King, was a nickname for a star. The traditional name of Regulus is Latin for 'Prince' or 'Little King'. So, this woman knows about Regulus Corneas, the Sin Archbishop of Greed, and the leader of the Witch Cult.
Jens : "You know about Regulus Corneas? You know about astrology? How?"
Echidna : "My, you really are more smart than that I anticipated for. You see, it is just normal to learn these things about the next generations of Greed. I myself am the Witch of Greed. Regulus, is the Sin Archbishop of Greed. It's a completely natural process to learn about your later descendants."
Jens : "But… You shouldn't understand it. Little King is something from beyond the knowledge of this World. Where did you learn that title?"
It was true, the times that I mentioned star names, people got awkwardly confused. They didn't understand the slightest about all of it. Regulus, Capella, Batenkaitos, nobody understood these names other than me. If Echidna is from Lugnica, she shouldn't understand either.
Echidna : "A wise man named Flugel taught me. Indeed, he isn't from Lugnica nor from this world. Just like you, he's from another world."
And now, I was completely speechless. The moment I heard that I wasn't from this world, I lost my senses and my vision of my surroundings. Nothing made sense anymore. I reassured that I was sitting in the chair, and looked at the palm of my hand. Firmly, I formed a fist out of it and questioned what Echidna said.
Jens : "If… I am not from here… Where am I from?"
Echidna : "You are from Eldia. It's a different planet, not too far away from Lugunica. Trust me, you are not alone. Thousands if not millions of people have traveled through worlds in the latest four hundred years."
Jens : "How?"
I needed to know more. This kind of information could help me with regaining my memories. Possibly, I could even find my parents back and learn even more. I needed to know more.
Echidna : "A woman named Contessa opened a portal to different worlds. She was the first woman who came in contact with this world. By now, she's probably around two thousand years old. However, she's still alive."
Jens : "Wait… then again, how?"
Echidna : "Time is a major factor in your questions. Time in Eldia and Time in Lugunica are very different. A year there, would probably be a week here. Thus, you are probably around two thousand years old as well."
Jens : "Bu…"
I tried to speak, but words weren't working with me. All that left my mouth was a sound, and no words. Then, Echidna continued.
Echidna : "Ruby, Weiss, Blake, Yang, Tattletale, Qrow, all of them aren't from Lugunica. Along with the Warriors that you have met formerly, the Wardens are from Eldia as well. Does that explain how you are so old and how you know them?"
Jens : "Yes but… Why? Why did we travel to Lugunica two thousand years ago?"
Echidna : "That is something that concerned me as well."
I looked around, just to get some fresh air. Then, I locked my eyes back on Echidna's snow white face. Her black eyes glistened in the light, and her snow white hair wavered in the breezing air.
Echidna : "You see, I have made various theories regarding what that reason could be, and who this woman named Contessa is. However, that whole theory turned into a disappointmentー"
Jens : "No! You have to tell me. Who is this woman named Contessa! Tell me whatever you know about Contessa!"
A woman who opened up a portal to connect both worlds. No matter what, I had to meet this woman. She could possibly know about how I could return to my world. However, I wouldn't leave now, not yet. I promised Emilia that I would make her the Queen of Lugnica. From the beginning from what I could remember, Emilia was there for me. Not just Emilia, but my friends. I can't leave them until everything is settled here.
Echidna : "Well, that woman… is one of the most powerful human beings existing. She was a Thinker 11… No, Thinker 12 at least. Yes, a Thinker 12, if not higher. She is, just like the Endbringer of Screams Simurgh, one of the most powerful Thinkers. She's way stronger than you can image. Her powers are beyond imagination, thus Tattletale is nothing compared to Contessa."
Jens : "I see. A Thinker 12? What about you, what classification would you have? In addition to that, what about the portal? How did she create that?"
Echidna : "Me? I would call myself a Thinker 8 at least. However, that's only thanks to my Gospel."
She grabbed the black covered book from the grass and placed it on the table. It was a plain book, with no kind of decorations on the front. A simple, old, black blook.
Echidna : "Regarding the portal… That's something that I could never figure out. You, Regulus, Contessa, The Wardens, The Warriors, you are all from Eldia. A World that appears to be far more developed than this world. Thus, technology like Meteors we have here, are far beyond my imagination over there. It appears that the knowledge there is far further developed than that I can image. I haven't seen technology what so ever, other than some artifacts that Flugel and Contessa left behind. So, it's highly possible that they used some kind of technological phenomenon to connect worlds, and use it as transportation."
I sighed. I didn't have anything with that kind of information. I needed to go deeper. I needed to know more about the universe we live in.
Jens : "What about the Endbringers? Did you really turn a human being into an Endbringer?"
Echidna : "Is that mythology still a thing? I am very sad to say, but I am incapable of turning human beings into such monstrosity. The origin of the Endbringers is unknown, but I have heard, from former visitors, that it could be connected to Contessa as well."
Jens : "So you don't know anything about the Endbringers?"
Echidna : "I do."
She opened up her Gospel, and looked down. Her beautiful black eyes raced through the contents of the book in an instant, as if she had to read about it. Then, she simply closed the book again and raised her face. Her snow white face was facing towards my direction, and I was simply sitting in the chair, left off with a white impression.
Echidna : "The Leviathan, The Simurgh, The Medusa, The Kindred, The Behemoth, they are all creations from beyond Lugunica…"
The Kindred? The Behemoth? I had never heard of these Endbringers, what was this woman talking about? Were there more Endbringers than that humanity could possibly remember?
Jens : "I have never heard of the latter… Who are those?"
Echidna : "She didn't tell you? I assumed Tattletale informed you already about them. However, that seems to not be the case. Anyway, Kindred is an Endbringer which hasn't shown itself since the Great Calamity…. They are…"
The woman which was sitting in front of me took a deep breath, and sighed it out. Then, she opened her black eyes in excitement, and a genuine smile blossomed on her pale white face.
Echidna : "Separate, but never parted, Kindred represents the twin essences of death. A simple snow white Lamb, and a shadowy Wolf, they are Kindred. Lamb's bow offers a swift release from the mortal realm for those who accept their fate. Wolf hunts down those who run from their end, delivering violent finality within his crushing jaws. Though interpretations of Kindred's nature vary across Lugunica, every mortal must choose the true face of their death."
That was the tale of Kindred, an Endbringer which brought the end to everyone. Anyone who faced Kindred, had the chance to choose their fate. Somewhat beautiful, yet dark. A few seconds of silence fell once she explained what Kindred was. I thought about it myself, and it truly was an impossible choice to make. Yet, I thought, that moment, that if the moment would come, I would have chosen the arrow. Purely, for redemption.
Jens : "I… I see, then what about… Behemoth?"
Those words made Echidna's eyes roll. As if she wasn't awaiting such question. She put her elbows on the table, and grabbed a cup of tea. Then, she blinked her eyes a few times, and a smile rose on her face.
Echidna : "The Endbringer of Echoes, Leviathan. The Endbringer of Screams, Simurgh. The Endbringer of Powers, Behemoth. The Endvringer of Venom, Medusa. The Endbringer of Fate, Kindred. All originate from beyond Lugunica. It's possible that they were brought to Lugunica by Contessa as well, or perhaps someone who worked with her, and brought them from another world. I only know about Eldia, Lugunica and… Well…"
Jens : "There's another one?"
Echidna : "Yes… But it's somewhat controversial to call it a planet… Anyway, The Garden of Eden."
Hearing those words, a chill was send down to my spine. The palms of my hands became sweaty once I heard the name of that planet. "The Garden of Eden", I repeated, as if to reassure that those words were hers. She, with her beautiful yet scary face, nodded.
Jens : "I-I'm from the Garden of Eden… Well, according to some people. Melissa Lestrange is from the Garden of Eden as well!"
Echidna : "That's correct. However, you and your friend aren't the only ones that originate from The Garden of Eden. It's highly rumored that Contessa was one as well. The Washuu King is from the Garden of Eden as well. That makes four, and there are probably one or two more left that I am not sure about."
Jens : "What are those children? You must have some knowledge about the Children of Eden, right? What is that place? What are those children? And… Who even, is Eden?"
The Witch of Greed Echidna took a sip out of the white and gray cup, and placed it back on the table. The circular form of where one could sip the tea, was being touched by the palms of Echidna's hands. Her eyes, that were looking at the cup of tea, were somewhat filled with sorrow. But, she raised them in an instant as soon as I started starring at her creepy, sad looking eyes.
Echidna : "It's a former… planet…."
Then, she opened her gospel again. The Book of Wisdom. She looked down at it, with her eyes giving an expression of melancholy. Looking at her, sitting in that chair and reading a book, she looked like a beautiful long lost young girl. I felt somewhat sorry for her, being caged in this prison-like world. Yet, I didn't show any sympathy. After all, this woman is the kind of monstrosity that would use people.
Her eyes stopped racing from line to line, and closed slowly. She brushed her hair with her right hand, and then slowly placed it on the table. Then, she closed her eyes, raised her head, and looked at me. It was as if I asked something too close to home.
Echidna : "Not many people are religious these days. But those who do, believe in God. God, the Lord and Savior of this world. Who would exterminate all Endbringers, all Fiends and Witches, turned out to be Eden."
I swallowed all the saliva that was in my mouth. That was a lot to take comprehend. After all, there was an actual god among us? That's crazy. No, that's actually ridiculous.
Echidna : "One time, thousands and thousands of years ago, Eden collided with the world of Lugunica. However… Eden turned out not to be our "God", but are "Demon"…"
Jens : "Wait… Do you mean…"
Echidna : "Yes… Eden is the Earth Devil. The one who formed a contract with Emerada Lugnica thousand years ago. The Earth Devil gave the young girl, the first one of Royal Blood, access to the [Truth of This World] and Witch Genes. She, along with Satella, were the only ones with All Witch Genes. However, just like Satella, Emerada was incompatible with the Witch Genes, and lost control. Thus, she died, and all Witch Genes scattered all over the world… Thus, generations and generations of the Witches of Sins were bornーー"
I had to stop her, this was too much to sink in. The Earth Devil…. The Contract of Millenniums Ago…. The Witches of Sin…. Emerada Lugnica…. All these things. I heard of them when the Royal Capital got attacked… But I didn't know the meaning of it all. The Earth Devil, is Eden…
"You guys, Jens, Felt… YOU ARE THE CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL! I'LL KILL EVERY LAST ONE OF YOU! EVEN IF IT TAKES THE MY LIFE AND THE LIFE OF MY LADY AND ALL THE CULT MEMBERS! I WILL FUCKING KILL EVERY SINGLE—"
"The Devil Kingdom of Lugunica"
"I won't die until the Devils of Lugnica have died. Especially Jens, Emilia, Felt and Nathan…"
" You all are, you all are the devils, you all are, makingmemakingmemakingme, singled out as someone pitiful."
Now I understood it. The moment I thought about all the things that Regulus and Furuta told me, I finally understood it. Realizing this, I felt like I needed to vomit. I fell on the soft grass, and tried to vomit. Yet, no stomach juice was leaving my mouth. I wasn't able to vomit because of the Dream World. But, I still went on. It was horrible to think about.
Echidna : "I assume you figured out the rest? I am very soon… But yes, you are the Son of the Eden."
No, this couldn't be true. It shouldn't be true. I couldn't accept it. I couldn't mentally comprehend the fact, that I am the son of the manifestation of chaos. I am the son of the one who caused everything that was going on. Oh no, I am literally, the descendant of the Devil. I am… I am… I am Jens.
Jens : "No…. That can't be…."
Echidna : "Rest assured. You are the only one left with good intentions. Thus, you can abuse the bloodline of Eden. Your blood, it is combined with an incredible power. You can use that power to reach your goals. However, it won't be easy. Regulus Corneas, Furuta Washuu, The Slaughterhouse Nine, The Witch Cult, The Demi-Human Alliance, The Endbringers, all of them will be waiting for you. They won't just wait until you become stronger, you'll have to become stronger while you're dealing with all of it."
Jens : "Yeah… I know… Thank you, Echidna."
She was right, there was no time to waste. I had to become stronger in the time I had. All of the ones that she mentioned, they were at least S Tier Threats. Well, that's what Tattletale would say plus that's what I heard.
I raised by upper body, and sat down back in the chair. I wiped away all the saliva which was still hanging on my mouth, and looked back at the Witch which was sitting in front of me.
Jens : "So… I have another question."
Echidna : "I know."
Such a clever response. Fucking bitch.
Jens : "Is Melissa Lestrange, like my sister?"
Echidna : "You would think that, but she isn't. You see, organisms that were born in the Garden of Eden, are not related to each other. It's simply how it is. There's no way to describe it. Of course, you're partly related, but very, very distant."
Jens : "Then what about Eden?"
Echidna : "It's assumed Eden passed away ever since the contract. But, Eden didn't leave Lugunica and Eldia that easily. Eden left scars. Deep ones. She created the Demi-Humans, and caused their discrimination. Eden killed multiple generations of Sword Saints and shed a thousand Dragons. Eden was extremely powerful."
I placed my right hand's palm on my right cheek, and started thinking. Things finally started to make sense. Just now, I finally understood the meaning of Furuta's and Regulus's words. Truly, I was a bad person. However, I still was able to prove myself to the outside world, that I am who I am. Even now, I was able to become that Hero that Emilia would fall in love with, and save her. Whenever it is needed.
Jens : "What about the Planet? What happened to it?"
Echidna : "That planet collided with Eldia. Thus, both planets scattered in a million pieces. You, for example, were born in Eldia, but in an egg of Eden. Thus, you were extremely lucky that people even raised you."
Jens : "I see… Thank you very much Echidna."
Then, a wicked smile rose on her face, and her eyes widened completely. It was as if she was going to attack me, so I raised my body, and stood firmly on my feet. I was ready to grab my sword, and held my sword firmly in my hand.
Echidna : "Why don't you ask something about the Four Great Maidens."
Oh, right. There was a Maiden in the Capital of Lugunica. That woman, with bright cinder eyes, and short black hair. She was together with Neo and Emerald Sustrai. They were members of the Blood Cloud… Cinder Fall, the Fall Maiden. She was the first Maiden I ever saw in my life, from what I could remember.
Jens : "What about them?"
Echidna : "It's an old fairy tale. But once upon a time, the young King Jens visited Lugunica for the first time."
The back of my neck started to sweat, along with the palms of my hands. I took a step back, and narrowed my eyes out of confusion, but then… Echidna just continued.
Echidna : "You, the son of the Earth Devil Eden, was gifted an incredible gift. The gift of Magic. You were one of the first Mages in the universe. However, you decided to use your powers wisely."
What did that mean? What did that have to do with the Four Great Maidens? I couldn't think clearly anymore, but I had to listen. I had to keep listening to gain more information from this woman. Thus, against my will, I kept listening to the words of the Witch which was sitting in front of me.
Echidna : "Four young sisters visited your temporary hide out. Spring gave you fruits. Summer gave you warmth. Fall gave you freedom. Winter gave you meditation. Well, thanks to our King being so sweet, he gave the four young girls the ability to use Magic."
Oh no, that couldn't be true. I simply couldn't believe my ears. This woman, the Witch of Greed, tried to claim that I was the one that created the Four Great Maidens, and that I am the origin of Magic? No… This couldn't possibly be true. At the current moment, I was barely capable of using my Yin Magic, so how in the hell could I possibly be the manifestation of Magic back then?
Echidna : "Each young maiden gained her powers from you. Then, you left. You left them behind with a power to explore. The children of those Maidens became Magic Users as well, but not Maidens…. No, Maidens were the strongest of them all. Only those that are left behind in the final thoughts of a Maiden, become the new Maiden. So, theoretically, if Cinder Fall, the current Fall Maiden, would die with Melissa in her final thoughts, Melissa would become the new Fall Maiden."
It was a lot to accept, but I had to. Echidna had no reason to lie about such thing, thus I swallowed again. My mind was racing at an extremely fast pace, and I couldn't even control my train of thought, until suddenly, my messy thoughts were all disturbed by the clap of hands.
The woman which was sitting in front of me, with eyes of void, and hair of snow, clapped her hands, and looked at me, annoyed.
Echidna : "Enough whining about your past mistakes? Well, how about me starting your first trial?"
With a wicked smile scarred on her face, and eyes filled with darkness and excitement, Echidna offered an offer that I could not deny. Yes, my fate was sealed. The next step was decided that right moment.