Epherene stood in front of the Imperial University Tower, a place that once felt like home, and gazed at the familiar landscape.
Cherry blossoms bloomed all over the campus, under which couples nestled.
Looking at the strolling students, Epherene remembered her time at the university, which now seemed so far away.
To borrow Sylvia's words, "stupid Epherene" who knew nothing came here that spring with a grudge against Deculein. She had a clear plan in her mind: Deculein's fall.
Muttering an old goal that might have already been achieved, Epherene took a step forward.
At that moment, space warped, and she immediately entered the top floor of the University's Magic Tower, in the office of the chairman.
– God!
At her sudden appearance, Louina, the new chairman, who was immersed in her work, shuddered. Taken by surprise, she was about to unleash her magic power in a hurry, before seeing the identity of the intruder.
– Did you have to enter that way?
– Long time no see, Professor Louina.
Due to the fact that all records of Deculein were erased, and because Deculein turned into a villain whose name had almost become a taboo, Louina became the next chairman after Adrienne, and not "in place of" Deculein.
– Did you come for what you asked earlier? Louina asked with a smile.
– Yes. As I said before, I will go to the extinct… to the borderlands.
The extinct lands were completely cleared.
Therefore, now they were not extinct, but borderline. Now it was full of vegetation and animals.
– You need the key to the lighthouse, don't you?
The work of Deculein and the Altar still existed. It was now under the supervision of the university's Magic Tower.
– Here.
Louina handed her the key without hesitation.
– Thank you, said Epherene.
– I wish you good luck, my esteemed archmage. Whatever you're attempting to do.
Epherene happily smiled. Professor Louina had always been her role model, so she was pleased to hear such words.
As she was about to leave, she suddenly wondered what became of the 77th floor. A place that had now become another senior professor's floor. She took a step and immediately found herself there, looking around blankly in the middle of the corridor. Her body trembled, overflowing with emotion.
The layout and structure of the lab, office, conference room, and other areas were very different from when Deculein lived here, but the corridor remained the same.
She saw images of herself running down the hallway, Allen saying she would be punished for it, Drent following her with a slightly goofy face, and Deculein always walking with a proud and confident gait.
Those memories that couldn't be brought back surfaced like afterimages.
Suddenly, tears welled up in Epherene's eyes. However, she quickly shook her head to stop them and forced herself to take a step forward before disappearing again.
* * *
When she reached the borderlands, Epherene lifted her head, silently staring at the majestic building that seems to reach heaven. In this era, this symbol of Deculein and the Altar was called the "root of evil."
– I'm ready.
At that moment, Sylvia's voice rang out.
Epherene came to her senses.
– OK.
Looking around, the blue lines around the lighthouse formed a huge magic circle. These were magical threads, embodied by Sylvia's three primary colors, to open the [Passage].
The hearts of all those gathered here would serve as fuel for the manifestation of magic, as well as fragments of the meteorite obtained by Sophien.
"I will start soon," Epherene said, looking at the audience.
There were many familiar faces here.
First, Sylvia, who helped her the most with this plan. Then Lia from the Red Garnett Adventure team. Also Delric and Lawaine from the imperial Knights. And Idnik and Arlos, who made special clothes that will protect them from the cold of Eternal Winter, although for a limited time.
Nodding at the audience, Epherene turned to the empress who would be accompanying her.
– Are you ready?
Sophien calmly replied:
– Yes.
Only these two people would enter the [Aisle]. There was no need for more people, as this would only increase the risk of temporary entanglement.
Before they left, Delric declared his resolve:
– Do not worry, Your Majesty. If the remnants of the Altar attack, I will do my best to stop them.
The Altar had lost its doctrine and Quay, but some of them continued to drag out their miserable existence, like zombies. They seemed to know some of the truth, and considered Deculein a traitor, so it was still a big problem for the Empire.
– I believe in you.
Delric's face turned red at Sophien's words.
– Y-yes, it's an honor, Your Majesty!
Epherene activated her magic, pouring mana into a huge magic circle.
Shh!
Epherene's mana slowly began to circulate around the magic circle like a stream.
However, then…
BZZZZZZ!
The mana spiraled out of control, tearing through space and sending shockwaves that cracked the ground beneath. While it might have seemed like a miscalculation, this chaotic phenomenon was, in fact, carefully orchestrated by Epherene and Sophien. It was a perilous technique, intentionally designed to provoke a clash between magical forces, accelerating the magic's power for maximum destruction.
BZZZZ!
It distorted the space of the world itself, embodying the elliptical [Passage]. Time itself became particles that vibrated as they engulfed space.
Everyone who witnessed the space-time warp was momentarily speechless.
Epherene turned to Sophien. Sophien also looked at Epherene.
There was no need to say anything to each other. Without hesitating, both of them entered the [Passage] at the same time.
* * *
Traveling through the [Passage] was dizzying.
In an instant, their body began to rotate, and their bones and muscles trembled from the pressure exerted on them. It was a very strange feeling.
However, after a small bout of nausea, they quickly pulled themselves together and looked around.
What greeted them was Eternal Winter, a world where everything was frozen, lost and forgotten.
All things, both heaven and earth, were in perfect dormancy, looking forward to the coming spring.
They didn't have time to look around. Epherene took the initiative and opened the lighthouse door. Sophien calmly followed her.
Tick-tock!
At that moment, the ticking of a clock sounded in Epherene's ears. Her body froze for a moment, and her face showed tension.
Sophien looked at her and asked:
– Intervention of the world?
– Yes… let's hurry.
This clock that she felt in her heart was an indication and a warning. If they didn't rescue Deculein by then, a "deterrent" would catch them.
Epherene ran up the stairs of the lighthouse with the canvas in her hands.
Tick-tock!
The sound of the clock gradually accelerated with each step, but there was still time.
Luckily, thanks to Deculein's wood steel, that they could use as a GPS, they didn't meet any difficulties to find his whereabouts. They ran until they arrived at the very center of the Eternal Winter.
– There… Here he is! Professor!
In the place guarded by Knight Julie, Deculein was standing proud, with a straight posture, like a crane, as if he had not been frozen.
Epherene walked over to him, injecting her mana into Sylvia's canvas.
Sophien breathed a sight of relief.
Epherene's magic power enveloped the frozen Deculein, carefully lifted him up and placed him on the canvas.
Tick-tock!
The sound of the clock got louder. Epherene bit her lip as there was still a lot of work ahead.
Immediately after that, a crack was heard from somewhere. Like ice cracking, here and there, cracks appeared in the air. It was a distortion of time. A "deterrent" was intervening. It would destroy the continent again if ignored.
However, Epherene was already prepared for this.
– Your Majesty.
Epherene called out to the Empress, who silently looked at her.
– Epherene.
Interrupting her, Sophien took the canvas with Deculein from Epherene's hands with [Telekinesis].
– I'll take care of the rest.
As if she knew everything, the empress smiled at her. However, Epherene hurriedly shook her head.
– Your Majesty!
Fshhhh!
Sophien drew a sword from her belt and aimed at Epherene.
– It takes a sacrifice to close the rifts. I can go into the crack to patch them up like you were going to do now, right?
SKKRR!
As if in answer to Sophien's words, the space-time distortion yelled even more fiercely.
"Haughty Epherene, I said I would dedicate myself to this. This is my task."
Epherene's expression tightened. Sophien only pursed her lips.
"Professor Deculein wouldn't want you to sacrifice yourself. I don't want that either," Epherene said.
– So?
Sophien rubbed her chin nonchalantly. Seeing that this argument wasn't going to convince her, Epherene quickly thought of another one:
– The Empire needs Your Majesty. You must guide the Empire on the right path…
– The Empire is already on the right track.
– What…
– I love Deculein.
Sophien boldly confessed her feelings.
"However, if you think I'm only doing this for him, you're wrong."
Meanwhile, the cracks got bigger and the clothes that protected them from the cold began to crumble.
"I am a burden to the Empire and the continent.
– What are you talking about? You're the greatest emperor in known history. Thanks to you, the situation in the Empire and the continent has been stabilized, and you broke all the chains of hatred.
"The Continent needs Your Majesty. It still relies on Your Majesty's judgment, on your wisdom and strength. We need to deal with the remains of the Altar. And most importantly, Your Majesty… you have always been right."
Sophien smiled contentedly.
"Like you said, I've always been right. However, the fact that I was always right made people think of me as someone with absolute judgment. They will believe me even if I say dog dung is miso soup."
Epherene's eyebrow twitched.
– Your Majesty…
"In this Empire, everything is decided by my will and the will of the imperial family. Why? Was it solely founded by the imperial family? No. The empire was built by its subjects."
– As Maho said, the master of the state is the vast majority of its subjects. It is they who constitute the state, and from them comes the power of the state.
Epherene tilted her head without saying a word.
– As long as I rule, subjects and everything around will depend on me. Everyone will rely on me.
At that moment, Epherene already realized that she could not convince Sophien.
"Besides, if I die of old age, there will be heirs to the throne. But in that case, it would be nothing but an usurpation of power."
– The greatest human of this time must break this chain himself.
Her will will spread not only to the Empire, but to all kingdoms, and eventually change this world.
– In other words…
Sophien looked into Epherene's eyes.
– I will free them with my death.
Epherene couldn't help but admit it. She couldn't help but accept it.
– You'll go back and tell Deculeine.
TFR!
The space-time rift had already opened wide.
– That I gave him a new continent.
Sophien laughed. There was happiness in that smile. There was joy. There was a sense of accomplishment. There was love.
She sincerely wanted to die for the one she loved.
She would give him back his life on this continent.
Sophien swung her sword sharply and slashed Epherene's chest diagonally.
– Ah!
Then, Epherene's figure disappeared before she could say anything.
The sword of the empress "banished" her back to her original time.
– Goodbye.
Sophien pursed her lips and looked around.
FSHSHSH!
The storm of time had come. A tidal wave of containment covered her entire body.
* * *
Epherene, cleaved by Sophien's sword, returned to her original timeline.
She stood near the lighthouse and stared blankly at the approaching group of people.
Sylvia, Delric, Arlos, Idnik, all said something to her, but Epherene did not hear anything and could not say anything. Because their eyes, looking at her, were looking for someone else.
Plink
Suddenly, a small drop of rain fell on Epherene's nose. At the same time, the vibration of wood steel spread through her body. Those two cold and noisy auras awakened Epherene.
She silently turned and opened the lighthouse door.
Plink
She stepped inside as if possessed by something. And she just ran. The woodsteel guided her forward until she was in front of two doors.
Opening the doors, Epherene looked around before quickly finding the gallery where he was hanged.
While Epherene stared blankly at the canvas, Sylvia ran up to her and shouted:
– You made it! The professor is here. He is still sleeping, but I can wake him up.
At these words, Epherene burst into tears. She didn't know if it was joy or sadness.
Seeing her like this, everyone else tensed up.
Delric was the first to ask:
– Where is the empress?
Epherene answered quietly in a trembling voice:
– Her Majesty the Empress went on a long journey.
From which she would never return.
* * *
Time passed, the continent changed.
After the sudden death of Empress Sophien, Creto issued her will – the Declaration of the Republic:
A 500-page compendium that promised to transform the empire into a republic, temporarily leaving the imperial family in power, but retaining the status system only as a form and abolishing it over time.
The last will of the empress, published in a book form, was read by everyone on the continent. This was a catastrophic event that many could not accept, but the greatest nobles who should resist the most: Yeriel of Yukline, Sylvia of Iliad, Zeit of Freiden, and finally Creto of the Imperial family stood up for it.
The empire was slowly turning into a republic.
And the Empire was not the only one to change.
[Side Quest completed: Windless Cave]
– Is it the end?
A quest completion notification popped up.
It was a cave in the south where crazy monsters lived.
As the deputy leader of the Red Garnett Adventure Team, Lia was doing her quests.
– Phew.
She laid down on the ground and stared up at the dark stone ceiling. The stalactites hanging like icicles were beautiful.
-… about a year has passed.
She may have been influenced by this peaceful atmosphere after a long fight, but she remembered the boy she had almost forgotten.
These memories rolled on like an annual event.
Deculein.
No, Kim Woojin.
– What are you doing now?
Now Lia knew it, she could admit it. It was no longer the same Kim Woojin that she passionately loved. It was a new identity.
– Ah…
Although she wasn't depressed, sometimes she was soaked in nostalgic melancholy, but these memories also brightened her days.
"I hope you're having fun here too," Lia muttered, as if talking to him. "I'm happy, even though I can't meet you."
A character named Lia was under close surveillance by the world – "the system", so she couldn't reveal his whereabouts.
Lia lifted the corners of her lips.
– It's good that I was able to see you in your last moments.
Suddenly, Leo screamed from the side. A loud echo that reverberated throughout the cave.
– Lia! come here! Help!
– Ha-ah…
He was almost an adult, but he still behaved the same way.
– Quickly! My feet are stuck in the mud!
One way or another, there were still many unknowns on this continent. There were many problems to be solved, villains to kills, and dungeons to complete.
– Li-i-a-a!
– Where's Carlos?
– He left me!
As she sighed and stood up, a small letter flew out of Lia's pocket. The paper that fell to the ground without her knowledge was quickly swallowed up by the darkness of the dungeon. The sentences written in it were full of simple and sincere emotions.
[Woojin.
As you said then, my world is not you. Now I know exactly what you meant. My world is everything that I see, hear, feel and experience, this continent. This planet is very different from Earth. So I'm glad that I'm an adventurer. I am glad that there are so many adventures.
Do you know what the giant once said? The blessing given to people is their limited mind, small eyes, short legs and life, which ends with the advent of death.
No matter how much I run, this continent will never end, right? I am in search of endless meetings and a huge unknown.
This land without borders, endless skies, a continent that I can never conquer is the happiness that was bestowed on me. Only thanks to you have I found this happiness.
I think it's better not to return to the original world. I want you to be happy too. I wish you a good life.
Hmm… Writing this letter makes me think about the past…
I might not even be able to deliver it to you. However, I would not be disappointed.
Be happy Woojin. And I'll be happy too. If everything is fine with you, I can also enjoy life.
I loved you.
Goodbye.]
* * *
Metropolis of the Republic of Krebaim, Khadekain. Yukline's most luxurious mansion in the big city with a very high-tech and modern landscaping.
Sitting in a rocking chair, I was reading a book on the theory of magic that Louina had published.
Shh-Shh
I peacefully flipped through the pages, enjoying the unexpected daily life.
When I met Yeriel again, she was crying, unable to find words, but now, after about a year, she was again becoming annoyed over trifles.
It was good because it was more like her.
Although I was still bored…
I closed the book.
Louina's theory was too simple. After all, I was someone who specialized in teaching the theory of magic.
Anyway, I read the whole book in 15 minutes and looked out the window.
Clear weather, blue sky without a single cloud, the brightly scorching sun.
I was still alive thanks to an absurd plan that aimed at the gap between the past and the present
However, at first I was dissatisfied. For all the villains, such a death was the right end and the right fate.
I was not happy to be alive. I couldn't rejoice.
However, I remembered Sophien.
The Empress who devoted herself to giving me peace had liberated the Empire.
The time she gave me won't be particularly long. I was still slowly dying. However, if that was her wish. I would live and enjoy this life.
However, there was one promise that I had not yet kept.
To keep this "last promise", I will do my best as long as I live.
– Brother! What are you doing over there?
Suddenly, Yeriel's loud voice rang out from the crystal ball.
– The dinner table is ready.
I shook my head, put down my book, got up from my seat, and walked into the garden of the mansion.
This place, dedicated to me, was fenced on all sides, and no one would see it from the outside.
There was a lot of good people here now.
Delric, Lawaine, Sylvia, Epherene, Yeriel, Arlos, Idnik, Jackal and Carla, Ellie, Julie, Maho…
– Why are you taking so long?!
Yeriel yelling at me, Epherene busy eating roahawk, Sylvia smiling slightly at me, and Julie frowning.
– Come here!
Listening to this impudent cry, I was already preparing to give her a sermon. Even the presence of guests would not stop me from it.
I approached her and…
Click!
There was loud laughter from the crowd.
On this clear and windless afternoon, fallen leaves mingled in the garden. It was autumn and the leaves were turning red.
– Professor.
In a world without an empress, seeing autumn leaves reminiscent of her, and seeing Epherene smiling at me, I quietly thought:
This is the life that Sophien gave me. Her dedication slightly increased the time allotted to me.
I have people with me whom I can trust and rely on.
So that…
– Welcome.
The villain wants to live.
THE END.
#Extra. Sophien
The birds sang their tunes. The sun stung her closed eyelids.
Sophien, who was tossing and turning all over because of them, involuntarily opened her eyes and stared blankly at the sky. Looking at this landscape, she briefly remembered the past.
After hanging Deculein's canvas in the gallery, she was banished by the storm of time, her body tearing and breaking in the tide. And as it unraveled…
– Is it a continent?
Was it the past, present or future? Was it a continent or another planet? She fell into an unknown forest, not knowing either time nor space.
– Hm…
Sophien checked her condition.
She would last another day or two at the most. Death was already inevitable, but such was the price for blocking the "means of deterrence".
This body had already been destroyed.
Would such a death be happiness or misfortune?
Sophien unconsciously smiled and forced her broken body to stand up.
Now all that was left was to find a place to die.
Of course, only dust would remain from the corpse, but she did not want to die without knowing where she was.
GRRR!
But just as she was about to walk a little, the sound of roaring and crackling trees echoed through the area.
Sophia turned around.
A tiger was chasing an unknown woman in a magnificent dress with a baby in her arms.
Sophien could ignore her. Even if it was just saving one person from a tiger, it could be fatal for her right now. It could cut her miserable lifespan in half or more.
In any case, it didn't matter. This life was already over. She went through an endless number of regressions so she had no regrets.
Sophien drew her sword, took a step forward, and swung it without hesitation, cutting off the tiger's head. The wind, summoned by her magical power, swept over the woman, making her stumble.
– Ah!
Despite this, she still held her child in her arms.
Sophien approached her without a word.
At the same time, the woman jumped to her feet, bowed her back and expressed her gratitude:
– Thank you!
A red drop fell from Sophien's nose to the ground.
The woman hastily looked at Sophien and asked:
– Are you okay?!
Sophien shook her head.
– Not really.
– Ah! Forgive me. My house is nearby, I can give you at least some treatment…
The woman came closer and tried to take her away, but Sophien refused.
– That is unnecessary.
It was already too late.
– What are you saying? Of course it's necessary...
– Wah-ah-ah-ah!
At this moment, the child began to cry. The woman became frightened and began to comfort him, and Sophien's eyebrows twitched slightly as she glanced at the child.
– Okay. Where's your house?
– Follow me!
The woman quickly led Sophien.
Following a mountain path, they reached a small hut built on a hillside.
– It's here. Come in.
Skr!
The woman opened the door, which creaked like it was about to break. She then laid Sophiene down on her only bed and began to grind the herbs in her mortar.
– Wait a minute. I will heal you…
– I don't need to be treated. It's too late. More importantly... Sophien said, covering her pale face.
She wanted to ask what time it was, whether it was a continent, an empire, a republic, or a completely different alien planet. But her first question was:
– What is the name of that child?
The woman opened her eyes wide.
Sophia's voice was very soft, too joyful for a dying woman.
– Hmm…
This was unexpected for the woman, but she nevertheless answered:
– Keiron.
– Haha…
Sophien unconsciously chuckled.
Boy with black hair. Even though it was a newborn baby, she could recognize him.
Her broken body seemed unable to take more, and her mind gradually began to drift away.
– Are you okay?…
The voice of the woman she saved also faded away.
She hurriedly applied herbal powder to the wounds, but there was no effect.
Sophien slowly closed her eyes.
The world got darker and darker.
Her body was slowly sinking into the abyss of death.
It was the end she longed to experience.
Her soul finally departed completely from her body.
– Your Majesty.
Just as she was about to enjoy the end, a voice spread like ripples.
Sophien opened her eyes again.
-…
The landscape reflected on her retina was very disconcerting.
It was the shore of a lake.
A whimsical and fantastic view with lotus flowers on a transparent water surface and a light haze of fog.
– Your Majesty.
Then the voice came again.
Sophien seemed to know who he was without even seeing him.
– Keiron.
When she called his name, he smiled.
– Yes, Your Majesty.
Sophien asked:
– Is this a dream?
Even Sophien, who was an quick learner, couldn't help but ask Keiron since this was the first time she'd encountered something like this.
– It's a magical space. It seems our souls have been imprisoned here for a while. Terrifying, isn't it? Keiron said with a laugh.
Sophien mirrored his expression. She knew exactly who was behind this.
– It must have been Deculein from the future. To keep the last promise he made to Your Majesty.
Saying this, Keiron pointed to a square wooden board placed where lake and land met.
Seeing it, Sophien smiled broadly. She had asked Deculein for one last match and Deculein had agreed, but Sophien herself turned him down on a whim when an opportunity came to fulfill it.
– Until that match takes place, Deculein will not let us go.
Sophien nodded at Keiron's words.
– So be it.
She walked through the mist to the lake and sat down in front of the blackboard.
"Will you stay with me until Deculein arrives?"
Keiron quickly replied:
– Of course. I will always serve Your Majesty.
Sophien nodded. If he was by her side, she could focus solely on Go.
– Then let's wait.
Sophien looked at the plank and the stones and said:
– I'll think about how to defeat him.
To confront a man who could be called the greatest master of Go on the continent, any time for preparation would not be enough.
Thinking for a moment, Sophien touched her fingers to her lips.
– I hope… our final match will last a long time.