Chapter 133

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A New Stage

“First, you vanish without a word, then you return only to leave again. It’s impossible to catch a glimpse of you. Don’t you agree?” The first thing Najin was greeted upon returning to Cambria was Dieta’s grumbling.

She glanced at him, arms crossed. “You said you’re leaving for the Outland tomorrow, right?”

“Yes, that’s my plan.”

“You should take your time to relax before you go. Why the rush?”

“Isn’t it true that those who move with urgency achieve more, just as birds that never stop flapping their wings fly higher?”

“And where did you hear that?”

“It was in one of the books you lent me.”

“I shouldn’t have lent it to you.” Dieta let out a long sigh and stepped closer to Najin. She reached for the emblem pinned to his clothes—a unique badge she had granted him alone.

The emblems worn by her mercenaries and the executives of her trading company bore the mark of “The Snake That Swallows Gold.” However, Najin’s emblem was different—he bore a vibrant yellow flower.

A golden flower; not a gold coin, was an emblem allowed to no one but Najin. It marked special treatment, proof that, in his presence, Dieta was not a serpent but a girl.

“Najin…” Smiling softly, the girl ran her fingers over the golden flower on the badge.

“Yes, Dieta?”

“I’ve been thinking. Words alone aren’t enough, so I’ve decided to leave something more tangible.” She produced a small box from her pocket.

With a click, she opened it to reveal a pair of rings.

Understanding what that might mean, Najin’s eyes flickered slightly. Was she…? Caught off guard once more, he was stunned.

Dieta chuckled mischievously. “What, did you think I was about to confess again? They aren’t those kinds of rings. These are artifacts.”

“Ah.”

“What’s that expression for? Are you disappointed? Were you expecting a confession? I mean, I could…”

“Hey, hey.”

Dieta laughed, amused. Handing the box to Najin, she spoke. “They’re made from the remains of the Red Dragon and the White Dragon you defeated. Did you know they were originally a single dragon? That’s why they carry the concepts of pairs, bonds, and connections.”

It was a sort of Mystique.

“These artifacts were crafted to reflect those properties. When we wear these rings, we’ll feel connected. No matter how far apart we are, we’ll always know that the other is alive,” she explained.

Dieta sighed and muttered, “I’m worried. Out in the Outland, it’ll be hard to send letters or get in touch. Am I supposed to just sit around waiting until you return, not knowing if you’re alive or dead?”

“That’s…”

“That’s unacceptable. I need at least to know that you’re alive. Promise me you’ll wear the ring. Understand?” Dieta extended her left hand toward Najin, her slim, pale fingers outstretched. Smiling, she added, “Put it on. Wherever you want.”

With one hand held out to Najin, she used the other to sweep her hair behind her ear. It was nighttime, and they were in her office.

Moonlight streamed in through the window, illuminating Dieta’s hair in shimmering silver light.

Najin knelt on one knee and gently took her hand. At his touch, Dieta shuddered slightly, her face tinged with red.

Najin smiled. Though he was curious about how she’d react if he slipped the ring onto her fourth finger, he knew such a casual gesture would be disrespectful to her.

He placed the ring on Dieta’s left index finger—a symbol of friendship and intimacy.

Looking at the ring adorning her finger, Dieta shook her head as if she had expected it. “It would’ve been nice if you’d gone for the fourth finger, but I suppose that’s something to save for later. For now, this will do.”

Toying with the ring snugly on her finger, Dieta nodded toward Najin, urging him to put his on as well.

Najin followed suit, placing his ring on his own index finger.

As soon as Najin slipped the ring on, which was little more than a white base engraved with crimson patterns, Dieta placed her hand over his.

The rings clinked as they touched, and the crimson engravings began to glow—a sign of their connection. Warmth emanated from the rings, like the feeling of holding someone’s hand.

“You can just carry it with you if it gets in the way during battles. As a swordsman, wielding your sword might be awkward with a ring, and it could get damaged in combat.” Still, Dieta added with a smile, “When you miss the warmth of someone’s touch, squeeze the ring. It’ll feel like I’m holding your hand.”

She clasped Najin’s hand tightly. “See? Isn’t it comforting?”

“It’s a remarkable gift.”

“Right? I thought about making it a pendant, but rings are more symbolic. I had my reasons.”

“I figured as much.”

“So? Do you like it?”

Najin shook his head. “How could I not? I love it.”

The day Najin left Cambria, the streets were packed with adventurers and mercenaries. They had all gathered to bid farewell or catch a glimpse of the boy who had written his legend in the city.

In just one year, the boy who stepped into the City of Opportunities had risen to the White Rank, the highest grade for adventurers.

In that time, he’d become the youngest Sword Seeker, a wielder of two stars, and the one who slayed the Red Dragon, recreating the myth of Dragon-Slaying.

If Cambria’s greatest talent to date had been Arthur, the boy was being heralded as his successor. Given the incredible feats he had accomplished in a single year, such claims were not unwarranted.

Now, the boy was leaving Cambria for a greater stage—the Outland, the world beyond.

Najin strode boldly through the crowd that had gathered to watch him depart; the street overflowed with adventurers cheering him on.

Amid the thunderous applause and chants of his name, he approached a nobleman waiting by the carriage at the forefront.

The head of the Trebache Family, Marquis Edelmar, stood ready to see him off.

“Well, well, who do we have here? The eternal friend of Trebache, currently the most eligible bachelor among noblewomen, the romantic they all adore.”

“…Excuse me?”

“Hmm? Have you not heard? Many noble ladies became your fervent admirers after watching the play where you and Lady Dieta were the stars. Surely, you’ve received your fair share of love letters?”

‘Wait, what?’ Najin’s gaze drifted to someone behind Edelmar.

One particular individual managed all correspondence addressed to him. That person, with her brown hair and golden eyes, was conveniently by the Marquis’s side.

“I wouldn’t know anything about that…” Dieta muttered under her breath, avoiding Najin’s eyes.

Marquis Edelmar, catching the interaction, burst into laughter. “You, my boy, are a sinful man. Then again, with such striking looks, skill, and romantic charm, it’s only natural. A man of your caliber always steals the hearts of many ladies.”

He leaned closer to Najin and whispered, “Be careful. A scorned lady’s blade is sharper than that of any Sword Master.”

“I’ll… bear that in mind.”

It was advice worth etching into his bones.

After the lighthearted exchange, Marquis Edelmar cleared his throat and nodded solemnly.

Understanding the gesture, Najin knelt on one knee before him.

“As the founder of the Cambria Foundation, the benefactor of Cambria, and as one who stands in the sun’s stead on behalf of the great Empire, I, Edelmar Trebache, declare this…”

He spoke not only to Najin but to every adventurer in the city.

“The feats you have accomplished deserve praise. The deeds you carved with your sword shall be etched into this city’s most enduring monument and remembered forever. Just as was once done for King Arthur.”

In the heart of the city stood a monument inscribed with the names and deeds of those who had passed through Cambria. There, Najin’s name and story would soon be immortalized.

“They exist to chase profit. To seek gold. Yet, an adventurer is more than just that. An adventurer may desire wealth but never betray loyalty. They are those who embrace romance. You, Najin, were an excellent adventurer and mercenary.”

Marquis Edelmar raised his voice. “Now, you seek to become a hero. The faraway lands of the Outland, the edge of the world, await you. The road to heroism will be arduous, filled with trials and hardships.”

With a smile, he added, “Go forward with pride. Pursue honor. Never forget the romance you learned in this city. If you hold onto these three, honor, pride, and romance, your path will always be the right one. Walk the right path, boy.”

Marquis Edelmar extended his hand to Najin. “Rise, and become a hero.”

Najin took his hand and stood.

“May your journey be filled with blessings. May you ascend to the stars and become a constellation.” The Marquis stepped aside.

Waiting behind him was an open carriage, ready to take Najin directly to the Outland.

He bowed to the Marquis in gratitude; then turned to Dieta with a smile. “To glory.”

Thunderous applause erupted across the city.

The name of the boy who had come to the city in search of opportunity, seized it, and etched his legend was chanted in unison.

When Najin had first arrived, no one knew his name; as he departed, everyone did.

Najin, The Star of Dawn, the star that heralds the end of night.

Amid the resounding cheers, he climbed into the carriage.

It began its journey toward the Outland, carrying him toward his next adventure.

As the carriage moved steadily forward, Najin closed his eyes, focusing inward.

Within his mind, the familiar imagery of the Underground City, Artman, unfolded—a mental landscape that had grown sharper and more expansive. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Awaiting him there was the first resident of the space, though that particular occupant seemed far from pleased with their host.

She glared at Najin with clear disapproval.

“What’s with that look?”

“Oh, nothing. Just thinking about how thrilled you seemed. Hmm?”

“…What?”

“The ring. You looked like you were ready to die of joy the moment you got it.”

“What nonsense are you spouting now?” Ignoring the pout on Merlin’s lips, Najin dropped down beside her, sitting on the edge of the platform. “So, you said you’d tell me. About the Outland.”

“Ugh…” With a heavy sigh, Merlin finally started to tell him. “The Outland, specifically where you’re headed, is a place even farther than before. It’s known as the ‘Battleground of the Stars.’”

“Is that where the constellations reside? Like the vision you showed me when we first met?”

“Exactly. That’s the place.”

Najin recalled the day he first encountered Merlin and the illusions she had conjured for him back then. She had shown him the weight he would have to bear in the future.

He tried to summon those memories, but there was no need.

Snap—

With a flick of her fingers, Merlin conjured the vision before him once again.

Stars were born, and stars faded beyond the horizon. The constellations that filled the sky claimed their territories and suppressed the weak. Countless young stars were cast down into the depths below, trampled underfoot. Fallen constellations glared at Najin, attempting to crush him beneath their immense presence.

The transcendent entities sought to deny Najin’s very existence.

Unlike the first time, Najin did not crumble. He merely met their gaze, unyielding. That time, he possessed his own star.

The radiance of his star illuminated the heavens, preventing him from succumbing to the pressure of their stares.

The illusion shattered. Merlin, satisfied with Najin’s resilience, smiled. “Do you understand what it means to have the qualifications now?”

“Clearly.”

“As that Sword Master told you not long ago, the most important things in the Outland are not to falter, to never deny yourself…” Then, Merlin added, “and, of course, to learn how to wield your star.”

With a gesture, she summoned a glimmer of starlight at her fingertips.