The Berserker’s Second Playthrough in the Game - Chapter 182



Only Krnovel

Episode 182 The Last Dragon (1)

Kadim took Ilenia’s hand.

I decided to put aside for a moment the resentment that arose upon seeing the gifts brought from the church. At least, all the information she told me was true. It was a clear mistake that she went to see Melissa without sufficient preparation. Making the mistake of relying solely on her emotions was enough for her to make the mistake of doing it once.

So there are barbarians, peddlers, dragons, black panthers, dark elves, and priests of forgotten gods disguised as archaeologists.

The group, made up of members who had no sense of consistency whatsoever, managed to escape the World Tree with surprising ease.

Gooooosh – !!

There was no life-threatening chase with the Guardians, nor any interference from the Archmage who woke up late. It was simply Illenia reciting a prayer, summoning a hole that distorted space far away, and moving through it.

Guuuuuk – !

The priest of the Forgotten God confirmed that all of the party had passed and closed the hole. Her savage gaze, filled with her futility, was directed at her.

“If something like this existed, why did we make such a fuss when we first entered the Great Forest?”

“… … This method can only connect spaces to places I have personally visited at least once. And as you can see, the preliminary work of covering the ‘watching eye’ is necessary, but because that is a very large-scale and limited method… … .”

“… … .”

That was correct.

Just before using the Dark Magic, Illenia covered the ‘sun’ to avoid divine punishment. Many were astonished by the surreal miracle that seemed to have caused an eclipse.

Of course, it wasn’t actually moving the celestial bodies, and the truth was that it was just a simple illusion. It was just cutting a part of an enormous blackout and spreading it across the sky, temporarily blocking the sun. Considering its scale and effectiveness, calling it a mere ‘illusion’ might be an understatement… … .

“This blackout is a holy relic given by the one who leads our church. Actually, since it was my first time using it, I was doubtful whether I could really avoid heavenly punishment… … “I’m glad the verification was completed safely.”

Ilenia said as she put the remaining blackout curtains in her bag.

Coincidentally, it was the pitch-black cloth that Duncan had secretly checked when searching his bag the other day. I thought it was just wrapping paper to hide the contents of the bag, but it turned out to be an amazing relic. Kadim let out a laugh.

The place the group arrived was inside a cave dimly lit by luminous stones. While everyone was still unable to shake off their confusion, an unfamiliar crowd of people suddenly gathered around. Appearance is similar to that of an elf, but with a paler and more stubborn appearance.

They were dark elves.

“Oh my god, are you really Lilia?”

“Apostle Lilia!! “You’re safe!!”

– Krrrrrrrr… … .

As the crowd approached the girl on his back, the black panther, Farneo, reflexively showed caution. The dark elves stopped in surprise.

“… … What, what is this guy? A druid? A tree-dwelling guy?”

“Why is the Archmage’s liaison in a place like this… … .”

“Damn it, they came all this way to kidnap Lilia again… … .”

– Krrrr, krrrrr… … .

The atmosphere suddenly became ugly. Just before the conflict occurred, Lilia stepped in to mediate the situation.

“Everyone stop! Farneo is my benefactor who helped me get out of captivity. And Farneo, Farneo, please remove the mimicry! Since you have left the world tree, if you continue to be like that, you may ‘naturalize’!”

– Krrrrrr… … .

Although he pretended to be strong by showing his teeth, it was clear that he had reached his limit. A boy druid who quickly takes off the skin of a vicious beast and collapses. The dark elves scratched their heads sheepishly when they realized that their opponent was a bright blue kid.

The disturbance was brought to an end with the exhausted Parneo being taken to a resting place. The dark elves, having eliminated the troublemakers, had an emotional reunion with Lilia.

The reaction of the dark elves who saw the haggard girl’s appearance was worth seeing. It is too little to comfort them by telling them how much they have suffered, those who sob and say they are sorry for not being able to protect them, those who lie down and weep because they do not know if it is a dream or reality… … . So many people gathered and caused such chaos that Remillion had to step in and control access.

“Hey guys, I know how you feel, but everyone, please step aside for now! “It’s time for Lilia to get her peace of mind now!”

“Is it really true that the Apostle has come!”

“Just show me your face once, just show me your face once! I’ll just show you my face once and then step aside!”

“… … .”

Looking at the scene, Kadim narrowed his eyes.

From the circumstances, they seemed to have come to the Dark Elf’s residence. It wasn’t all that surprising, considering that the contact person who contacted the Forgotten God’s Church was them. However, I was extremely curious about the identity of that girl prophetess. Based on the conversation they had in the confinement and her current appearance, I can’t help but guess…

The way to find out the truth was simple: go to him and ask him directly.

“Hey, let me ask you something.”

As he made his way through the crowd and approached Lilia, the dark elves’ attention was instantly focused on him. Kadim’s expression hardened slightly, fearing that they might start a fight like before.

What actually happened was the exact opposite of what was expected.

“This, this person… … .”

“No way, no way, this is him…” … .”

The dark elves became even more agitated at the sight of Khadim. Lilia nodded, putting an end to their agitation.

“Yes, rejoice, everyone. The darkness that reveals the truth more clearly than the brightest light… … the ‘Warrior of Revelation’ has finally arrived with us.”

“Oh, the warrior of revelation!”

“Warrior of Revelation!!”

“That person… … is the warrior of revelation… … ?”

Even those who were skeptical and hesitant eventually came over after Remillion helped them with a few words.

“Issue is definitely the one who fought the dragon 300 years ago and saved my life. He was unable to defeat it, but he managed to knock the great wizard unconscious, and even the dragon’s flames could only scratch the ‘World Tree Dream’, but he just tore it apart with his bare hands.”

“Is that true? How could the Archmage be rendered unconscious… … .”

“I can’t believe it, the ‘Dream of the World Tree’ is a different world that once you enter, you can never escape… … .”

“What are you all doing, everyone! Hurry up and bow down to the warrior of revelation!”

“Oh, darkness of truth that opens a wider view than the sun… … . Thank you, thank you… … .”

The dark elves, with expressions overflowing with emotion, bow down like a row of bushes and bow deeply.

“… … .”

Kadim frowned, thinking it would have been better to start a fight.

*

Deep in the cave, a secret room with the pattern of a forgotten god engraved on the ceiling.

Everyone in the group who escaped the World Tree, except for the elf boy who was evacuated, sat together in front of a table carved out of rock. Lilia, who had taken off her tattered clothes and replaced them with her black priestly robes, stood in her center and looked around her audience.

“I know you probably have many questions, but let me first introduce myself formally.”

The white-rimmed eyes flashed with a fierce blue light.

“My name is Lilia. I am the true guardian of the World Tree who controls the World Tree under the guidance of my mother, Lady Hesilia, who dreams a dream that will never awaken. I am also the apostle of the forgotten god who spread the dark faith to the elves who left the embrace of the World Tree. I am also the last great wizard of the elves who have now lost their mystery.”

““… … .””

The only one who was calm was Remillion, who knew his identity in advance. The rest were dumbfounded by the flood of fancy titles. In her prison cell, not only Duncan, who thought she was crazy, but even Ilenia could not hide her surprise as her eyes lit up.

Kadim had inferred the previous identity to some degree. There was something else that really bothered me.

“… … “Didn’t she also say she was Melissa’s ‘sister’ last time?”

“Yes, that’s true too.”

“I didn’t know that dark elves and humans could become flesh and blood.”

“Because you don’t necessarily have to be born from the same mother to be sisters. I gave her blood, and she gave me knowledge that was thicker than blood… … At one time, she and I were more than worthy of being called sisters.”

“… … .”

Lilia looked down at the distant past with bitterness for a moment, but quickly raised her head and faced reality.

“While I was away, Dragon’s close friend brought news from outside the Great Forest and gathered you all together. The people gathered here were all born in different places, with different bloodlines, had different faiths, and lived through different times. However, I think we will all be of one mind and one mind about what we hope for now.”

“… … .”

“To stop the great wizard, Melissa, who has become the ‘world-destroying fire.’ And… … to prevent the collapse of the rift leading to hell, and save this world from destruction.”

The air settles like a dark cloud.

The atmosphere became solemn. Because it was mentioned from the mouth of someone who could foresee the future, it felt like the vague destruction became more visible. Duncan hesitated and asked if he had seen the world being destroyed in his dream. Lilia shook her head.

“No, Lady Hesilia did not allow me to see the future at that point. Now that I have left the embrace of the World Tree, I can no longer have precognitive dreams.”

“… … .”

“However, the future ultimately converges from the footprints of the past. By reflecting on the past, we will be able to predict and prepare for the future that is yet to come. So before discussing the future… … First, let me tell you everything I know about the past.”

What on earth happened to Melissa, herself, the elves, the dark elves, and the Great Forest?

Lilia took a deep breath and began to speak.

“The origin of the disaster began about 230 years ago, when my sister set foot in the Great Forest… … .”

*

A man entered the forest.

Normally, this would end with him getting lost and wandering to his death, being played by mischievous spirits, or being pierced by elf arrows. However, this time, it was a completely different story. That human was a wizard who had mastered the mysteries.

The great wizard easily defeated all dangers and reached the center of the forest. Her purpose for coming there was simple. Because the layers of her world were unstable, it was the most appropriate place for her to activate the ‘Great Magic’ she had studied.

The natives of the Great Forest, the elves, were extremely wary of her. She was very territorial, saying that one short ear over there would bring disaster to her. She was only different from an elf. She was a young female mage who achieved the most outstanding achievements among the elves at a time when the elves had not yet lost their mystery and mana.

‘I wondered where all the forest spirits had gone, and they were gathered here. Her friends are quite difficult-tempered, but seeing them all so calm… … ‘I guess you’re quite the wizard?’

‘… … .’

‘hmm? This… … Is this a magic circle you designed? It’s amazing. I didn’t know you could use mystical characters in this way… … .’

This is how Lilia met Melissa for the first time.

Melissa didn’t open up to him right away. She had been hurt by elves many times. However, she gradually began to let go of her hostility after realizing that he had no ill will towards her. Furthermore, in order to build the ‘Great Magic’, she desperately needed the help of a magician who was as proficient in mysteries as she was. Lilia was the perfect fit for that requirement.

Lillia and Melissa quickly became friends. Their common denominator of seeking mysteries made the gap between their races insignificant. Lillia helped with the research and construction of great magic, and Melissa taught her the knowledge of magic in return.

Her compatriots criticized her for having short ears, but Lilia didn’t mind. The Melissa she saw may have been wary and world-weary, but she was in essence a very good person. She also had the influence of Melissa’s teachings that allowed her to achieve rapid advancement… … .

However, while generously providing magical knowledge, Melissa did not reveal her own story or the identity of great magic. She broke down almost every barrier in her mind, but her final barrier remained unbroken for many years.

Breaking down that barrier was the inevitable mortal fate of all living beings.

Melissa used magic to keep her appearance young, but she could not find a solution to her finite lifespan. Her complexion gradually became pale, and her eyes occasionally became shadowed by death. Lilia, who could not bear to watch the loss of this great genius, made a decision to change her mind.

‘Melissa, drink this blood. ‘This is the blood I just took.’

‘… … what?’

‘I heard that humans can live longer if they drink elf blood. You absolutely, absolutely cannot die like this.’

Thanks to that sacrifice, Melissa’s life was extended. Moved by the goodwill of the elf who shared her blood, she broke down the last barrier in her heart. She became a sister to Lilia and finally confessed the whole truth.

At first, Lilia was shocked by the absurd idea of ​​opening another world to find someone… … .

‘Melissa, don’t worry. No matter what happens, I will help you until the end. I will make sure that you find the person who left you.’

‘… … Lilia.’

… … In the end, she was so impressed by her girlish and innocent motivation that she chose to continue helping Melissa.

If I had known what that choice would lead to, I wouldn’t have made the decision so easily.

Thanks to the collaboration between the two great wizards of the century, the great magic was completed smoothly. Diligently inventing new theories and techniques for great magic, concentrating and preserving the mana spread across the entire continent, and constructing a huge magic circle spanning several kilometers… … .

About 10 years passed like that.

After all preparations were completed, the moment came when Melissa finally activated her ‘great magic’.

*

“Wait a minute, there’s something I don’t quite understand.”

The quiet conversation was interrupted. Kadim gave Lilia her questioning look.

“So you’re saying that you knew Melissa was intentionally opening a rift to ‘hell’ and yet you cooperated with her? Just because you wanted to help her find someone?”

At those words, Lilia widened her dull eyes.

“Melissa… … said that? That she deliberately opened a rift leading to ‘hell’?”

“… … .”

Kadim slowly nods his chin.

A bitter smile spread across her pale lips. Lilia nodded regretfully and revealed the truth.

“That is false. Melissa had no idea that the crack she was opening would lead to hell. She swears to the primordial darkness that if only she had known where the rift would lead… … She would never have cast her great magic.”

“… … .”

Kadim clenched his fists.

One piece, Melissa got a clue to the truth she had been keeping in her heart.

Lilia took a deep breath and continued her story.

“… … I think you will know what happened afterward without having to tell you. The completed Great Magic opened a crack that led not to another world, but to Hell, and countless demons spread, turning the continent into a crucible of chaos.”

“… … .”

“I’m not saying this to make excuses, but Melissa and I did our best to fix that terrible disaster. I sacrificed my life, my body, my senses, and my knowledge to pray for the coming of Hesilia… … Melissa, Melissa… … .”

“… … .”

“… … I jumped into ‘Hell’ myself, and spent decades slaughtering demons alone and finding a way to close the rift.”