Chapter 115: Let’s Set Off (7k)
【Let’s embark on our final journey, Your Majesty.】
A small note slipped out from the pages of the handcrafted fairy tale book, falling to the ground from the air.
But right after, it was caught by delicate, fair fingers.
Even though the flow of air inside the palace was stagnated by the layer of dusk…
At this moment, the girl’s ice-blue hair began to flutter as if moved by an invisible wind.
Helen’s gaze quietly fixed on that small note—
Her originally grayish eyes suddenly brightened and became lively.
…
Four days later, at noon under the bright sun.
At the gate of Paradise City, in front of the palace.
Rast had changed back into his usual trench coat.
He stood on the main road at the palace entrance, feeling the scorching noon sun, casually finding a shady spot to wait idly.
After seeing the small note written by Rast, in the days that followed, Her Majesty the Queen visibly grew more expectant.
Morning, afternoon, day, night…
Even during her usual focused and undistracted fairy tale book reading time, Helen would occasionally look up, watching the pendulum hanging on the palace wall, repeatedly confirming the time.
The stance of wanting to use her authority to directly speed up the clock’s hands by a day…
Was just like those students in Rast’s previous life who, a minute before the holiday, would check the clock three times, eagerly awaiting the school bell.
Such a distracted appearance was noted not only by Rast, who had returned to his position, but even by the head maid, Anna, who sensed something was amiss.
Thanks to Rast helping to navigate the situation, otherwise, the Queen’s plan to leave might have been doomed before it even started.
Under Helen’s eager gaze, those four days that felt like years finally passed.
Originally, at noon, Rast planned to sneak out with Helen disguised as before, following the previous route unnoticed.
However—
This time, the Queen, whom he served, unusually and stubbornly rejected Rast’s proposal.
She didn’t want to sneak out through a small door like before, but rather wanted to leave boldly through the main entrance.
Today was Anna’s day off, so apart from Rast, there was no one in the palace who could obstruct the Queen’s decision.
Ultimately, Rast agreed to the Queen’s proposal.
Moreover, this trip’s destination was the last scene from that fairy tale book, “Chronicles of Silver Wings.”
For the plan regarding “Lost Paradise,” this was also the final scene.
Not attracting anyone’s attention within the palace… these details that Rast had previously paid immense attention to lost their meaning after this day.
With no tomorrow and no “from now on,” they could afford to be a bit reckless.
So Rast donned his most familiar outfit, a habit he had developed in Deep Blue Harbor.
In contrast to Rast, Helen was even more extravagant.
With two hours remaining until the agreed time of one in the afternoon, she locked herself in her bedroom, refusing to let anyone in.
As a queen, Helen’s wardrobe was naturally filled with a dazzling array of splendid garments.
However, all along, Helen only wore a few simple, monochromatic long dresses in the palace, leading Rast to think she didn’t care much about her appearance.
But reflecting on that moment before the bedroom door completely shut—
The blue-haired girl lifting her skirt and twirling joyfully in front of the large dressing mirror, her dark purple eyes sparkling with excitement like a happy little deer…
Rast then understood that the desire to be beautiful is indeed a woman’s nature; whether from a rural girl or a queen, none could escape this cycle.
Rast glanced at the fierce sun above, silently calculating the time as he awaited Helen to finish dressing.
Just as he counted the three thousand seventy-third number in his mind, he noticed the shadow under the eaves disturbed unnaturally.
His eyes shifted slightly, and along that shadow under the eaves, he walked into a secluded alley.
The next moment, the shadows in the alley rippled silently, eventually converging into a blurred human form.
“Captain.”
The voice of the Shadow Servant came from the darkness.
“The plan is about to reach its final stage; why take the risk to look for me at this moment?”
Rast glanced toward the palace and asked.
The Shadow Servant, a genuine sixth-tier powerhouse, had always been stationed outside the city.
His rank was too high, and his aura too strong.
And the Royal City, especially the palace, was Helen’s domain—getting too close might raise her suspicions.
Of course, given Helen’s current bashful yet excited mood, even if she noticed a bit of the Shadow Servant’s anomaly, she would likely instinctively ignore it.
“It is Leader Cisel’s directive.”
“He asked me to inquire about your opinion… whether to temporarily halt the ‘Lost Paradise’ plan.”
The Shadow Servant’s voice was calm: “The meaning of this halt plan—”
“Also includes the part regarding your contact with the ‘Graveminder.’”
Rast’s gaze tightened.
He stared at the shadow before him, only able to make out a blurred human shape: “How do you know about the ‘Graveminder’?”
He clearly had previously tested the Shadow Servant, but the results showed the other party was unaware of this link in his mission.
Of course, this could also be the Shadow Servant’s disguise.
“For such an important plan, how could the leader not have a contingency?”
The Shadow Servant didn’t seem surprised by Rast’s skepticism: “I am Leader Cisel’s contingency, or rather, his dark piece.”
“Though it may sound a bit harsh, the leader must consider the possibility of unexpected situations…”
“If Captain Rast, you were to fail or betray us, I would be activated as an alternative, responsible for wrapping things up and minimizing the impact on the organization.”
“This has nothing to do with whether Cisel trusts you but is a necessary consideration for a leader.”
Rast nodded without surprise.
If all hope was pinned on him due to a brief encounter, without considering backtracking in case of unexpected risks—
Then Cisel wasn’t worthy of being this generation’s Guardian Leader, nor of being this era’s strongest human.
“I can understand the leader’s concerns; if it were me, I would also devise the same contingency plan considering potential worst-case scenarios…”
“But if that’s the case, why are you telling me this now, exposing your status as a dark piece?”
“And, ultimately, all this is just your word; how can you prove your statement is true and that you are indeed a dark piece arranged by Leader Cisel?”
Rast watched as the dark shadow suddenly fell apart.
The shadow faded, revealing a frail, emaciated body covered in wounds.
Like a broken rag doll, the numerous imperfections and wounds were scattered across the Shadow Servant’s body.
What was most noticeable was the large cavity in the left side of the chest of that emaciated body—
For a normal person, such a penetration in the heart area would likely mean d*ath.
However, in the cave where the Shadow Servant’s heart should be, there was a large, luminous, ethereal heart slowly pulsing.
The sun’s rays transformed into materialized threads, connecting as if they were ethereal veins to support the frail body, supplying it with the circulation of bl**d and a meager form of life.
No wonder the Shadow Servant spent all day shrouded in shadows, only allowing a blurred human shape to be seen—
If her true form were seen by a child with weak psychological endurance, it would likely cause nightmare after nightmares.
“This should be sufficient to prove my statement, right, Captain Rast.”
The Shadow Servant’s voice no longer sounded as indistinct as before, but instead revealed her original voice.
To Rast’s surprise, the Shadow Servant’s voice was quite pleasant, a mature female tone, which starkly contrasted with her dried, old body that resembled a dying old woman.
“In a way, I am similar to the indigenous people in the paradise.”
“Having sustained such injuries, I should have died long ago…”
“Only because Cisel used his ‘Sun’ sequence’s long-term powers to condense an ethereal heart for me, maintaining my life and allowing me to survive in this world.”
“My life was given by Cisel, so it can naturally be reclaimed by him in an instant…”
“And for this reason, Leader Cisel can rest assured in letting me serve as the backup to be activated in the ‘Lost Paradise’ plan for the worst-case scenario.”
Rast spoke: “You seem to have no objections to your situation?”
“I thought that this method, like that of a necromancer or puppet master, manipulating another’s life at will, would evoke an instinctive aversion from the one being controlled.”
“The awareness of a Guardian is not limited to just you, Captain Rast.”
The Shadow Servant said lightly: “We have known from the start that the Guardian Organization is not an ideal family of equality and brilliance.”
“But a cold machine that is willing to carry out all evils and trample all worldly morals to achieve the ultimate justice…”
“Don’t say it’s just resembling a story’s necromancer, if it means acquiring the power of Guardians, we could even accept a true necromancer.”
“As for the leader asking me to confirm with you about whether to halt the ‘Lost Paradise’ plan, the purpose is quite simple.”
The Shadow Servant looked at Rast and slowly spoke: “Cisel is—”
“Considering his successor, or rather…”
“The next leader of the Guardians.”
The next leader of the Guardians?
Even Rast was momentarily taken aback upon hearing this news.
In his mind, he instinctively recalled that old man he had met once, whose eyes bore a remarkable wisdom.
Though hundreds of years had passed, Cisel still carried himself like a proud lion—
Be it his aura, lifespan, or strength… this one confirmed existing legend among humanity was still in his most robust state, far from declining to the point of needing to consider successors.
Yet that elder suddenly felt the need to cultivate a successor—
Recalling the information mentioned in the sealed letter from Leader Cisel four days ago, confirming that the ‘Graveminder’ member was a legend.
Being able to confirm the other party’s specific strength meant that Cisel had indeed come into contact with the ‘Graveminder’… Given both parties’ positions, it could very well be a confrontation.
Then considering the name of this Night World mission—“Echoes of the Era: Prelude to the Legendary War.”
That lion-like elder already foresaw the future war…
Could it even be that he had started to consider measures for the worst-case scenario…?
As thoughts raced, Rast felt the Shadow Servant’s gaze locked directly onto him.
“The current first candidate that Cisel is considering is you, Captain Rast.”
“Through this period of observation, whether in temperament or methods… you align closely with the ideal template for an organizational leader and with Cisel himself.”
“If you are willing, then from this moment, the ‘Lost Paradise’ plan will be canceled, and matters regarding the paradise and the God of d*ath’s relics will be handled personally by Leader Cisel.”
“You shall return to the Watchtower as the next leader of the Guardians and accept the highest specification of training and educational programs.”
Hearing the Shadow Servant’s extremely serious words, Rast couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow.
“Me?”
“Setting aside temperament, regardless of the accumulation of qualifications and merits within the Guardians organization or my current strength… I’m not qualified enough to match that of a successor, am I?”
What Rast said was the truth.
Before starting the ‘Lost Paradise’ plan, though he wouldn’t say he was a mere bystander, he was quite insignificant and unnoticed.
Even being chosen by Cisel as the captain of the Guardians team had surprised many high-ranking members of the organization.
Even with outstanding performance in the ‘Lost Paradise’ plan that caught the leader’s eye, within the hierarchy, he was far from being called the next leader.
“As far as I know, there are quite a few sixth-tier members within the organization…”
“Won’t those senior Guardians object to this?”
“They are not qualified.”
The Shadow Servant’s words were straightforward but carried a merciless coldness.
Not caring that these sixth-tier members were among her close companions and had done notable deeds for the Guardians.
“Though those seniors are far more powerful than you are now, their potential and paths to transcendence have already reached their limits.”
“Though sixth-tier and legend may seem only a step apart, it is akin to an insurmountable chasm… not a hurdle that can be crossed with the passage of time like other ranks.”
“The approach of ensuring mutual benefits and considering each member’s feelings by emphasizing equality and meritocracy… that is a privilege of the peaceful era and golden age powers, and has nothing to do with us.”
“This is not child’s play; what we face is a life-or-d*ath war against the ‘Graveminder.’”
“Guardians must have a legend presiding; otherwise, there is no qualification to resist… whether it be a peak sixth-tier or an ordinary person as the leader, the consequence of the Guardians will not differ by even a hair’s breadth—merely the speed of annihilation will differ, and it holds no meaning.”
The Shadow Servant’s words were solemn.
“Hence, those without legendary potential are not qualified to become successors.”
“This has nothing to do with their qualifications or past contributions—”
“But because, from the very beginning, we had no choice.”
She looked at Rast: “As for the issue of strength and rank, if you formally decide to become a successor.”
“Then as the new leader of the Guardians, there seems to exist a special method to pass down the previous leader’s accumulated legacy to help you quickly bolster your combat power.”
Looking at the Shadow Servant’s serious expression.
Rast replied: “I understand.”
“However, I think… I probably cannot become Leader Cisel’s successor.”
He chuckled lightly: “Furthermore, I think the special method you mentioned earlier might not work on me.”
A hint of astonishment flashed in the Shadow Servant’s eyes. She stared at Rast for a long time until she confirmed that Rast’s response was not a pretense.
Given the counterpart’s character… whether for personal or professional reasons, there should have been no reason to refuse such an identity.
Yet, Rast emphatically rejected it, and did so decisively, without a hint of reluctance.
Moreover—
When Cisel conveyed the message to her, he had somehow anticipated this extremely unlikely scenario.
She nodded and spoke again: “Since you, Captain Rast, have refused, then the ‘Lost Paradise’ plan will proceed.”
“Furthermore, aside from you, the second option for the appointment of the next Guardian leader is…”
“Grey.”
Grey…
Rast’s eyes flickered: “With Little Grey’s current temperament and experience, she probably wouldn’t be able to accept the type of… true Guardian ideals you all require.”
“Besides, Little Grey not only has not recorded her sequence rank… but it seems she also cannot awaken her ability.”
“That’s not surprising.”
The Shadow Servant glanced at Rast.
According to standard procedure, after Rast had refused to become the successor, he would no longer qualify to continue receiving such high-level confidential information.
However, for some reason, Cisel had mentioned in his communication that he didn’t have to care too much about these organizational rules when dealing with Rast.
“An unrecorded sequence… Though it would affect her ability to learn extraordinary knowledge and advance in an orderly manner, it’s not entirely a bad thing.”
“It may also indicate that this sequence has a unique specialization.”
“Cisel’s sequence, ‘Sun,’ was also once an unrecorded, never-before-seen new sequence… However, he eventually reached this point, achieving legendary status.”
“Furthermore, Cisel also could not awaken his ability at the time… According to his speculation, this was likely because his sequence was too powerful, thereby suppressing or even consuming the emergence of his abilities.”
“And Little Grey may very likely share a similar situation.”
“Her sequence rank’s power is so overwhelming that she finds it difficult to master, taking more time to digest, advance, and also more challenging to awaken her ability… but this equally indicates that Little Grey’s potential is limitless.”
“Considering only the potential for advancing to legend, Little Grey might even surpass you.”
The Shadow Servant paused for a moment.
“As for Grey’s temperament as a Guardian leader…”
“I believe that the so-called fledgling, the naive child—”
“Should be able to mature after encountering sacrifice and d*ath.”
“If I can contribute to the growth of the new leader, then I have done my duty well, standing true to my responsibilities as a Guardian.”
The Shadow Servant extended her hand, shrouded in shadow, and gently touched the ethereal light at the left heart’s cavity: “In other words, I have not disappointed the heart that Cisel has given me.”
Her words were quite calm, but they bore an inexplicable significance to Rast.
Thus.
In that instant, Rast understood the meaning behind this woman’s words.
“If Little Grey knows the truth… she would likely not be grateful, but rather hate you,” Rast said.
“Grateful or hateful, it makes no difference to me.”
Although her expression in the shadows remained elusive, Rast could feel the Shadow Servant smiling: “I know I cannot become someone like Cisel, you, or Little Grey…”
“You are the protagonists of the story, the shining heroes, destined to radiate brilliance even at the moment of the curtain call.”
“I am merely a soldier, an inconspicuous supporting character in that grand canvas.”
“And what a soldier should do is to use his body to pave the way for the heroes.”
She looked at her own dried, emaciated body, flesh decayed and exhausted, resembling rot: “Because, even if I have become this way…”
“I have never forgotten… that I am a member of the Guardians.”
“Moreover—”
The Shadow Servant’s voice remained placid; she gazed at Rast: “Compared to me, what you truly should worry about is yourself, Captain Rast.”
“Little Grey, the Graveminder, and that queen of the underworld… the challenges you will face will bring you far more confusion, pain, and internal struggles than I have.”
“Same here.”
Rast smiled as well: “Just as you said earlier, not just you, I also am a member of the Guardians.”
“So, isn’t this all… natural?”
Rast’s words reverberated in the silence of the alley, lingering long after.
After a brief calm, the Shadow Servant retracted that smiling shadowy expression and respectfully bowed to Rast.
“Well then, please allow me to take my leave.”
The shadow dissipated, sinking toward the ground.
Rast watched the retreating shadows, his lips curling slightly: “Goodbye.”
“Hmm, goodbye, Captain Rast.”
“Though it was only during this mission, to be your subordinate, to fight alongside you, is my honor.”
The Shadow Servant’s voice echoed from the distant shadows: “Additionally, I must say, Captain, you truly are quite charming… No wonder Little Grey and Her Majesty the Queen would have their hearts attached to you.”
“If I had met you a few decades younger, I’m sure I would have been infatuated as well.”
“In that case, I probably wouldn’t have had to h*ng myself on that block of wood Cisel…”
The Shadow Servant’s voice faded gradually.
Ultimately, it became utterly inaudible.
And Rast simply stood quietly, watching the direction in which the shadow disappeared.
After a long while, he took out a piece of paper, wrote a few lines on it, and then folded it with his hands.
Then, Rast exited the alley and arrived at the palace’s entrance, handing the note to the maid standing by the door.
“After Her Majesty and I leave for an hour, give this note to Head Maid Anna.”
Seeing the somewhat confused maid receive the note, Rast didn’t explain further.
He simply stood by the door, silently waiting.
A moment later, a soft knock came from behind Rast.
Ice-blue hair billowed in the sunlight.
The air was filled with the familiar cool scent of her hair, evoking associations with the chill moonlight on fresh snow and the pine needles of the cedar.
All signs pointed to the leading lady of this journey.
Helen had evidently put a lot of thought into her appearance today; she wore a dark knee-length skirt that flared like layers of overlapping lotus leaves.
She adorned a small, white round hat, wore short wool boots, and her ice-blue long hair was tied with a blue satin ribbon—this was something Rast had helped her select from a trinket vendor during their last date.
Compared to the rare jewels collected from an entire kingdom in Helen’s wardrobe… this ribbon was by no means precious, yet Helen cherished it greatly, having chosen it after much deliberation, ultimately deciding it would serve as her hair accessory.
The freshly styled queen approached Rast with light steps.
Then she gently placed her soft, pale hand in the palm of Rast’s hand.
“Shall we set off?”
The ice-blue script appeared on Rast’s collar, carrying a hint of cheerfulness.
Rast simply smiled and nodded.
“Mm, let’s set off.”
(End of Chapter)
