The Amber Sword

Chapter 154 – The Sword Saint of Ashes

[Is it too risky to seal the exit with just Halran Gaia’s magic? Is it impossible after all?]

Brendel initially thought of raising a barricade that was too high for the Winter Wolves to jump over. But the magic would only last for a minute before it disappeared. The short time limit and the mostly unhindered woodlands after the Blockade of Wolves made it impossible to escape from the Winter Wolves. The youth’s assessment eventually matched Wydall’s judgment.

“…… Let’s go.” The tone in his voice was decisive and loud, reaching everyone’s ears. The Tree Elves were already ahead and merely waiting for his words.

[They planned this from the very start. If there was ever a moment where we needed to leave men behind, the Centaurs would stay behind. If a situation like this happens again, then it would be the Tree Elves’ turn—]

The Winter Wolves that suffered considerable losses paced in front of the Blockade of Wolves. They were regrouping and more joined their numbers rapidly. Finally, they rushed together at the Centaurs mercilessly, drowning them with numbers.

Amandina and Kodan looked back several times as they followed Brendel’s swift footsteps. Aouine’s nobles followed slowly from behind while their knights shuffled uneasily beside them, feeling stifled.

But Austin did not move.

Brendel coughed and looked away with his hand rubbing over his forehead, only to sense Quinn nodding not far away. Her words did not reach him, because he desperately wanted things to have a better ending.

“Ser Brendel. Life is precious, which is why this type of sacrifice is worthy of respect.”

The youth’s mocking smile was hidden by his hand: “There are many factions here with many people carrying the flames of civilization, but how many are fighting to help preserve it?”

He pulled his hand away from his eyes that were narrowed: “At the core of things, even I am not doing this because I’m selfless.”

“…… A pure-hearted person doesn’t exist. I do have a question in mind, would you give me an answer after giving it some thought?” The Tree Elf’s attention was on the youth, but he never stopped looking for signs of any trouble.

“What is it?”

“Would you give up Halran Gaia to save Wydall and the others? Perhaps even save the Green Tower?”

“…… Why not?”

Quinn smiled and he spoke in Elven: “Do you not understand, Ser Brendel? You don’t need to blame yourself. Your kindness comes straight from your heart, and it’s the most precious thing in this world. I have said this before, if it’s you, I’m sure we will become allies.”

“Most people are selfish,” Scarlett suddenly spoke, “They wouldn’t help anyone else without getting something in return.”

The older Elf looked at her for a while before he spoke: “If people do not have hope, how did this world become civilized?”

“What…… does that mean?” The red-haired girl was confused.

Quinn reminisced the days when he fought alongside with Wydall. They frequently joked with each other on who would slumber eternally, but he did not think that it would be so sudden. He drew in a light breath before he replied:

“If we did not hope for something better, we would not speak with each other. Languages would not be created because we don’t need to communicate. What difference would there be from men and beasts if there isn’t communication from the hearts?”

Scarlett contemplated over his words, but another voice that was full of clarity agreed with him, startling everyone. The voice came in the direction from the nearby trees, but not even one person had detected the owner of the voice.

“The difference between men and beasts is because they fear fire, and we walk towards the light. Civilization’s fire burns brightly in the wilderness, lighting not only Chaos but also people’s hearts.”

The faint shadow of a man flickered in front of Brendel and the others as the Mana Wave in the sky pulsated. He eventually emerged, carrying a greatsword behind his back that was bigger than a normal adult, with his grey robes flowing behind him. His strange pupils seemed to absorb all light, making them dull and lifeless, but his gaze somehow made everyone feel like they were being targeted by him.

“But the descendants of the King of Flames have forgotten about it after centuries have passed.” He continued to remark.

[Who is this man?!]

Kodan was the first to pull out his weapon, sensing the man in front of him was someone impossibly powerful, and there was no telling whether the latter was a foe or friend. Quinn and Scarlett followed the old knight’s actions, realizing that it was strange for a single person to appear where they were.

But Brendel only stared at the man in utter disbelief.

The Sword Saint of Ashes, Mephisto.