Chapter 318: I Want to Stay Here Forever
Olivia's words were like thunder exploding in Flamme's heart, overturning her understanding of the Mythical Era.
"Why did Master Rhodes hide this history?" she asked hurriedly. "Did he not want to bear too much glory?"
In her view, Master Rhodes was omnipotent and held many titles.
The First Great Sage of humanity, the oldest mage, the author of the first grimoire, the close friend of the Holy King Norne, the God-slayer...
Even if he added the title of "Demon King Slayer," it wouldn't be much.
In response to her confusion, Olivia spoke slowly in her cool voice, recounting the unknown, cruel secret.
"That first Demon King... his true name was not Asmodeus as recorded in history books, but Eirik."
Although Olivia hadn't spent much time with Rhodes's group, Eirik had left an impression on her.
She had never expected him to end up corrupted by the god's power.
"Eirik?" Flamme found the name familiar. She searched her memory rapidly, then her eyes widened. "Could it be that Eirik? The one from the same hometown as the Holy King Norne, the member of the hero party who followed Master Rhodes to save the world?"
Whether Eirik or Olivia, their names and history had long been submerged in time.
But fortunately, they hadn't disappeared completely.
Traces of them remained in many ancient human texts, and Flamme had seen them while researching those books.
"Correct. It is him," Olivia confirmed Flamme's guess. "Eirik, Norne's best friend, and a companion with whom we all once adventured."
Olivia included herself in that party. Although she didn't know if she was qualified, she couldn't forget the days spent adventuring with everyone.
Consider it a small willfulness on her part.
Olivia continued, and Flamme held her breath, listening as she unveiled that history.
"In the battle to kill the false god, Eirik was polluted by the god's power. He bore the maddest divine curse released by the god before death. None of us noticed it."
Olivia closed her eyes. As the being most sensitive to such powers in the team, she had completely missed it at the time.
After all, everyone was focused on Rhodes being swallowed by the black tide; they naturally had no time to attend to others. Moreover, Eirik had shown absolutely no abnormality then.
"That polluting divine power gradually eroded his soul and twisted his will. In the end, everything about him was completely corrupted. His convictions, his power—all twisted into darkness bringing calamity. He became the first Demon King."
Even without experiencing it personally, Flamme felt a suffocating sadness.
"He was trapped in endless pain and madness. To end his suffering, and to stop him from causing greater disasters, Lord Rhodes made that decision. Utilizing the power of faith accumulated in this Heavenly Kingdom, he destroyed everything, granting Eirik release."
The truth washed over Flamme like a heavy tide.
She finally understood why her teacher had never mentioned this to her, and why he had personally covered up this history.
Indeed, Master Rhodes would never want to accept honor bought with the sacrifice of a former companion.
Looking at the Sky-Winged senior who had witnessed it all, complex emotions surged in Flamme's heart. "Lady Olivia... why have I never heard Master Rhodes mention you? Even Ela, Master Serie's disciple who has been by her side for centuries, seems to have never met you?"
Ela definitely didn't know the Olivia before her, because Flamme had discussed the two teachers' feats from a thousand years ago with her.
At that time, Ela hadn't mentioned Olivia at all.
"Lord Rhodes has his reasons for not mentioning me." Her answer was concise; she didn't seem inclined to explain deeply. "As for why you haven't seen me... that is because I swore an oath long ago never to step out of this Heavenly Kingdom again!"
"Oath?" Flamme was shaken.
What kind of oath could make a powerful Sky-Winged willing to exile herself in this deathly silent city in the sky for a thousand years?
Looking at Olivia's resolute expression, she knew there must be another unknown story behind this, but the other party might not tell her.
So she swallowed the question on the tip of her tongue.
The atmosphere became silent.
Olivia seemed to feel the conversation should end here. She moved her wings, preparing to stand up.
However, Flamme spoke up then, asking a seemingly unrelated question. "Lady Olivia, I... I have a friend. She... in a moment of confusion, out of some selfish motive, leaked something very important, causing irreversible consequences. She is very lost now, unsure if she should tell the elder who has always taught her... Do you think she should say it?"
Olivia looked at Flamme with some surprise.
As a Sky-Winged who had been a shut-in for a thousand years, she naturally didn't know who Flamme's "friend" referred to, but that didn't stop her from giving an answer.
"Since it is painful, she should speak frankly. Burying everything in one's heart and bearing it alone is ultimately wrong. If trust between two parties cracks due to concealment, it will be hard to mend."
Flamme was stunned, then nodded heavily, as if making a decision. "I understand... thank you, Lady Olivia. I think I know what to do."
She decided that after leaving here, she would find Master Rhodes and confess everything about the consequences of her selfishness.
Flamme's gaze turned back to the magnificent hall. She could clearly sense that extremely powerful Stasis Magic had been applied here, keeping it in its original state without any damage during that spatial teleportation.
She looked at Olivia and asked softly, "I have one last request, Lady Olivia. If... if one day I want to come here again, may I? I mean... can I stay here forever?"
"Why? For a short-lived species like humans, this is not a good place," Olivia said frankly.
"Because it is quiet here. When that day comes, I will cast Stasis Magic on myself and sleep here forever. Perhaps this is the best way to gain eternal existence without leaving the world where Master Rhodes is."
Her words revealed an obsession bordering on paranoia—a desire to accompany Rhodes in some way.
Olivia listened quietly and was silent for a long time.
"If your mind is set... you may come when the time arrives."
She didn't give an enthusiastic promise, but this brief permission was enough for Flamme.
❃❃❃
⤑ Show your support with Power Stones!
⤑ Unlock a Bonus Chapter every time we hit 200 Power Stones!
❃❃❃
♕ Get early access to 20+ advanced chapters on Patreon!
🔗 https://www.pat-reon.co-m/c/Hollowborn
(Just remove the hyphen (-) to open the link!)
💬 Enjoying the story? Drop a review!
Your support really helps the series grow—thank you