After the match concluded, the air was filled with joyous revelry as the young leader ascended the throne through his own might. Unlike the former Heiman, none objected to this outcome.
Upon the podium, clad in the royal robe and crown of Adlan, Chintrumma proclaimed, "Thank you for your warm congratulations. This victory is not mine alone. Had it not been for the arrival of a powerful individual in our city, I would not stand here adorned with the royal crown. Let us give a thunderous applause for Rhinggamana Astolfo! Come forth, my dear friend."
I was taken aback by his invitation to the stage. With all eyes upon me and applause ringing in my ears, I had little choice. As I joined Chintrumma, the crowd erupted, urging me to speak. Truth be told, I had prepared not a single word for this moment.
I began, "People of Adlan! Thank you for such an impressive experience. I cannot express how astonished I was to arrive in this magnificent kingdom, greeted by such a grand event. This is precious to me. Once again, I congratulate you on the election of your new leader. May your lives grow ever stronger in peace!"
The crowd erupted in applause. I continued, "Yet, alas, this also marks the time for us to part. The woman seated upon that lotus flower and I must continue our journey to the west."
Gasps rippled through the audience. The earlier joyous cheers seemed swallowed by the wind, replaced by expressions of disbelief. Chintrumma looked to me with concern, "So soon? We were about to celebrate my victory. Can you not delay your departure?"
"Forgive me, Chintrumma. My duty here is complete. You have restored your family's honor and become king. I, however, still have my own duties to fulfill. Enjoy your festivities without me."
Zoga and Chintrumma frowned, exchanging glances that revealed their reluctance to see me go. Zoga finally sighed, "Very well. A person of your caliber will surely be needed elsewhere. We are grateful for your visit. Many fear coming to our land, believing strength to be paramount. As such, we have rarely received guests over the years. Allow us to escort you to the edge of our kingdom. Where is your destination again?"
"To the west."
Once more, the crowd fell silent. Some gazed at me with wide eyes, as if I had spoken a forbidden truth. Chintrumma ventured, "Perhaps you should take a longer route. Do not venture there."
"Why not?" I inquired.
Zoga interjected, "Forgive me, Rhinggamana. Yesterday, when you mentioned seeking Adam in the west, I held my tongue. The truth is, the western border of our kingdom is the most perilous place. We ourselves are forbidden to approach, because a giant serpent monster guards it. Legend speaks of its vigil over the border for five hundred years."
"Why does it guard that place?" I asked.
"No one knows. We have never dared to confront it, and by some stroke of fortune, it has never left its post. Had it done so, we would surely have perished under its wrath."
I smiled softly at them both, assuring, "Do not worry. Just take me there, and I will handle the rest."
Thus, the four of us set off toward the western border of the kingdom. Zoga and Chintrumma led the way, while Kwanita floated beside me atop her Vimana, a hint of fear gracing her features.
"Is there something bothering you?" I asked her.
She replied, "Well, to be honest, I am somewhat frightened of the monster everyone spoke of. What if it devours us?"
"Don't worry, I shall ensure our safety from that creature."
Kwanita's expression relaxed, and she continued, "I trust you. But I have one question: how do you know so much about Broja and the Black Iron? You seem quite familiar with it."
"Truthfully, while in heaven, Gabriel implanted knowledge from various beings across the galaxy within me. I possess a wealth of knowledge, including many secrets from beyond Earth. However, after breaking free from the seals cast by the Four Great Kings, my memories become jumbled, and that knowledge now eludes me."
"Ah, I see. I hope during our journey, you can regain your former self."
We traveled through an oak forest, the ground damp with morning dew. After nearly an hour, we emerged from the woods, arriving at the border of the Kingdom of Adlan.
And there it was, just as the rumors foretold—a colossal serpent, its girth spanning two meters and its length nearly fifty, guarding the gate as if it were a beloved child. Upon sensing our arrival, the creature roused from slumber, roaring in fury at the sight of four humans encroaching upon its domain. The very trees trembled from its thunderous voice, and birds fled into the sky, abandoning the forest.
I stepped to the forefront and shouted, "Everyone, step back! Let me handle this creature!"
I soared toward the beast, eager to meet its gaze. From behind, I heard Zoga whisper to his son, "I didn't know he could fly."
"Neither did I," replied Chintrumma.
As I approached the gaping maw of the immense, scaled monster, it offered no reaction, merely observing me intently. Slowly, it inched its snout closer, asking, "Are you the chosen one?"
I held my silence, fixing my gaze upon it, ready for anything.
The creature continued, "Are you Rhinggamana Astolfo?"
I nodded, and it said, "You are the divine envoy, the chosen one. Your aura of golden light and great sword mark your power. I beseech you, show me your power."
Summoning the Blerit Sword, my right hand enveloped in radiant light, I declared, "Elysium Light Form!"
Aetherium armor enveloped my body, shining brilliantly. An explosion of white-golden energy transformed the sky in an instant. The golden aura expanded, washing over Zoga and his son below.
The colossal serpent gazed upon me from a distance, tears streaming down its scaled face.
"It's so beautiful, O chosen one, only you can free me from this curse. Bestow upon me your celestial energy, and I may return to my human form."
From the crown of the serpent's head emerged a translucent, purple sphere, drawing in all my energy. I made no attempt to resist as the process unfolded. Gradually, the serpent's body glowed with a golden hue, its massive form beginning to ascend, shrinking with each passing moment. Five minutes later, the serpent had vanished entirely, replaced by a silhouette of a man that grew ever more distinct.
As I descended to the ground, the figure and I touched down gently. Once complete, I reabsorbed my energy, returning to my normal human form, though now with one hand. The serpent stood transformed, a fully formed man. I observed an elderly man, his face adorned with a long white beard, yet his body retained a robust stature, clad in flowing white garments.
He approached me, kneeling. I immediately urged him to rise, disliking such displays of worship. After all, I was but an ordinary human endowed with extraordinary tasks—not deserving of reverence.
Zoga and Chintrumma gasped, recognizing him. "The Divine Grandfather, is that you?"
The elder nodded with a smile. "Indeed, I am the legendary The Divine Grandfather of Adlan. I know you both, Zoga and Chintrumma—the father and son left grieving over the loss of a wife. I have watched over your lives for many years."
"Unbelievable! You are the strongest in the Kingdom of Adlan. From the past generation, no one has matched your power until now."
"I believe someone has surpassed me," The Divine Grandfather said, glancing at Chintrumma. Then he turned to me, stating, "Long have I awaited your return, O chosen one. I became a fearsome creature due to my own greed. Five hundred years ago, in the city of Hengard, I witnessed you disrupt the gods aboard their own mothership. I shall never forget that battle. You became a legend, your heroic deeds remembered even in death, with a statue erected in your honor. After that, I was inspired to train relentlessly, hoping to one day equal your strength. I took the serpent as my model, admiring how it sheds its skin and remains ageless. Yet, after two years of unyielding practice, my DNA transformed entirely into that of a serpent. My power became extraordinary, but so did my form—extraordinary terrible."
The elder then turned to Zoga and Chintrumma, saying, "Do not follow in my footsteps. Be content with what you possess. I see your strength, Chintrumma, has already eclipsed mine. You shall represent me as the leader of the Adlan people."
Chintrumma regarded his father with an unreadable expression, as if wrestling with his thoughts.
Once more, The Divine Grandfather addressed me, "After your demise five hundred years ago, I sensed you would rise again, to right the wrongs and bring forth true justice. The tales of your heroics endure, yet none know your name. Only I remember who you truly are in this time. Throughout my existence as a serpent, I have heard a voice from an unknown source, instructing me to wait for you here. So I have remained, hoping for the day when miracles might occur again. Continue your journey, O envoy of the Lord. The key lies within you."
I nodded slightly to Grandfather as a sign of my agreement with his words. Just as I was about to step beyond the gate, Chintrumma cried out, "Wait! Rhinggamana Astolfo, allow me to join you on your journey."
Zoga and The Divine Grandfather exchanged glances, speechless at the youth's request.
I replied without turning, "If you accompany me, who will lead this kingdom?"
"There are many who can," he insisted. "After receiving your power yesterday, my perspective has broadened. I realize that strength alone is not everything. It is pointless to wield great power without morality and responsibility. I cannot learn these lessons while remaining here. Therefore, I'm begging you to allow me to travel with you. There is a lot I must learn to lead this land."
I glanced at Zoga to gauge his reaction. The father's eyes held no objection to Chintrumma's plea, yet uncertainty lingered. If Chintrumma left, the kingdom would face a leadership vacuum.
"Fear not," The Divine Grandfather placed a reassuring hand on Chintrumma's shoulder. "Go ahead, young one. See the world and learn all you can. Do not concern yourself with us elders. It is time for you to spread your wings and soar into the world beyond."
"But who will be king in Adlan?" Zoga asked.
The Divine Grandfather smiled, saying, "As long as the king is away, I shall temporarily assume his role. I am confident that my ascent will be met with no protest."
I then stated, "Very well, then. But let me remind you, Chintrumma, my journey will not be easy. Many dangers await, and you may find yourself risking your life."
With eyes ablaze with conviction, Chintrumma declared, "I am ready to take all the risks!"