How To Live As A Third Son Of A Failure [EN]: Chapter 81

Living as the Third Son of a Failed Novel – Episode 81

* * *

I opened my eyes.

How much time had passed? A throbbing headache and a stiff body told me that it was all over.

It was a symptom that always followed after digging through memories of the distant past.

I rubbed my temples and struggled to get up.

Then, as I turned my head to find Ilia, a strange sight came into view.

‘What is she doing?’

Ilia was awake before me.

Kneeling in front of the sarcophagus, Ilia was looking down at Aslahina, who was sleeping peacefully.

Did she succeed?

Just as I was about to ask about it, I saw tears running down Ilia’s cheeks.

‘She’s crying?’

What happened to her?

As I slowly approached her, Ilia, sensing my presence, hurriedly wiped away her tears.

“Ilia.”

“Young Master.”

“Why are you crying?”

At my question, Ilia turned her head and looked at me.

The moment I met her eyes, I felt anxiety welling up inside me.

They were dead eyes. Her eyes were completely devoid of the emotions and vitality that a living human should have.

Did something go wrong?

I tried to suppress the anxiety rising in my head and opened my mouth.

“What happened?”

After a long pause, Ilia slowly opened her mouth.

“I was Aslahina.”

She was Aslahina.

That meant the ritual was successful. She must have become Aslahina with the help of intense thoughts and the Incubus.

But there were still unresolved questions.

“Just that?”

“…I died.”

“Died?”

“Yes, I died.”

“You experienced Aslahina’s death? Wasn’t it just the fortress battle?”

“That’s right.”

“That’s strange. Aslahina didn’t die in the fortress battle.”

“No. I died in that battle.”

“She must have died eventually. But Lordain said that in that battle, he only managed to inflict a fatal wound after a fierce fight.”

“No. I died from that attack. But I just couldn’t die.”

“Couldn’t die?”

At my question, Ilia turned her gaze to Aslahina’s sword.

“I died but couldn’t die. Aslahina sold her soul to this sword, and in return, she defied death and defended the fortress.”

“Soul?”

“Yes.”

“So, you’re saying you experienced death.”

“Yes.”

“……Even the soul?”

“Yes. It was taken.”

Experiencing death and having her soul taken away.

What would it feel like to experience that completely with the mind of the living?

I suddenly felt scared. If something were to happen to Ilia, it would be my fault for judging rashly.

“Ilia.”

“Yes.”

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

“I feel like I’ve done something terrible to you.”

“That’s not true.”

“It’s not?”

“I feel… a sense of duty.”

A sense of duty.

“What do you mean?”

“To be honest, when you told me that you would give me Aslahina’s power, I accepted it without really knowing what it meant. But it’s not like that now.”

“If not?”

“I sincerely want to uphold Aslahina’s legacy and carry on her will.”

“You want to carry on her will. It seems you felt something.”

“Yes. I have a path to follow.”

“A path to follow?”

“I’ll ask you, even if it’s rude. I’m not sure, but if my intuition is correct, you are no ordinary person. Is that right?”

“What’s the basis?”

“I saw the Great Emperor in Aslahina’s memories. The Great Emperor’s appearance was very similar to the one you showed us here.”

Ah. Well, she must have seen the Great Emperor’s appearance since she peeked into Aslahina’s memories.

“So.”

“So, I’ll ask you.”

Ilia paused for a moment and swallowed hard.

“Young Master Cain Lindayer of the Lindayer family… are you perhaps the one who upholds the Great Emperor’s will?”

It was the moment when Ilia, who had been diligently collecting the puzzle pieces, finally put the last piece in place.

Of course, she wouldn’t know that I’m from Earth and that this place is a world inside a novel, but even so, it was a pretty good guess.

“What if I am?”

The expressions on Ilia’s face changing every moment in response to my answer were truly a sight I wanted to capture with a camera and watch over and over again.

“Is that true?”

“Yes.”

The knight of knights.

The founder of the kingdom.

The hero who saved humanity.

The expression on Ilia’s face as she faced such an existence was overflowing with excitement.

“Then, may I ask why you are giving me this power?”

“Ilia, the sword has no mouth.”

“……”

“The sword does not ask. It only follows what its master does.”

Thud!

I put my hand on her shoulder. I could feel her body flinching through my hand. She’s always been incredibly strong, but she’s so defenseless at times like this.

“If someone doubts you, I will vouch for you. If someone questions your abilities, I will nurture them. And if someone asks you for your qualifications, I will grant them as well.”

“……”

“All you have to do is one thing: Inherit Aslahina’s power and carry on her will.”

“……”

“Grasp the power and become my sword.”

Become my sword.

Is there any knight in the kingdom who doesn’t know what this means?

After a moment of silence, Ilia slowly knelt down. Then, she bowed her head and opened her mouth in a low voice.

“I shall become the sword.”

Ilia carefully uttered the first phrase and slowly continued.

Loyal to the kingdom,

Protecting the people,

Punishing the wicked,

Seeking justice,

I shall become such a sword of steel.

In the old days, the oath of the knights that the Great Emperor’s knights made before the Great Emperor.

That oath echoed in Ilia’s clear voice in the central hall where human history was engraved in stained glass.

“Raise your head.”

Ilia raised her head.

Was it because she was overwhelmed by the atmosphere? Or was it because she recited the oath of the heroes with her own mouth?

Ilia’s eyes were wet with emotion.

I raised my hand.

Then, I lightly swung it and slapped Ilia on the cheek.

Her head snapped to the side.

The leather glove scratched Ilia’s fair cheek, and soon faint red blood welled up.

“I will accept the oath.”

“……”

“From now on, you are my sword and Aslahina’s successor.”

“……”

“Just so you know, you don’t have the right to refuse. Accept it.”

“I understand.”

“Good. As a reward for that oath, that sword is now yours.”

At my words, Ilia carefully got up.

Then, she approached the sarcophagus, bowed her head to Aslahina, who was fast asleep, and carefully reached out and picked up the sword.

She probably knows how to use it.

Because she has already been Aslahina.

Ilia closed her eyes tightly as she grabbed the sword, and when she opened her eyes again after a short time, a dark aura was lingering in her eyes.

Ilia quietly gathered mana [internal energy or life force].

Then, her mana, which had been blue until now, had turned black.

She reached out her hand.

The black aura that stretched out dwelled in a phantom knight who was standing at attention.

Drdrdr…….

Soon, the phantom knight, who had received Ilia’s will, moved his body.

The phantom knight, who walked towards Ilia step by step, knelt down and paid his respects.

‘She has completely mastered the power.’

Strictly speaking, it is not Ilia’s own power, but the power of the sword. But it is Ilia who controls that sword. Therefore, that power is no different from Ilia’s.

Yes. It was the moment when Ilia, who was an ordinary mana user, was reborn as a powerful knight with a cheat-like power.

Not only that.

In an instant, Ilia became the master of the phantom knights sleeping here. It was the same as becoming the leader of a knight order.

“Ilia.”

“Yes.”

“It’s a dangerous power, so you have to handle it well.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

“Good. Does that sword have a name?”

I suddenly asked out of curiosity because it was a part that was not properly described even in the novel.

At that, Ilia slowly opened her mouth.

“Samael.”

The name of the god who governs death.

Hearing him, I nodded slightly.

“It suits you.”

* * *

Afterwards, I came out of the hall with Ilia and gathered the group to start talking.

The content was the same as what I had told Ilia.

Of course, there was some appropriate embellishment. There was no need to tell them that I was from Earth and that this place was a novel.

‘I received a revelation.’

Everyone had no choice but to become tongue-tied at this simple word.

That’s right. Who would reveal that it’s a lie when I say I received a revelation? It’s impossible to prove in the first place.

On the other hand, there was a reliable basis.

My actions, which had overcome the crisis without hesitation as if I had changed, and the things I had shown so far that were close to foresight.

In addition, my appearance at the end of the battle with Aslahina was the final blow.

“You little brat, upholding the Great Emperor’s will? Even a dog passing by would laugh.”

Lordain reluctantly grumbled, but even he had no choice but to admit it.

My actions so far had been that miraculous.

“So that’s why you were so sure that a war would break out soon. Back then, at that inn.”

“Yes.”

Fleta, who left the words that miracles overlap, is inevitable, had no choice but to believe it in the end.

“Whatever the case, my oath of loyalty remains the same, so nothing will change, right?”

With Ruth’s cool affirmation, the situation seemed to be settled.

“By the way, Fleta. Have you found a way to get out of here?”

“Knowing the activation word, it’s not difficult. We can leave right now. But I don’t think we need to do that right now.”

“No need?”

“Because the time flows differently here than outside.”

“Flows differently?”

“You said you released the sealing magic circle that was suppressing Aslahina, right? Because of that, the mana gathered here has lost its way and is wandering around.”

“Wandering around?”

“Yes. This place was created by the great mage Kerwin. Even if you don’t know, the amount of condensed mana will be beyond imagination. Until now, those things that had been circulating in an orderly manner have suddenly had their reins released.”

“So?”

“It’s an amount that could even distort space-time. Because of that, one day here is only about two hours outside.”

“Really?”

Isn’t that a good thing?

Just by simple calculation, one day outside is 12 days here.

One week is 84 days.

One month is close to a year.

Fleta chuckled as if she had noticed my thoughts.

“That period isn’t infinite. The barrier that Kerwin put up will gradually fade, and the moment it ends, the mana here will spread and be absorbed throughout the continent.”

“Really? Then how long will the barrier last roughly?”

“I can’t guarantee it, but if I try to maintain the barrier as much as possible… you can stay here for about a month or two.”

A month or two.

About a week in outside time.

It wasn’t a long time. But the important thing is the environment here.

The mana gathered by Kerwin, the most powerful mage in history, is high-purity mana refined to a higher level than that of the Elven Forest.

This was the place filled with such mana.

‘This is the best place to train.’

After hardship comes happiness.

Hiding the smile that came out because I felt good, I nodded.

“I’ve been caught up in work and haven’t been able to train properly, so this is good. Let’s make the most of it here.”

“Training?” Ruth asked, and I nodded.

“Why not? There are plenty of sparring partners.”

Shrugging my shoulders and looking at Illia, she seemed to understand my intentions and began to gather her strength.

Soon, the five Phantom Knights who I first faced in the cavern walked out.

They were the five knights of the Great Emperor, who were great at swordsmanship.

“We can use them to train our swordsmanship. We can spar with each other using mana, and let’s get Lordain’s help for sparring with a skilled person.”

“What about food?”

At Fleta’s question, I gestured towards Ruth. Then Ruth approached the barrier and carefully watched the inside of the lake, then instantly stretched out her arm.

Whoosh-!

Ruth’s hand, which penetrated like a boxer’s jab, snatched a fish swimming in the water outside the barrier.

“Well, it might be tough, but it’ll be fine for a month or two.”

“Good. Then let’s assume that’s decided. More than that, Mirang, Kana.”

At my call, the two elves, who had been standing far away like strangers, flinched.

Until now, I was just thought to be a human envoy, but my position had been reversed overnight, so it was no wonder they were acting like this.

“I have a favor to ask.”

“You have a favor to ask?”

“Could you return to the Elven Forest ahead of us and tell them that Lordain gave his permission?”

At my question, the two elves glanced at Lordain.

At that sight, Lordain snorted and turned his gaze away. That was his way of giving permission. Unlike his inner thoughts, he was not honest, which made me laugh.

“We will.”

“Also, I would like you to tell Rahena to take over my work for a while.”

“…Work?”

“If you say it’s the reason we came here, she’ll understand.”

“I understand.”

“Good. Then I’ll leave it to you.”

With that, Mirang and Kana stood on the magic circle with the oath signed by Lordain, and soon, with Fleta’s magic and Aphen’s help, they escaped out of this place.

Feeling that the situation was settled, I called Ruth.

“Anyway, we have to stay here for a month or two, so let’s set up a base camp.”

“I understand.”

“I’m planning to work like crazy for two months, so be prepared.”

“If it’s training, I welcome it even if this place is hell.”

Ruth and Fleta, who smiled brightly, started to move, and so only Lordain and I were left.

“So, brat.”

Lordain, who was standing crookedly, looked into the distance and spoke.

“What about the promise we made?”

“Let’s talk while walking.”

As I started walking ahead first, Lordain followed behind me.

Outside the barrier, it was night.

The moon shone brightly through the lake, and in the lake, there was a school of fish swimming in groups.

Looking at the same beautiful scenery as when I first arrived here, I slowly opened my mouth.

“I heard Kiina Lordain’s last words.”

Lordain’s eyes widened.

“How do you know my wife’s name?”

“Because I peeked into her memories.”

“…From Aslahina’s sword?”

“Let’s just say that.”

“Can’t I see it myself?”

“No. It’s not possible. It’s a method that only I can do.”

It was a lie of good intentions.

Even if Lordain was strong, I couldn’t let him see his wife’s head being cut off in pain with his own eyes.

“Damn it, is that the power of the Great Emperor or something?”

“Let’s just say that.”

“So what did she say? If you’re going to make something up, I’ll smash your head.”

Ignoring the brutal threat, I turned around and faced Lordain.

Lordain had monstrous power, but now he looked somewhat precarious, unlike his threats. Like he was easily broken.

The reason for that is clear.

It must be because the pain and guilt of not protecting his wife came to mind. No matter how strong you are, what’s the point if your inner self collapses?

Well, anyway, now wasn’t the time to break him down. It was the opposite.

I took a moment to catch my breath and slowly opened my mouth.

“You said you’ve been hearing the thoughts of being saved, right?”

“Yes. For hundreds of years.”

“That’s true. It’s certain that she wanted to be saved.”

Lordain bit his lip tightly.

“But that’s not all, brat. Anyone can make up that much.”

“Yes. That’s not all. There’s more to tell you.”

“What is it?”

“Some of the details were omitted.”

“Omitted?”

“Yes.”

“What does that mean?”

“Well, rather than explaining each one, it’ll be faster to just let you hear her words as they are.”

Cough cough.

After clearing my throat, I slowly opened my mouth, being careful to be as emotionless as possible.

“I’m sorry for not keeping the promise I made in the Sevna Plains.”

Lordain’s eyebrows were bent in a reverse eight shape, but I continued to speak indifferently.

“I know you. You’re probably stomping your feet to save me and even trying to break the rules of the clan.”

“……”

“But don’t do that. We’re just apart for a while. I’ll be waiting for you in another place for a while. I’ll probably be bored. I’m thinking of comfortably decorating a flower garden. So please don’t do anything reckless, Irang. We’re just apart for a while.”

“……”

“You don’t need to feel guilty or regretful for not saving me. Save yourself for the sake of the clan and for me. This is my last request.”

“……”

“My husband, my Irang. I love you. I have been, and I will continue to be.”

I felt embarrassed to say the last part with my own mouth, but I didn’t show it because I couldn’t break the atmosphere.

Lordain, who had already collapsed, knelt down and covered his face with both hands.

What kind of expression is he making under his hands, full of scars and calluses?

I cleared my throat and informed him of the truth.

“You said you heard the thoughts of wanting to be saved, right? Maybe that was her saying that she wanted you to save yourself because she was worried that you would fall into despair. Not that she wanted her own salvation.”

A moment of silence flowed.

How many minutes had passed? A rough voice flowed out from between Lordain’s hands.

“…She was a woman who would cry even if she got a thorn in her hand. She wasn’t suited to be a warrior at all. That’s why the name of Lordain chose me as the warrior to replace her.”

Lordain, who lowered his hands, sighed. His eyes, which seemed like no blood would come out even if pricked with a needle, were reddened.

“But in the face of death, she was a stronger warrior than anyone else.”

There were no tears flowing, but Lordain was crying in his heart.

“The promise I made in the Sevna Plains is known to no one in the world except her and me. Considering that, what you said must be her last words.”

“…Well, if you don’t mind, can I ask what the promise you made in the Sevna Plains was?”

“How rude.”

Lordain, who gave a bitter smile, slowly got up.

“Before going to war, she and I promised in the Sevna Plains. To meet again. To meet again alive.”

“……”

“But that promise was broken. That’s why I was going to follow her after all the revenge was over. But I couldn’t leave because I started hearing her thoughts. To save her who was suffering somewhere.”

“The thoughts have stopped now, haven’t they?”

Illia, who controlled the sword, was the first to release the trapped thoughts.

Of course, the power will drop immediately because it was a sword that gained power by using the soul fragments of the dead as materials.

But Illia released everything with the mindset of starting anew, so Lordain’s wife would have been released as well.

“Yes. I can’t hear it anymore.”

“……”

“It’s strange. It was a voice that had plunged me into despair for hundreds of years, but now that it’s gone, I only feel regret.”

“Then are you going to die now?”

“What?”

“No, you said you would follow her after everything is resolved.”

“…The way you say it makes me not want to die even if I’m upset.”

Lordain chuckled.

“That’s right. I’ll be able to meet her again someday, so there’s no need to rush. I’m going to look back on the things I haven’t taken care of. I’ve left my place empty for too long.”

“You’ve thought well.”

“Yes.”

“Oh, I have a gift.”

“A gift?”

“She left a letter in case she couldn’t come back.”

“A letter?”

“I peeked into her memories. She buried it in the tree stump where you watched the sunset with her in the Sevna Plains. It’s a story that an elf who was supposed to tell you the story died and was buried forever.”

Lordain’s eyes widened.

“You son of a bitch. Did you like peeking into other people’s women’s memories?”

“What are you talking about? What’s more annoying than getting involved in other people’s love affairs?”

“You have a silver tongue.”

Lordain had always been sensitive and had a sharp aura.

But now that he had relieved his old worries, he was exuding a gentle atmosphere.

“Anyway, thank you. I owe you one.”

“Well, in return, didn’t Lordain help me regain the power of the spirit stone? Of course, it’s not a good deal.”

“You sly bastard.”

Lordain smiled and nodded.

“Good. You said you’re going to train here for a month or two? I’ll give you that much time. I’ll help you.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I’ll train you so you don’t get beaten up anywhere. And one more thing as a bonus.”

“One more thing?”

“I’ll give you the title of Lordain’s benefactor.”

Lordain’s benefactor.

It’s not about himself, but the benefactor of the family, something like that.

I heard that elves value promises very much. In that context, it is clear that the title is not something to be taken lightly.

“I don’t know what it’s for, but I’ll gratefully accept it.”

“Seeing you think it’s nothing to owe me makes me want to punch you.”

Lordain smiled and reached out his hand.

At that sight, I also smiled faintly and firmly grasped his hand.

I felt a deep emotion from his firm hand.

At the same time, I felt like I had crossed a high mountain and started to relax. I don’t know how much more hardship is left in the future, but right now, I just want to enjoy this leisure.