Gazel’s body trembled, and he cried as he spoke.
“O my deity, the Almighty Radiance Equis… I have committed a sin. Please forgive me for doubting you and disobeying your oracle.” (Gazel)
“O Almighty Radiance Equis. Please forgive the holy knight Gazel, your fervent believer.” (Ahid)
Ahid closed his eyes and prayed.
“You are forgiven.” (Ahid)
“O God. I am forever grateful.” Gazel said tearfully before picking up a piece of his sword that had fallen to the floor.
“And I implore that you forgive me for one more thing, my deity: for fleeing from this trial, and departing to your side…” (Gazel)
A moment of confusion and fear flashed across his face.
But as if shrugging off these emotions, Gazel made a determined expression, and firmly pressed the sword shard against his own throat.
However, just before he could impale himself, his body stopped.
A lunar snowflake landed on him, freezing him on the spot.
Arcana gazed sadly at Gazel.
“My Selection God Arcana, you are merciful. But when this ice melts, he will attempt to join the gods once more.” (Ahid)
Ahid slowly stepped in front of Gazel and drew a magic circle on his body.
“Then as a servant of the gods, it is my duty to grant him his wish here and now.” (Ahid)
In an instant, Gazel was engulfed in white flames.
Perhaps he had summoned some god for that, but Gazel’s body melted along with the ice, until nothing remained.
Ahid turned around, and knelt down in front of Arcana.
As he did so, he prayed.
“O Arcana, my deity! I have committed a sin. I have taken the precious life of a servant of God, the holy knight Gazel, and returned him to the heavens. Please forgive me.” (Ahid)
Arcana wordlessly looked at Ahid, who was on his knees.
“I grant you forgiveness, Oracle Ahid. From now on, you shall follow the righteous path.” (Arcana)
“As the Almighty Radiance wishes.” (Ahid)
Ahid slowly stood up and started walking away.
“Hmm. What a farce this was, Ahid.” (Anos)
He stopped and slightly turned his head my way.
“I would not expect a heretic like you to understand.” (Ahid)
“Tell that to the man you just killed.” (Anos)
“He received salvation.” (Ahid)
“Kuhaha! Salvation? Because you sent him to the gods? Don’t make me laugh, you crook.” I said to Ahid, who was staring at me expressionlessly.
“What kind of god only grants salvation of that level? Some deity that Almighty Radiance of yours must be.” (Anos)
Ahid took his eyes off me and went straight to the magic circle.
“Personally, I would not mind engaging you in a holy war here and now. However, god has not given me the oracle to do so. Though it is unfortunate, I must turn a blind eye to you, heretic.” (Ahid)
“Oh? So you thought of an excuse not to fight me, huh. Fancy manner of running away. What it basically means is that you can’t beat using Arcana at her current level, so you’re going to have her consume other gods to gain power, am I right?” (Anos)
“God’s judgment will eventually come upon you, heretic. Until then, prepare yourself for penance, Anos Voldigoad.” (Ahid)
He activated the magic circle and suddenly disappeared.
After seeing him off, Arcana slowly raised her hand over the space in front of her.
A lunar snowdrop fell, and a magic circle was drawn.
It was for the <Reincarnation Syrica> spell.
Probably to reincarnate the dead Gazel.
From the looks of the spell formula, it seemed to be for an entirely natural reincarnation, with none of his memory or power carried over.
But there was no way of confirming when he would actually come back to life.
“Hmm. Tell me, why did you choose a man like him as your candidate?” (Anos)
Arcana answered in an indifferent tone.
“Because he was beyond salvation, and I am a god.” (Arcana)
So she picked an irredeemable man on purpose because she was a god, huh.
It made sense, but saving him seemed like a hopeless endeavor.
“Do you know?” (Arcana)
“If it’s something I know, then yes.” (Anos)
Arcana gazed at Gazel’s Pledge Jewel ring, the only thing that remained of him.
“Why do people want to become gods so badly?” (Arcana)
She was most likely referring to Gazel, Ahid, and all the other candidates of this Selection Trial.
“Why do they risk their lives to become gods? Is it so they can find salvation?” (Arcana)
“Who knows. Isn’t it because they want power? Here’s my question to you: why do you ask me such a question?” (Anos)
After thinking for a while, she answered.
“I have never thought that being a god was a blessing. Not even once.” (Arcana)
I couldn’t help but laugh at her answer.
“Fufu… Kuhahaha! Arcana, you sure have a reasonable mindset for a god. Although, you got the short end of the stick if you have to save a man beyond salvation.” (Anos)
Arcana drew the magic circle for the <Transition Gatom> spell.
“Leaving so soon?” (Anos)
“You are an enemy.” (Arcana)
“Good point.” (Anos)
“Let me just give you one piece of advice: you should return to the surface.” (Arcana)
“Oh? Why is that?” (Anos)
“I cannot say any more than that.” (Arcana)
Was this a trap, or genuine advice?
“Is it because I’m an enemy?” (Anos)
“Yes.” (Arcana)
“Then why are you warning me?” (Anos)
“Am I not allowed to save an enemy?” (Arcana)
“That’s an interesting thing to say.” (Anos)
If she was speaking the truth, then Arcana’s actions were bound by her pact with Ahid.
“It’s not often that I find a god who would say something like that.” (Anos)
Particles of magic power rose from the magic circle, then she activated the <Transfer Gatom> spell.
Arcana instantly vanished, leaving behind just those few words.
“It is up to you whether you believe me or not.” (Arcana)
