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Chapter 626.1: The Third Choice (1)

The pitch-black Egg of the Beast God plummeted upon the nighttime plain with a howl, as its massive body burst into blazing flames. The orange flames made Roel’s face look exceptionally pale.

The journey in search of Alicia had significantly depleted his blood, such that he felt exhausted despite the aid of a blood-regenerating serum. That was partially why his face was pale, though the greater contributor was the psychological impact he had suffered from her words.

Prior to this, he did consider the possibility that Alicia might refuse to reminisce about the past or even turn a deaf ear to his words. He hadn’t expected her to analyze the situation and state rational reasons that he had no way of refuting. He was even starting to think that she was right.

Alicia’s relationship with the Mother Goddess was far closer than the one she had with him, so it was impossible for her to betray Her. While Roel wanted to bring her back, was it really wise for him to ignore her will and act as he pleased?

Roel’s mind plunged into confusion, but he quickly remembered the letter she had left before her departure, and his face hardened once more.

Please save me.

That had been Alicia’s desperate call for help before she awakened the Black Moon’s powers. Even if she had forgotten about it, he couldn’t just turn a blind eye to her call for help. It was not just his wish to bring Alicia back; Alicia herself had wished that too. Thus, he couldn’t give up until he accomplished this mission.

At the very least, she had to recall the memories of the time they had spent together before he would respect her choice. Only then could he convince himself to let her go.

With newfound determination on his face, he answered her question, “I’ll choose to leave, but together with you.”

“…Delusional,” Alicia scoffed as she looked at him with narrowed eyes devoid of warmth. “You’re squandering the final sliver of goodwill I harbor for you, big brother.”

“I’m sorry to hear that, but as the older brother, it’s my responsibility to take care of you… And I should also say that you usually address me as Lord Brother.”

“Is that so?” Alicia sneered. Her crimson eyes glowed menacingly as she said, “Then I shall magnanimously use it one last time for your sake. Farewell, Lord Brother.”

Roel’s sight was suddenly enveloped by a deluge of mana pouring down from the sky.

…

Meanwhile, as an intense battle broke out in Tark Prairie, a secret meeting was being held in the new Tark Stronghold’s guest room.

On one side of the table was the dignified patriarch of the Ascart House, Carter Ascart. Opposite him was a white-haired old man dressed in a long robe. He doubled as Saint Freya Academy’s principal and Brolne’s chief senator, Antonio.

Had Roel been here, he might have mistaken this for a parent-teacher conference, as was the norm for schools in his previous world, though Antonio and Carter were indeed talking about him.

“I see. So, Roel is looking for Miss Alicia right now?”

“Indeed. After he read Alicia’s letter, he passed on his duties here to me and bade me farewell. Sire Antonio, what do you think about this matter?”

“I think it’s for the best.” Antonio heaved a sigh of relief as he replied.

To ensure that there were no hiccups later on, Antonio told Carter about matters relating to ‘Academic’ Astrid Arde. In fact, that was one of the reasons behind Antonio’s sudden visit.

Even though a thousand years had passed, Astrid was still the ancestor of the Ascart House. With her impending awakening, Antonio thought that he ought to inform the Ascarts about the matter, especially since he knew Roel was concerned about it.

Carter had been busy dealing with the deviants all this while, but Roel had made sure to deliver the latest happenings in the Ascart House to him via their internal communication channels, so it didn’t take Antonio too much effort to explain the situation to him.

“All right, I understand what’s going on,” Carter said as he let out a melancholic sigh. With an earnest expression, he replied, “Lord Astrid is our ancestor from a thousand years ago, not to mention that she’s a hero who sacrificed herself so that we can enjoy our current peace. There’s no reason for us not to help her.”

“That’s wonderful. Truth be told, Lord Astrid has been very concerned about the Ascart House before she went into hibernation. She’ll be overjoyed to know that you’re willing to welcome her with open hands.” Antonio was delighted to be able to fulfill his master’s wish.

Carter also nodded with a smile.

Even with Roel’s recent rise into prominence, Carter still had the higher standing in the Ascart House as its patriarch, so it would appear more sincere on the Ascart House’s part if he were the one welcoming the awakened Astrid.

Antonio felt like a boulder had been lifted from his chest after fulfilling his primary agenda.

The conversation moved on to Roel and Alicia, as he was hoping to get a rough estimate as to when Roel could return. To his surprise, Carter’s expression turned grim.

“Chief Senator Antonio, there are reports that Alicia has reached Origin Level 1. May I know if the information is true?”

“Yes, the information is most likely credible. There aren’t many witnesses, as she was too far away, but Roel, Nora, and a few others who sensed her arrived at the same conclusion. It’s unlikely for all of them to have misjudged.”

“That could pose a problem, then.”

“Pardon me?” Antonio raised his eyebrows before he realized what Carter was getting at. “Rest assured, Marquess Carter. Roel has defeated the Deviant Sovereign in a direct confrontation. With his strength, he should be able to handle Miss Alicia, even if she has reached Origin Level 1.”

“I hope so,” Carter replied with a bitter smile.

Antonio’s assurance failed to alleviate Carter’s worries, though the latter chose not to say anything. He didn’t think that Antonio, who had never witnessed Alicia’s true power, could understand his worries.

Although Roel had defeated Banjol, who was comparable to an ancient god, Alicia would never lose to a burst-power-type transcendent. On top of that, she was already able to exert power almost comparable to an Origin Level 1 when she was at Origin Level 2. It was hard to imagine how powerful she was now that she had advanced to Origin Level 1.

And there is a full moon tonight.

Carter glanced at the cold moonlight outside the window with a heavy heart. He recalled the determined expression on Roel’s face before he took his leave, and he fervently prayed that everything would go well.

…