Chapter 60: Prophecy Poem
The knights slowly entered the capital amidst the cheering crowds. This fortress-like city boasted many magnificent towers, exuding an epic and profound aura of history, with weathered and mottled traces testifying to its long existence.
In other words, not a single building remained intact.
Seeing this, Yizilot felt a pang of awkwardness and explained to Yonglan, “This place has seen much war. After the battle against Mad Hunt Heaven, we could barely manage to sustain our food supply, but other resources became difficult to import. We no longer have the capacity to maintain our city defenses and armaments.”
The Knight Commander of Burefawa glanced at White-Haired Hram, who remained silent, and said bitterly, “If not for the help of the Merciful Chanter, we wouldn’t even be able to eke out an existence.”
Shariel gently shook her head and calmly replied, “Life is more resilient than you think. It’s precisely because you didn’t give up struggling in despair that you’ve managed to persevere until today.”
Yonglan looked at the fortress and clicked his tongue, “Restoring production, organizing defenses, boosting morale… Will I have to do all this myself?”
If there were a corresponding game system, Yonglan wouldn’t mind playing a strategy simulation; it would be quite fulfilling to bring a nation of ruins back to life. However, without a system, it would be a different story. Yonglan knew his own limitations all too well; he could easily mismanage things.
Yizilot quickly interjected, “Please do not worry! The Chevaliers Kingdom can operate on its own. We agreed with you, all we need is for you to lead us.”
He clenched his fist and gritted his teeth, “Everyone in Burefawa fears not death itself, but a meaningless demise. We don’t even need a protector; we need someone to whom we can entrust our courage.”
“You mean… as long as I’m alive, you have a reason to persevere?”
Yonglan keenly summarized the meaning behind Yizilot’s words. Because he had the achievement of slaying a god, dying under his command would be a contribution to that feat. This was truly…
Upon receiving the Knight Commander’s tacit confirmation, Yonglan chuckled, “Very well, you timid lambs. I don’t mind you sharing my courage. In return, I will use your lives without any burden.”
Yizilot bowed deeply, his voice filled with gratitude, “…This is exactly what we seek. As long as it’s to confront a formidable enemy, please treat our lives as expendable!”
The knights were quartered in the castle within the capital. Yizilot vacated the best room for Yonglan and his companions to rest before taking his leave to attend to matters within the city.
From the outset, the Burefawa Knights had never expected Mad Hunt Heaven to truly turn to dust. Their entire system was designed around the goal of facing annihilation together, without contemplating the possibility of survival. Now, the most urgent task was to inform everyone that they didn’t have to die immediately and could wait for further instructions.
In the grand hall on the upper floor of the castle, the walls and pillars were adorned with exquisite carvings, and a red carpet was laid out. Though somewhat worn, it was still quite presentable.
Shariel walked to the window, her hand resting on the glass, gazing out at the rows of residential buildings. She lightly batted her pure white eyelashes and said, “This city has regained its vitality. I hope that in this era, it is something more precious than anything else. And hope that can be realized through courage is even more so. All of this is due to your compassion.”
Yonglan: “You call this compassion? I merely want to find challenges more easily.”
White-Haired Hram turned towards Yonglan and smiled, “Of course, you came precisely for that. I am already convinced… Could you spare a moment for my request?”
Shariel had spoken very little on their journey. Even when Yonglan tried to engage her in conversation, she responded with mere nods and shakes of her head, maintaining a restrained demeanor. Yet, she had been constantly observing Yonglan, her expression shifting between melancholy and joy, making it difficult to understand her feelings.
Now that Shariel was actively seeking to converse, Yonglan had no reason to refuse. He was still keen on inviting the King of Hram to join his cause. Even if she couldn’t be recruited, triggering a side quest would be excellent.
Shariel didn’t speak immediately. Instead, she looked at the Platinum-haired Dragon Maiden.
Enesyin understood Shariel’s gaze and frowned, “Do you want me to leave?”
“I’m sorry, I don’t want too many people to know the contents.”
Shariel bowed her head apologetically.
“…I understand.”
Though leaving Yonglan’s side was a slight disappointment to the Platinum-haired Dragon Maiden, she was not an unreasonable person, and this was not a major issue.
After the Dragonborn maiden turned and left the hall, Shariel clasped her hands in front of her abdomen and met Yonglan’s gaze directly. “I once believed you were like many other travelers from afar who chanced into this world – passing through briefly. But that is not the case.”
“You are not an accidental traveler from afar, but the hero of a prophecy!”
“Prophecy?”
Yonglan blinked in surprise. Where did another prophecy come from?
The gentle White-Haired Hram took a deep breath and stammered, “…Yes, a prophecy poem from a very long time ago, one that is almost only passed down among the Hram.”
This was a lie, at least partially. Shariel was clearly not adept at lying, her speech and expressions were unnatural, and it was easy to discern with a little observation.
However, Yonglan didn’t mind her withholding information and asked with interest, “Prophecy poem? What does it say?”
Upon mentioning this, Shariel’s unnatural expression vanished. She clasped her hands together as if in prayer and recited with a slightly trembling voice, “When the great sky darkens, and filth spreads wide, when twisted things grow, and despair pervades…”
“The fearless one, the savior, shall come from a world beyond the mists. He shall walk a path forged of courage and miracles, unstoppable, unassailable!”
“Following the sun’s path, treading where the waves have passed, against the light’s radiance, conquering the storm’s direction!”
“He shall write grand battle songs and epics, casting down stars beyond measure, beyond count! This is the path he must tread!”
“He shall repay all injustice with light and lightning! He shall deliver fated death to the gods! This is the feat he shall accomplish!”
“He shall protect the people of the earth and create a gentle world where all can walk barefoot. This is the compassion he holds in his heart!”
Shariel opened her eyes, her True Red irises meeting Yonglan’s. They were filled with nostalgia and hope. “For he is the miracle who arrived by prayer…”
The emotion conveyed in this prophecy… did not seem false at all. Yonglan raised an eyebrow and said cheerfully, “Well now, is this talking about me? I’m truly flattered.”
This prophecy sounded incredibly powerful. If it was meant as praise, he had to accept it wholeheartedly.
Shariel pursed her lips, her beautiful, compassionate face appearing to be lost in thought. “There is no one else but you.”
The White-Haired Hram, after a moment of daze, bowed to Yonglan. “Therefore, even though this land is already riddled with holes, its people have nowhere to turn, and despair is widespread, please become the hero of the prophecy!”
[The King of Hram has revealed a path of glory to you. This seems to explain why you appeared here, but you can also feel that the other party is still hiding something. Will you follow the so-called prophecy, or reject this destiny?]
[Your decision will profoundly change this world.]
Yonglan listened to the system prompt and then looked at the trembling White-Haired Hram, deep in thought.
“I cannot make any guarantees.”
He answered Shariel’s sincere request with honesty. “My goal has never changed. I intend to challenge the strong in this world. Celestial Gods? Fiends? Monsters? They are all enemies I will defeat. So, regarding the first two parts of the prophecy, I would have done them even if you hadn’t said anything.”
“But the last part… I am not such a kind and gentle person. I won’t make a grand vow to save the world. Everything I do is to satisfy myself. Saving others is merely a byproduct, and it will never be my main pursuit.”
Hearing this, Shariel’s True Red eyes dimmed. She bit her cherry-red lips, seemingly contemplating how to persuade Yonglan. However, after much thought, she only furrowed her brows and remained silent.
Finally, Yonglan spoke, spreading his hands. “While I am not interested in this, you are different. You can do this! Who says the work of prophecy must be completed by one person? Completing it together is just as good.”
Shariel was stunned at first, then gently stroked the table and said with a wry smile, “I have committed an irreversible mistake. All the suffering this land has endured is ultimately because of me. With such deep sin, I no longer have the right to consider myself a savior.”
Yonglan: “No, isn’t that what you’ve been doing by building Sanctuaries? According to Yizilot, the barriers you’ve erected have protected many kingdoms from the erosion of the Cursed Domain.”
Shariel’s pure white eyelashes trembled slightly. “That was merely to atone for my sins…”
Why is this person so stubborn! Do I have to spell it out for her?
Shariel’s guilt seemed even deeper than Enesyin’s initial inferiority complex. No amount of persuasion could lessen it. Yonglan’s head was starting to ache. Why do all the teammates I fancy have some kind of issue?
Elo system, you win!
Yonglan stopped pretending and laid down his condition. “None of that matters. If you join my party, I will agree to your request and fulfill this prophecy.”
“Consider it as cashing in your contribution.”
The White-Haired Hram was taken aback for a moment, then lowered her gaze. “A very tempting offer, but unfortunately…”
Shariel extended her hand towards Yonglan. He instinctively reached out to take it, but this time, his hand passed right through her.
“Before you stands merely a phantom. Maintaining my existence is already a struggle, so I do not possess the ability to share glory with you.”
“Is that so…”
Yonglan felt a deep sense of regret, but this was within his expectations. The information from the system prompt indicated that Shariel’s true form must be terrifyingly powerful, perhaps comparable to a Celestial God at their peak—or possibly even stronger. If he were to rely on such a powerhouse, what challenge would Sams hold? All games impose such restrictions; Yonglan never truly expected to be granted invincibility. Thus, he nodded and asked, “Then your true form…”
Shariel gently shook her head. “Please do not worry about it. I am merely using my remaining strength to do what is right, to buy as much time as possible.”
Understood! The content from earlier will be unlocked later! Clearly, Shariel was unwilling to reveal the truth to him now, but she hadn’t refused either. This meant… this side quest still needed to be continued to trigger the event of Shariel joining his party? Excellent, very intuitive.
Yonglan immediately connected the clues with his extensive experience and realized.
Shariel: “Although I cannot become your companion and stay by your side, I will assist you to the best of my ability with anything I can provide.”
“Then bestow your blessings upon me!”
Yonglan extended his palm and said with a smile, “With your blessings, I will surely be invincible!”
“…My Artifice does not possess such efficacy, but I am still willing to offer my blessings.”
Shariel met Yonglan’s gaze for a long moment before cupping his hand in hers, resting it against her jaw, and chanting an ethereal, delicate, unknown melody.
[You have agreed to the King of Hram’s request to fulfill the prophecy’s great deeds. Such great love and compassion have already been demonstrated on the path of Immortality and Love.]
[Immortality: 5 → 6]
[Love: 3 → 5]
[A slot has been added to your Pure Contract, allowing you to contract one more companion.]
What? A new companion slot? Yonglan hadn’t expected such a pleasant surprise. The usefulness of companions had been fully demonstrated by Enesyin. Adding another person to the team would undoubtedly lead to explosive growth in their strength! However, there was no rush; he would extend an invitation when the time was right. Feeling the warm, subtle glow emanating from Shariel, Yonglan closed his eyes in contentment.
…
For the next few days, Yonglan spent time in the capital of Burefawa. The situation in Burefawa was still unstable. Even if it was just a symbolic gesture, Yonglan had to make public appearances. However, Yizilot had not lied to him. The appearance of a Godslayer was a lifeline for mortals struggling for survival. Forces suffering from the depredations of fiends would surely come seeking aid.
Only a few days after the blockade of the Chevaliers Kingdom of Burefawa was lifted, they received visitors from outside.
Yonglan sat at the head of the hall, his gaze fixed on a silver-haired young girl in a white scholar’s uniform opposite him. Her silky silver hair cascaded down her shoulders. Her inorganic face possessed an ethereal beauty, with slightly curled long eyelashes concealing emerald-like, deep-set eyes. Her nose formed an elegant curve. She was like the exquisite title page of a fairytale book, adorned with patterns of wild roses and thorns, compelling one to delve into the meaning of her mysterious story.
The young girl sat quietly and elegantly, like a beam of cool moonlight shining into one’s heart. She was like a doll—no, she *was* a doll. Under Yonglan’s meticulous observation, he noticed concealed seam lines on her cheeks, neck, and arms. Her seemingly smooth, fair skin was, in fact, covered with a special coating.
The non-human Silver-haired Maiden gracefully stood up, curtsied by lifting her skirt hem, and said, “Respected Godslayer, I am Doria from the Casterly Court. I heard that Burefawa now has a new king and have come to pay respects to the hero who slew fiends.”
