"It is the fifty-first day of the winter month in the calendar year 248 of St. Leon. The weather is not bad.
In all senses, the current war is coming to an end. It lasted only three months, far less than the two years in history - and it stands to reason that the current situation is completely different.
The empire, the Theocracy and the Kingdom of Elders formed an alliance from the beginning, and the Fritz people later became friendly forces, but we failed to gain an advantage in the war. Fimir sent a large number of rock golems and iron golems - from
The legacy of the Wizards' Union; and mutant creatures that are more than two meters tall and have mouthparts capable of tearing iron armor - spiders, mantises, ants, and hybrids that cannot be named. Compared with those that are more terrifying, they are powerful enough to tear apart iron armor.
There are hundreds of enemies of the "living gods", and Lily...
Lily Nono Ada, the Angel of Life.
She has always dreamed of gaining power, and now her wish has come true, but I don’t know whether I should be happy for her. Elena said in the letter that Lily seemed to have found herself and chose to stay in this world to protect Fimmel’s ideals.
This is a good change from the last time we met, but it is definitely not the right choice. It has nothing to do with good or evil, just because the world in front of her... does not belong to her.
For Elio and I, leaving at this time is the most rational choice. Using the door under the White Oak Palace again, we may be able to return to our original era. However, in that case, Fimmel Stark's
I will no longer know his whereabouts and the wishes he made in history. In other words, my second "adventure" will also end in failure.
So I stayed and tried to fulfill Elena's wish: to have all my companions returned safely. Elio supported me as always, which was very reassuring. No matter what the outcome ahead, I was not alone.
Now the coalition forces are retreating to Golden Rock City. Femir's army is advancing and will arrive at the city in less than a week. In terms of combat power alone, Femir with Lily is almost invincible. However, everything in front of him originated from
The two "wishes" made by Fimmel. Judging from Lily's situation, the historical differences stem from the second wish and the price it requires - or a curse. If my guess is correct, this may be the only
There is a chance.
I don't like failure, let alone the cost of my life, Elio's, and many lives. If there is insufficient information, a flawless plan is impossible. The Yit people in the coalition told me that to their
Praying to "God" can bring good luck. That is a name I have never read before, but it feels familiar to me. Since Leonos and Tiana appear here, this "God's Messenger" probably belongs to the same family.
Our original time and space.
No matter what the facts are, if you can hear the words I wrote, I hope you will take care of us, take care of Lily, Alphonse, and the world itself——
The "Lord of Hearts" in charge of cause and effect...Merlin Gella Flo."
When Ann finished writing the last entry in her diary and came to the atrium, Elio Laurent was still fighting.
His opponent was a middle-aged man, tall and thin, wearing the uniform of the Theocracy without any armor underneath. He stepped back lightly and used the ironwood dagger held in his left hand to deflect the young man's attack.
, then stabbed Elio with a sword in his right hand, forcing Elio to take a few steps back.
"Don't rush to attack." The man took a defensive posture and moved while keeping a distance from the boy. "Watch the enemy's movements and wait patiently for the right opening - or are you already tired?"
"No...problem, Sir!" The young man exhaled forcefully, his eyes and the tip of the sword still locked on his opponent, "Don't worry, I don't have anything else, I have a lot of strength!"
An stood aside and stared at the battle in front of him. Among the fifty-one Templar knights in the world, Sir Hector was the best in terms of sword skills. He came to Golden Rock City two weeks ago, waiting for orders.
During the gap, Elio took the initiative to ask the other party to teach him sword skills, and Jazz readily agreed.
Since then, the two of them would practice here for two hours every morning. Elio obviously lost more than he won. At first, he often suffered more than ten blows, and he might not be able to fight back successfully. But no matter how hard he was hit,
Despite how embarrassed he was, the young man never showed any signs of discouragement. Even after Sir left, he continued to practice with bruises all over his body.
Originally, the human body has its limits after all, and exercise and practice are by no means a matter of days. However, the contract formed with the green dragon "Jadeite" allows Elio to fully recover after just one sleep.
The pain and fatigue of the previous day are eliminated, and the potential seems to be stimulated, and each day is stronger than before——
Now, ten days later, the two have been fighting back and forth.
The young knight attacked again. He quickly approached his opponent, slashed to the right, and then turned into a tricky stab. Jazz turned his body sideways, deflected "Parsifal" with his right hand, and kicked Elio directly in the abdomen.
At the last moment, the boy waved his shield to block, took two steps back, and immediately launched a counterattack.
An was unable to practice martial arts due to her frailty, but she was naturally intelligent. She had watched the training of her elders and brothers and sisters since she was a child, and she also had her own understanding of swordsmanship. In her eyes, Elio's current swordsmanship is not perfect, but he has certain qualities.
Unique style: Relying on strength and speed to entangle opponents, seize every opportunity to launch an offensive; for parts other than one's own vital points, they would rather suffer some damage than consider defense at all.
As a young man who had made a contract with the bifeldspar and had superior physical strength and endurance, this was indeed an effective tactic. However, An understood that there was a more important reason for the young man's choice.
Only by playing with no regard for safety can it be possible to hurt...or contain those enemies who are far more powerful than the boy.
"Waiting for...an opening or something." The boy was knocked back again, but he didn't stop for even a second, "If there is no chance, I will create one!"
He rushed forward, swung his sword, dodged, and swung his sword again, each time faster than before. An could no longer see clearly the movements of the two men, and could only hear the sound of sharp blades breaking through the air and clashing with swords and shields.
Unfortunately, it was all in vain - Jazz easily blocked Elio's attacks and even found time to point out the flaws in his swordsmanship.
Half a minute later, with a muffled sound, Elio screamed and fell to the ground, then quickly jumped up. Hector breathed out, lowered his sword, glanced at An, and nodded slightly at the young man.
"Very good." There was admiration in the Templar's voice, "Among ordinary people, you are already a top swordsman. Even the most outstanding veteran in the Theocracy's army cannot win you in an infantry battle."
"It's not even close." Elio looked at his hands and slowly made them into fists. "I can't beat you, and I can't defeat Ariel, Huluman...and Captain Lily." He looked up at Jazz.
, seeming to have some kind of expectation, "I heard... that the Templars can gain powers beyond ordinary people, is that true?"
Hector shook his head.
"The Knights Templar is just a title, not a position of power." He said calmly, "Any believer of the "Lord of Light" who has made enough achievements or whose abilities have been recognized can be awarded this title. They have
Strength may be related to the church, but it is all obtained through one's own efforts." Jazz untied the small shield tied to his arm and hung the wooden sword back on his waist, "There is no shortcut to becoming stronger."
"I... understand." The young man bit his lower lip, as if he still didn't want to give up, "Then how did you get the title?"
"Twenty-five years of practice, twelve thousand battles, a little talent, and a little bit of luck, that's about it." Hector looked at Elio, "You have been given the opportunity and have the necessary skills.
Talent, but time and experience, is the long, but easy part. Be patient and hang in there, my students.”
He turned around and raised his hand to greet the girl watching. "General Kailuo...and Miss An, have you made a decision?"
An calmed down and nodded seriously.
"Thank you." Hector's expression did not change, as if the answer didn't matter to him, "Then I'll go to the meeting hall first and see you later."
The girl watched the other person go away, and hugged the book in her arms tighter. The next moment, the familiar voice coming from beside her melted away the hidden worries in her heart.
"I know I'm not strong enough, but..." The young man put his palm on her shoulder. Even through the thick shawl, An could still feel a hint of warmth, "Even if there are two Lily leaders, I still...
I will definitely protect you, An.”
An Guan'er. She no longer thinks about her own safety. She is worried about the success or failure of the plan and the sacrifices that will be caused. However... the feeling of having someone by her side is indeed not bad.
"I believe you." She opened the book and wrote lightly, "Let's go, my knight."
…
"I don't agree!"
Count Alfonso Delk's loud voice pierced through the thick door of the conference hall and echoed in the deserted corridor. That was just the most conspicuous part of the noise - it sounded like a bustling city, and An was totally fine
Imagine what it looks like now in the hall where many generals of the coalition forces are gathered.
"This is not a war, it's just a worthless loss of life." It seemed like something was thrown to the ground, making a sharp and sharp sound, "We have countless casualties, but we can't even touch the lich's hair!
"The Count snorted coldly, "I have no problem with the Theocracy thinking about the Holy War, but tell me, how do you plan to win this war?"
The young knight helped her open the door, and the sound that hit her suddenly became several levels louder. Some people cast their gazes at the door, while many others were immersed in the quarrel and didn't care about her arrival.
"How do you know if you haven't tried it? This is not a petty quarrel between nobles - think about it for yourself, if Huruman Stark wins, what will the continent look like." He retorted, he is the temple
Knight's 21st, former
Tian had just arrived here, "Five of my brothers and sisters have died, and I might be the next one." He rolled his eyes, "You guys from the empire usually shout about the glory of history all day long, but now you are so cowardly.
."
"That just means you are stupid and can't see the difference between us and the enemy." The count sneered, "If you ask me, it's better to just surrender. Maybe we can survive a few more people."
"That's right. Justin and Argay have already switched sides. Do you want to join them? I would like to know if the lich will gnaw some of your bones or burn you as a sacrifice!"
"You are only worthy of using your words." The Earl turned around and walked out of the hall with a look of disdain. "Unless your 'Lord of Light' comes down to help, there is no way I can -"
Alfonso's words were interrupted in his throat, and his face turned pale for a moment - Elio let go of An's hand, took a step sideways, and placed the gleaming "Parsifal" across his chest. The count's eyes widened, wanting to
He said something, but the young knight interrupted him.
"My Lord Earl, as a member of the coalition, if you say that you surrender to the enemy and shake the morale of the army, you can be killed according to law." The young man bowed slightly, his eyes locked on the opponent's every move, and then raised his voice, "Marshal Kailo and General Saint Violet have been found.
Aren’t you going to listen to the method of winning?”
The surrounding gradually became quiet. The crowd separated a path to both sides, held Elio's arm, and walked slowly and slowly. They passed by Alfonso, and heard the other party snort in dissatisfaction.
"A bunch of little brats," he muttered, "how do they know how precious life is."
An ignored him. The two of them stepped on the soft golden carpet and reached the end of the hall. The wise general of the empire raised his head, looked over the marked map on the long table, and looked at her with inquiring eyes.
She took a deep breath, nodded slightly, and handed a few folded pieces of text to the other party.
"Thank you." Kailuo nodded, then unfolded the paper and read it carefully one by one. After about a few minutes, he folded all the papers again and handed them back to Ann.
"How sure is the first option?" he asked.
An let out a breath, picked up the pen, and opened the notebook. "Almost zero."
Kailo hummed, not seeming surprised. "Where's the second one."
"Depending on the situation on the battlefield, between 10% and 20%." Her hand holding the pen was a little stiff.
"The third option..." Kailo frowned slightly, "Is it okay?"
Ann grabbed Elio's hand, and a reassuring warmth came from it. She nodded seriously.
"I understand. Just do what you want." The wise general of the empire spread his fingers and pressed the map on the long table. "She has already decided, right?"
Elio helped answer the question. "Yes. She said...there are debts that must be paid."
"That's good." Kailo pondered for a moment and looked at the empty place at the table. "Then, please show up, Ms. Weiss."
There was a commotion in the meeting hall - only for everyone in the Theocracy and the knights of the 'Black Crow'. An followed Kailo's gaze and turned his face, and saw the legendary 'lady', following the symbolic
, like a black dress of flowing mercury, slowly solidifying from the air.
——Tiana Weiss Marr. The "Lord of the Earth" who gave death.
Most of the people in the room turned a little pale, and those who were noisy all shut their mouths. Lily's 'seizing' of Ada's power was only a one-sided statement from the church; but what stood in front of them existed.
The "god" himself has powerful power and many followers for hundreds of years.
The blue crystal fragment was still inserted into the woman's chest, but it did not diminish her majesty in the slightest. She slowly raised her gaze, looked around the entire hall, and then spoke.
"Don't worry about that false god. I can kill Alex, and I can also kill her."
"But, Lord Marr..." Viscount Frank hesitated and said, "You are not..."
A dim light enveloped him. Before the Viscount could finish his sentence or even make any more sound, it turned into a handful of black dust and mist, and instantly dissipated without a trace.
"Don't question areas you don't understand." Tiana said coldly, "Ignorance can be forgiven, but stupidity cannot."
The woman in black robe closed her eyes. At that moment, An seemed to see herself - and the death of everyone here. She held Elio's arm and felt that her whole body was soaked in cold sweat; and it was the first time she saw Tiana Marr.
Less than half of the people had already knelt on the ground.
The illusion only lasted for a short moment, leaving the hall completely silent.
"Okay, now the most difficult problem has been solved. We and our opponents are back on the same starting line." Kailo broke the silence at the right time, "When the two sides are evenly matched, success or failure is determined not only by the preparation in advance, but also by every step.
The fighting spirit and belief of famous soldiers." He paused for a moment, "Does any of you here really expect to die on the battlefield?"
No one answered.
"Very good, this shows that you are human beings, not machines that have lost their emotions. Because we are afraid of death, we must do something in the face of the survival of all mankind, and even the entire continent." Kailo said calmly, "
Tell yourselves and your men that this will definitely cost many lives, but at least we will die standing up instead of curling up in our sleep and perishing unconsciously."
"I have a question." Elsa Cohen spoke up - she is a knight of Maar and a staunch "resistance faction", "What exactly do Fimmel Stark... and Lily want to do? You know.
Well, Lord Mal?"
"I don't know." The black woman looked at Elsa, "I only know that since half a year ago, he has been trying to study my power... and the method of killing me through the followers of "Black Crow"."
"He wants..." Elsa's eyes widened.
"About this, you can ask Leonos." Tiana raised her hand and stroked it gently from her chest, "Maybe he intends to become the only god. 'Father' does not allow such inheritance, but
The human named Femir can no longer judge with common sense. From the standpoint of me—and you, the Lord of Light, we can only do our best to prevent its birth."
"Wait, what does he want to do next?" Another female Black Crow Knight asked in disbelief, "You can't spend so much effort to become a god just to destroy the world! That would be meaningless.
?”
"He may do anything, of course, or he may not do anything. The wizard of the White Tower once refused to save his parents, and he may hate humans because of this." Kailo knocked on the table, "There are Sachi people
, the White Tower, and the Federation are examples above, are you willing to bet your fate on Fimir’s mercy?”
"Of course not. To be honest, for Lord Leonos, I don't care about my life." Hector walked out of the crowd and stood in front of Kailo, "But I want to know, what plans have you prepared?"
Kailo looked at him seriously.
"For obvious reasons, I cannot explain the entire plan here. I can guarantee that each of you will be given a suitable task before the battle begins. And the success rate of the plan..." He stood up straight, his tone calm and confident.
, "Close to one hundred percent."
"For the life and freedom of all intelligent creatures, as well as the survival of the El Continent, please believe in me, Ann, and Ms. Tiana Weiss Marr."
The chaos around them gradually fell into silence. Even those who just wanted to save their lives knew that it was not the right time to make any rebuttal - if they still wanted to walk out of this hall alive.
As for what happened after that, An didn't care. Even if those people chose to be deserters or even surrender to the enemy, it would have no impact on her "third plan".
"I swear." Kailo's voice came from the side, "This will be a decision that you will never regret in your life until you are old and dying. You will protect everything in front of you with your own hands. Every one of you is
The hero of the entire continent."
"Now, return to your camp, recharge your batteries, stay healthy, and wait for the moment to come. I declare that the name of this battle is-"
Ann closed her eyes and put her hands on her chest. She knew what Kailo was about to say, and she recited it silently in her heart.