On the first day of the long holiday, a magic ship departed from the Imperial Capital.
It was a majestic white vessel called the Deus, managed jointly by the Heroic Ducal Houses. While the recently repaired Lemuria fell into the same medium-sized class, the Deus was larger, seemingly capable of carrying twice the complement. Its luxury and livability were particularly noteworthy. In the Legend of the Seven Heroes, it had served as a vital means of aerial transportation during key events.
The Deus had just arrived at Windea.
Windea was a geological marvel where jagged rocks, resembling sword tips pointed toward the heavens, stacked higher and higher toward the center. Looking up, the summit of the mountain pierced the clouds, remaining hidden from view. The magic ship moored about a dozen meters away from a traversable ledge on the rocky cliffside.
Operating the magical mechanisms, the crew extended the gangway, and the group—led by Wayne—stepped onto Windea's soil. Looking down, they saw cascading waterfalls turning into mist halfway down the heights, catching glimpses of animals and monsters living amidst the untouched wilderness. Looking up, everyone couldn't help but wonder how long it would take to reach the shrine.
"Heh heh heh! As expected of my piloting! It was perfect!"
There was no professional pilot on board; Nemu Altia herself had taken the helm. She stood with her back arched proudly, her posture emphasizing her prominent chest as she laughed triumphantly.
"Hey, Nemu, are you sure we can't stop the ship any higher up?" Kaito asked, squinting up at the peaks of Windea.
"Nemu wants to, but it’s too hard. Above this point, the wind and water mana in the air are so dense that the ship's flight becomes unstable."
"...Then it can't be helped. No point in being reckless if it’s dangerous."
The monster materials and mana-imbued ores used in the magic ship's construction could malfunction if exposed to such extreme environmental mana. This was also why they hadn't been able to visit Windea until now.
"There's still some Crystal Ice left, too, so it's better to stop here!" Nemu added.
Crystal Ice was a phenomenon unique to Windea. Every year, as soon as summer ended, nearly the entire region was encased in it. It wasn't pure ice, but a substance crystallized by the land's mana, making it incredibly difficult to melt with magic. Only a few weeks ago, the climb would have been impossible due to the sheer volume of thick snow. Furthermore, winter brought particularly fierce gales. Careful preparation took time, so they likely couldn't have departed before spring anyway.
"Everyone, please don't push yourselves. I’d feel terrible if anyone got hurt for my sake," Wayne said.
"Yes, yes... honestly, what a thing to worry about. we came because we wanted to, so don't give it another thought."
Sera's words prompted Charlotte, Nemu, and Kaito to nod in agreement. That made five people—which meant they were still missing some members of the group.
The next to appear was Lizred Arche, clutching a large staff. She stepped across the gangway to descend onto Windea.
"You can rest easy, Wayne! With me here, no monster is worth fearing!"
Wayne knew how reliable her magic was and found her confidence heartening, but then—
"Hoe?"
Lizred’s foot slipped on the gangway. Wayne rushed over to catch her, but the large staff she held tumbled down the ramp and hit a rock on the ground with a soft clink. Lizred froze, her jaw dropping and the corners of her mouth trembling.
"Aaaaaaaaaah! My—the staff I saved three years and two months' worth of allowance for is aaaaaaaaaah!"
The staff wasn't cracked or bent, but when Lizred spotted a tiny scratch on the headpiece, she fell to her knees in despair.
"You’ve done it now... Windea."
Windea likely didn't appreciate having her blunder blamed on its terrain.
"Liz? What happened to the other girl?"
"...She was praying before I came out, so she should be here so—wait, Sharo! I’m glad you're helping, but why are you holding my hand while we walk?"
"It would be a disaster if you got lost. I’ve been doing this for you since you were tiny, remember? You used to call me 'Big Sister Sharo' until a few years ago."
"That was years ago! I’m an adult now!"
Ignoring the noisy bickering, Kaito turned to Wayne.
"Windea is full of paths with natural gimmicks. People call it a natural fortress. To reach the shrine, we’ll have to find our way through somehow."
Kaito now carried the Silver King Shield Airia, his ancestor's relic found in the coastal cave of Eupeheim. After it reacted during the battle with the Wadatsumi, his family had officially recognized him as its master.
The magic ship's doors opened again, and the final member of the party appeared shortly after.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
The Lemuria was moored about a hundred meters lower than Wayne's group, on the opposite side of the mountain. They weren't at a distance where they would easily encounter one another. However, the terrain made it clear that if they continued to climb, their paths would eventually converge.
"I’m going to take it easy over here," Werlich said before Ren left the Lemuria.
The interior of the magic ship was finished in deep brown wood, giving it the cozy atmosphere of a log house combined with the luxury of a high-class inn. Aside from the heat around the engine and furnace, it was quite comfortable.
Ren had previously confirmed Werlich's combat abilities back at the Hanging Garden. Dwarves were a race of natural strength, and Werlich was powerful even by their standards. As long as he stayed inside the Lemuria, he would be safe; even if monsters attacked, he could easily fly the ship away.
Extending the gangway, the dwarf called out a parting word.
"You two aren't coming back every day, are you?"
"We plan to explore nearby areas first, so we'll return for now. We won't be camping out properly until later," Ren replied.
"And then you'll head back to the capital?"
"That’s the plan. I have to finish this during the holiday, or I'll miss the start of the Academy term."
"How are the prospects?"
"...I’ll definitely get it done."
Ren had no intention of letting this drag on. He had been preparing for this day for months.
"Let's go, Ren."
"Right. See you later, Mr. Werlich."
"Yeah! Be careful out there!"
Following Ragna, who had already stepped off the gangway, Ren set foot on Windea. It was the most remote region he had visited since the Baldur Mountains. He took several deep, refreshing breaths of the mountain air before looking toward Ragna.
"As for where we should start..."
"Actually, may I make a suggestion?"
At Ren's proactive voice, Ragna smiled with anticipation. "Let's hear it."
Ren pulled a folded piece of paper from his pocket and handed it over. It was a map of Windea with several of Ren's handwritten notes.
"It looks like a map of Windea... but what are these red circles and the numbers next to them?"
"That’s the order—I mean, the route I’d like to take."
"I don't follow. How did you determine the path in such detail?"
"I gathered information at the Adventurer Guild and researched the distribution of native flora in books."
It was a fabrication from beginning to end, but it was true that the route focused on areas where high concentrations of mana were likely hidden. Many plants in this region grew exceptionally large due to the atmospheric mana.
"There are many plants that only grow here. It seems dense mana unique to Windea tends to settle around them."
"And you think the Water Goddess's items might be hidden in such places?"
"Exactly. That’s my theory, anyway. What do you think?"
"Not bad. It's actually quite similar to the route I had in mind."
"...If you already had a route, you should have said so first."
"I was going to suggest it after asking your opinion. Regardless, time is precious. Let's move."
The rustle of vegetation and the cries of mountain creatures echoed around them, but the two travelers' footsteps were swallowed by the vastness of nature. They utilized updrafts and local terrain features to navigate the mountain.
As Ren immersed himself in the extraordinary scenery of one of Leomel's greatest hidden regions, he glanced at the crystal on his bracelet.
(For the usability of the Water Magic Sword, and to reach Muedi's hideout.)
These were the silent goals of his journey. To achieve them, he needed the ring imbued with the Water Goddess's power. This was a unique opportunity he couldn't afford to waste.
A few hours later, they reached a hidden spot tucked away behind lush greenery. A small spring bubbled up between the rocks, just large enough for a small animal to bathe in. Ragna looked into the water where it pooled silently against the stone.
"A rare find."
At the bottom lay a crystal orb the color of a midsummer forest. Ragna reached in without hesitation and pulled it out. Instantly, Ren felt a breeze stir around them. Inside the orb, green winds surged like waves.
"A Wind Crystal," Ren noted.
"Yes. Considering it was submerged in Windea's waters, the affinity between the two elements must be high. There's likely a connection here."
Ren's goal was to collect these Wind Crystals. In the Legend of the Seven Heroes II, they were one of the keys to reaching the Water Goddess's Ring. However, the crystals weren't guaranteed to be at the exact spots Ren had marked; they were simply in those general vicinities. Some stops on the map would likely be for nothing.
Encouraged by this early success, Ren smiled. "Since we found it, shall we take it back?"
"Yes. This is essentially mana that has fossilized over eons. It’s worth taking back for research alone."
It was valuable, but since it wasn't a protected Sacred Relic, Ragna didn't mind claiming it. "Besides, it might be useful for something," he added, stowing it in his bag.
Just as they were considering a short break, several pairs of eyes glinted in the shadows of the trees. Ren, spotting the light before Ragna, reached for his Mithril Magic Sword.
"What's wrong?"
"My turn to work. You keep looking for other items, Ragna."
"I see. That’s a big help."
Seconds later, the monsters revealed themselves and lunged.
By the time they returned to the Lemuria with the crystals they had collected, night had nearly fallen. Ren bathed in the ship’s washroom and joined Ragna for a late dinner in the lounge. Werlich eventually struck up a conversation.
"Good work today. How was it?"
"Hmm... surprisingly uneventful," Ren replied.
"Yes. There was really nothing of note," Ragna agreed.
The two spoke casually while eating.
"Well, you're both strong as hell."
"Even so, I didn't do much. Ren handled everything."
After filling his stomach and recovering his energy, Ren stood up. "I’m going to turn in early to prepare for tomorrow."
"I'll rest soon as well. I want to log today's findings first."
"Got it. I’ll do a final check of the ship's systems before I hit the hay," Werlich said.
Ren returned to his room, prepared his gear for the next day, and lay down. He looked out the window at the night sky. There were no lights of civilization here; instead, the stars shone brighter and closer than they ever did in Erendil.
(I wonder how those two are doing.)
Ren thought of Licia and Fiona while gazing at the ethereal starlight.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
The second day followed a similar pattern, and by the evening of the third, they had a sufficient number of Wind Crystals.
"Everything is going perfectly."
"We haven't found the primary goal yet, but the crystals are piling up nicely. And yet, Ren, you look unusually satisfied."
"N-No! That’s not it!"
Ren alone knew that these crystals were the required reagents to obtain the Water Goddess's Ring.
"...Anyway, let's stop here for today and set up camp."
They chose a spot ten minutes further up the path. After pitching the tent, they built a fire and sat on flat rocks.
(The sky really does look close.)
As Ren prepared dinner, he watched the vermilion sunset being swallowed by the black of night. They were high enough that clouds often drifted right past them. The wind was strong, and the sound of bubbling springs echoed through the rocks.
"What are you staring at?" Ragna asked.
"Oh... I was just lost in the scenery."
Ragna’s expression softened. "Travel is a wonderful thing. You don't just witness the unknown; you can forget everything and become one with nature."
"Is that why you became a Bag Traveler?"
"Yes. And today, there's something nearby you don't see every day. Look over there."
Ragna pointed into the distance. In the far-off reaches of the sky, Ren strained his eyes until he saw a faint shadow.
"Do you see it?"
"I see something floating... but..." It was hard to distinguish against the fading light. He squinted harder. As the shape became clear, Ren’s jaw dropped. "Is that...?"
"Yes," Ragna said, resting his chin on his hand. "That is the Sky Continent."
The floating landmass drifted through the infinite sky. The Glacier Crossing event from the previous year was caused by this continent passing over northern Elfen. It was still visible from Windea's heights.
"The continent ruled by Shelgad, the world's second greatest power. My homeland, the country closest to the heavens."
"...It really is floating in the sky."
"Don't tell me you doubted it?"
"It’s not that I doubted it... but you don't truly believe it until you see it for yourself."
"Kuku, I know the feeling." Ragna then mentioned the artifact found in the Old Quarter and the legends of the Sky Continent. "But for you, Ren, the Sky Continent isn't some distant land with no connection."
"Are you talking about Cecil Ashton?"
"Indeed. That man undoubtedly slew the phoenix that attacked Shelgad. If that ever becomes public, you might be hailed as a descendant of a Great Hero."
"That’s not really my style," Ren replied instantly.
Ragna waited for him to continue.
"Besides, there's still no proof he’s my ancestor. We might just share a name."
"I'm certain there's no mistake."
"You’re very confident... is there something you haven't told me?"
"No. But the romance of it all tells me I'm right."
"Isn't that just a hunch...?"
"It's romance. Don't confuse the two."
Ren didn't want to be insensitive, but perhaps Ragna found his pragmatism charming, as his voice was unusually cheerful.
"We should travel together again sometime."
"What’s with the sudden sentimentality?"
"Nothing. I’m just in that kind of mood."
Perhaps camping like this wasn't so bad after all. The sky deepened into night, and the campfire cast a vivid glow against the darkness.
"By the way, there's something I’ve been curious about," Ren said casually. "Windea is treated like the Water Goddess's domain, but isn't it called 'Where Water and Wind Sleep'? It feels like the wind gets ignored."
"That’s understandable. But the Water Goddess and the Wind Goddess are close sisters. Both attributes are deeply entwined here."
"I see... so is there a place that’s the opposite?"
"On the Martel Continent. Unlike Windea, the Wind Goddess’s influence is much stronger there."
Despite the vast Elfen Sea separating the continents, Windea and the site Ragna mentioned seemed to exchange winds in synchronization.
"It's a mountain similar to Windea, but slightly different. It wasn't bad."
"You've been there?"
"Years ago, when I was exploring Martel. I climbed halfway up."
"Only halfway?"
"The wind was too much. It’s always blowing a gale... no, those are permanent storms. A violent tempest surrounds the mountain year-round, making the summit impossible to reach."
As they spoke, a giant bird-like monster shrieked as it flew past the cliffs. Eventually, the world was blanketed in total darkness.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
The plan for the following days was to finish exploration by morning, descend the mountain, and return to the mansion by late night. Early the next day, they set out again.
"It’s like a castle made of flora," Ragna remarked.
Ahead of them lay a natural fortress of interwoven vegetation. The plants covering the rocks were so thick and tough that ordinary blades would struggle to bite. Ren, however, drew his Mithril Magic Sword and slashed through them with ease. The vines unraveled, revealing a hidden path.
"No problem at all."
"They’re just plants, after all."
These gimmicks were created by powerful plant-type monsters. A single mistake could turn a traveler into fertilizer. The vines blocking the path were essentially traps set by a hidden creature. Ren navigated carefully to avoid the danger zones.
After two hours of threading through narrow gaps in the foliage, they found a spherical hollow. Inside, green winds swirled irregularly, as if guarding the center. They stood on thick branches, surveying the area.
"Look at that, Ragna."
Ren pointed to the center of the hollow, where the winds were concentrated.
"Is someone casting wind magic?"
"No... it’s likely because of the Wind Orb."
Ragna blinked in surprise. "A Wind Orb? They’re incredibly rare. You think there’s one here?"
A Wind Orb was a precious gemstone formed from a Wind Crystal over countless years. It was another vital item needed for the Water Goddess's Ring.
"I’d love to get it for research, but that wind is going to be a problem."
"It’s an obstacle, sure. But..."
Fortunately, since the wind was essentially magic generated by the orb, Ren could handle it. "I’ll take care of it."
Gripping his sword, Ren stepped toward the center of the gale. The wind was sharp enough to shred flesh, making any careless approach fatal. But Ren didn't flinch. He walked until the wind whipped against his skin, then braced himself.
He swung.
With a sharp huff, he slashed horizontally. The pressure of the strike slew the magical wind. True to its name, the Star-Slayer negated the magic, turning the gale into glittering green particles. The air in the hollow became still and harmless.
A blue gemstone floated in the air: the Wind Orb. Ren hoped it might trigger a new magic sword, but since it wasn't a Magic Stone, nothing happened. He grabbed the orb and returned to Ragna.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
"..."
"Ragna?"
"Oh, excuse me. I was just thinking that you really are a Sword Saint."
Ragna had heard of Ren’s strength, but seeing it in person was a different experience entirely. "The way a Strong Sword acts as the natural enemy of Mages... it was magnificent."
"Thanks. Shall we head back to the main path?"
"It’ll take another two hours."
"...It’s a long walk."
Neither Ren nor Ragna slowed their pace. When they returned to a more manageable path, Ren caught his breath. They soon encountered a natural magic trap and stopped to evaluate.
(I shouldn't cut these plants recklessly.)
The vegetation was spread out like a spider’s web—a mandatory gimmick on the way to the ring.
"We need to find a way through without forcing it."
"It's an open area. There has to be a path."
They were in a vast, open space within the mountain. Looking out past the tangled flora, Ren saw the jagged rock face of Windea.
(There it is. That path exists.)
Thick branches from ancient trees stretched out like bridges. These natural walkways were connected in a complex, three-dimensional network.
"Ragna, over there."
"Right. That looks like our way in."
They navigated the natural bridges and eventually stood over a massive chasm. The hollow stretched far above them, while the space to their sides was hundreds of meters wide. Looking down through the gaps in the branches revealed nothing but a sea of clouds and the occasional flying monster.
"Mana is being pulled toward the space beyond this bridge," Ragna said, checking a wrist-mounted magic tool.
That was it. The location of the ring.
"We need to move the vegetation out of the way first."
Ren thought for a moment. "Let's use the Wind Crystals."
"They’re valuable, you know. What’s the plan?"
"Windea's plants are drawn to concentrations of water and wind mana."
"I see... you’re going to create a diversion similar to where we found the crystals."
Like throwing bait to a beast, they would toss a crystal to a strategic spot. The monster controlling the plants would instinctively move them toward the sudden influx of mana, opening a path. The crystals were worth a fortune, but this was the time to use them.
"If you hit a Wind Crystal hard enough, it bursts into a non-lethal but powerful gust, releasing all its stored mana."
"Which makes it irresistible bait for the local flora. Clever. But how do we get back?"
"We'll save enough for the return trip."
"And if we run out?"
Ren smiled. "Then we’ll just have to appease the Lord of this land."
The Lord—the powerful monster that ruled this ecosystem and controlled the natural magic of the flora. It was the only true threat in this part of Windea, but it usually remained docile unless its territory was disturbed.
"Let's go with that."
"You’re sure? I’m the one who suggested it, but still..."
"A journey without danger is boring. Besides, I'm not ready to die yet." Ragna laughed and snapped his fingers. His massive bag spat out a Wind Crystal. He caught it, gave Ren a daring look, and threw it. "Go!"
The crystal tumbled into the abyss. It was buffeted by the high-altitude winds, falling away from the cliffs. But it didn't just disappear. Ragna snapped his fingers again, and a circle of light appeared. A silver-white chain lanced out and shattered the crystal.
The sound of shattering glass echoed through the canyon.
"Is this the crystal's power...?"
A wind stronger than Ren expected whipped past him. The deep green gale was intense, and the air suddenly felt thick with natural mana. Then, a massive rumbling sound filled the air. The plants blocking their way began to recede, moving downward toward the source of the mana and clearing a path.
Ren and Ragna sprinted forward.
"It worked exactly as you said!"
"It was just a lucky guess!"
The natural path was made of branches and vines, swaying like a suspension bridge under their feet. They didn't slow down.
"Everything's moving!"
The plants were shifting toward the burst of mana. Flying monsters shrieked in confusion at the sudden atmospheric shift. Ren, running ahead of Ragna, hacked away at stray branches with his sword.
"We’re almost there!"
The natural bridges vanished, replaced by walls of flora.
"It really wants us out! Even the branches are moving like snakes now!"
"It’s like the whole mountain is trying to block us!"
"Then... sorry, but we need you to look over there instead!" Ragna shouted, throwing a second crystal behind them.
As it shattered, the plants ahead shifted again, surging backward toward the new source of mana. Branches and vines lashed past Ren and Ragna at incredible speeds.
"Whoa!"
"You okay!?"
"Keep going! This is nothing!"
The two dodged the whip-like plants with practiced ease. If they tried to fight the flora here, they would be bogged down in an endless battle. This fantastical world of rock and greenery was about to end. Just a little more.
They were nearly through. But then—
Ren’s smile vanished as a massive tremor shook the entire area. Despite the distraction of the crystals, something had turned its attention toward them.
"Wait..."
Ren stopped, and Ragna stood back-to-back with him. The moving plants had been fully drawn away by the crystals, leaving them face-to-face with the Lord.
"Well now," Ragna sighed. "We were only a few hundred meters from the goal, but I don't think we're going any further."
"It blocked the way ahead... and behind."
The Lord’s natural magic had created an inescapable cage of vegetation.
"It seems it saw through our trick."
"It’s strange. It could have just made us its prey, but the crystals should have been far more enticing."
"I agree. But the reality is what it is."
Ren knew the Lord would be furious. He had planned for this, but the reaction was more intense than he’d anticipated.
They stood on a narrow ledge within a giant spherical hollow. Rising from below, a beautiful, pale blue monster jumped between the rocks and landed on a thick branch near them. It looked like a deer, but its size and the shimmering quality of its fur said otherwise. Its antlers were three meters wide and resembled tree branches. It struck the rock with a hoof, and a ripple of green mana spread through the air.
The Ancient Azure Deer of the Old Lands. It had ruled this part of Windea for centuries. It wasn't an evil creature, but a guardian deity that brooked no intruders.
"It’s rare for one to show itself. But it clearly wants us out."
The deer lowered its head, its antlers glowing with natural magic.
"But we have business here," Ren said.
"True. And we're not the type to run away."
Ragna moved first. He reached out, and magical chains appeared in mid-air, binding the deer's antlers.
The deer let out a sharp cry, and the chains shattered instantly. Ragna gave a wry smile. "Not an opponent we can take lightly."
Ren didn't take his eyes off the deer. "I'll handle this."
"If possible, don't kill it. Slaying the Lord would ruin the local ecosystem. Just repel it."
"Understood."
The deer lunged. It landed on their branch, making it sway violently. It pointed its antlers at them, and the wind mana around them became so dense that the air itself seemed to warp. Ren stood in front of Ragna, judged the timing, and stepped forward.
"Move toward the goal!"
"Can you hold it?"
"I'll find a way. Just get the item and let's get out of here!"
"Right. I’m counting on you, Ren!"
Ren charged as the deer lunged. A direct hit from those antlers would be fatal. But Ren was a Sword Saint. He met the beast with zero fear. They clashed in seconds.
"Ngh... tough!"
The impact was heavier than Ren expected. The deer’s eyes widened as its charge was halted.
"Ragna! Go!"
The shock of the blow made the deer falter. A gap opened in the vines. Ragna sprinted past the massive creature. The deer tried to turn its sharp gaze toward him, but Ren’s presence forced its attention back.
Natural magic converged on Ren from every direction. He took a deep breath.
(If that’s how it is...!)
He used the enemy's magic against it. He jumped from the branch, using the deer's own vines and branches as footholds to lure it away.
"It’s changing its pattern?"
The mana around the antlers sharpened. The air around the beast began to distort and pull in nearby objects.
(That’s dangerous...!)
Ren dispelled his Great Tree Magic Sword and gripped his Mithril Magic Sword. A green flash of light erupted as the deer charged with the speed of a gale.
"Sorry... we’ll be out of your hair soon!"
Ren braced himself against the wind and swung. The Star-Slayer negated the magic, turning the green flash into harmless mana. The plants created by natural magic vanished, making the terrain even more treacherous, but Ren remained in control.
The deer thrust its antlers with a furious snort. Even at speeds faster than the wind, Ren caught the antlers against his blade, shrouding himself in the power of the Strong Sword. His eyes met the deer's. With a sudden burst of strength, he shoved the beast aside, redirecting its momentum.
The deer fell toward the abyss, but it quickly used natural magic to create a new foothold. It looked up at Ren, its eyes glowing with a jade light. It was getting serious now. A massive surge of power threatened to tear the area apart.
(It’s okay! We can make it!)
Ren sprinted toward the goal. He didn't want to cause permanent damage to the mountain.
"Ren! This way!" Ragna called.
Ren caught up to him in an instant. With the deer's cry echoing behind them, they didn't look back. Suddenly, Ren felt a strange sensation in his chest. He almost stopped, but a voice in his mind urged him forward.
Mana particles began to glow, showing them a path into a cave hidden in the rock. As they entered, the light turned a deep, vibrant blue. The cave was narrow and intricate, filled with greenly glowing ores. They were finally safe. The deer wouldn't follow them here.
"Good grief... why did it come after us so fiercely? A Wind Crystal should be the ultimate bait for a creature like that."
"Maybe it was just having a bad day?"
"I suppose it's possible."
"Or maybe it sensed the crystals in your bag?"
"No. My bag is sequestered. It shouldn't have been able to tell."
"Then it was definitely just a bad mood."
They joked to relieve the tension as they walked. The cave was wide enough for several people to walk abreast, and the ores provided ample light.
"Wait... I think I see why it was in such a bad mood," Ragna said, stopping.
Ren followed his gaze and gasped. "What is this?"
"Footprints. And they're not from a monster."
"There are weapon marks, too."
The walls and ceiling were gouged by blades and magic. Someone had been here before them. Ren felt a surge of alertness.
(Was Windea targeted too? By the Demon King Cult?)
He gripped his sword, ready for a fight. If the Cult was after the Water Goddess's Ring, why? There were so many pieces of the puzzle missing.
Ten minutes later, they reached the heart of the cave—a massive dome-shaped chamber. In the center was a spring, knee-deep and glowing with blue light.
"More tracks. And the rocks have been smashed."
In the center of the spring sat a blue crystal, and inside it was the ring. But the crystal was covered in scratches and marks from heavy blows. Someone had tried to take it by force and failed.
"I wanted to reach this legendary item with joy, not suspicion," Ragna sighed. He looked at Ren and smiled. "Regardless, I'm grateful. Thanks to you, we found it."
"I wasn't even sure if it was real myself."
"You’re being modest. I never would have made it here without you. Now, how do we get it out?"
Ren waded into the spring. The crystal had been battered, but the ring remained safe inside.
"They couldn't break it," Ragna noted.
"I think we should use the Wind Orb. Like you said, the affinity between wind and water here is the key."
Ragna nodded. "It's worth a try. Better we take it than let some cultists come back for it."
Ren took the Wind Orb from Ragna and approached the crystal. As soon as the orb got close, it released a gentle green breeze. The wind enveloped the crystal, smoothing out the scratches on its surface before drawing the ring out like a magnet.
The ring fell into the water.
"A truly mysterious journey," Ragna said.
"We still have to get back."
"True."
Ren reached into the water to pick up the ring. Then—
Before his fingers could touch it, the ring floated up on its own. It emitted a brilliant blue light, which was immediately absorbed by the crystal on Ren's bracelet.
(Water Sword Ri ———)
Unfamiliar text flickered across the crystal for a fraction of a second.
(Was that... my imagination?)
The text vanished before he could read it. He checked the bracelet, but the display returned to what it had been at Roses Kaitas. However, he felt a tangible change—a sensation of having absorbed power, much like when he first used the Flame Magic Sword.
"Ren? What happened?"
"The ring just floated up... it surprised me."
Ren grabbed the ring and handed it to Ragna. Ragna placed it in a secure box in his bag.
"I'll hold onto this for now. Given the state of this place, we need to report this to the castle."
"We should tell Radius."
"I’ll handle that. You can tell your friends. They’re trustworthy."
"Could Radius look for traces of who was here?" Ren asked.
"No. The environmental mana here has already overwritten any traces. Besides, bringing a Prince here would be a nightmare." Ragna looked around. "No wonder the deer was so angry. Someone came in here and tried to loot the place."
Ren thought of Wayne's group. "Should we check the shrine at the summit? Just in case?"
"It’s on the way. Why not?"
"There are other guests there. My friends."
Ragna blinked. "Academy students? All the way up here?"
"They're not ordinary students. They’re the ones rumored to be descendants of the Hero Ruin."
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
Wayne and his party were even higher up. The climb had been brutal. They had crossed rivers flowing over bare rock, seen exotic fish, and navigated natural magical barriers. But they had made it.
"This way," Charlotte said confidently. As a wind mage and archer, her intuition was perfect for this mountain.
Wayne stood beside her on a cliff's edge. "We're almost at the top."
"Finally! Ugh, I want a real bath, not a magic-tool shower." Charlotte giggled and gave him a playful look. "Want to join me when we get back?"
"Stop it! Focus on the path!"
"Hmm... so after we finish the path, it's a yes?"
"No!"
Wayne turned back to the task at hand. Charlotte watched his profile, thinking how much he had changed in a year.
(He's like a different person.)
When they first met, he hadn't seemed reliable at all. She never thought she would change her mind about him. But then there was the incident with her grandfather's necklace. She had lost it, and Wayne had gone to extreme lengths to recover it from a shady merchant. Seeing him stand up to a bodyguard for her sake had changed everything.
"Sharo-senpai?" Wayne asked, noticing her silence.
"Nothing. Just thinking about how fast boys grow up."
"Huh?"
She just smiled. Before they could continue, a massive roar and the sound of an impact echoed from below.
"That sound..."
"Yeah. Let's regroup with the others, quickly."
They met up with the rest of the group. The sound didn't repeat. They reached the summit plateau and collapsed onto the grass to rest. With Squall's healing magic, they were back on their feet in thirty minutes.
"What was that sound?" Lizred asked.
"Kaito-senpai thought it was monsters fighting. Must have been some big ones."
They were close to the shrine now. It was a massive, open stone structure with thick pillars. In one corner of the plaza was the sacred fountain, surrounded by lush trees and vibrant flowers.
"Wayne," Sera said softly. "Let's go. Let's see if the legend is true."
Wayne led the way. He knelt by the fountain. "The water... it’s glowing."
The water began to emit a brilliant white light. The light flowed into Wayne's body, and a few seconds later, his sword began to pulse with holy radiance. The forest seemed to hold its breath. Monsters gathered in the sky, but when Wayne raised his sword, the shockwave of holy light sent them scattering in fear.
The power of Hero Ruin had truly awakened.
They spent some time in quiet reflection before heading toward the shrine itself. Squall was the first to enter, wanting to offer a prayer. Suddenly, his voice rang out.
"Who—who’s there!"
Wayne was the first to react, sprinting toward the shrine. He found Squall bracing himself, looking at two figures standing before the altar. Wayne stepped in front of Squall, ready to defend him, but then he saw one of the figures' backs.
"Ren?"
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
After getting the ring, Ren and Ragna had taken a shortcut to the summit using updrafts. They had arrived at the shrine just as Wayne's party was finishing at the fountain.
Ren turned around and smiled. Wayne looked more confident and dignified than ever. The awakening of his lineage had visibly changed his presence.
"You've grown strong," Ren said.
"Yeah... I hope so." Wayne approached slowly. "I still have doubts. But if I really have Hero Ruin's blood, I have a role to play. I'll do what I can."
"That’s the right attitude."
"But Ren, how did you know? Why are you here?"
"I read about the lore in a book."
Ragna excused himself to look around, giving the boys space.
"Was that the Bag Traveler?" someone asked.
"Yeah. I was helping him with some work." Ren didn't elaborate. He looked at Squall, the boy who had shouted. "I'm Ren Ashton. I'm Wayne's classmate."
"I'm sorry for shouting. I'm Squall Meldeg."
"It's fine. I surprised you too."
Ren recognized the name. Squall was a descendant of the saint Sisil Meldeg. Squall looked at Ren with admiration. "My father told me about you. The knight who protects the White Saintess."
Ren’s smile became a bit awkward at the mention of Licia and the Church. "I’m honored he said so."
He turned back to Wayne. "Wayne, you should head back now."
"We were planning to, but did something happen?"
"Yes. A bit." Ren thought of the ravaged cave. "You probably heard the fighting earlier. The mountain is safe for now, but you shouldn't linger. Get back to the ship and head to the capital."
Wayne nodded, sensing the seriousness in Ren's voice. "Why don't you come back with us?"
"I'll be fine. Don't worry about me."
"But—"
"You have first-years to look after."
Lizred pouted. "Are you underestimating us, Senior Ashton?"
"Not at all. But there's no reason to stay."
Wayne agreed, and the group began to head back. He looked over his shoulder one last time at Ren.
Once they were gone, Ren found Ragna at the fountain.
"You didn't seem interested in the Hero's descendants," Ren noted.
"I’ve heard the rumors. I'm curious, but I didn't need to talk to them." Ragna began testing the water quality with magic tools.
Ren looked at the fountain and smiled to himself.
(I was acting just like 'Ren Ashton' from the game.)
Showing up mysteriously, giving a cryptic warning, and staying behind—it was exactly how his character had behaved in the Legend of the Seven Heroes.
Ren walked behind some trees and checked his bracelet again.
(It wasn't a mistake.)
He could feel the Water Magic Sword's power had evolved. He told the bracelet to be more careful about absorbing mana without his permission, though he knew it wouldn't respond. He sat down on the grass, watching Ragna work.
"Finally... time to go home."
The journey was over.