◇◆◇
"...A failure, then."
The words were muttered in a low voice by a man clad in a gray robe.
In the dimly lit room, several Hour of Ash Executives had gathered. Within the heavy, oppressive atmosphere, their expressions were uniformly grim.
"To think we couldn't eliminate him despite the forces we committed," another executive spat out bitterly.
The objective of this attack had been to remove Luka, the new obstacle identified during the previous Kingdom Attack. If possible, they were also to capture Saint Nanalicia. However, the result was a total failure.
"...Luka Noctear."
The mere mention of his name caused the air in the room to grow even more tense.
"His capabilities exceeded our projections. During the last incident, he was at the center of so many people's movements that I assumed he was simply a master of command, but..."
"Yes, that monstrous power... he is practically a Hero Candidate," a woman spoke up quietly. "Then there is Saint Nanalicia. It seems she has completely sided with Luka as well."
This realization weighed heavily upon them. Nanalicia was not merely a combat asset; she was a symbol. Her influence over the masses and her strategic value were both immeasurable.
"...This is troublesome."
"Extremely so."
Silence fell over the group. Eventually, one of them broke it.
"However, this confirms it. To us, Luka is our greatest obstacle, right alongside the Hero Candidates."
No one raised an objection.
"We must officially report this to that person as well."
The moment that title was mentioned, every executive stiffened. To them, she was absolute. Her will took priority over everything else.
"Next time, we must ensure our next move is decisive."
"...True. She is capricious and short-tempered, after all."
"Stop right there."
No one denied the description. To a casual observer, she seemed like a selfish, somewhat playful person—almost like a child. However, her true essence was that of an absolute tyrant.
"Next time, we must take the field ourselves."
"And we must recover the lost replicas."
This defeat was not the end; rather, it was a new beginning. In their eyes, there was not yet a hint of resignation. Instead, a stronger sense of hostility burned quietly within them.
◇◆◇
As the day came to an end, silence filled the room. I stood alone by my window, watching as the darkness of night quietly enveloped the city.
In my hands, I held a single book. Bound in black, the Original Tome was as ominous as it was beautiful—the Flame Original Tome. I softly traced its cover with my fingertips, as if touching a precious loved one.
"...Lord Luka."
The name spilled naturally from my lips. He was safe again today. That thought alone was enough to make my chest feel warm.
'I guess you could say a Hero has arrived.'
I recalled those words he had given me during the attack the other day. Yes, you are always my Hero. You always provide me with warmth.
But alongside that warmth, a cold anger welled up within me. Lord Luka is being targeted by that group. Whether in the Kingdom or here in the Holy Theocracy, he is always at the center of their schemes.
...If that is the case, I cannot possibly forgive them.
Those who tried to harm Lord Luka. Those who tried to take something away from him. There is no reason to let such creatures live.
My fingertips tightened slightly. The Original Tome glowed with a faint, pulsing light.
"...If," I whispered quietly. "If anything were to happen to Lord Luka—"
The conclusion was far too simple. I would not waver. I would not hesitate. Even if I had to burn this entire world to the ground.
A world that has taken Lord Luka away has no value in existing.
I stared out the window at the peaceful night and the tranquil city. It was a world where people slept as if such peace were their birthright. But that world was only beautiful because Lord Luka was in it.
A world without Lord Luka should simply vanish, leaving nothing but ashes behind.
"...Hehe."
An involuntary smile escaped me. My, what dangerous things I was thinking. And yet, those were my true feelings.
I hugged the Black Original Tome to my chest. Its warmth somehow reminded me of him.
"Please rest easy, Lord Luka," I said softly, my voice filled with a devotion that bordered on madness. "Whatever seeks to harm you, I will erase it all."
No matter who they are. No matter what they are. Even if it is the world itself.
I am on your side. Forever. Even if this body of mine should perish.
Deep within my eyes dwelt a profound and bottomless love—a love potent enough to incinerate the world itself.