While Orun and his companions were hearing the details of the princess’s request at the Explorer Guild, the armored explorer, Oliver, was paying a visit to Cavadele’s general store.
"You’re back. How did it go?"
Cavadele looked up as Oliver entered the shop and posed the question.
"Just as you suspected. The Labyrinth near Farila Village stampeded, and the princess’s party was attacked while they were heading this way."
"I see. It was the right call to send you and Orun. With that, we’ve likely prevented the Kingdom from being unilaterally overrun by the Imperial Army."
"Is the princess’s presence really that significant?"
"Against the Imperial Army, the Kingdom’s forces wouldn't be able to buy much time. I simply believe that making her the figurehead is the fastest way to organize the Allied Forces. The princess likely felt the same, which is why she offered herself up as a pawn."
"Looking at the big picture, then? I still can’t see just how much weight this outcome carries."
"Ho ho ho. That is a perspective you can only cultivate through experience—unless, of course, you are a genius."
"Someone like Orun, you mean?"
"Orun is a bit different from a 'genius.' Although to any onlooker, that is exactly what he appears to be."
"...We’ve veered off-topic. Anyway, are the terms of our deal satisfied?"
"Indeed. No issues there."
"Then give it to me—the 'Seirei Eyes.'"
"...Are you truly certain? Lady Shion’s case serves as a precedent, but looking at it another way, hers is the only case. There is a chance you could end up a living husk."
"Yeah. I’m aware of the risks. But in the coming battles, it’s a simple fact that if I can’t see Seirei, I won't even be worth mentioning."
Oliver’s face remained hidden behind his helm, but his voice alone radiated iron-clad resolve.
"Besides, I might be stronger than Orun right now, but once he gets his strength back, I’ll be nothing but a burden to him as I am. I can't afford to stall here."
"...Understood. If you’ve resolved yourself to that extent, then I have nothing left to say. Come with me; I’ve prepared a place."
Having confirmed Oliver’s determination, Cavadele led him down into the basement of the general store.
The room was used for testing magic and tools, meaning it was both spacious and reinforced for durability. As Oliver walked to the center of the room, Cavadele operated his storage magic tool. Six pillars, each about two meters tall, manifested at equal intervals to surround Oliver.
"As long as you’re within that circle, you don't need to worry about the surroundings, no matter how much you thrash about. Don't hold back."
"I owe you one."
Once the brief exchange ended, Cavadele activated the pillars. They resonated with one another, and a barrier of mana expanded to enclose Oliver.
Seeing this, Oliver removed his helmet, exposing his face. He brought the topaz-like crystal in his right hand—the Seirei Eyes—up to his forehead.
After several deep breaths, he crushed the Seirei Eyes with a look of grim determination.
As the dense mana contained within the crystal began to spill out, Oliver exercised [Mana Convergence], drawing the energy directly into his left eye.
Immediately after, Oliver’s scream tore through the basement.
The agony was soul-shredding—as if the moisture in his eye were boiling and his entire brain were being scorched through his optic nerves. To Oliver, the sensation felt like it lasted for an eternity.
When a few minutes had passed, the basement was dominated by a heavy silence, a stark contrast to the preceding moments.
"Pant... pant... pant..."
Oliver clutched his left eye, breathing in ragged gasps. He staggered, but he remained standing on his own two feet.
"...Oliver, do you know who I am?"
"...Yeah. You’re that heartless old bastard, Cavadele Evans, right?"
Upon hearing Oliver’s rude remark, Cavadele’s expression softened into a smile.
"Ho ho ho. If you’ve still got enough in you for that kind of lip, then I suppose there’s no need to worry. Magnificent work, Oliver."
"So this is the world that Orun, Shion, and Luna see..."
Oliver lowered his hand from his eye and let out a breath of pure admiration at the world reflected in his vision.
High-density golden mana leaked from that eye, visible even to the naked eye, and a geometric pattern—distinct from any standard magic circle—had surfaced within the pupil.
Thank you for reading to the end.
Previously, I mentioned somewhere that I would end the fifth arc with this chapter, but I've decided to add one more epilogue-like chapter from Orun's perspective. Please bear with me for one more chapter!
Also, this will be the final update of 2022.
I started posting this work in February 2021, and I am honestly the most surprised of anyone that I'm still able to continue updating it like this (lol).
This is entirely thanks to the readers who have followed the story this far.
Knowing that people are reading and receiving your feedback provides me with immense motivation. I hope you continue to enjoy the series next year as well.
If you feel like it, I would be very grateful if you left your thoughts in the comments. I welcome criticism and questions alike! Please feel free to write whatever you think in the impressions section.
Well, this has become a bit long, so once again: thank you for a wonderful year! I hope to see you all again next year!
Happy New Year, everyone!