Chapter 87 Because Of That Person'S Will
――Time rewinds.
About 2 weeks had passed since 'Sword Saint' Logan Abrams and 'Hermit' Ail Hermit disappeared from the public eye.
After Logan received treatment for his injuries and the constraints from the [Testament (Contract before God)], and the side effects of the 'suitable candidates (adept)' procedure finally subsided, the two of them were able to find a chance to talk alone without any outsiders.
"――How's your body, Logan?"
"Oh, I've gotten much better, Ail. My internal magical energy has also calmed down, it seems."
The room was windowless.
The walls, ceiling, and even the floor were painted a pure white, like white plaster, and the magical lighting fixtures hung from the ceiling illuminated the room with a soft, white glow. The light reflected off the walls and floor, making it feel like it was piercing their eyes.
In this room, a simple bed was placed, and Logan, who had sat up, greeted Ail as he entered.
Ail closed the door and leaned his back against the wall beside it, folding his arms.
There was only one chair prepared in the room, but he didn't sit down. Logan, who had known him for a long time, immediately understood that his attitude was a sign of being on guard against the outside.
"..."
Ail remained silent, tapping his ear twice with his finger, and then opened his mouth, as if he had understood the intention.
"Don't worry. For now, there's no one eavesdropping. Of course, no one is peeping either."
"Is that so. Then, I can finally talk freely, I suppose."
It had been since the day they fought on the 46th floor of the [God's Remains Labyrinth] that Ail and he could finally talk without worrying about others.
Until then, they had never been able to find a situation where they could be alone. Moreover, due to the side effects of the procedure, they hadn't been in a condition to have a leisurely conversation. However, the biggest reason was that they had been on guard.
But that was a story until he accepted the [Testament (Contract before God)].
Logan, who was now bound by various constraints, couldn't take any direct action against the organization or disobey their orders. He also couldn't leak any unnecessary information to outsiders.
As a result, there was no need to be on guard.
For Logan, who hadn't sworn loyalty to the organization, the [Testament (Contract before God)] seemed like nothing but a disadvantage. The fact that he didn't have to worry about being watched by the organization's members was insignificant compared to the drawbacks.
But in reality, Logan had to accept the [Testament (Contract before God)].
Why?
Because if he didn't, he wouldn't be able to get any information from Ail, who was also bound by the same [Testament (Contract before God)].
Logan had been asked for cooperation by Ail, which was why he was here now.
However, he still hadn't heard the details of the cooperation.
Ail, who had already recovered from the injuries he sustained during their battle, spoke in a calm tone.
"No one will come to this floor for a while. First... well, let's see... what should we talk about?"
As Ail seemed to be gathering his thoughts, Logan cut in.
"Ail, there's something I want to ask you."
"What is it?"
"It's not a big deal, but... can you tell me the name of this organization?"
The organization they had been pursuing, led by the mysterious True Identity, whose name Logan still didn't know.
However, he soon realized that it was a futile question, judging from Ail's response.
"This organization doesn't have an official name."
"...What?!"
He couldn't help but be taken aback.
Even if it was a secret society or an underground organization, it was common sense that they would at least have a name. For an organization with a large number of members, a name was crucial. Without a name, the members' sense of belonging would be weak, and their control would be lacking. That would easily lead to the organization's collapse.
So, he didn't think there was an organization without a name.
But Ail continued, "Don't get it wrong."
"It's just that the official name is something that will be given later. We have a nickname within the group, though."
"Nickname? Why is it a nickname?"
"Because the official name will be given by the [Four Great Families of the Seals] later."
"...What?"
Logan couldn't understand why the [Four Great Families of the Seals] were brought up here. It was one thing if it was just a family deeply involved with this organization, but why were there 4 families?
Ail seemed to be aware of Logan's doubts without needing to be asked. The continued explanation was an answer to that.
"The [Dawn Star Brigade], the [Evil God Cult], the [Ragnarok Order]... all of these are organization names given by the [Four Great Families of the Seals] later."
The names Ail mentioned were all secret societies that had operated in the past in Necronia, aiming for God's Remains with various goals.
Of course, they had all been destroyed now, and even back when they were active, they were completely different organizations――that's what it seemed.
"The purposes of these organizations were also thought up and announced by the [Four Great Families of the Seals]."
World conquest. Evil god worship. Seeking truth. Desiring the end.
Each organization had its own goals and ideals. And even those were fabricated, according to Ail.
"This organization's..."
Ail emphasized that it was the organization they currently belonged to, pointing to the ground.
"The nickname is 'Chronosphere.' It's been that way since the past, and still is."
"There are too many things to take in... I don't know where to start..."
Logan stroked his beard to calm his confused mind. His usually neatly groomed beard was a bit disheveled due to the recent lack of leisure time.
"First... is Chronosphere referring to the Chronosphere God?"
"Yeah."
In this world, there exist numerous Gods.
Among them, Chronosphere is known as a great god with extraordinary powers.
The authority it governs is "Time" and "Space", and it's said that the bloodline of the [Four Great Families of the Seals], who inherit Space magic, ultimately leads back to Chronosphere god.
"This organization, Chronosphere, is... well, it's not strange to think that the mastermind is one of the [Four Great Families of the Seals]..."
He had already suspected as much from the explanation so far.
That's why his mouth felt dry, and he couldn't bring himself to ask the question.
Logan had served the Kirke family and even became the leader of the Demon Hawk Knights. It's unlikely that he didn't have any attachment or feelings towards them.
But he had to ask. He had to know.
He steeled himself and asked.
"[Four Great Families of the Seals] announced the name and purpose of the secret society from the past... didn't they?"
"Ah, yes, they did."
"Which means... the mastermind isn't just one of the [Four Great Families of the Seals], the 'Caduceus' family, but all 4 families... is that right, Ail?"
He had already known this for the past 2 weeks.
That the Caduceus family was involved with this organization, Chronosphere.
Because the person who made a [Testament (Contract before God)] with him was Jilva Caduceus, the current head of the Caduceus family.
The elderly Jilva, with his robust physique and dignified demeanor, didn't even bother to hide his face and appeared before him with confidence.
So, it was certain that the Caduceus family was involved with this organization...
"――No."
But his worst suspicions were flatly denied by Ail.
"The 3 families aside from Caduceus have almost no involvement. Kirke, Gridavor, and Aron are definitely enemies of this organization."
"I see..."
There was something that bothered him, but he let out a sigh of relief anyway.
If all the [Four Great Families of the Seals] were to cause a stampede in "Chronosphere", it would be the worst kind of deception, not just to the people of Necronia, but to the entire world. It would be a betrayal.
Knowing that wasn't the case, Logan felt deeply relieved.
But.
Things aren't that simple. The remaining 3 families couldn't have no involvement with this organization, and he had already realized that.
"Ail, tell me. About this organization... and Chronosphere, and your own goals."
"Alright. But it's going to take a bit longer――."
And so Ail began to speak in a low tone.
Who founded the secret society Chronosphere, how it operates, and what its purpose is.
It was an incredibly grand story, and even after hearing it all, it was hard to believe it was real. However, if Ail's story about Chronosphere's ultimate goal was true, then...
"This organization did cause a stampede and harm many people. That's something that can never be forgiven, and I won't defend it."
"Ah, that's right. Everyone involved with this organization, including me, will probably go to hell."
Ail nodded firmly in agreement with Logan's words. After confirming his friend's intentions, Logan continued.
"But, I understand that this organization's activities might also save people... Ail, did you ask for my cooperation because of that? Are you telling me to cooperate with this organization?"
"――No way."
Another clear and decisive denial.
"I'm against Chronosphere. That's what that person's will was."
"That person?"
"That's right... You know I serve the Caduceus family, don't you?"
"Ah, of course."
He nodded.
Just like Logan served the Kirke family, Ail serves the Caduceus family. However, it's not like Logan, who stopped being an explorer. Ail has been serving the Caduceus family since before becoming an explorer, and in terms of position, is close to Garon and the others of the "Iron Wall Alliance" who serve the Kirke family.
Logan had heard that after quitting as an explorer, Ail was dedicated to their work with the Caduceus family.
He never thought that would mean working for an organization like this.
"Then, you understand, right? I only call one person that."
"No, but..."
Logan was confused.
Of course, the first person who came to mind was that person, but combining that person with the word "will" was contradictory.
But Ail didn't hesitate and said the name.
"It's Jilva Caduceus-sama."
The name of a person still alive.
* * *
"Mmm, this bread is more delicious than usual."
"I wonder if they changed the wheat flour?"
It was the morning after the subjugation of the Nord, the aberrant being.
I was having breakfast with Fiona, sitting around the table.
I had warmed up the bread we bought yesterday and served it with a light meal, soup, and salad, and it seemed to have a better wheat aroma than usual.
I couldn't help but express my impression, and Fiona, sitting across from me, agreed.
By the way, Fiona had recovered enough to move around on her own by yesterday, and today she seemed to have regained some of her physical strength, so it didn't seem like there would be any problems as long as she didn't overexert herself.
Fiona took another bite of bread and then said, as if making small talk,
"If it's delicious, then..."
"Huh? What's up?"
Did she find something delicious?
I asked her, thinking that, and Fiona told me matter-of-factly,
"I'll make dinner tonight."
――Clatter.
I dropped the fork I was using to bring a salad to my mouth.
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