< Chapter 74 - The Coffin of Life #2 >
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There was nothing strange about Pink Bomb sending a warning to Belkian.
‘Because Belkian moved first.’
Two days after the National Foundation Day.
As the chaos in the capital city died down, Belkian went to the Blue Moon to tell her that he wanted to meet the Pink Bomb.
Going to the Thieves Guild to meet the Log Master was a fairly common-sense idea.
In any case, the Blue Moon Guild Master Jupe, who had chosen to retreat quickly during the chaos and had not suffered a single injury, delivered news of Belkian through the contact network that Uder had provided in advance.
‘What should I do?’
‘Tell them I’ll contact you.’
Four days after the Battle of Wangdo.
After conveying his intentions to Jupe, Yuder waited for the ceremony while recovering diligently, and the morning after the ceremony, he sent a notice of the Pink Bomb to Belkian.
“Yuder, are we there yet?”
“Almost there.”
Uder, who flinched involuntarily at the sound of Cordelia’s breath on his ear, responded reflexively and then kicked the ground even more roughly.
The place where Belkian was to meet was outside the royal capital – near the hill where the last legacy of the Log Master was hidden, to be exact.
“there is.”
Cordelia was superior to Yuder in terms of natural eyesight.
In addition, because their night vision was exceptionally bright, they boasted identification abilities comparable to those of wild animals even in the dark of the night.
‘I don’t know, but isn’t there something like beast delay? Like water delay?’
After a moment of reasonable doubt, Uther quickly fixed Cordelia and carried her, then slowed down a bit. This was because Uther also saw Belkian standing alone on the hill.
‘Necromancer Belkian.’
One of the five main characters in the first volume of Heroes’ Chronicles.
At the time of the first film, he was already in his 60s. At the time of the second film, he was in his 70s, close to 80, but he looked very healthy on the outside.
‘There’s not much that looks right.’
He had a long, thin body, wrapped in all-black clothing, and he wore a beaked mask, which could be considered the symbol of a plague doctor.
‘And he was even wearing a wide-brimmed hat.’
All that was revealed was his ashen hair with some white spots here and there.
‘Still, he’s not a bad person.’
Among the playable characters in Heroes Chronicle 2, there were some undeniable ‘villains’, but that wasn’t the case with the characters in the first game.
All five were true heroes of noble spirit and pure good will.
‘It happened again this time.’
As soon as Belkian discovered the danger in the capital, he rushed into the battlefield without hesitation.
And Uther could guarantee it.
If any of the main characters from Part 1 were there, they would have acted exactly like Belkian.
“I think they saw us too.”
Nodding to Cordelia’s whisper, Uther kicked his feet a few more times instead of stopping at the bottom of the hill, and settled down in front of Belkian – about ten meters away.
“Ahem.”
As soon as Yuder stopped, Cordelia jumped down from his back and stepped forward, clearing her throat.
It was embarrassing in itself to appear while being carried by Yuder.
‘I should have gotten off a little further away.’
Cordelia, who had been moving forward with belated regret, stopped about 7 meters in front of Belkian and bowed.
“Nice to meet you. Log Master Pink Bomb… and his partner Black Cloak….”
What is this overwhelming embarrassment?
She had gotten used to it so she didn’t mind, but when she heard the words pink bomb and black cloak spoken out loud in front of Belkian, Cordelia’s face turned red.
‘Well, you said you liked the pink bomb, right?’
So it’s okay?
There’s no need to feel embarrassed, right?
But it wasn’t.
Although it was impossible to see his expression because he was wearing a mask, Belkian made a gesture that was clearly awkward to anyone, and he seemed quite embarrassed before responding with a cough.
“Um… yeah. I… am Belkian.”
It’s painful to even mix words, but I’ll put up with it anyway – should I say that this is an answer that reflects the agony of an adult?
Cordelia felt a moment of betrayal at Belkian’s unexpected response, but soon came to understand.
‘I guess you were a secret fan.’
Hidden nerd.
A person who is a fan in secret.
It was understandable, since Belkian was well over seventy years old.
If I was caught reading a novel featuring a character named Pink Bomb, I would be in trouble one way or another.
But it was at that very moment.
“Ugh, I just can’t stand it anymore.”
Belkian, who had suddenly spoken quietly, looked straight at Cordelia and spoke in a low tone.
“I know it’s called Ojibap. But… wouldn’t it be okay to have a different name? Of course, it’s a matter of taste, so I want to respect that, but no matter what, it’s a bit much for Log Master to be called Pink Bomb….”
Because I felt like even I was becoming strange as I was dealing with the person.
Moreover, there is also the prestige of the Log Master.
Cordelia tilted her head involuntarily at Belkian’s sincere words.
It had to be that way.
“Wait, wait, wait, wait.”
Cordelia, who had been pouring out her thoughts without realizing it, continued speaking with wide eyes.
“Didn’t you like pink bombs?”
“Who? Could it be me?”
As Cordelia nodded, Belkian pulled back in disgust and said.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. This is my first time seeing you. I didn’t even know the name Pink Bomb until I found the letter that day.”
It was a truly sincere voice.
Moreover, there were problems with the content.
Belkian was talking about the Pink Bomb in front of him, not the Pink Bomb, the protagonist of the novel – that is, the Rogue Master Pink Bomb.
It’s as if they don’t even know that a novel with a character called Pink Bomb exists.
What happened?
What does all this mean?
“Yuderya?”
Cordelia turned her gaze with a cold face, and Uther smiled forlornly and spoke with a sorrowful face.
“The day has finally come. But I have no regrets.”
Because the days up until now were enjoyable.
Cordelia was really the best, because she was embarrassed every time she was called Pink Bomb.
Uther looked away with a proud face, and Cordelia grabbed him by the collar and shook him.
“Hey! Do you think I’m sweet when I say it bluntly? Huh?!”
I thought something was strange!
What is a pink bomb, a pink bomb!
Belkian isn’t a pervert and he wouldn’t like a name like that!
Do you know how embarrassed I was during that time?!
“Um… Should I step aside for a moment? It seems like there’s something between us that needs to be resolved.”
Cordelia, who came to her senses at Belkian’s words, groaned and then said with a tearful face.
“Ugh… No, it’s okay.”
For now, for now, Belkian was the priority.
Cordelia glared at Uther once more, then took off her mask and bowed again.
“Cordelia August Chase.”
“This is Juder August Bayer.”
When Cordelia and Uther also revealed their real names, Belkian nodded as if it was nothing.
“Yeah, I already knew because I saw it at the ceremony.”
Because Belkian himself didn’t see people simply by their faces.
Covering the face was not enough to deceive Belkian’s eyes, as he saw not only the overall physical form but also the flow of life force.
In fact, that’s why Belkian couldn’t stand it anymore and asked about the pink bomb.
The new heroes of the kingdom, who seemed fine during the ceremony, were now acting as log masters with embarrassing names.
“Ugh… It’s all Yuder’s fault.”
Because it was really true, not just a passing remark.
And instead of denying Cordelia’s words, Uther changed the subject as he always did.
“May your muscles always be with you. I greet you again as a disciple of Iron Man Landius.”
“Is it really the Heavenly Emperor?”
Belkian, who was startled by Landius’ unique greeting, soon nodded slowly.
It seemed that he also knew about the Nine Heavenly Gates.
“I can’t understand it any more. Is it that the rightful successor to the Nine Heavens and Nine Gates that Landius has finally found has summoned me to the Coffin of Life?”
If there had been no letter left in the box that should have contained the coffin of life, Belkian would not have come to the capital in the first place.
And if that was the case, then I wouldn’t have gotten involved in the fight in the royal capital.
“Was it all your fault?”
“Not all of them. I would say about half.”
“half?”
“Yes, half. We did leave a letter in the box that contained the coffin of life, but it wasn’t a letter written with Belkian in mind. We didn’t know who would find the letter.”
That was true.
The letter that Uder left in the box only mentioned that the Pink Bomb was taking the Coffin of Life, and did not specifically mention Belkian at all.
“That’s a bit of a strange story. If it wasn’t me who found the letter… If it was someone who was your enemy, what were you planning to do?”
“Of course that could be the case, but… I didn’t think it would be the case.”
“What is the basis?”
“There was a prophecy.”
Yuder, who showed a small smile, continued speaking calmly.
“I received a prophecy that I would receive great help through the Coffin of Life. That is why I left this letter.”
“Whose prophecy was it?”
“I am the witch of the western forest.”
Belkian flinched for a moment at Uder’s words, but then nodded.
“I heard from the spirits that her soul was liberated… but were you the ones who freed her?”
“Yes, it just so happened that we happened to meet by chance.”
“It was a coincidence.”
Belkian, who had been laughing, quickly straightened his posture and said.
“Very well, if it is a prophecy given by the Witch of the Western Forest in return for her liberation, then I suppose it is believable. Even though she has fallen from grace due to her contract with the demons, she is on our human side.”
Of course, the witch of the Western Forest who was sealed in the Witch’s Forest had never made such a prophecy, but the important thing now was to convince Belkian.
‘And I think I understand it more or less.’
Uther, who had secretly shouted Bingo, winked at Cordelia, and Cordelia took out the coffin of life she had brought with her.
“Thanks to you, Belkian, many people in the capital were able to save their lives. As a token of our gratitude, I will give you the Crown of Life.”
As Cordelia spoke and carefully held out the coffin of life, Belkian did not immediately accept it, but rather narrowed his brows behind his mask.
“I··· just did what was expected.”
How can we just sit by and watch people die?
Cordelia smiled warmly at Belkian’s words.
“Not only that. He saved Uncle Gale, and through him, he saved my sister.”
If Gale had died as it was.
If that were the case, what would have happened to Adelia? What would have happened to her heart?
“That’s because… that guy Gale has a strong soul. I ended up neglecting that kid.”
“But if it weren’t for the medicine that Lord Belkian gave me, there would have been no chance of recovery.”
It wasn’t just a story, it was true.
And that’s why Uther and Cordelia were truly grateful to Belkian.
“Ugh… I guess I can’t help it. But I won’t just accept it. I’ll borrow it for a while… and then return it to you once I’m done with it.”
The answer was as expected.
Given Belkian’s nature, he would never have wanted to receive a relic as valuable as the coffin of life for free.
And here’s one more thing added to it.
‘I guess there’s some special purpose.’
By the looks of it, Belkian didn’t accidentally get his hands on the Coffin of Life. He found it after searching for it.
And this meant that Belkian was preparing something that would require the coffin of life.
‘It’s like saying you’ll borrow it and return it when you’re done with it.’
What on earth could it be?
What does Belkian intend to use the Coffin of Life for?
And maybe that has something to do with Belkian’s death?
There were two reasons why Uder originally summoned Belkian to the capital.
One was the vague expectation that if the timing was right, he might be able to receive Belkian’s help in the final battle in the capital, and the other was to twist history and prevent Belkian’s death.
In the original work, Belkian was not in the capital at this time.
I don’t know where it was, but it wasn’t the royal road.
But now I was in the royal capital.
It was a completely different situation from the original, and it was possible that he might avoid death because of this.
‘Of course, I can’t be satisfied with this much.’
In the original, when, where, and how Belkian died were shrouded in mystery.
Because of this, although Uder could not create an absolute solution for Belkian to avoid death, he was still able to provide at least a minimal safety measure.
‘If it’s Belkian’s personality······.’
If you combine the actions in Part 1, there is no way he would have just accepted the coffin of life and left, promising to return later.
Before he was a necromancer, Belkian was a wizard, and most wizards don’t do things vaguely.
“I know it’s a bit much to call you a substitute, but please take this.”
Belkian, who accepted the coffin of life, offered Cordelia a piece of jewelry set with a transparent jewel.
“It’s a magic ball that can summon me.”
“Huh? Oh, wait. You mean the magic ball that summons Lord Belkian?”
“Yes, if you use that magic ball, you can summon me just once.”
Belkian answered Cordelia, pointing to one end of the trinket and continuing.
“Starting tomorrow, I will begin some work using the Coffin of Life. And when I am done, this jewel will turn golden.”
“From then on… is it possible to summon?”
“Yeah, as expected from a wizard, you understand quickly.”
At Belkian’s compliment, Cordelia smiled awkwardly and turned to look at Uther.
‘Isn’t it as we expected?’
‘Oh, if I have this, I can summon Belkian and save my life when the time comes.’
I mean the lives of Belkian, not Uther himself or Cordelia.
Of course, summoning was impossible while some kind of work was in progress using the Life Coffin, so if something happened in the meantime, there was nothing we could do, but there was a way to offset that to some extent.
“Do you plan to remain in the capital?”
“That’s what I’m thinking for now. So maybe you guys won’t actually have a chance to use that magic ball.”
“Maybe so.”
Uther answered with a soft smile and looked at Cordelia, who nodded slightly.
It was still a mystery what kind of work Belkian was trying to do, but if he stayed in the capital and received royal support, it would be much safer than wandering around the unknown alone until the work was finished.
“Anyway, take good care of me. Once you summon me, I will do my best to help you with anything, as befitting a summoned being.”
“Yes, thank you.”
Uder smiled slightly at the playful answer and looked back at Cordelia with a satisfied expression.
Since Yuder had no intention of making a deal with Belkian, who had saved Gale and the royal capital, this was a good conclusion to the matter.
‘yes?’
‘Yeah, yeah.’
Cordelia nodded and smiled as if she agreed.
‘Then… shall we stop here for today?’
Since Belkian had decided to remain in the capital, there would be a few more opportunities to meet him before he left for the south.
Since we had achieved one of our goals, I thought it would be time to part ways for today.
‘Okay then.’
Cordelia answered with her eyes and looked back at Belkian.
“Then, Belkian, we will go back now.”
When Cordelia offered an example, Belkian stroked his chin for a moment as if he was thinking about it, then smiled and said.
“Before we part ways, I have one more thing I want to give you. Please don’t refuse it and accept it.”
“yes?”
When Cordelia tilted her head and asked again, Belkian chuckled and waved his hand lightly.
Then, two large Phantom Steeds appeared from the air and took positions on either side of Belkian.
“These are the Phantom Steeds I created myself. They can fly, are fast, and don’t get tired.”
“Wow.”
Belkian continued speaking cheerfully as Cordelia’s eyes sparkled as she remembered the conversation she had previously had with Uther about the endurance of horses.
“I will give it to you.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, it looks nice carrying it around, but… I think it’s more efficient this way.”
Belkian, smiling behind his mask, gave Cordelia a ring that could summon the Phantom Steeds.
“We can each ride one.”
It was a very warm and generous consideration from Belkian, truly like that of an elder.
The Phantom Steeds that Belkian handed over were incomparably more powerful than the normal Phantom Steeds.
But somehow, Yuder felt a sense of regret.
That would be the case, because if something like that happens, there would be no need to carry Cordelia around anymore.
‘Well… I guess there’s nothing I can do about it.’
In fact, it was stranger that I had been carrying it around all this time.
Moreover, in terms of mobility and tactics, it was much better to ride each Phantom Steed rather than carrying it around, so it was a change that had to be accepted.
‘Still, I feel a little disappointed.’
Cordelia, unlike Uther himself, is always cheerful and cheerful.
‘Well, I’ve always been fascinated by such large vehicles.’
If Cordelia is happy, then that’s good enough.
Uder, who had gathered his thoughts, gladly accepted the ring, and Belkian mounted his Phantom Steed as if to demonstrate and flew up into the night sky of the royal capital.
“Huh… Are you really just going to leave like that?”
Without looking back even once?
In response to Cordelia’s words, Uther shrugged his shoulders and replied.
“In some ways, he is more generous than Master Landius.”
“Well… that’s true.”
Cordelia nodded several times and turned back to the Phantom Steeds instead of looking at the night sky where Belkian had disappeared.
Green eyes shining between the pitch-black mane and fur without a single speck of blemish.
“You look like Yuder.”
“Where?”
“The one with black inside and the color of the eyes?”
At Cordelia’s answer, Uther frowned and then climbed onto his own Phantom Steed and said.
“Let’s go too.”
“Yeah, but it’s Yuder.”
“uh?”
At Uther’s question, Cordelia licked her lips several times and then returned her share of the Phantom Steed to the ring. Then she twirled her hair with her fingers and said.
“Maintaining Phantom Steed also ultimately requires magical power… so there’s no need to use magical power for both, right?”
What that means.
Cordelia didn’t say anything out loud, and Uther spoke with a sly expression.
“I’ll take care of it. Which would you prefer, the front or the back?”
“back?”
“Excellent choice.”
Uther, as always, held out his hand and helped Cordelia mount the Phantom Steed, then took hold of the reins and said.
“Then let’s go.”
Instead of answering, Cordelia hugged Uther’s waist tightly, and Uther eventually let out a small laugh.
I drove the Phantom Steed to the royal road.
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< Chapter 74 - The Coffin of Life #2 > End
