Episode 5: Unknown to All
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The tale shifts away from Bordaf, where the Affirmative Sword was enshrined.
One of the three Holy Knights was named Nelly Virtuous. The protective armor she wielded was known as the Grasp Damage Shield. This was one of the three sacred items used as a catalyst to seal the Sealed Domain.
The area surrounding the cave that housed the Grasp Damage Shield was expected to become the epicenter of the impending fog and the monsters that accompanied it, predicted to turn into a battleground of unprecedented scale.
For this reason, the town of Skruld was chosen as a crucial base for the operation to search and destroy the fog, considering its proximity to the cave and its capacity to accommodate a large number of personnel.
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In the lodging of Skruld, Pulmy En Dynast prepared herself for the battles that would undoubtedly grow fierce. She donned the finest equipment she could muster, checking her movements.
She had generously modified the legendary Exodus Armor to fit her needs, donning separate pieces on her shoulders, neck, elbows, knees, wrists, and chest. She moved her body to ensure that none of the armor interfered with her agility.
The armor had been altered with the concept of not hindering her swift punches in mind.
On her right hip hung the World Tree Staff, while the Demon Sword Nidhogg rested on her left. Strapped to her legs were two imitation demon swords, Imitation Gold, on each side. And there was more—
The scheduled time had arrived. As Pulmy entered the Guild’s conference room, the members were already gathered, all eyes turning toward her. They gasped in unison as they took in her impressive gear. This time, the command of the Virtuous defense had been entrusted to her.
“Now then—”
The words she needed to say were already within her. Before the leaders of several prominent clans and parties, she took a deep breath, ensuring no one noticed.
“Several days have passed since the monster known as the fog made its appearance. Our numbers are considerable, and if things continue as they are, we should be able to handle the situation with ease—”
Some expressions softened, while others nodded as if it were obvious. However,
“There are surely those who think the same.”
It was true that a sense of overconfidence lingered in the air. They were unaware of the previous Sealed Domain, and Pulmy accepted this fact.
“Indeed, your thoughts are mostly correct. Given our proximity to the Royal Capital, many powerful individuals have gathered here as this operation’s most critical defense base—yes, I mean you and your respective organizations.”
Pulmy spoke with a dignified presence.
“The elite gathered here—the Order of Knights of the Arcana Kingdom, the powerful mages of the kingdom led by Honest, the clan Rebellion, the clan Eden’s Garden, and the solo parties Firestarter and Black Wolf’s Howl, along with the Holy Knight Nelly Virtuous—each of you is a true hero with a fierce spirit that sets you apart from the rest.”
She scanned the faces of all present.
“With you here, it won’t be long before the situation reaches resolution—”
She took another deep breath.
“However, I want you to remember what I said. Earlier, I mentioned, ‘if things continue as they are.’ I will assert this: the situation will not proceed smoothly.”
A man in black, the leader of Black Wolf’s Howl, raised his voice in response to Pulmy’s statement.
“We’re doing just fine so far! Guild Master! What makes you say that?”
No jeers followed from the rough-and-tumble seekers around him. Instead, he merely represented the opinions of those nearby. As expected from leaders of elite groups, they were listening intently to Pulmy’s words.
“There are three reasons.”
Pulmy raised a finger.
“First, I have experienced the great disaster caused by the previous Sealed Domain. Some of you may know this. The fog’s rate of proliferation should never be underestimated. I once witnessed the sight of the fog overwhelming people. The extermination of an overgrown fog was impossible, which is why we chose to seal it back then.”
Someone in the room swallowed hard at her description.
“Second, as long as we are human, human error cannot be eliminated. At the very least, we must act with this understanding, or we will undoubtedly repeat the mistakes of the past.”
No matter how careful one is, humans are prone to oversight. Recognizing this is crucial. By being aware, one can enhance their vigilance, and even if an oversight leads to an unfortunate situation, they can respond with a degree of composure.
“And the third reason is—”
At this point, everyone was listening intently, and no one dared to voice dissent.
“—my intuition.”
A sudden air of confusion swept through the gathered powerful individuals at her words—yet,
“I don’t mind being called a coward. But this is undeniable: my intuition is often correct. Even now, a dreadful sense of foreboding clings to me. In times like this, something bad is bound to happen.”
Many felt a chill in the air at Pulmy’s words. Then, the leader of Black Wolf’s Howl spoke up again.
“I get it. If Azure Flame says so! My party will follow the Guild Master’s orders to the letter!”
Though they were all strong-willed organizations, prone to fracturing, Pulmy’s words sparked a commitment among many present to adhere to her directives and relay them to their respective groups.
This was a small miracle, yet one miracle can create significant ripples.
No one knew it, but it was undoubtedly a miracle brought about by the dialogue between Yamada and Pulmy.
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