ALTANUS [22]

Regressor's Instructions Manual Episode 985

Altanuss (22)

This man wished for death. This saint is trying to light the final candle here.

Sacrificing oneself to prevent the destruction of the underground temple, the continent's demise.

Though the exact situation outside is unknown, he must be aware of the general situation.

Just as explained, Lee Ki-young, now known as the Priest of Prophecies, is trying to quell the unfolding events by sacrificing herself.

Everyone could feel it. Not just Dractarius, but also the guards surrounding him were aware.

Dractarius doesn't speak easily. Even though he knows what's right, what choice would yield more positive outcomes.

"That is..."

The Prophet's gaze remains unshaken.

"What does that mean?"

You know as well. I won't answer. The meaning of what I just said, I'll never tell. Everyone already knows the answer anyway.

The atmosphere is as if on thin ice. Even Templar Jenny, who's listening to the conversation between two adults, looks at me with anxious eyes.

"There's nothing I can tell you from my side. However... However, I hope Archbishop Dractarius will promise. It's my final request."

"I can't... I can't do that. Priest. There must be another way. From now on... If we find a solution together..."

"I can say with certainty that there is no other way."

Among the 14 million futures the Priest of Prophecies has seen, there's only one scenario in which we can win.

"I know you'll find it difficult. You might find it hard to accept. But..."

"...."

"But Dractarius has to endure it. It might sound selfish of me to say this, but... the Archbishop has to endure it."

"...."

"Promise that you'll do it, that you'll become a ray of light emerging from the darkness... No matter the difficulty, no matter what unendurable things happen... You'll endure it... Right now... Right now is not the time."

"Priest..."

"I believe... I believe Lucifer entrusts each person with a role. This place... Protecting Archbishop here is my mission. In the future... In the distant future, guiding those who will fight for the continent, for Lucifer... that is the role given to me."

"...."

The Priest's speech lacks persuasiveness. He never intended to appeal to reason in the first place.

His words are an appeal to emotions, a plea for belief. He's merely saying that this place isn't a stage for them.

Naturally, there's no reason for Dractarius to listen to my request or fulfill the promise.

But he... He isn't so cruel as to abandon a saint's sacrifice, to dismiss his determination.

He must have faced great difficulties and hardships before making such a decision. He might not even be able to fathom the extent.

As the Archbishop, holding a position with many responsibilities, he could understand the Priest's sentiments better than anyone else.

If he were a priest with nothing to shoulder...

He might not have nodded.

"I... I will... make a promise."

A voice that seems to burst forth, suppressing the heart-rending pain as if one's chest were about to split open.

"I'll make an oath to Lucifer... I promise to follow your will, Priest."

Only then does a smile seem to appear, as if now he can close his eyes comfortably. It's as if he knew I would answer this way, as if this was the right choice, and he offers a sad smile.

Dractarius's face contorts. He might think he should show no tears, that he should send off the martyr with a smile.

But Dractarius's tear ducts betray him too easily.

"Then..."

Following that, a short farewell time unfolds.

It's a bit disappointing when the event of holding hands with other bishops and reciting prayers is skipped.

"Lucifer..."

"Let there be light."

"Grant us your protection..."

"Please watch over the Priest. Always... always be by his side."

"Lucifer will watch over all of you."

Even each of the guards is not forgotten.

"We entrust you, Dractarius. Marianne's grace."

"Yes. Yes..."

"Cecilia, you are a person with a beautiful smile. So, please smile as you bid farewell."

"Sniff... sniff... Priest."

"Lucifer's blessings will be with all of you."

Everyone plants a kiss on the cheeks and takes determined steps toward becoming martyrs.

"Priest..."

Of course, there are those who haven't bid farewell yet.

'Right. You've made it here too.'

Surprised? You probably couldn't have imagined parting ways here. But now it's time to say goodbye. We won't meet again.

The one tugging at my sleeve is Templar Jenny, who's been watching me discreetly until now.

"Templar Jenny feels the same."

"...."

"Here's the farewell...?"

"Yes?"

"I entrust to you, Archbishop Dractarius. Truly... I have so many things I want to say, but... I want to express my gratitude in various ways. Though it was a short time... how much strength Templar Jenny became for me..."

"Why are you saying... saying that?"

Even if it seems like you don't have anything to do, there's plenty. Dractarius also needs someone from the Templars' side.

"I can't do that. This is absurd."

Well, you can't do that. You can do it.

"Priest... Priest..."

This kid is already a situation where the tear ducts have given out.

"Don't go. I can't send you. I can't send you off like this, Priest. Sniff... sniff..."

What do you mean, don't go? I said I'm going, what right do you have to decide whether I can go or not?

Truely, he still seems quite young. Unlike earlier when he showed a somewhat submissive appearance, his face is now becoming wet with tears and a runny nose. The situation changed too quickly, and I'm quite taken aback.

Since the prayer event, he's been sensing a growing tension, but still, it seemed like he could endure it... Yet, as the moment of parting draws near, it's as if he couldn't hold it in anymore.

The trembling jaw indicates how emotionally charged he is. Even the hands gripping my sleeve, and the gaze that says he absolutely cannot let go, convey the same sentiment. Maybe it's because he has realized the flow of events.

'He's not a fool.'

"Priest... So, Priest...Are..."

'Are you going to die?'

Actually, I might be going to die. It's reasonable to think that way.

But a white lie is needed.

Something that can reassure him...

"It seems I'll ascend to the surface."

"Yes?"

An angelic, pure white lie.

"I might go up to the surface and find a way to get help from others."

"...."

"With Metel."

If it's the Crack Guardian Metel, she's trustworthy.

In the end, I'm someone who will have to leave this place someday. I was only here by invitation, and I can't stay underground forever.

The timing were quite dramatic, but... the statement about receiving help from the surface seems plausible.

Of course, one wouldn't believe it. He might think it's a lie to deceive him.

"Lies..."

'Yeah, it's a lie.'

"Don't lie. Sniff... Priest."

But...

"I can swear in Lucifer's name. Templar Jenny."

This is decisive.

A benevolent lie, even Lucifer would forgive.

Though it sounds like a lie to anyone, they aren't calling me a liar.

In this extreme situation, it's unlikely there are such audacious youngsters who can lie in Lucifer's name without hesitation.

A benevolent lie for the hurt child. A lie that Lucifer would be pleased with. The innocent lad had no choice but to nod his head in agreement.

"Is it true?"

"Yes."

"Is it really... truly not a lie?"

"Yes, it's true. Although it's difficult to say I can immediately come down to the underground... Yes, I'll probably have a lot to do as well... Perhaps it might be difficult to return. I can't promise we'll meet again..."

Thoughtful consideration.

He nods his head and continues speaking. It's hard for him to understand, but he seems to accept it as the atmosphere dictates.

Even though it's hard to believe, he has no choice but to believe, even forcibly. It's the least painful option, given the circumstances – he's still quite young.

Unexpectedly, a voice mixed with tears is heard.

"Can I... Can I come to see you?"

Sure, why not? If I'm still in this damn world.

"Someday... Would it be okay for me to seek you out first?"

A gentle stoop, eye contact, and a head pat to finish.

"Yes, of course. Templar Jenny."

"Sniff... Sniff... I'll be waiting for the day we meet again. Sir Marianne, Miss Cecilia. Please take care of Jenny."

Naturally, I'm telling them not to let him follow me.

With that final word, I immediately push the door and leave. I don't bother looking back.

"Priest!! Priest!! Let go! I said let go!"

"...."

"Priest!..."

Sounds of protest reach my ears, but it's best to ignore them lightly. I was a busy person, after all.

The continuing racket and the tense atmosphere that feels like things are about to collapse any second envelop me.

Ah. And then... And then...

"Here you are."

Came right after.

"Guardian Metel."

"Where have you been all this time?"

"Yes?"

"Do you have any idea how worried I was?"

"Since you've confirmed that I'm safe, It's okay. You know magic, right? Can you create a path to Bahamut? No, it might be good to choose a location in advance. Oh! Have you been studying?"

"When would I have time for that? I still have so many questions to ask..."

"I've summarized them roughly, so don't worry too much. Rather, please help me. There's no time, but there's so much to do..."

Considering this chaos, she's probably not entirely normal either, it seems.

At this point, it's appropriate to call it an obsession. Of course, these kinds of individuals are likely driven by intellectual curiosity more than anything else, but...

'I'm fortunate to have someone who can lend a hand.'

As soon as Bahamut is done, that's it.

Within 8 hours.

Wait, how many hours has it been now?

"What exactly can I assist you with?"

"...."

"Well, more than that..."

"...."

"Priest. One eye."

"...."

What about my eye?

"One eye..."

I quickly take out a hand mirror and check my reflection.

"...."

My eyes in the mirror...

"...."

"...."

'Shit... Shit, you little brat... How dare you dare forget me?'

They had returned to their original color.

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With this. I have successfully translated all the chapters dyuwu sent to me. Again thank you so much for the chapter.