Chapter 89: Mimir’s Resolve and the Dragon’s Shadow

“All of it, destroyed…”

The Young Woman sobbed, her anguish echoing through the room.

Mimir silently bore witness, her eyes a maelstrom of emotions—pity, regret, sorrow, and a myriad of other feelings intertwining within her. She felt her words might have been too harsh.

Yet, Mimir would never retract those words, nor would she regret anything she had uttered.

Forseti had once shirked the ultimate end, unwilling to confront the war. Consequently, time and again, she had compelled Mimir, guardian of the Spring of Wisdom, to bestow its waters upon each new Odin, urging them to prepare well in advance for the fated day of destruction, all in an attempt to alleviate her own guilt.

Mimir understood that Forseti yearned for an Odin who could escape the doom of destruction, believing it would finally lift the burden of guilt from her heart.

However, through countless cycles, even Mimir had begun to forget the ceaseless repetition of time; no one had ever truly escaped the final destruction. Mimir’s inner convictions gradually shifted. She grew unwilling to allow Odin to drink from the Spring of Wisdom, and a new thought began to blossom in her heart: to kill Odin, thereby preventing them from ever acquiring the Spring of Wisdom.

Since destruction was inevitable, it was better to drown in happiness and peaceful slumber than to perish in agony and unrest.

If the outcome was always tragic, why could the journey not be a joyous one?

“Forseti, if you wish to stop me, then please leave. I will not change my mind.”

Mimir pushed open the door and looked back at Forseti, who was still covering her face, softly weeping. Through so many cycles, Forseti had firmly believed Mimir would wholeheartedly support her, but now, Mimir’s words had brutally shattered the hope within her heart.

“If you truly still care for these lives, then let them remain happy like this. Sacrificing two people for the happiness of everyone else—isn’t that a worthwhile exchange?”

“But, Lord Odin and Lord Frigga, what if this time, just this once, they actually succeed?”

Forseti finally reined in her inner pain, wiping away the tears from the corners of her eyes. She gazed at Mimir almost imploringly, but Mimir remained unmoved, maintaining her unyielding stance.

“You say that every single time, yet when has it ever truly come to pass?”

“This time, this time…” Forseti stammered, unable to articulate anything. She was like a child caught in a mistake, desperately trying to defend herself.

Mimir sighed, still projecting an unyielding demeanor, showing no sign of softening.

“Go, Forseti. You should learn to let go of those obsessions.”

“But, Mimir, what if there truly is a chance for them? What if, this time, they truly win?” Forseti remained undeterred, taking two steps forward, intent on continuing to persuade Mimir.

Unfortunately, no matter how Forseti pleaded, Mimir refused to yield, instead pressing harder, insisting that Forseti leave.

“…”

Finally, Forseti offered a wry smile. With a sense of helplessness, she moved to the doorway, a final flicker of hope still lingering in her eyes.

“Lady Mimir, are you truly unwilling to spare them?”

Mimir shook her head. Forseti exhaled a long breath.

“Forgive me, Lady Mimir, but if that is the case, then I may have no choice but to stand against you.”

“I must ensure Lord Odin survives.”

Mimir remained as still as water, carefully listening to the words Forseti uttered. Her aged face was etched with resolute determination.

She knew that everything Forseti was doing was utterly meaningless.

“All you are doing is bringing more suffering to the world.”

The Young Woman did not respond. She closed her eyes briefly, shaking her head as if to clear all extraneous thoughts from her mind. Finally, she gently opened her eyes, the tears entirely vanished.

“No, that’s not true, Lady Mimir. My grandmother told me countless times,”

“As long as there is life, there is hope.”

Uttering her final words, Forseti re-enveloped her body in magic and swiftly vanished into the depths of the cave under Mimir’s gaze.

After a long while, Mimir finally turned her head, muttering to herself as she walked in a direction completely opposite to Forseti—towards Fafnir’s throne, the tyrant’s resting place.

“Next, it’s time to deal with Arebos.”

****

“Ms. Roalsa, are we really allowed to just walk in like this?”

Meanwhile, Qing Yu and Aldoran had received an invitation from Roalsa. At Qing Yu’s suggestion, the three of them, along with Thrud, made their way to the zoo. Along the winding paths of the zoo, Qing Yu looked left and right, occasionally posing questions to Roalsa.

Thrud, beside them, was even less able to contain herself. It was her first time in such a vast zoo, and her curiosity made her want to touch everything.

“No problem at all, no problem. On the contrary, I should be thanking you. After all, you’re quite formidable combatants, and with your help, our burden will be significantly lighter.”

Roalsa was easygoing, and while answering Qing Yu, she didn’t forget to greet the passing knights.

“It is our distinct honor to be of assistance,” Aldoran replied politely to Roalsa.

In less than ten minutes, they arrived at Arebos’s exhibition hall. The hall itself remained unchanged, save for the addition of a multitude of vampire knights surrounding it. The knights had practically barricaded the entrance, forming such an impenetrable cordon that not even a fly, let alone a person, could pass through.

Inside the exhibition hall, patrolling knights were everywhere. Knights of various races formed neat ranks, meticulously guarding every suspicious spot.

Behind the barrier constructed of magical materials, the colossal dragon slowly glided. Its enormous pupils greedily fixated on the group, its massive wings subtly fanning, and low growls rumbled deep within its throat.

“As you both can see, we’ve deployed most of our forces around Arebos’s exhibition hall. Additionally, no one is permitted to enter here except for myself and Olivia.”

“But they probably can’t stop Fafnir, can they?” Qing Yu whispered, leaning in close to Aldoran’s ear.

“Yes, that’s correct. This meager force is absolutely insufficient to stop Fafnir. I am keenly aware of Fafnir’s immense power, which is precisely why I require your assistance.”

“Just recently, Commander Olivia sent messages to neighboring towns requesting reinforcements. I hope the two of you can help guard Arebos until the reinforcements arrive. Would that be possible?”

“But aren’t you here, Roalsa?” Thrud asked curiously. “I thought the knights would be enough if it was just about fending off bandits?”

Roalsa gently shook her head.

“While that’s true, Fafnir’s strength is simply too overwhelming. The Knight Order alone might still not be enough. Furthermore, Olivia and I have official duties that prevent us from constantly standing guard here, which is why we need the three of you to help.”

“I see,” Thrud finally said, a look of sudden understanding dawning on her face. “It seems Fafnir is indeed an opponent not to be underestimated! I thought she could only fight Lord Aldoran to a draw.”

“Thrud, didn’t you also go to that cave…?” Qing Yu reminded her, but Thrud just scratched her head with a laugh.

“I got lost back then, so I didn’t feel anything. And when Ms. Roalsa was explaining the situation in the cave outside, I wasn’t really paying attention; I was too busy thinking about what to eat for breakfast.”

Qing Yu was momentarily speechless.

“We’ve specially set up two small rooms inside the exhibition hall. Although the space isn’t large, it will certainly provide comfort for the three of you.”

Just then, Roalsa cleared her throat twice, drawing everyone’s attention to her.

“Aldoran and Qing Yu will share one room, and Thrud, you’ll have your own room. How does that sound to everyone?”

After speaking, Roalsa looked at the three of them with an inquiring gaze. She first looked at Qing Yu, who remained silent, instead taking Aldoran’s hand and awaiting Aldoran’s decision.

Next, Roalsa looked at Thrud, who also didn’t answer but watched Aldoran, earnestly waiting for her response.

“Mm, no problem.”

Aldoran didn’t hesitate, agreeing readily. She was also very interested in Fafnir, and now, a perfect opportunity lay before her; it would be a great pity not to seize it.

However, Aldoran then added a caveat.

“But as for Qing Yu, I think it would be better for him to return to the inn.”

“Eh? Why?” Hearing this, Qing Yu immediately tightened his grip on Aldoran’s hand. “Aldoran, why? I won’t cause any trouble.”

“No, I’m not rejecting you. It’s just too dangerous for you here. If Fafnir attacks, you’ll be in great peril.”

Seeing Qing Yu’s aggrieved expression, Aldoran tried to persuade him.

“I’m worried you’ll get hurt.”

Thrud nodded repeatedly in agreement, and Roalsa also began to persuade Qing Yu on Aldoran’s behalf.

“Exactly, Qing Yu. Leave the dangerous work to us. You just wait for our good news.”

“You know, boys are treasures of the world; they need to be cherished like flowers. So, I couldn’t bear to see a beautiful young man like you, as delicate as a flower, get hurt.”

“Don’t worry, I can definitely take care of myself,” Qing Yu insisted, looking reluctant and determined to stay. “Even if Fafnir comes, I’m confident I can escape.”

“Besides, one more person means one more layer of security, right? What if I discover something strange and can inform you in time?”

To stay, Qing Yu ignored everyone’s advice, continuously extolling his virtues to Aldoran and Roalsa, his face practically screaming, ‘I want to stay here.’

No matter how Aldoran and Roalsa tried to persuade him, Qing Yu refused to leave. Finally, Aldoran, unable to contend with Qing Yu’s stubbornness, could only sigh and agree to let him stay.

“Then you must absolutely be careful. If Fafnir truly launches an attack, you must escape as quickly as possible, alright?”

After agreeing to Qing Yu’s request, Aldoran didn’t forget to lay down conditions, which Qing Yu seriously nodded to, signifying his acceptance.

“Alright, thank you very much for helping us like this. Please rest tonight, and we’ll rely on the three of you tomorrow.”

Since Aldoran had already agreed to let Qing Yu stay, Roalsa had little more to say. However, out of concern for the opposite s*x, Roalsa made one last attempt to persuade Qing Yu.

“Are you truly unwilling to return to the inn?”

Roalsa asked, enunciating each word. Qing Yu nodded firmly, linking his arm with Aldoran’s.

“Very well then. Remember to be absolutely careful. If anything happens, tell the knights; they will help you. Also, if you get hungry, there are supplies stacked outside that you can take at any time. We’ll have daily provisions.”

“Lastly, I’ve already instructed the knights to try and keep noise to a minimum.”

With everything settled, Roalsa had no need to remain there. She still needed to return to the zoo’s temporary camp to await information from Brunhilde.

Just recently, Roalsa had sent another letter to Brunhilde, inquiring about the specifics of Fafnir’s plan. As of yet, Brunhilde had not replied.

Roalsa had to rush back immediately. She needed to receive Brunhilde’s letter without delay, even a slight delay was unacceptable, as only then could Roalsa devise a counter-plan as soon as possible.

So, after a few final words of caution, Roalsa waved her hand, bidding farewell to Aldoran and the others.

****

In the middle of the night, Aldoran and Qing Yu lay in bed. Aldoran was deep in thought about Fafnir, while Qing Yu clung tightly to her, as if she were a bolster.

As for Thrud, too excited to sleep, she had gone outside and started chatting casually with the patrolling knights.

“Aldoran, when do you think Fafnir will arrive?”

Since Qing Yu couldn’t sleep either, he decided to strike up a conversation with Aldoran.

“I don’t know. Perhaps it will be now, or perhaps tomorrow.”

Aldoran gazed at the ceiling, the bracelet on her wrist faintly glowing.

Although the exact time of Fafnir’s attack remained uncertain, Jess and Kills seemed to be growing excited. Aldoran could sense the eagerness of the two wolf-eared young women.

They were desperate to emerge and fight.

Aldoran gently pressed her bracelet, soothing the two battle-eager young women.

“If this dragon is released, it will surely cause immense destruction, won’t it?” Qing Yu murmured to himself. For some reason, the gem in his collar also emitted a faint glow.

Qing Yu’s heart trembled slightly.

A sudden reluctance welled up within him, followed by a warm current that slowly filled his body. Qing Yu keenly grasped the fleeting pity that had flickered in his heart.

“Aldoran, you must stop Fafnir, alright?” Qing Yu looked into Aldoran’s eyes, requesting earnestly.

“Of course. I will definitely stop her.”

Aldoran cupped Qing Yu’s face and kissed his forehead.

“But for now, let’s sleep. Once you’re well-rested, you’ll have the energy to stay vigilant tomorrow.”

“Mm!” Qing Yu responded, embracing Aldoran and falling into a deep sleep…