"So… you helped them… make special firm wood?" Frisena asked after hearing about the concept, and I nodded firmly.
"It was something one of the villagers brought up. They've been using the firm wood for centuries, but they didn't even realize just how valuable those wood were.
It's wood capable of blocking heat completely. It cannot be burned because of its sturdy nature. And because the wood has withstood the cold temperature of the north for a long time, it adapted and evolved into the strong wood that it is."
"What is that wood called?" Frisena asked, and I recalled my memory of when we tried chopping the wood.
It was very sturdy. Very.
When I was fighting Camille in the forest, I destroyed only a set of them with a single blast, even though that blast could've easily flattened an entire building. When Camille blasted me through the trees, it genuinely felt like I was crashing through titanium walls.
"Everfrost."
That name, which was adopted by the village to become the name of the village, shall echo throughout the entire Avenor as the strongest material ever found. Wood that has been forged through the thick and thin of the cruel environment. And just like the wood, so has the people.
" 'Passing through the darkest reality into a bright future… Everfrost', What a nice saying." Frisena commented after hearing the village's slogan, and I chuckled.
I created that slogan. In fact, I was the one who found the wood.
I was walking in the woods to check out the place where I fought Camille, and I noticed just how strong the woods were. I brought it up to the villagers, and they all realized the potential behind these sturdy woods.
Not only are they easily renewable, since they're trees, but they're also stronger than titanium. What an insane find that was.
However, that wasn't the craziest find that I learned.
"You transformed this village… what an insane talent you have."
Three months after my attempt at rebuilding the village, Camille came back. This time, she brought allies with her.
A pair of knights in black armor. I know not of their names, but I know they are all under Camille. It seems like they came back for a patrol, and it doesn't look like they have any intentions of harming the people.
In fact, they are very glad to be able to see this sight.
"These two were from the dark republic. They were quite happy to see that a sprout has appeared at this village, which can give hope to the fallen country to rebuild once more." Camille introduced me to them, and the two knights bowed at me.
"I see. You're welcome. I'm just doing what I think is right." I replied to them with a smile, and Camille laughed.
"Yeah, right! You're just doing it because I told you to."
"Can you not expose me like that? Actually, I'm glad you mentioned the deal we made."
"Yeah, yeah. I know. The person that you asked me to look for.
It's very difficult, you know? Finding a young woman my age who can use a dark fire origin. However, I've been looking, and I've found a few. I still need more time, though."
A… few? So there's more like her, huh?
"I understand. Then, I'll entrust it to you."
"On the other hand, I have another thing I'd like to request of you." Camille suddenly said, and I opened my eyes wide.
"What is it?"
"Regarding my brother. He is… actually a little bit twisted."
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When I first met him, I just didn't think it could be a possibility.
Camille has known about Eric's… No, Axel's condition for a very long time. However, it seems like the situation with him has gotten far-far worse than she realized.
He has two origins, and that's nuts. Camille was even crazier for having three. However, those two had completely different stories to how they obtained their origins.
Camille started out with only having two origins. It wasn't until five years ago when she practiced with a certain master to try and combine the two into a third origin, the dark lightning origin. It was something that was earned through hard work, and it was certainly a possibility.
However, Axel's case is different. From what Camille told me, Axel was born with just one origin, the dark lightning origin. He began with just one dark lightning origin, and it has always been known that way since he was a child.
However… a lightning origin appearing out of nowhere…? That is not possible. Combining two things into one is apparently possible, but splitting one thing into two isn't always possible. And if it was indeed possible, then how come that guy can't use the darkness origin?
If he split the dark lightning origin into the lightning origin, then where did the darkness origin go? It just doesn't make sense.
Then, I simply realized another possibility. After facing an opponent that I've never even seen before, a demon with the light and darkness origin, I realized something about Axel that I couldn't have guessed before.
"Keep an eye out. There's a reason why I left him behind. It's because he is far too powerful for me to handle, and because he did something that was simply unforgivable."
Camille's words rang inside my head as I turned to face Eric, who was standing next to me within the arena.
His face looked as cold as ever, and I truly wished that what I am thinking right now is wrong.
There is only… one way to find out.
"Now, then!! With the tournament being over and the winner has been decided, it's time for the prize.
Eric Axwell! You have obtained one wish from me. Whatever it is that you've ever wished for in this world… I want you to speak it."
I turned the speaking device to Eric, and the guy turned slightly awkward. He only stared at me for a few seconds to see if I'm serious, but I'm already shivering as I held the mic.
"Then, let us give him an advantage.
People with hidden intentions… tends to reveal their wishes when they have the highest advantage. Only when they are winning are they going to reveal their cards."
Frisena's plan echoed in my head, and I am certain that this is the right thing.
"I'll set up some sort of event to cover up this investigation. We can make it as if we're announcing the 'Guardians' to the world, when in reality we're just finding out the truth."
And that truth… shall be revealed right now.
So… what exactly are you…?
Are you Eric Axwell? The lightning origin?
Or are you Axel Cleric? The dark lightning origin?
A demonic lightning, who will one day bring back the war demon…?
Eric picked the mic up from my hand, and he opened his mouth. I was very ready to take out my sword, and Eric began speaking into the mic.
"Uh… I honestly wasn't expecting to win. The battle wasn't even over yet, and I think there's still one guy that I have not fought yet." Eric said to the mic, and I opened my eyes widely.
… hmm?
Eric lifted his hand and pointed his finger at me, and I only kept my shocked expression up.
"My wish is quite simple.
Nathan Fiore. I want you to fight me."