Journey to Become the Zenith

Echoes Within the Soul

Victor could hear the pride in Hudson’s voice.

Not arrogance...

But the confidence of a father who deeply believed in his daughter.

"As for whether you should visit her..."

Hudson spoke gently.

"That decision belongs to you."

"I won’t influence it."

Victor silently nodded.

Interesting...

One speaks like an old rival.

The other...

Like a father who simply wishes to see his daughter again.

The voices gradually fell silent.

The meeting hall returned to complete stillness.

Ruby and Natalia patiently waited for Victor’s response.

Although only a few moments had passed...

To them, it felt much longer.

Finally...

Victor lifted his head.

A faint smile appeared on his handsome face.

His golden eyes settled on the two Holy Maidens.

"All right."

"I will visit both of your temples..."

"...but only after I’ve finished everything I need to do here."

The moment those words left his mouth...

Ruby’s emerald eyes sparkled.

A bright smile blossomed across her beautiful face.

"Thank you, Lord Victor."

Natalia also smiled.

Though hers was gentler and more reserved, the happiness in her blue eyes was impossible to hide.

"We’ll inform our Goddesses."

"They’ll be pleased to hear your answer."

Victor stood from his chair.

"I’m looking forward to meeting them."

Ruby couldn’t help teasing,

"Are you looking forward to meeting the Goddesses..."

"...or the two guides who’ll be accompanying you?"

Victor smiled without missing a beat.

"Why choose?"

"I consider myself fortunate enough to look forward to both."

Ruby blinked.

Then she laughed softly.

"My..."

"You truly know how to make a woman smile."

She unconsciously stepped a little closer before catching herself.

Careful, Ruby...

You’re supposed to be representing the temple.

Why does every conversation with him feel so effortless?

She stole another glance at Victor.

He’s confident without being arrogant...

Strong without being overbearing...

No wonder Lady Videl speaks so highly of him.

Beside her, Natalia lowered her gaze to hide the faint blush spreading across her cheeks.

He compliments people so naturally...

Yet it never sounds insincere.

It’s... surprisingly difficult to stay composed around him.

Victor noticed the slight color on Natalia’s face and smiled gently.

"I hope I didn’t embarrass either of you."

Natalia quickly shook her head.

"N-No..."

"Not at all."

Ruby covered her smile with one hand.

"You definitely embarrassed one of us."

"Ruby..."

Natalia whispered helplessly.

Victor chuckled.

"I’ll consider that an apology, then."

Even Natalia couldn’t stop a small laugh from escaping.

The atmosphere became noticeably lighter.

Max watched the three young people with an amused expression before clearing his throat.

"Ahem."

"I suppose my work here is finished."

Victor looked toward him.

Max smiled warmly.

"I should return to the Royal Knight Academy."

"There are students waiting for an old instructor."

He then looked toward Ruby and Natalia.

"And you two should probably return before your temples start wondering where their Holy Maidens disappeared to."

Ruby laughed.

"You’re right."

Natalia nodded politely.

"We’ve completed our mission."

Max extended his hand toward Victor.

"It was good seeing you again."

Victor accepted the handshake.

"Thank you for bringing them here."

"It saved me quite a trip."

Max grinned.

"I had a feeling this meeting would be important."

He glanced one last time at Ruby and Natalia before smiling knowingly.

"And somehow..."

"I don’t think this will be the last time you three meet."

Neither Holy Maiden denied it.

Instead...

Ruby smiled confidently.

"We’ll be waiting at the Temple of the Dragon War Goddess."

Natalia gently added,

"And I’ll welcome you at the Temple of the Goddess of Justice."

Victor inclined his head.

"Until then."

With that, Max, Ruby, and Natalia took their leave.

The heavy doors slowly closed behind them, leaving Victor alone once more inside the quiet meeting hall.

Yet he knew...

The path before him had just become far more mysterious than he had ever imagined.

Saying to the Holy Maidens that he would visit their temple, Victor was off from Redcliff Mansion without disturbing anyone.

The afternoon sun was high on top of New Fantom City; its rays were cast upon the renovated city, shining with golden light. Citizens were all busy doing their own businesses; merchant shouts were heard clearly and the laughter of children could be heard resonating faintly at the distance.

Victor walk alone.

His face remained calm, but his mind was far from it.

The history given by Ruby and Natalia keep swirling in his mind.

The Ancient Continent...

The six great gods and goddesses...

Demon Lord Anos was betrayed by his own son...

Each question yielded more questions.

Unconsciously his steps led out of the city.

The sound of the civilization gradually faded behind his back.

The shady trees in the nearby forest welcomed him and cool shade covered his body. A slight breeze was blowing, which was toppled over the innumerable emerald leaves on top of his head. Bird songs were heard among the trees and somewhere deep inside the forest the sound of river flowing could be heard.

Victor slowly walked towards the direction and finally arrived by the riverside.

The clear, crystal water mirrored the blue sky like polished glass and flowed over the smooth river rocks. Wild flowers are blooming at both sides of the river and their aroma mixed with the natural scent of earth and water.

It was secluded.

It was peaceful.

It was what Victor had always wanted.

He observed the surrounding one last time with a gentle look.

Seeing that nobody was around, he extended his right hand.

Dark crimson light pulsed out in the air.

The beautiful dark black scythe Diana appeared silently before him and vibrated with crimson runes glowing under the sunshine.

Victor took a firm grip of Diana and raised it up slowly.

With a sudden sweep, the scythe cut through the air.

Buzz-

Invisible waves of energy radiated out from the scythe; layer after layer of spiritual force expanded in the forest before vanishing.

In a short moment...

An isolation domain appeared and surrounded the entire river. Anyone who crossed the domain will immediately be detected, which gave him ample time.

Everything was fine after he checked.

"This should be enough."

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