Chapter 57: Like a Moth to a Flame (4)

 

Ascal and I came to a halt in front of the room where Arwin was staying.

 

The hand of the elf elder, poised to knock on the door, froze in mid-air.

 

He then turned to me and said, as if cautioning,

 

“Ah...perhaps.”

 

“...?”

 

“It might be better if we wait outside for a moment.”

 

Confused, I asked him, “Why?”

 

“Arwin doesn’t like the idea of becoming nourishment for the World Tree. She might not be fond of the tradition of saying goodbye to the World Tree either.”

 

Not liking to become nourishment?

 

At those words, I wondered why the image of World Tree’s leaf—to be specific, Arwin’s withered leaf—came to my mind.

 

Regardless, his explanation didn’t give me a reason to stay outside.

 

As I silently looked at Ascal, he added,

 

“...There might be an argument.”

 

Finally, I shook my head.

 

“It’s fine. Besides, I need to explain why the mercenaries left early, so let’s go in together.”

 

“If you say so.”

 

With that, Ascal promptly knocked on the door.

 

“Arwin, are you in there?”

 

“...Come in.”

 

At the responding voice, Ascal pushed open the door.

 

Arwin was sitting on a chair, dressed in simple clothes.

 

Around her, half-packed belongings were scattered.

 

It seemed like she stopped packing upon seeing the mercenaries leaving through the window.

 

She raised an eyebrow upon seeing me.

 

“...I did think it was odd that you left so abruptly.”

 

“The mercenaries had urgent matters to attend to, so they left early. You and I will head back tomorrow.” I spoke up.

 

“...Tomorrow? Why not today?”

 

A puzzled expression crossed Arwin’s face.

 

Ascal cleared his throat and continued the conversation.

 

“You have to perform the final ritual.”

 

At those words, Arwin visibly tensed.

 

It seemed she disliked the ritual, just as Ascal mentioned.

 

Her agitation only grew and her unfocused eyes waver.

 

“...Till the end...”

 

“I don’t like it either, Arwin. But it’s tradition. What can we do?”

 

Arwin’s lips, tightly sealed until now, trembled.

 

The more she showed aversion, the more perplexed I became.

 

Her resistance seemed much greater than that of other elves.

 

Was it regret for not leaving this territory sooner?

 

“...Ha.”

 

Finally, like a string snapping, Arwin lets out a sigh.

 

Then she shot a sharp glance at Ascal.

 

Her weary eyes were filled with a staggering amount of loathing, enough to even make me wonder.

 

“...Torturing me to the end... It’s all just hypocrisy.”

 

“...”

 

“If you really hated it, you would’ve let me go without acknowledging it. But you didn’t. So please, stop pretending to be kind. It only makes me angrier.”

 

I quietly observed the situation that I couldn’t quite understand.

 

I even considered suggesting that if she disliked it so much, maybe Ascal could refrain from the ritual—but it was not my place to interfere in another culture.

 

“...”

 

As we waited in silence, Arwin finally gave a feeble nod.

 

Ascal whispered at the nod.

 

“This is truly the last time.”

 

“...”

 

Arwin didn’t respond.

 

****

 

I followed Ascal and Arwin toward the World Tree.

 

Arwin appeared increasingly agitated.

 

She tried to stifle her emotions, but they inevitably seeped out.

 

Her cold, stoic expression momentarily broke, her brows furrowing for an instant.

 

Every now and then, she bit her lip as if struggling.

 

The usually emotionless Arwin was even trembling.

 

My confusion deepened as I watched her.

 

“...Are you alright?”

 

“...”

 

It was only after my question that she straightened her back, as if regaining her composure.

 

Once again, she put on that cold, emotionless face and didn’t answer.

 

“...?”

 

We changed direction as we headed toward the World Tree.

 

The meadow where other elves sat, contributing their essence to the World Tree, was not in this direction.

 

But Ascal and Arwin had apparently already determined their destination, and I had no choice but to follow them.

 

“Vice-captain!”

 

A voice called out to me from somewhere.

 

Turning my head toward the sound, I saw Baran waving his hand in the distance.

 

“I’ve informed Ner-nim!”

 

“Alright, take it easy!”

 

I saw the cheerful members of the Head Hunter Unit staying behind and smiling.

 

Soon, we arrived at our destination.

 

There, many elves—or rather, elders—were already waiting for Arwin.

 

It was clear that this final ritual was important, even the elders had come out for it.

 

Ascal touched his forehead in a greeting.

 

“Elders.”

 

“Ascal.”

 

One among the over ten elders greeted Ascal back.

 

“As for Arwin...”

 

“Yes, we will proceed...”

 

They began their own conversation.

 

“Vice-captain.”

 

Next, Gallias, who had been with the Elders, walked toward me.

 

The elf swordsman, who had honed his swordsmanship for centuries, smiled as he addressed me.

 

“Are you here to accompany Arwin for her final ritual?”

 

“...Yes.”

 

“It’s going to take a while. If you’d like, how about another round of sparring?”

 

I briefly glanced at Arwin.

 

I had been told the ritual would take all day, so I was looking for something to pass the time.

 

With a nod, I answered him.

 

“Yes.”

 

“...Arwin. Let’s go.”

 

Soon, Ascal called for Arwin.

 

I had wrapped up my conversation with Gallias.

 

“I’ll just see her off for a moment and return.”

 

“Alright. I’ll wait for you.”

 

I joined Arwin at her side.

 

Though I was not sure I needed to accompany her from here, after seeing her trembling earlier, I felt the urge to offer some comfort.

 

We headed to a small cave located beneath the enormous World Tree.

 

Before entering the cave, Ascal stopped and turned to look at me.

 

“Vice-captain, this is as far as you go. Beyond here, no one but elves can enter.”

 

“...”

 

I nodded in acknowledgment.

 

Then I looked at Arwin and said,

 

“Take care and come back well.”

 

“...”

 

Arwin looked up at me and turned away with a light, mocking laugh.

 

Like before, she made no reply as she moved into the cave.

 

She seemed quite irritated.

 

“...”

 

Ascal, left behind, briefly showed a face that appeared apologetic, then followed Arwin inside.

 

I watched as they walked away.

 

They disappeared into the darkness within moments.

 

I turned back and made my way toward Gallias, who was not far off.

 

Then, I gazed at the cave Arwin had disappeared into and asked,

 

“...All the other elves were sitting in the meadow; why did Arwin head there? Is it because it’s her last time?”

 

Gallias shook his head.

 

“...No, it’s because she’s special.”

 

“Special?”

 

“She was born with a lifespan that can stretch for 1,300 years. Naturally, she contributes richer sustenance to the World Tree.”

 

Then he looked at me with bittersweet eyes and said,

 

“Just think of it as one of our long-standing traditions.”

 

“...”

 

I nodded at his words.

 

As Arwin moved inside, the Elders also started to prepare to leave.

 

Gallias then spoke to me,

 

“Well, Vice-captain, let’s go. Let’s cross swords once more.”

 

“...Yes.”

 

I turned my body as well.

 

As I would train with him once again—

 

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!!”

 

At that moment, a piercing scream from a woman froze me in my tracks.

 

A wail intermingled with a cry of despair.

 

A shriek that raised the hairs on the back of my neck.

 

I looked up; the Elders and Gallias were still moving, undeterred.

 

Did I imagine the sound?

 

Everyone else seemed unaffected.

 

‘Ahhhhh ahhh ahh ahh!! ahhh ahhhhhh!!’

 

But the scream continued to echo.

 

“...What was that sound?”

 

Finally, I asked Gallias.

 

He looked at me and heaved a long sigh.

 

Then, with a face full of regret, he explained.

 

“...It’s Arwin.”

 

“What?”

 

My heart leaped as if just awakened.

 

“Her long lifespan requires a different kind of lifespan-absorbing process. I’ve heard that process is painful.”

 

“...What?”

 

‘Ahhhhh ah ah ah!! Ah... Haaa!!’

 

The following scream made the blood in my veins churn violently.

 

I never knew she could scream like that.

 

My eyes trembled uncontrollably.

 

Now, I started to understand why she detested the ritual so much.

 

Why she was so nervous and afraid.

 

I reconfirmed with Gallias.

 

“...You’re saying that’s Arwin?”

 

He nodded his head.

 

I let out an incredulous laugh at this absurd situation.

 

“...Ha.”

 

****

 

Arwin screamed once again, engulfed in her ceaseless pain.

 

For 170 years, the ritual had been an ongoing affair, but familiarity did not lessen her suffering.

 

Each time, she had to scream until it felt like her throat would burst, praying for the ordeal to end quickly.

 

Arwin tried to reassure herself that this would be the last time, but it was futile.

 

No amount of self-consolation could alleviate the pain.

 

All she wished for was for this agony to end right now.

 

After all, there was no other way.

 

No one among the other elves empathized with her.

 

And she could not simply opt out of her obligation.

 

If she didn’t go through with this, she had no idea what repercussions might follow.

 

It was better to conclude this filthy ritual once and for all.

 

But deep down, she felt wronged.

 

Why was she born with a longer lifespan only to endure such torment?

 

Why was there not a single soul to share her pain?

 

Why did everyone ignore her when she was screaming, and aching like this?

 

Arwin didn’t know.

 

- Thump...!

 

“Haa...! Haa...! Haa...!”

 

With an indescribable sound, Arwin found herself gasping for air instead of screaming.

 

The pain had disappeared.

 

For a moment she thought she might have passed out, but her consciousness was fully intact.

 

She felt a sudden warmth.

 

Exhausted, Arwin lifted her head.

 

“…Are you okay?”

 

Someone asked.

 

She realized she was nestled in the arms of a man.

 

Feeling uneasy in the absence of her pain, Arwin looked up at him.

 

She discerned his face in the darkness.

 

But she couldn’t believe it.

 

Why was he here?

 

“...Berg?”

 

Arwin rolled her eyes, trying to make sense of the situation.

 

The roots of the World Tree had detached from her body and were now at rest.

 

The wooden door that led to this room lay shattered.

 

It was clear that Berg had entered.

 

“...Haa... Why are you here... Haa...”

 

Drawing ragged breaths, Arwin asked with effort.

 

She still couldn’t understand why he was here.

 

It was a space where beings of other races shouldn’t be able to enter.

 

Slowly, her strength returned.

 

Pushing Berg aside, she sat up and struggled to regain her composure.

 

- Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump!

 

Soon after, the sound of numerous footsteps echoed, approaching through the corridor.

 

“...Keep taking deep breaths.”

 

Saying so, Berg stood up and looked towards the corridor.

 

Moments later, a multitude of elders and Ascal entered the room.

 

“What is the meaning of this!”

 

One of the elders thundered, the sound resonating in Arwin’s bones.

 

“This is not a space where beings of other races can enter! You should not be here!”

 

Arwin continued her deep breaths, struggling to understand the situation.

 

“Haa... Haa...”

 

With a foggy mind, she thought: Could Berg have willingly come here?

 

But that couldn’t be. There was no reason for him to do so.

 

Just then, Berg nodded his head.

 

“...I will leave.”

 

With that, he slided his hands under Arwin’s back and legs.

 

Arwin felt her body lifting off the ground.

 

“...and I’ll take Arwin with me.”

 

The elder continued to shout.

 

“Arwin is currently in the midst of a sacrificial ritual! You can’t just take her away!”

 

“...I can’t even take my own wife?”

 

There was a newfound iciness in Berg’s voice that she hadn’t detected before.

 

A lone human stood facing a multitude of elven elders.

 

As Arwin’s head gradually cleared, she had no choice but to accept that this unbelievable situation was real.

 

That Berg had come all this way for her.

 

That the first one to step up for her wasn’t one of her own, an elf, but a human, Berg.

 

Ascal stepped forward next.

 

“...Vice-captain. Stop it.”

 

“... ”

 

“This is our culture. You have no place to intervene. Put Arwin down and step outside.”

 

Berg, who didn’t even love her.

 

Their relationship was purely one of mutual benefit.

 

He had no reason to do this; she couldn’t think of any no matter how hard she tried.

 

‘...I was sincere.’

 

But then, she recalled what Berg had sworn just the day before.

 

The promise to make her happy and protect her as long as he lived.

 

...Could he be doing this just to keep that promise?

 

For just those words?

 

Arwin couldn’t believe it.

 

But before Ascal could convince him further, one of the elders shouted.

 

“Gallias!”

 

Through the corridor, Gallias also walked in.

 

Without a word, Gallias stared intently at Berg.

 

The atmosphere in the room was instantly subdued by Gallias.

 

“...Vice-captain, stop.”

 

Gallias spoke.

 

“...I don’t want to kill you. You’ve already crossed the line enough.”

 

“... ”

 

“As the elders said, this is our culture. Your comrades have already gone back to their homes. I understand the surprise, but let Arwin go. This is something you can overlook for just one day.”

 

Arwin also looked at Berg.

 

He had stepped up for her, but this was the end.

 

With Gallias stepping in, it was over.

 

Just as Gallias said, the mercenary group had left too.

 

Berg had no allies here.

 

Life was too precious; it was Berg’s turn to step back.

 

“... ”

 

Was it because Berg had stood up for her?

 

Or was it because her mind hadn’t fully cleared yet?

 

Although Arwin had been seeking Berg’s death, she couldn’t hope for it here.

 

She twisted her body to escape from Berg’s embrace.

 

Berg couldn’t say anything to her actions.

 

“... ”

 

“...Go back.”

 

Arwin spoke.

 

“...It’s our culture, just like they said.”

 

Suppressing her reluctance, she turned back toward the roots.

 

“...Because today is the last day...”

 

- Grab.

 

However, Berg forcibly grabbed her wrist.

 

This small action shook Arwin’s heart again.

 

Despite pushing him away, his actions felt like a window into her soul.

 

- Shing.

 

At the same time, Gallias drew his sword from his waist.

 

“...Vice-captain, this is your final warning. Let go of Arwin.”

 

Quietly, Berg took something out from his pocket.

 

Just moments before wilting, Arwin’s leaf became visible.

 

Both Arwin’s and Berg’s gazes met.

 

For once, she couldn’t avoid his eyes.

 

“... ”

 

“... ”

 

But nothing would change because of it.

 

Any further rebellion by Berg would be foolish here.

 

Gallias would subdue him.

 

Arwin shook off his grip and moved back toward the roots.

 

“...It’s done, so...go.”

 

She spoke again.

 

The roots of the World Tree quivered as if they regained consciousness.

 

Swallowing hard, Arwin braced herself for the impending pain.

 

- Snap!

 

But Berg grabbed Arwin’s wrist again and pulled her away.

 

“...Ah!”

 

Weakened, Arwin was led away from the roots.

 

She collapsed onto the ground, drained of energy.

 

- Clang...

 

Then, a wholly unexpected sound of metal rang out.

 

Turning her head, she saw Berg unsheathing his sword, locking eyes with Gallias.

 

The elders stumbled backward, bewildered by Berg’s decision.

 

“This...this fool!”

 

They cursed, practically spitting the words.

 

“...Step aside, Gallias.”

 

But Berg spoke with an unyielding voice.

 

Even with death looming, he stood his ground, like a moth to a flame.

 

Arwin looked up at Berg.

 

A human with no allies here, yet still committed to keeping his oath.

 

“...Because there’s no compromising on this.”

 

– – – The End of The Chapter – – –