As Rodbrock's vision reached the top of the steps, it suddenly vanished, as if beckoning Theo to follow. Nodding in understanding, Theo turned to the crowd behind him.
“Then, I’ll be on my way.”
“Be safe, hero!”
“Defeat the evil dragon!”
“Show us the hero’s miracle! Please!”
Leaving behind the encouragement of the crowd, Theo met Selperd and the others’ silent nods before slowly ascending the path Rodbrock had taken.
The central temple was far larger up close than it had appeared from a distance. However, its design felt rough and unrefined, much like Crimhilde’s own persona.
“Welcome, new Crimhilde. I am Marti, the custodian here.”
“You.”
“Yes, we met earlier today. Allow me to reintroduce myself. If I was impolite in any way, I ask for your forgiveness.”
The woman with short hair and dressed in white priestess robes greeted Theo politely. Theo couldn’t help but smirk, recognizing her as a member of Black Skull whom he had encountered at the Spinoza mansion.
“Forgiveness? There’s nothing to forgive. Moving forward, let’s ensure we foster a better relationship, shall we?”
A remark with layers of meaning.
Marti’s smile grew.
“Thank you for saying so. Your kindness suits you well as Crimhilde’s successor. Shall we proceed?”
Marti guided Theo into the inner sanctum without hesitation. Along the corridor, other priests stood in a line against the walls, bowing their heads respectfully.
“They seem to be well-trained martial artists.”
“Sharp observation. As this temple honors Lady Crimhilde, it doubles as a martial arts hall, training residents in her legacy.”
Yet, the aura emanating from the priests suggested they were no ordinary martial artists. Their discipline and poise resembled that of a well-drilled order of knights.
Though they might not compare to the warriors of Ragnar, they were undoubtedly impressive.
‘I never heard of them participating in any wars against Ragnar in my previous life. Could they be a hidden force of the Floating Islands?’
Perhaps, they resisted involvement due to Troyban’s influence, choosing to remain within the temple.
Theo felt as if he had stumbled upon an unexpected treasure.
“Even so, gathering everyone at dawn could not have been an easy task.”
“Please, do not think that way. We are overjoyed that, after hundreds of years, the mysteries are finally being unveiled. You can’t imagine how much it means for us to have the chance to protect the Floating Islands once more.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, and...”
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Marti trailed off, glancing around.
“Oh! Look at that light!”
“Is that really *Balmungr*?”
“It’s my first time seeing it in person. How beautiful it glows!”
“What exquisite designs!”
“I wonder if we could study it up close. It must hold valuable information about ancient magic systems.”
“Let’s ask once this is all over. I doubt Crimhilde’s successor would refuse such a request.”
“Yes, this light... I’m so glad I became a priest.”
The priests’ eyes were fixed on the Dragon Slayer sword Theo held.
With the seal broken, the sword was now radiating the majesty of a legendary holy sword.
“Just the fact that we can see *Balmungr* fully awakened feels like redemption for our long wait,” Marti said, folding her hands in reverence.
To Theo, who didn’t follow any specific faith, their devotion was intriguing.
‘To believe so fervently in a being that offers no miracles or blessings... remarkable.’
Though Crimhilde was almost a divine figure, she had never actually ascended to the Pantheon of gods.
Despite the limitations of her power, the people of the Floating Islands worshipped her without hesitation—a unique cultural aspect of the region.
‘Their faith will add weight to my own achievements.’
When they reached the heart of the temple, Marti suddenly stopped.
They were at the top of 99 steps.
There stood a bronze altar, atop which lay a platinum helmet, glistening brilliantly.
Protected by multiple layers of magical barriers and a glass casing, it was clearly a treasured artifact.
*Aegir.*
Theo recognized it immediately.
—The platinum armor that Crimhilde’s warrior companions forged over 999 nights, gathering starlight and moonlight for their hero’s journey against the evil dragon.
Bzzzz!
*Balmungr*, in Theo’s hand, began to tremble violently as if it were overjoyed to reunite with a long-lost companion.
Marti bowed and spoke respectfully.
“Please wear *Aegir*. Doing so will naturally open the gate to the Sea King.”
*Aegir* was the armor Theo had sought along with the secrets of the Dragon Slayer sword and Crimhilde’s legacy. He would need it to withstand the immense pressure of the deep sea.
“I heard the gate to the Sea King’s sealed area cannot be opened without the council’s approval.”
“The fate of the Floating Islands is at stake. How could Crimhilde’s descendants oppose such a necessity?”
Marti smiled softly.
‘So, she’s the one who paved the way.’
While Theo had pressed the council by leading the crowd to the temple, it was unlikely that access to *Aegir* and the gate would have been granted so swiftly without some intervention.
Perhaps the awakening of Crimhilde’s legacy had strengthened her influence.
‘I could use someone like her in the plans I have in mind.’
Conveniently, he had something that would entice them.
—*Nibelung.*
A secret art containing all of Crimhilde’s spirit and intent.
It would likely capture the attention of those devoted to Crimhilde.
However, that could wait until he had subdued the Sea King.
Ascending the 99 steps, Theo stood before *Aegir*.
Flash!
In an instant, *Aegir* trembled, the magical barrier dissipated, and the glass casing shattered into pieces, falling to the floor.
“Oh!”
“*Aegir* is showing a miracle for the first time!”
“It truly is as they say, platinum in appearance. So beautiful...”
Theo lifted *Aegir* and placed it on his head.
The fit was perfect, as if the armor had been crafted for him.
Simultaneously, his heart pounded with intensity.
Ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump!
‘What is this?’
*Aegir* resonated with Theo’s magic.
It responded to the remnants of Crimhilde that Theo had harnessed, causing *Aegir* to transform.
A wave of platinum light spread over Theo’s body, gradually forming a full set of armor.
Sssss...
The armor extended down his neck, chest, and lower body until he was completely clad in it.
With the Dragon Slayer sword in hand, he now appeared as if Crimhilde herself had come to life.
Or rather, he looked exactly like the statue of Crimhilde that once stood there.
“Oh!”
“He truly is Crimhilde’s successor.”
“Brothers, let us pray! May we follow the will of the one who has returned to this land!”
All the priests knelt in prayer.
Marti, too, wore an expression of deep reverence as she observed the miracle of Crimhilde’s legacy.
The platinum light surrounding Theo spread, illuminating the temple, and even shone brightly on the building’s exterior, dazzling everyone as if a white sun had risen.
Many residents gathered outside the temple fell to their knees or, like the priests, began to pray.
‘All of *Aegir’s* functions have awakened. I expected it to function only as armor, but perhaps it’s thanks to Crimhilde’s remains.’
Theo gazed down at his hands and allowed himself a slight smile.
---
**[Aegir]**
*Type*: Magic Armor
*Defense*: 350
*Effects*:
- +150% magic resistance
- Elemental resistance specialization
- Automatic repair of damaged parts
- Chance to nullify physical attacks when HP is below 25%
- +130% slash damage with *Balmungr*
---
According to legend, a fairy treasure’s true abilities only reveal themselves to a designated owner.
It seemed *Aegir* had accepted Theo as Crimhilde’s true heir.
With a contented smile, Theo looked down.
The altar that had absorbed the light dissolved, revealing a round iron gate below.
Etched with countless geometric designs, the iron door groaned as it slowly opened, sliding left and right.
Beyond it lay a dark, wave-filled world barely touched by light.
“So, you’ve come? I see now what you meant by being prepared. To come as the successor of my father’s only friend...”
Pontus’s voice echoed in Theo’s mind.
‘Are you here to stop me?’
“Not at all. Though it pains me as my father’s child, he never once blamed his friend. I won’t harm you.”
“That’s a relief.”
With a final glance back at Marti and the priests, Theo spoke.
“Then, I’ll be on my way.”
“Go safely.”
Without hesitation, Theo stepped through the gate.
Splash!
The icy water enveloped him, and the immense pressure bore down on him.
Bzzzzz...
However, the *Aegir’s* [Elemental Resistance Specialization] activated, alleviating the pressure.
He could even breathe underwater, allowing him complete freedom of movement.
Imbuing his eyes with magic, Theo also enhanced his vision with [Spiritual Insight].
Suddenly, the surrounding darkness brightened, revealing Pontus.
“We don’t have much time. Follow me.”
Theo pursued Pontus, descending deeper into the abyss.
They passed steep ravines and boiling hot vents until they reached a vast seafloor
plain, where the Sea King lay, writhing.
‘It’s... massive.’
That was his first thought.
Far larger than what he had seen in Crimhilde’s memory.
Had it continued to grow over the centuries of confinement?
With fierce magic gales emanating from it, even approaching any closer seemed impossible.
‘How did Crimhilde defeat this...?’
Natural disaster.
That was the only term that came to mind.
Even with *Nibelung* and *Aegir*, this foe was beyond comprehension.
“Will you be able to put him back to sleep?” Pontus asked.
“I...”
Theo was about to respond when—
Screech!
The Sea King suddenly thrashed violently.
Ba-dum! Ba-dum! Ba-dum!
The resulting tremors shook the surrounding currents, with undersea volcanoes spewing hot steam as if about to erupt.
The aquatic creatures accompanying Pontus scattered in a panic.
“Damn! His seizure started early! Usually, he’s fine at this hour...”
“A seizure?”
“His madness causes him to rampage periodically. It always devastates the surroundings.”
Theo now understood the origin of the strange phenomena troubling the Floating Islands.
“We must retreat,” Pontus urged.
“Wait.”
But Theo stopped him.
The dark, swirling aura emanating from the frenzied Sea King seemed oddly familiar.
‘Is that... necrotic poison? How did the Sea King end up infected with that?’