Chapter 55: Qualification (2)
I gazed at the corpse lying inside the clear chamber.
To be honest, I couldnt say it had an attractive body. The body was covered with scars as if the skin had been scraped off, filled with unhealed wounds. She was tall for a woman but shorter than me, roughly by a heads length.
Like firewood half-burnt, the charred remains of the body looked horrendously disfigured. It made me wonder what kind of torture turned a person into this.
The qualifications of a hero look like this. You understand a bit now, right?
Latera looked at me with a faint glint in her eyes. Regrettably, I didnt understand what being a hero truly meant.
No, what dont you understand?
Latera looked at me in disbelief.
Ill explain again. Specifically, what dont you understand?
Well, I understand that Kyrie was pitiable. She suffered endlessly without any reward and ended up dead.
I think the same.
Latera clenched her fist and nodded. Even from this small gesture, it was clear she deeply respected Kyrie.
It seems we have something in common.
Its funny to bond over such generic sentiments.
I slowly lowered my head.
The crucial thing is, I dont understand why you showed me that corpse. It felt like you were forcing it upon me, and its uncomfortable.
I frowned deeply and felt my expression darken. Who would want to end up like that?
Im sorry. I never intended it that way.
Latera bowed her head deeply.
Dont be too down. Makes me feel like I bullied a kid.
I reached into my pocket and pulled out a candy. It was a habit, and even here, my storage ability worked. Realizing that I had been restored, I was slightly taken aback but managed to pull out a strawberry-flavored candy.
You see me as a kid? Even so, Ive lived for 500 years
Hey, its just because youre cute. Cant deny that your appearance is adorable.
I guess I am quite cute.
Latera hesitated, then accepted the candy. Watching her puff her cheeks while moving the candy around, she indeed looked like a child. But she said she had lived for 500 years.
Its an appearance to make newcomers feel at ease.
Ease? Making them let their guard down so you can strike from behind?
Well, my senior always said that few people dislike a cute girl like me.
Latera winked playfully at me.
Of course, as you said, there might be that reason. However, my primary role is to guide the heroes who come here.
So, were there other heroes who came here before me?
No!
Latera answered with a beaming smile.
You are the first since Hero Kyrie. Youre the only one qualified to enter here in 500 years.
Only two in 500 years.
From what I understood, to enter here, you had to say the name of the magician that was erased from the world and possess the qualification of selfless devotion.
The conditions are only two, but theyre indeed stringent.
But Im not someone associated with such altruistic deeds. Ive never acted that way.
Really?
Lateras eyes narrowed. A faint smile crept on her face as if she was amused.
Hehe. Youre so bashful.
Latera circled around me, sometimes narrowing her eyes, sometimes widening them. Her expressions changed as if observing something fascinating.
What are you doing?
Observing your karma.
Karma? Like deeds? Is she checking my deeds?
From what I see, its no wonder you dont understand. Oh my, you have a whopping 500 penalty points. This is
Latera took a step back as if she saw something she shouldnt have. Judging by her rapidly changing expression, the penalty points must represent all the wrong things I had done.
I was relieved. I was anxious that the system might not apply here.
Its quite risky However, you still meet the qualifications, so you barely passed.
I paid attention to her words. Not because of the pass, but because of the risk.
Its really fascinating. With this level of penalty points, one wouldnt normally survive. This just shows how remarkable you, the hero, must be, right? You can still stand by me perfectly fine, even with this heavy penalty.
Latera looked straight into my eyes as she spoke. The somewhat suspicious glint in her eyes now made me feel more at ease. Before, her unfettered admiration felt burdensome.
What do you mean by wont survive?
If someone is deemed a threat to the heros abode, they will be immediately removed.
By who?
By me.
Latera cheekily pointed to herself with her thumb. The confident smile that crept onto her face was quite impressive.
Me, the guardian angel of this place! I will personally handle them.
What happens if you step in?
Wanna see?
No, its fine.
I glanced over at Latera. A girl whose height barely reached my chest. Black hair, purple eyes, and a confident face. The halo floating above her head gave the impression that she was a considerable being.
Lateras smile grew even wider.
Why not? I wanted to show you.
What if I get scared of you after seeing it? I might not be able to treat you the same way. You mentioned it was close, didnt you?
I hated being hesitant in my actions. If there was any hesitation in our conversation, I couldnt address the natural doubts that arise. I wouldnt be able to get any valuable information.
Lets move on from that.
I looked around the surroundings and then opened my mouth.
Have there been any intruders here?
Quite a few over the past 500 years.
Latera sighed deeply and turned her head as if looking through a transparent tube.
People kept breaking in, wanting something other than the corpse of the first hero, Kyrie. Honestly, it was quite a hassle dealing with them.
So even if someone isnt qualified, they can still enter this place?
What exactly was this place? Where was it located? I didnt recall such a place in my memories.
Of course. This place isnt entirely separate from reality. Its still on the continent.
Although I had those questions, I didnt voice them. Since our first meeting, I felt a prickly sensation all over my body. It wasnt easy trying not to think about the thoughts that kept popping up in my head.
Why are you so tense?
You really can read my thoughts, cant you?
I kept my expression calm. I tried to maintain a smiling facade, acting with a relaxed demeanor. Yet, this girl noticed my discomfort instantly.
The heros abode is like that. A place where thoughts and words are transparent.
It felt disgusting to have my thoughts read. The sensation of being naked in the middle of a busy street was enough to make me feel ashamed.
You were just naked and
Anyway, is this form the way my soul remembers me?
Yes. Even if an old man with white hair were to come here, hed appear in the form his soul remembers most vividly. The most radiant moment in ones life, and for you, Hero, it mustve been that period.
Dont you have a mirror? Id like to see my face.
Here you go.
Latera handed me a hand mirror.
I took it and looked at my reflection.
The first thing I needed to confirm was the scar below my eye.
As expected, it was there. It wasnt there before I came to this place.
Then, I looked at the soles of my feet.
There, I saw the symbols of Encia and Ophilia. The jagged symbols and entwined rose vine designs.
These were etched into my soul. Even if I were to tear off the soles of my feet, they would not disappear.
Ah!
Just then, Latera screamed.
When I looked up, she was swinging at me like when we first met.
What?! What is it?
Why?
Why? Those are symbols of a demon!
Oh.
Latera approached me, grabbing my collar and bringing her face close to mine. Her panic-stricken face was quite a sight. Her face had turned pale, and her lips trembled.
Did I do something wrong?
Have you gone mad? Which hero in the world makes a pact with a demon? And you did it with two?!
Its fine. I did what was necessary, and I dont regret it. Even if this means losing my physical body, it was my choice
Its tainted!
Latera cut me off. Her reddened face looked genuinely angry.
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