Chapter 316: I Want to Stay Here
Olivia's words struck Flamme like a thunderclap, overturning her understanding of that mythical era.
"Why did the teacher conceal this part of history?" she quickly pressed. "Is it because he didn't want to bear too much glory?"
In her view, Teacher Kurtz was omnipotent and possessed many titles. The first great sage of mankind, the oldest magician, the author of the first spellbook, a close friend of the Holy King Norn, and a god-slayer. Even if he were to gain another title as the one who slew the Demon King, it wouldn't amount to much.
In response to her question, Olivia spoke slowly and calmly, recounting that cruel, unknown secret.
"The first Demon King's real name was not Asmodeus, as recorded in history books, but Eric."
Although Olivia didn't spend much time with Kurtz and his group, Eric still left a certain impression on her. She never imagined that the cheerful, caring boy would eventually become a being corrupted by divine power.
"Eric?" Flamme felt the name sounding familiar. She quickly searched her memory, then her eyes widened suddenly. "Could it be that Eric? The one from the legendary hero team who shared the same hometown as King Norn and later followed Master Kurtz to save the world?"
Whether it's Eric or Olivia, their names and histories have long since been lost to time. Fortunately, it did not disappear completely. Traces of the other party can still be found in many ancient books, and Flamme discovered them while searching through them.
"Yes, it's him," Olivia confirmed Flamme's guess. "Eric, Norn's best friend, and a companion with whom we all once adventured."
Olivia included herself in the team, though she wasn't sure if she was qualified, but she couldn't forget the days she spent adventuring with everyone. Let's consider it a little bit of her whims.
Olivia continued speaking, and Flamme held her breath as she recounted that history.
"In that battle to kill the false god, Eric was corrupted by the god's power and suffered the most insane divine curse before his death, without any of us noticing."
Olivia closed her eyes. As the most perceptive member of the team to these powers, she hadn't noticed it at all. After all, everyone in the team was focused on Kurtz, who was being swallowed by the Black Tide, and naturally had no time to pay attention to others. Moreover, Eric did not show any abnormality at the time.
"That corrupting divine power gradually eroded his soul and twisted his will. In the end, everything about him was completely corrupted, whether it was his beliefs or his power, which were twisted into darkness that brought disaster. He became the first Demon King."
Even though she hadn't experienced it firsthand, Flamme still felt a suffocating sadness.
"He was plunged into endless pain and madness. In order to end his suffering and to prevent him from causing even greater disaster, Kurtz made that decision. Using the power of faith accumulated in this divine kingdom, he destroyed everything and freed Eric."
The truth, like a heavy tide, overwhelmed Flamme. She finally understood why her teacher had never mentioned this to her and why he had personally covered up this history. Indeed, Kurtz would certainly not be willing to accept honors earned at the cost of his former comrades' sacrifices.
Looking at the Skywing Clan elder who had witnessed everything, Flamme spoke carefully, her voice barely above a whisper: "Lady Olivia, why? I've never heard Teacher Kurtz mention you before. Even Ayla, Master Serie's disciple, who has been by Master Serie's side for hundreds of years, seems to have never seen you either?"
Ayla definitely didn't recognize Olivia in front of her, because Flamme had told her about the incredible feats of the two teachers from a thousand years ago. At the time, Ayla made no mention of Olivia.
"Kurtz has not mentioned me, and he has his reasons." Her answer was concise, as if she didn't intend to elaborate on the reasons. "As for why you have never seen me, it is because I have already sworn an oath never to step out of this heavenly kingdom again!"
"A vow?" Flamme was startled.
What kind of oath could make a powerful Skywing Clan member willingly exile herself to stay in this desolate Sky City for a thousand years?
Looking at Olivia's resolute expression, Flamme knew there must be a hidden story behind it, but the other party might not tell her. So she swallowed back the question that was on the tip of her tongue.
The atmosphere fell silent. Olivia seemed to think the conversation should end there, and she flapped her wings, preparing to get up.
However, Flamme spoke up at this moment, asking a seemingly unrelated question: "Your Excellence Olivia, I... I have a friend. In a moment of confusion, out of some selfish motive, she revealed something very important, with irreparable consequences. She is now confused, unsure whether she should tell the elders who have always guided her...do you think she should?"
Olivia glanced at Flamme with some surprise.
As a member of the Skywing Clan who had lived in seclusion for thousands of years, she naturally didn't know who the friend Flamme was referring to was, but that didn't stop her from giving her own answer.
"Since it's painful, you should speak out. It's wrong to bury everything in your heart and bear it alone. If the trust between two people is broken because of concealment, it will be difficult to repair."
Flamme paused for a moment, then nodded heavily, as if she had made up her mind: "I understand, thank you, Your Excellency Olivia, I think I know what to do."
She stood, her resolve settling over her like a cloak. She had decided that after leaving this place, she would go to Professor Kurtz and tell him everything that had happened because of her selfishness.
Flamme's gaze returned to the magnificent hall. She could clearly sense that it had been enchanted with an extremely powerful solidification magic, which allowed it to retain its original appearance without any damage during the spatial teleportation.
She looked at Olivia and asked softly, "I have one last request, Lady Olivia. If... if one day I wish to come back here, will it be all right? I mean, can I stay here forever?"
"Why? This isn't a good place for a short-lived human being," Olivia said frankly.
"Because it's very quiet here, one day I will cast a solidification spell on myself and then sleep here forever. This is perhaps the best way to both stay in the world where Techer Kurtz lives and achieve eternal existence."
Her words revealed an obsessive desire to be by Kurtz's side. Olivia listened quietly and remained silent for a long time.
"If your mind is made up, then you may come anytime." She didn't offer any enthusiastic promises, but this brief permission was enough for Flamme.
[End of Chapter]