"The Guardian, a title passed down through generations of Belobog's rulers, the one who watches over all her people—what people don't know is that they themselves are unwatched, unguarded."
This is not some proverb; on the contrary, it is a fact that almost no one knows, yet it lies there, stark and real.
Some might say that since they enjoy the privileges of being leaders, fulfilling their duties is only natural... but for those who bear all the pressure every single moment, do they really have any leisure to enjoy anything?
Don't forget, Belobog is a solitary fortress isolated amidst blizzards, constantly facing various enemies, with no visible future.
In such a closed environment, limited resources are bound to be visibly depleted, yet this is precisely the truth that the leaders absolutely cannot let the people know.
"So, the Stellaron you mentioned is the culprit behind the Eternal Freeze and the Fragmentum's erosion."
After clearly sensing that the man before her completely exceeded her understanding, Cocolia could only choose to blurt out certain truths. Upon learning these truths, Kevin stepped forward, eventually reaching a height level with hers.
"And throughout the past seven hundred years up until now, you still haven't found any way to suppress the Stellaron and the Fragmentum, while Belobog's geothermal energy is nearly exhausted."
"So, with everything having reached a point of no return, you chose to believe the Stellaron's temptation to open a new world, and erasing all traces of the old world's decay is the price it demanded."
Without any criticism, or even mixing in any subjective commentary, Kevin seemed truly like a rational observer, calmly narrating the cruel reality and Cocolia's choice.
"Even if the Belobog you are supposed to protect would thereby be completely..."
"Enough, enough, I said enough!!!"
Cocolia slammed her palm on the table, interrupting Kevin's statement. It's worth mentioning that one of her hands was already completely eroded by ice and snow for some reason; it's unknown how much sensation remained.
However, as Belobog's 'Guardian,' she possesses justifiable pride and undoubtedly loves this city countless times more than Kevin, an outsider.
Even if this is a powerful outsider whose background and attitude are unknown, it doesn't prevent her from raising her anger at such a time.
"What do you even know about this city? Its culture, beliefs, or even a handful of its history?"
"Those people always tell me that the Amber Lord's radiance forever shines upon Belobog, which is why it has stood firm amidst endless blizzards until now... but Fragmentum erosion has already begun spreading within the city districts. The total eroded area between the Overworld and Underworld is nearly ten percent."
"If things continue like this, even under perfect conditions where nothing goes wrong in any aspect, the time before the entire city is completely devoured by the Fragmentum won't exceed fifty years."
"Perhaps that great existence truly watches over this place. Then why doesn't It simply resolve these troubles in one go? Is It incapable? Or does It prefer watching this pitiful city be gradually destroyed and buried by the blizzards?!"
"You've never been in such a situation; you possess powerful strength that doesn't need to concern itself with these mundane trivialities. I respect you, but that's not a reason for you to look down from above and judge all this, outsider."
The usually calm and composed Cocolia suddenly burst out, telling Kevin things she had never told anyone else. Perhaps this was a backlash from emotions being suppressed to a certain extent, or maybe Kevin had also done something to guide it.
But, that statement about never having encountered such a situation—is it really true?
Fifty thousand years ago, upon learning that an unstoppable enemy would eventually arrive, he too had been lost. But they ultimately weren't like her, facing all this alone.
He also couldn't imagine whether he would have thrown himself into another completely unknown choice if it had been offered when Finality came. Because what's gone is gone; any conjecture or recollection is merely a hypothetical question.
After emotionally recounting all this, Cocolia crossed her arms and fell silent, simply looking quietly at Kevin.
She admitted her emotions had been somewhat out of control just now, but this outsider already knew everything he needed to know. She also didn't believe mere words could change this cold outsider's mind.
"According to your words, even if this city completely perishes fifty years later, that wouldn't be your problem."
In fact, she might not even live to see fifty years later; at least now Belobog still appears peaceful.
The cruel reality that sixteen generations of Guardians couldn't change couldn't possibly be entirely her sin alone. In fact, throughout the past seven hundred years, the Fragmentum expanded incessantly. What they left for their successors wasn't belief or wealth, but boundless despair.
Hearing Kevin say this far, Cocolia's expression stiffened slightly. Then she turned and walked to the window, looking down at this city countless people had fought to protect.
"Bronya Rand. Outsider, she was the first person you met when you arrived here. What kind of child do you think she is?"
"Kind and decisive, but too soft." Kevin evaluated bluntly.
"A fair assessment. She is indeed such a child. But as a mother, I understand her a bit more."
The moment of softness Cocolia displayed was brief, but Kevin could still keenly perceive it.
"Towards Belobog, towards everyone in this city, her feelings for them run deeper than anyone else's. Because of this, even if I, her mother, stood opposed to Belobog, no matter how much she hesitated, she would ultimately choose to pull the trigger... Even so, do you still think she's a soft child?"
"But from another perspective, that point is indeed correct. If she were to clearly witness Belobog's gradual demise after becoming the true 'Guardian,' and be forced to accept the Stellaron's temptation... this child would surely go mad."
Isn't this the best way now? All choices and faults can be borne by her. If successful, this world can welcome rebirth; even if it fails, Bronya can still step over her and continue forward.
"Is that so? This is your plan. I think I roughly understand."
As always, Kevin didn't offer any unnecessary explanations. He simply closed his eyes and turned around, then quickly walked to the end of the room.
"You may freely do what you wish to do... that is my promise."
Bang————!
The door opened and closed again. Left alone in the room, Cocolia ignored the whispers resuming in her ears and let out a bitter laugh.
"You truly are an outsider who is completely incomprehensible."
There is an illustration here; it can be viewed after updating the version.