The dark sky above was illuminated by the gigantic tree on the city center. Its branches engulfed all the sky on Alexandria, protecting it from the Superadicals beyond. It reminded me of the moon as it shone together with the flowers in colors, casting the night sky on the ground. The river was gleaming with the light, painting a surreal looks yet at the same time enchanting.

However, I couldn't shake the feelings of doom gazed above the sky. What if the rain poured and sent all the Superadical snow to the town? No matter unlikely (as it was impossible for water to precipitate at this cold), if a Radiant had interesting idea to cast down rain... everything would ruin in instant. No matter how vast the branches of that gigantic tree were, it could never protect all of the city.

This peace was like an illusion, waiting to be sweep away by the reality.

"Do you want to hear more or not?" Arthur asked me, "You've been munching snacks all this time!"

I chuckled, "Can't help it! The food here is amazing!" I answered and wiped of the grease on my lip, "So, what's next?"

Arthur squinted his eyes but then sighed, "Soon after the treaty, a deadly plague known as Nyght engulfed the world, claiming countless lives. The disease was indiscriminate in its victims, striking both the young and the old, the rich and the poor," the man took a bite on his snack and after gulping it in one go, he continued,

"Symptoms included a raging fever and seizures that would wrack the body, leaving the victim writhing in agony. In just a week, the disease would consume the body, causing blood to burst out from all the pores in the body. They would die slowly in excruciating pain."

"Oh my, that's horrible! So, does Hero Eclair save the world again by conquering the plague?" I asked.

Arthur shook his head, "She became the first victim who died because of the plague. And with her death, all hope is lost and the world fell into the dark age for over 90 years. Until one day, a Daemon Doctor came to Alexandria and claimed that she had found the cure to the plague."

... Oh that was why I never met this "Hero Eclair". She was dead before manifesting her destiny to face me.

I shook my head and asked, "Hmm, mind if I asked, could it be that this doctor affiliated with the Butter Order?"

"Sharp. Her name is Hollow Ataraxia... A Lector who betrayed the Order to save the world from the plague," Arthur pointed at the gigantic tree and continued,

"First, using the knowledge she stole from The Order, Hollow Ataraxia erected the Yggdrasil, protecting the town from Superadicals that caused the plague. Then, she introduced the wonder drug known as Mutterbeweisen, which quickly gained a reputation for its effectiveness. As word of the cure spread, the doctor's fame grew, drawing the attention of even the Mahamagi, the greatest magician who rule Alexandria.

For the greater good, The Mahamagi demanded the famous doctor reveal the Mutterbeweisen formula. However, she refused to reveal the secret recipe, citing that the world had not ready to know its secret."

"Mahamagi? You mean Lady Quina?" I asked.

Arthur looked reluctant as he nodded and continued, "Order was always just but also cruel. She imprisoned the doctor and had her tortured for days. But even after so much pain, Hollow Ataraxia kept silent. Impatient and angry, Lady Megistus ordered the Black Company to investigate the doctor's secret lab, to reveal the secret of Mutterbeweisen."

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... Secret that was worth so much pain, I wonder what actually behind the Mutterbeweisen is.

Arthur scratch his head and continued, "It's still the first time Black Company handled a case that complex, so the record is… Questionable. So, I could know what was written of the report, though," Arthur said, showing the Aobana curse etched on his neck. Waiiit... so he was also a Prisoner like me!

Ah could it be he paid his sin enough that he was entrusted to lead the Greyhounds? Then it was true, the Aobana would always engrafted on you, be it a prisoner or free people. This Lady Megistus, she truly loved to maintain control, huh.

I nodded, understanding his circumstances, "You mean, how the hell The Mahamagi found out about the Doctor's 'secret' lab, when she kept silent all the time, right?" I replied while enjoying the magical view around me. Arthur kept silent and took the night snack to me. Probably, my guess hit the nail.

Arthur sighed and continued, "According to the report, it was a scene of unspeakable horror. Dozens of pale, emaciated bodies hung limply from the rafters of the abandoned factory. Thick pipes connected each of them to a massive contraption at the center of the room, which pulsed and hissed as it greedily drained their life essence.

All of them feed a small tree that identical with Yggdrasil. At its branch, it bore apples that had similarities with the Mutterbeweisen."

The man walked to the riverside, "As soon as the contraception was destroyed, without even a trial, Hollow Ataraxia was executed publicly. The peace lasted for so long, until suddenly The Order came to the city again and started kidnapping our people," Arthur crossed his arm in pain, "Lots of people experimented and turned into hideous creature known as Anima. All of that for a foolish dream."

"Foolish dream? You guys already know their agenda?" I stood up too.

Arthur looked at me with grim face, "They tried to recreate Yggdrasil, so they could amass a tremendous magical energy through its root. All of that... to summon The Devil to this world."

...!

I averted my eyes and answered, "Human is always eager for meaningless endeavor." Even without The Order madness, I would surely descended and kill The Hero, if she was corrupted by The Loom of Fate.

Arthur shrugged, "You got that right," he held the fence and took a deep breath, "Beautiful, isn't it? Even though I know Lady Megistus is no saint, no, she is even crueler than The Order, yet her ideals allowed her to create this haven. Alexandria was the only places where people could smile in this forsaken world. That's why, to protect her ideals, I'm willing to put my life to help her."

His words were full of convictions, as if someone who pledge eternity to someone he loved deeply. I guess, the man had deep connection with Our Lady. Yet, it pained me when I realized, it was one-sided as The Lady put the curse on the loyal man. perhaps.. .she had her reason. Perhaps, she just couldn't believe anyone.

Lady Megistus and The Order, I had a feeling they were the reason why The Ideal White summoned me in this era. Could it be Lady Megistus had the potential to host Seed of The Hero?

After leaving the riverside, we continued the walk. The great tree of Yggdrasil stood high at the center of the town. Her light dimmed, simulating the nighttime in Alexandria. The cold breeze passed me as my body shivered.

...?

As I stood amidst the suffocating crowd, lost in my thoughts, a sudden warmth enveloped me. I turned to find Arthur standing behind me, his gaze filled with concern. He draped his jacket over my shoulders, "You're going to catch a cold like that. Let's hurry," he said.

"I'm a goddess, you know. I can't catch a cold," I protested.

"Heh, no need to act tough, " Arthur replied with a slight smile.

For a moment, time stood still as we gazed into each other's eyes. At that moment, I saw a reflection of myself - a lonely being lost in this vast world in his eyes. Now that I realized, if not for Arthur, where would I go now? Even though I was his enemy, he still treated me so well.

That kind of compassion, I had forgotten how warm it felt in my heart. But at the same time, it cruelly stabbed me with a sense of guilt. As I realized all of the people's pain, perhaps, at its roots pointed at me. The Devil.