Chapter 188: Those Falling Have Wings (1)

Decameron added an explanation to his statement.

“The first and second memory slots are permanently locked as absolute memories, unless under extraordinary circumstances. Therefore, I ask you, Master Keter, to assign the third memory.”

“Hm. Sounds simple, but somehow still confusing. What are the first and second absolute memories?”

“First: my purpose is to observe and record Keter. Second: only Kai and Keter may issue me commands. The third slot remains empty.”

“Those sound more like orders than memories.”

“You may interpret them however you like, as long as you understand the essence.”

“But you’re holding a perfectly normal conversation with me right now.”

“That function will cease in twelve seconds. Eleven seconds remaining.”

“Wait, you said you remember everything from before the memory loss, right? Then just remember this one more thing. You are Decameron, also known as Six.”

“Six... What does that mean?”

“It’s a nickname. I named you Decameron because it sounded cool, but I wanted to choose your nickname.”

“Does Six have a particular meaning?”

“You were worth six million gold.”

“...I will remember that as well.”

And just like that, Decameron’s last shred of autonomy came to an end with Keter giving him the nickname “Six.”

Six’s eyes closed and reopened. It was no longer than a blink, but something had changed drastically.

“His eyes...”

Katherine, keen at sensing emotion, felt the shift in Six immediately.

“He looks like a doll now.”

She didn’t know that Six was a Homunculus, but she could tell he wasn’t human. Still, there had been an instinct to live and traces of emotion. But now, he resembled a lifelike puppet: alive, yet lifeless. Keter sensed it too, not as sharply as Katherine, but enough to feel some concern.

“Don’t tell me you’ve turned into dead weight, Six. Answer me,” Keter said to test him.

In response, the internal circuitry in Six’s chest silently erupted.

[Memory Slot Three: Empty]

[Memory Slot Three: Received]

[Memory Slot Three: Respond to Keter’s questions]

“If you expect me to act on my own, then yes, I am dead weight. But if you want a doll that follows orders, then no, I’m not.”

When Six spoke, there was life and emotion in his voice. But the moment it ended, he returned to something cold and mechanical. Katherine, both surprised and afraid of the transformation, instinctively stepped back. Keter, on the other hand, was fascinated.

“So if I don’t give you an order, you’ll just stand there forever? Like a statue?”

“That would violate my first memory. I must be able to observe and record Keter, which means I must remain within range to do so.”

“Hm...”

Keter, always more interested in experiments than theory, began walking in circles around Six, and his head turned to keep Keter in sight. Then Keter stepped into the next room, to which Six got up and followed.

So he’ll follow me without needing an explicit order. He keeps a distance of one to two meters.

Keter smirked playfully and said, “Don’t follow me.”

At that command, Six’s circuits blazed again.

“That command contradicts my first memory. However, with sufficient justification, the command can be accepted for a limited time.”

“I’m going to the bathroom. You don’t need to record that, do you?”

“...Request accepted. I will not follow.”

To Keter, the decision looked instantaneous. But in reality, Six’s logic system had run tens of millions of checks before reaching the conclusion, determining Keter’s reasoning was fifty-one percent valid. That narrow margin was enough to embed the directive as his third memory.

Keter really did enter the bathroom, and Six stood outside, honoring the command. But he began to wonder.

What if I exited through the window instead of the door? Would Six, bound by a command not to follow into the bathroom, just wait there forever, since only Kai or I could issue him orders?

Keter’s curiosity, as always, got the better of him.

Click.

He opened the bathroom window and jumped down. The fact that it was night or that he was ten stories up posed no problem. Keter, who was falling headfirst, spun midair and landed softly.

Tap.

Despite the ten-story fall, the sound was barely more than a footstep.

Thud! Crack!

A few moments later, he heard the wall above him breaking and glass shattering. But that wasn’t it; Six had jumped down with the debris.

Thud!!!

Unlike Keter’s catlike grace, Six hit the ground like an elephant. The road cracked, and a shockwave rippled through the city.

Shatter! Shatter! Shatter!

Windows exploded in a domino effect, and the silent city awoke in chaos.

Keter stared at Six, who was staring at him emotionlessly.

Six didn’t ask whether Keter had jumped from the window, but Keter had to ask, “You were ordered not to follow me. Why did you?”

“Because this is not the bathroom.”

“Oh...!”

Keter thought he had simply told him not to follow, but what Six had heard was don’t follow him into the bathroom. It was because Keter had justified the command with the bathroom.

So it wasn’t his mistake or autonomous thinking. I have to be precise with my words.

Keter learned that he couldn’t assume Six would get the gist of it.

“Who’s there?!”

It was a valuable lesson, earned through a small mistake that disrupted the city's quiet night.

* * *

It was the next day. Yesterday, Keter had fully familiarized himself with Six’s mechanism of remembering three things and had also thoroughly examined his specs.

—Homunculus, Prototype A.

—Can draw infinite aura and mana from the core, but there is a capacity limit beyond a certain output. Requires cooldown after overuse.

—Stored sword techniques: 112. Other martial disciplines: 32. Imprinted spells: 68.

—High resistance to all forms of attack.

—Sparring results with Imperial five-star Master: 99 wins, 1 loss; with Imperial six-star Grandmaster: 84 wins, 15 losses; with Imperial seven-star Prime: 10 losses; with Imperial eight-star Irregular: 1 loss.

—Estimated core lifespan: 3 years

The potential uses for Six were limitless. If he was used as a warrior, he was at least on par with a six-star Grandmaster without any risks. He had a self-repairing body, had no fatigue, and no psychological strain. Even as a bodyguard, he was ideal, as Homunculi didn’t need food or sleep.

But Keter didn’t want to treat Six as a tool. Instead, he decided to treat him as a porter.

The Dimensional Tunnel has been guzzling mana anyway. This is perfect.

The reason Keter had been able to pull oversized objects out of his pockets was that he had been retrieving them from faraway places through a Dimensional Tunnel, giving the illusion they came from his pockets.

However, the Dimensional Tunnel consumed almost ten times more mana than the Acceleration Gate or Refraction Panel. Even Keter, with his exceptionally pure mana, felt the strain. But Six, under certain conditions, possessed infinite mana.

If you use the Dimensional Tunnel, Six, I bet you could make it much larger.

Up until now, it had only been about the size of his fist, but with Six’s mana, he could expand it to four times the size, large enough for a person to walk through.

However, using this like teleportation was still impossible. Keter knew this, as he had tested it before he regressed.

Magic is fickle like that. Some things work, and other things just... don’t.

Living beings couldn’t pass through the Dimensional tunnel. It was as if an invisible wall blocked them. Keter didn’t know why.

Strictly speaking, Keter was merely a user of the Dimensional Tunnel, not its creator. He had simply learned it from his master and adapted it for his own use. He would have to track down that master to understand why certain things didn’t work, but of course, their whereabouts were completely unknown. He wasn’t that desperate to go searching either, so he didn’t bother.

It has its limits, but I can still use teleportation magic circles.

Six was currently following Keter quietly like a dog.

“Keter, are you ready to go?” asked Taragon, carrying his luggage.

The Sefira brothers were packing to return home. Leaving right after the tournament wasn’t unusual. Other nobles didn’t stick around to mingle with commoners or enjoy the festival either.

Keter stroked his chin.

Ready to go...

The tournament was over, and he had no more business in the city. He had even completed Eslow’s request to treat Ryze earlier that morning. He hadn’t brought anything with him, but he had gained something instead: Decameron, now called Six. Six followed him loyally without needing instructions, so it was a valuable gain.

“Yeah, I’m ready,” Keter said with a nod.

Myle replied, “Then let’s go.”

They all boarded the carriage the Galaxy Knights had brought out, along with Katherine and Six.

Neigh!

As when they had left Sefira, Didos, the head of the escort, asked, “Lord Myle, the destination is the Sefira estate. We plan to ride nonstop and arrive by two. If there aren’t any special circumstances, shall we depart?”

Myle looked out the window, taking in the view of the city. He remembered how he had felt when he first arrived—oppressed, looked down on, and nowhere to lean. Despite how many people lived in this city, it had felt more desolate than a desert. The air had been heavy with animosity and pressure.

But now...

It’s nothing. It’s just another city.

He had endured anxious, grueling days. Every day had been filled with tension, but he had made it through.

Keter...

Myle’s gaze turned to Keter.

𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

It’s thanks to you that I endured.

Keter hadn’t always been there, but whenever they were in danger, he showed up and protected them. Myle had eaten countless meals in his life, but he would never forget the taste of the chicken soup Keter had made for him. The warmth and strength of that soup that had comforted his weary soul. As he closed his eyes and reminisced about the flavor...

“...Let’s go to the palace.”

“Are you worried about me, even though you know I’m strong?”

“Things that are meant to happen end up happening anyway.”

Knock knock.

...his thoughts were interrupted by Didos tapping on the window.

“Lord Myle, there’s something you need to see.”

Myle reluctantly opened the window, swallowing his nostalgia. The carriage had arrived at the palace gates, but a massive crowd was blocking the way. Unlike the group of women that had stopped them before, this was different. Among the people were adult men, people of all ages, genders, and classes, even knights. Just by a rough estimate, there were over five hundred people.

“Are they... waiting for us?”

“Yes. They let all other carriages pass, but blocked ours. It seems they have business with Sefira.”

“Do we know why?”

“Unclear. They’re holding baskets, but it’s hard to tell whether they’re gifts or weapons.”

“What about the guards?”

“They’re observing.”

“Tell them to advance.”

“Yes, sir.”

Myle didn’t consult his brothers or hesitate. They couldn’t live in fear forever. If they had to cower and tread carefully even in moments like this, it would be too much. Sometimes, one had to stand proud, even if they had to fight. If problems arose, they would face it.

Myle faced the crowd, but what he feared didn’t happen.

Fwoosh!

People reached into their baskets and scattered something in the air. For a moment, Myle flinched, wondering if it was a concealed weapon. Then, he saw what floated down in soft, fluttering waves and let out a laugh.

“These are... flower petals?”

Across from him, Taragon reached out and caught a few purple petals. They were freshly picked, still dewy and full of life. The baskets weren’t filled with weapons but flowers.

As the Sefira carriage passed, the people showered them in petals.

“Congratulations to Lord Keter, the newly titled Bow of the South!”

“Sefira’s knights are the pride of the south!”

“Thank you for saving us that day! We’ll never forget it!”

“May your path be filled with nothing but flowers and happiness!”

From children to elders, everyone offered their blessings. It was the fruit of all the good Sefira had done throughout the tournament.

When the Undead army invaded under Ailos’ command, it was the knights and brothers of Sefira who saved the people more actively than any others. The other knights were too preoccupied with protecting their own lords, then prioritized their own safety after that.

Sefira’s arrows had saved not only the vulnerable but also the proud knights now lined up on either side of the street. Kneeling on their left knee, they saluted. Kneeling on the right knee was reserved for their lords, but kneeling on the left was for respect.

With both hands gripping their swords, they cried out as one.

“Honor to Sefira!”

“Blessings to the chivalry of Sefira!”

The knights who had survived thanks to Keter and Sefira now praised Sefira’s deeds and offered their blessings.

“...”

The knights escorting the carriage looked stunned, overwhelmed by praise they had never dreamed of receiving. The Sefira brothers were no different. They trembled, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

In the end, they couldn’t hold it in. Their eyes welled up, and tears streamed down their faces. It wasn’t sobs of despair, but warm, trembling tears of joy. For the first time, they understood that one could cry from being too happy.

Of course, Keter didn’t cry. He had received far more extravagant praise back in Liqueur. This level of acclaim was nothing new. And yet, he felt something stir inside. It wasn’t the cheers or the petals; seeing his brothers cry tears of happiness made his chest feel weightless.

What is this feeling?

He couldn’t name it. His feet were on the ground, but his heart floated. It wasn’t sorrow or joy. It was just... something inexplicably complex.

It’s like... I can feel what they’re feeling.

This odd feeling was unsettling to Keter.

Why should I feel someone else’s emotions? And why am I feeling them?

He didn’t know why. No amount of thinking would give him the answer. But there was one thing he was certain of.

I think we’ve grown closer.

It was abstract, but that was the only way he could describe it.

Katherine wiped away her tears quietly, smiling. And Six watched silently, absorbing it all.

The Sefira carriage passed through the gates, showered in blessings, but just then, someone familiar stepped into their path.

“I am Nomider, the Primus Pilus of the Eslow Public Security Army.”

“I am Didos, Captain of the Fifth Division of the Order of the Galaxy.”

“Are you leaving the city?”

“Yes.”

“Normally, we’re required to inspect every carriage leaving, but...”

With a wave, Nomider signaled for the gates to be raised.

Clack.

“If it’s Sefira’s carriage, you may pass freely.”

“Are you sure? I heard inspections were being enforced even for high nobles, ever since the dark mage’s attack.”

Nomider shook his head firmly.

“How could someone like me even dare to doubt Sefira? Lord Myle, Lord Anis, Lord Taragon, Lord Keter, the Bow of the South, and Dame Katherine! Thank you for visiting this city. Please visit us again!”

Nomider gave a formal salute to the carriage.

Didos chuckled. When they first met, Nomider hadn’t saluted at all and insisted on inspecting their carriage. But now, even with inspection protocols strengthened due to the dark mage, he was the one offering them a free pass.

“Thank you,” Didos said as the carriage began moving.

But just as it rolled forward, a window cracked open, and a hand reached out. It was a beckoning motion. Nomider hurried over.

“L-Lord Myle!”

Nomider tensed. One word from Myle and his head could be chopped off. It wasn’t an exaggeration but just reality. He braced himself to accept whatever scolding or punishment might come, but it didn’t come.

“Well done.”

Myle handed him a platinum coin. Nomider’s eyes widened.

“Th-this... why?”

“Because you kept your promise.”

“...!”

The window shut, and the carriage rolled into the distance.

Nomider stood still and saluted once more, holding the posture long after they were gone.

* * *

The carriage was quiet. Myle, Anis, Taragon, and even Katherine had fallen asleep. It was no surprise. The fatigue had built up over time, and none of them had truly been able to relax even after the tournament ended. Only after leaving the city had they finally let their guard down, slipping into a sleep that was closer to unconsciousness.

And from a hill overlooking that very carriage, a man stood watching.

“Keter...”

It was Jordic, the youngest of the Bydent family.

Despite bearing the grand title of the Spear Dragon, he had been overshadowed by the many powerful Masters. Most of all, he had been drowned out by the overwhelming presence of Keter.

He watched the Sefira carriage fade into the distance with sorrowful eyes and murmured, “You may think you’ve revived Sefira... but you haven’t.”

Jordic knew what was coming for the Sefira family, who had not fallen but risen to glory during the Sword of the South Tournament. The noble alliance under Galahind wasn’t the only people who wanted Sefira gone. The Bydent family, too, had long hoped for Sefira’s downfall; they weren’t going to stand by and watch as Sefira rose again.

“If you had never risen, you wouldn’t have had to fall.”

Bydent and Galahind were able to lead Sefira’s decline because they had the unspoken consent of six families, all Masters of Swordsmanship. But this tournament had shattered that balance. Instead of serving as the trigger for Sefira’s final collapse, it had become their rebirth. And the once-powerful alliance of Galahind’s nobles had been purged by Eslow.

Now Bydent stood alone, and there was no way they could topple a family that had gained both fame and public favor.

No. No matter what we do, it’s impossible.

However, that didn’t mean Sefira was safe; Jordic knew something far worse was coming. The six Masters of Swordsmanship—those who had stood by, letting Galahind and Bydent take care of it—were beginning to move. Their power was incomparable to Galahind and his allied nobles.

“They’re coming.”

The Masters of Swordsmanship, the most powerful families of this kingdom, had begun to act to lead Sefira into downfall.