Amphitheater (4)

I didnt know the day would come so quickly.

Kleio slowly turned his head. The boy stared at Arthur with a dry expression as if he had lived a century, one that held no surprise or fear. If anything, it seemed he felt a vague sense of liberation and relief.

Just tell me everything, Lei. As a favor. May you keep me in good faith as I have no choice but to ask.

Arthurs voice began to fade as he spoke. Even though he had lived several lifetimes, the prince was still young, so Jungjin thought he was unfairly wielding the calm of those who had lived a relatively long time. Of course, he had no intention of returning the tilted scale back in its place. He had a duty and a mission, but it wasnt his job to convey unnecessary truths to the protagonist. Disclosing all the details of his identity wouldnt be desirable either. It was beyond him to create original stories, but picking up some typical excuses was in his wheelhouse.

Arthur. Just as you and your brothers predict the future their own way, so do I. Also, as this world is vulnerable to you, to a certain extent, it is to me as well. As you may have guessed, I feel the world shake just like you

Arthur nodded. He was convinced in front of the deans office a year ago, but it was something that was never brought up until now.

My prediction was in the past, and it tells me of things that seem to happen again. As you guessed, it was posted in the form of a document, so there was more information than the visions you saw. However, as with all prophecies, it doesnt describe how it will come true The details are always missing. Of course, this power is not a curse, but the Goddesss unique skill.

Jungjin told no lie. Clio was also a goddess.

So how is that skill Can you tear the world apart like a stage backdrop?

This skill was given to me by the Goddess to exercise their will on earth. With the power of it, I can change what happened. As long as the Goddess approves it, like today.

Arthur exhaled a short breath.

Predicting what will happen is already enormous, but how the hell can you change what happened?

By turning back time. You saw it too.

That Can you say thats a human ability?

Its not; it is a stigma after all.

Then, when we first met, why did you do it to me?

I didnt want to get involved with you.

What?

I just wanted to live a comfortable life, different from the glory of the throne. I failed to turn back time when we didnt know each other.

Arthur had never imagined such a possibility. There were a lot of things he wanted to say, but he could only let out a silly sound.

Thats how you did this to my hand, right in front of the dean.

It was an accident. In the first place, ordinary people dont even recognize the turn of time, but you were the only exception as the Goddess favors you. Thats what caused your first unique skill, and thats why I know the limits of mine.

So, youre saying that you cant turn my time back?

Yes.

Despite the cold answer, Arthurs expression loosened.

Thats it. Its the beginning. Anyway, you saved my life, worked hard for my friends and me, and youve changed strikingly.

Arthur, my job wasnt great. If I hadnt caused an accident in the first place, this wouldnt have happened here.

Kleio decided to turn it to the critical questions he had.

Now, its your turn. So, Arthur, what more do you know about the world?

What are you talking about?

I already know that time gets tangled when my skill applies to you. The entanglement can be physical, but it can also be mental. There are no injuries, so this time its the latter.

Kleio added his fake conviction to the baited question as he triggered appropriate judgment.

[Appropriate judgment

You can judge whether an issue is true or false, and whether an element is appropriate.

*Caution: When using this function, 95% of the ether in the body is temporarily consumed.]

[Would you like to use appropriate judgment?]

The dizziness that assailed him today was more intense than usual. Faced with the emotionless Kleio, Arthur let out a deep sigh.

You know, Lei, not today. It has already happened. When you and I faced Grendel Oh, that mustve been the power of your skill too? At that time, you were shining like a star.

The golden ether of appropriate judgment wrapped around Arthur like a halo. It looked like a blessing, but it was only evidence of Kleios doubts.

Thats what the voices say. Youre the one who brought revelation, and you know the will of the Goddess. I thought they were just hallucinations.

[According to appropriate judgment, the answer turned out to be true.]

Kleio swallowed. This made it clear that any attempts to directly intervene in the protagonists actions, whether by Editors Authority or Diegesis, confused the manuscript. Also, now that Arthur recognized Kleios use of his skill, it was impossible to hide it. It was ironic that as his ability to intervene to correct the manuscript rose, the protagonist became more tangled up in it. Keeping the balance between those two things would be like walking a tightrope over a cliff.

Arthur, most of the illusions you hear and see have been real.

But its too much to believe. Goddesss agent, why the hell would you be with me, huh?

It was a simple question, under which held Arthurs suspicion. This kid had nothing to gain from him, so why did Kleio Asel promise him so much?

The Goddess wanted it. As a human, I dont know the reasons.

As always, Jungjin used only the truth in an untrue context. However, there were still many things that Jungjin hadnt said, facts that should never be revealed. They had to remain concealed for this to become a story. The protagonist must believe that all the events were due to his own pure will. Kleio examined the reaction of the third prince blatantly, expecting disappointment to appear on his face. His expectations were wrong as a calm smile appeared on his face.

Because the Goddess left our world, no one with divine power has been born. What, it was right next to me.

No, its not wrong. The Goddess isnt with us, and what I have isnt divine power, but etheric sensitivity. Lets make one thing clear: the will of the Goddess isnt yours, and the revelation that has come down to me isnt one for you to follow. You have to live the way you wantthe way you think is right.

Arthur nodded casually.

Well, dear, I have no choice but to live my own way because I cant see the Goddesss prophecy. But Im curious about this. My mother was a disciple of the Goddess. Did you know that in advance?

I didnt. Well, it would be a good story to spread secretly if you were crowned one day. Being the king of prophecy, the younger generation will love those who havent lost their faith.

Kleio replied with a heavy tone in jest, but Arthurs attitude was still grim.

I know now. If that was the Goddesss will it must have been absolute enough for you. Of course, you didnt need the [Covenant]. Thats why you were weird after meeting Archbishop Istoria, right? You were forced to follow the revelation.

Kleios obligations to Arthur werent fair, and he had quickly understood that fact.

Arthur.

But I hope you dont regret that you had to choose me.

After all his suspicions and delusions burned away, Arthurs remaining determination was indefinite. The boy held his sword and gathered his ether, causing a dazzling light to wrap around him.

Speak with faith. Lei, I have always believed in you and will continue to do so. Thats my choice; thats the belief I know.

Do you know what youre talking about? Im not making such an absurd promise to others-.

Oh, its done. Goddess, I didnt know, but youre my friend.

Jungjin was speechless at the solid innocence contained in his answer. The world around them began to collapse as the water reached their knees. The gravity of space vanished as up and down vanished. A rainbow was draped over an inverted beam of light as they floated. It felt out to Jungjin, as the water was a metaphor for baptism, and the rainbow was a promise that there would be no more extinctions.

This childs voluntary promise was incomparably stronger than Kleios compelled one. Arthur laughed in the scattering light. It is was a refreshed and clear smile, with his teeth exposed, like this crucible of chaos was some fun playground he had jumped into with his companion. If they walked together, even the moments of hardship wouldnt be painful. The water pouring around them boosted the reality of that moment.

This was the present. In this way, how could he regard their friendship in the past-tense?

Thats impossible.

Finally, Kleio Asel accepted the immediate reality in the midst of his resignation. He could no longer remain a third party watching the story from the outside.

[Users narrative involvement increases rapidly.

Cumulative rate: 40.3%]

[The author acknowledges the development as a blackout.]

[Unique Skill Editors Authority usage is reloaded. (3/3)]

[-The Prince of the Albion Kingdom- Chapter 2 is completed. Then, Chapter 3 begins.]