Book 2: Chapter 489

There was no immediate response.

But it felt like something was lodged in his throat. Lukas suddenly wondered what he would say even if he opened his mouth at that moment.

While he was immersed in that feeling, Iris raised her lowered head once more. Then, she blinked her eyes once before speaking.

Would you like to have a seat?

Where?

Before he could even say this out loud, a table and a pair of chairs fell from the sky. He wasnt exactly sure how high they had fallen from, but it was definitely high enough for furniture made of wood to be smashed upon landing.

Nevertheless, the furniture completed the landing with surprising grace.

There wasnt a single sound, not even a rattle. It was as if they were stuck to a wall made of glue.

The table was a dining table. This was because there was food on the table*. Although the menu wasnt amazing. (*: The word for dining table is basically food table)

It was just freshly baked bread, soup, bacon, and a gla.s.s of milk each.

Iris sat down first. Then, she repeated her words, except this time, it was with her gaze. He had no choice but to sit in front of her.

Of course, that was all.

He didnt think he could eat carefreely in this place, moreover, in front of Iris.

Iris, who was staring blankly at Lukas, snapped her finger once more. This time, a cup of coffee fell from the sky.

He looked down at the steaming cup.

Coffee.

It was Lukas favourite drink.

But, of course, Iris didnt know that She shouldnt have known that.

She knew a fact she shouldnt have known. In that case, how did she find out?

It was obvious. Shed read it in the Void Records.

It suddenly felt like all of his memories lost their colour.

What shed just said made sense to him now. She had learned everything about Lukas through information rather than memory. That gap that they could feel between them would not be filled even if they were to make countless memories in the future.

He knew.

Serving coffee for him was her way of showing consideration for Lukas. However, that consideration had now become poison.

There was only a table between them, but it felt as if there was a thousand foot precipice between Lukas and her.

He took a sip of the coffee to get rid of that feeling. To his surprise, it worked. The aching in his chest subsided a little.

Now that he thought about it, Lukas realised that he shouldnt have been so affected by this.

He had already been given a solution for their relations.h.i.+p. Of course, it was just a simple conclusion and couldnt be called the correct answer, but at least it was something he could understand since he himself had deliberated and put forward. He just had to accept it.

Nevertheless, the reason hed been so affected was simply because Lukas could not have predicted this development.

Iris had learned about Lukas. And yet, she didnt seem interested.

Those two facts combined were the causes of Lukas confusion.

However, its over now.

He took another sip of coffee.

As soon as the mellow flavour flowed over the tip of his tongue and went down his oesophagus, the pain in his chest could no longer be felt. That was a change that surprised even him.

Lukas was now able to look at the situation with calm eyes.

Was this your doing?

Huh?

This furniture, it doesnt seem like they were simply summoned.

indeed. You are level headed and capable of quickly judging the situation. Just like in the book.

You must have been very fond of the being called Iris Peacefinder. However, there isnt even the slightest hint of agitation in your eyes as you look at my face now. It seems you were able to calm down and sort your emotions in a short time, just like it said.

I went off tangent. You asked about my power, didnt you?

Iris brushed her fingertips across the tabletop.

Thats right. Its not like summoning. I didnt move them from somewhere.

Did you create them?

Although Lukas a.s.sumption was unrealistic, it was highly probable. Although creation was by no means a power granted to mortals, Iris was an exception.

After all, she was the Apostle who had been given the authority of none other than Lord himself. She had trained that power for at least thousands of years to help Lukas escape, and even after Lords death, she hadnt lost her authority over s.p.a.ce.

Of course, her ability to create wasnt on the same level as Lord in his prime, who could create a variety of things from nothing. In fact, Lukas didnt think that Iris, whom hed simply shared his power with, would be able to reach that level.

However, perhaps

Its a bit different.

A whispered voice tickled his ears.

It is simply a copy of something that was recorded in this place. Perhaps it would be more accurate to call it materialisation.

Materialisation?

The table that was called here now is the breakfast that a man named Dumar Chester had on the eighth day of July when he was 47. Ah, the man named Dumar was not my acquaintance.

Lukas hesitated.

you have the power to materialise what is written in the void?

To an extremely limited extent.

Iris didnt seem to think it was a big deal, but it wasnt something that should be said so calmly.

It seemed that something unreasonable and extremely unrealistic was taking place.

In other words, Iris had successfully connected to the void?

How was that possible

It shouldnt have been possible for the vessel of a mortal to contain even a fraction of the information held within the Void Records, the Akas.h.i.+c Records.

It was quite natural.

The trick that Iris had displayed was only beginning to enter the entrance of the transcendent stage. If she became able to use that power as she pleased, she would be able to take out any creation in the universe whenever she desired.

She would be able to obtain an authority that was very close to G.o.ds, no, that it was safe to say belonged to G.o.d.

Are you not eating?

Iris spoke again.

I dont have an appet.i.te.

It hadnt been there in the first place, but it had fallen even more after the conversation just now.

Wouldnt it be better to eat? You seem hungry.

It was an accurate a.n.a.lysis.

It had been quite a while since they had entered the mine, and all hed eaten until then was the piece of flesh that hed eaten to comfort Pale. In fact, if he let go of his concentration even slightly, he would be able to feel his stomach complaining of hunger.

Lukas hesitated for a moment, but soon picked up the tableware. He didnt have an appet.i.te since he had just drank the coffee, but after eating a few spoonfuls of soup, his appet.i.te returned.

The simple meal quickly came to an end.

In the meantime, Iris read a book without paying any attention to Lukas. Looking at the cover, it was still a book about Lukas.

All of a sudden, Lukas wanted to read that book as well.

The people you know.

Without taking her eyes from the book, Iris spoke.

Most of them agree with Diablos ideals.

what?

They came to understand the ideas he advocated.

Lukas remained silent for a moment.

Do you mean the crazy claim about spreading death to the Three Thousand Worlds?

Yes.

Silence fell once more as he recalled Diablos claim once more.

I cant understand.

But even after thinking about it again, he still felt that he couldnt understand it.

Its not even sophistry. Theres no way the people I know would agree to that.

Right. Unless they all had collectively gone mad.

But Iris made a puzzled expression before nodding as if she understood something.

I guess you didnt hear everything from Diablo, did you?

He told me to hear the rest from you. Thats why Im here.

from, me.

Iris lowered her head slightly and lightly ran her finger across her lips. It was a habit that appeared whenever she was lost in thought.

Most things are recorded in this place.

Then, looking at Lukas, she continued.

Not everything, most things.

She repeated her words with emphasis. Then she looked at Lukas face. As if she expected to see some kind of reaction after he heard this.

But she didnt show any reactions to Lukas.

Iris was a woman who could perfectly hide her thoughts if she wanted to. Although she hadnt been easy to read in the first place, the unique light in her eyes had become several times deeper than before. In order to forcefully peek at her thoughts, she would have to be agitated or confused, but Lukas couldnt think of a way to do that.

In other words,

Lukas couldnt guess what Iris intentions were for saying this.

This place looks huge, doesnt it? Its just as it looks. This library is even bigger than the current world outside that has become a mega universe after the Great Fusion.

After saying that, she took a moment to catch her breath. He had the vague feeling that she was gathering her momentum.

Lukas

Had a hunch that what she was about to say was the most important.

But even though its huge, it isnt infinite. That is the truth of the world.

For a moment, Iris eyes seemed to become pitch black for a moment.

Nothing is eternal in this world.

Something.

He felt like this was something hed felt before.

When was it?

It was definitely not when he was Lukas, but perhaps it was when he was Frey.

The look in Iris eyes was similar to something hed seen before

-then you can go now.

What?

Or is there something else you want to say?

When Iris tilted her head to the side and asked this, he became speechless.

Of course, there was nothing Lukas needed from Iris. Because he hadnt expected to meet Iris in the first place.

Diablo had sent me here confidently. It seemed he thought that I would be able to reach some kind of conclusion.

I see.

However, that didnt turn out to be the case.

Lukas spoke with a complicated voice.

I still dont understand Diablos ideals. I still think of him as a risk factor, and I still havent changed my mind about killing him whenever I encounter him.

Nevertheless, that is all I can say.

Iris, what are you hiding-

It was at that moment.

The s.p.a.ce next to Lukas split open and someone suddenly appeared.

It was Pale.

You?

Without even looking at the bewildered Lukas, she looked around with a pout. Then, she revealed her signature bright smile.

I came to pick you up since you were taking so long!

How did you come here?

The entrance didnt disappear and its still open. Ah. That stupid skeleton ran away. Gloomy b.a.s.t.a.r.d. I dont like that guy. Next time I see him, Im going to kill him.

She crossed her arms while speaking as if it was no big deal.

Then, she looked up at the towering bookshelves as tall as buildings and muttered in a faint voice.

Hmm. Indeed. This place is

What about you, Lukas? Are you done with your business?

It was at that moment.

Pales gaze, which was moving around, finally settled on Iris.

For a moment, the two silently looked at each other.

It was Pale who smiled first. After making her signature wide smile, she suddenly grabbed Lukas by the arm and began leading him away.

Since youre done with your business, lets get going. The top seems a bit noisy.

Wait. Im not

Hurry.

He couldnt understand Pales suddenly rushed att.i.tude. Lukas, who was half led and half dragged, subconsciously turned back to look at Iris, and couldnt help but tremble.

For the first time, there was a ripple of emotion on Iris expressionless face.