Preparations began to unfold.
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The elementalists, sorcerers, and wizards immersed themselves in crafting the spell day and night while armies and soldiers bore tense faces, anticipating the imminent war.
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While the atmosphere at the barracks became more tense, Vera and Renee took a short break at Elia’s barracks.
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Before them lay a lake with stars etched into its surface.
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It looked too serene and beautiful for something which was soon to be a bloody battlefield.
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Thinking about that inexplicable gap, Vera’s thoughts sank coldly. Meanwhile, Renee sensed Vera’s mood and remained silent.
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Then, Vera broke the silence.
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“Won’t that be too much for you?”
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“The spell?”
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“...Yes.”
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Vera’s tone was cautious.
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Renee was noble and willing to step forward for others.
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However, she would be using her power.
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As this was exceptionally risky in ways they had never experienced before, it could directly affect her soul.
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That worried Vera.
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Though he couldn’t stop her because he respected and loved her, he was rotting on the inside.
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What if she gets hurt?
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Vera’s mind was incessantly poked by worries that she could disappear.
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Renee, sensing Vera’s concern, smiled.
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“I can’t be the only one to sit this out.”
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Her hand reached out.
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She traced the tips of his fingers and up his arm, past his shoulder to his cheek.
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“This is precisely the moment when miracles are needed. Stepping up at times like these is my duty.”
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Her hand, which was gently caressing his cheek, suddenly stopped.
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For a moment, she swallowed her words, focusing on the sensation she felt.
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Vera had been running around and trying harder than anyone else here.
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Renee knew that Vera’s nature was driven by his desire to save more lives through thorough preparation.
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It was his own promise to protect the land and everything he loved.
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He was fulfilling his duty.
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Not just him, but all the Apostles present were fulfilling their duties.
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“I am the Apostle of the Lord.”
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For this reason, Renee did not feel a shred of fear.
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“I am a maker of miracles. My mission is to step forward and assist the people of this land.”
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Renee had a smile on her face and felt confident in herself.
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“We’re all here to fulfill the duties bestowed upon us, and heaven is watching over us. Everything will be alright.”
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Though she spoke like a devout monk, Vera couldn’t help but laugh.
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“Your faith has deepened.”
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“Does it show? Do I look like a Saint?”
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“Yes, you’re undoubtedly a ‘real’ Saint today.’”
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Vera knew something, too.
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She didn’t worship the Gods.
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What she believed in were the bonds between herself and those she loved.
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Given her character, the words she spoke now carried an unquestionable sense of comfort.
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This was her own unique way of offering encouragement, laced with a bit of humor.
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Vera placed his hand over Renee’s hand, which was touching his cheek.
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“...Yes. With you here, we will surely win.”
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He felt like the softest touch was caressing his cheeks.
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That warmth filled his heart.
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The very existence of Renee was etched inside Vera.
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Overwhelmed by this, Vera smiled deeply.
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“When this war is over...”
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“Ah, stop right there.”
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“...What?”
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“That sounds ominous. You know, in performances, the one who talks about things like that is usually the first to die.”
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Renee’s expression hardened.
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“Let’s talk about it after everything is done and when we’re back in Elia. While we’re in the flower beds getting some sunshine.”
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Vera blinked.
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He remained dazed for a moment, but soon broke into a smile with a slight chuckle.
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“You don’t believe in the Gods, but you believe in superstitions?”
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“What are you talking about? I am a Saint, the Saint! Who could be more faithful than me?”
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Somehow, the tension broke along with their giggles.
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Vera chuckled along with her.
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In front of the softly glowing Lake Granice, Vera and Renee embraced the short respite.
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The sun had risen.
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The morning, still unable to forget the dawn, shone dewdrops everywhere.
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The dampness of the lake, the smell of grass, and the noise of the bustling barracks converged in the central conference hall.
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Vera looked around at the people present and spoke.
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“Everything is set.”
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The atmosphere in the conference hall was tense.
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A strange atmosphere arose due to the indescribable tension and fighting spirit in the air.
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For some of them, it was a familiar sensation that they had felt throughout their lives. For others, it was an eerie sensation they couldn’t quite get used to.
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However, not a single one of them considered retreating.
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It was a matter of course.
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All eyes in the conference hall were fixed on Vera, and on Renee beside him.
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The servants of the Gods were there.
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These people were here to prove the righteousness of this war.
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It might as well be considered a holy war because of the people present.
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Each of them were all important military figures from various factions, and their attitude toward the war was exceptional.
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To participate in a war for justice, rather than for personal gain, was the most honorable medal they could receive.
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Vera continued speaking.
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“We’ll carry it out at dawn, three days from now. We will lift up the castle submerged under the lake and head inside. Do you have any questions?”
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An elderly man raised his hand.
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It was Nedric, the King of Horden.
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It was him.
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“Will all the soldiers be going inside?”
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“No. The soldiers will stay here and guard the area around the lake. Since we do not know the effects of the corruption inside, only high-ranking knights and above will enter.”
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“Wouldn’t that make it more dangerous? Especially if they get corrupted and turn into enemies...”
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“That won’t happen.”
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Renee interrupted Nedric’s words and stepped up.
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Her white smile, filled with strong conviction, dispelled Nedric’s worries.
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“I will be going inside as well.”
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Flinch—
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There was a rustling sound in the conference hall.
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After that, sounds of held breaths and gasps were heard from different places.