Kai: “You are… Athena? The god of the White Clan?”

 

Before me stood a beautiful young girl with pure white wings, reminiscent of an angel. She placed her hand over me, healing my wounds. Is this light a healing magic?

 

Athena: “Yes, I am Athena. You might call me the root of all problems. I must apologize to you. My apologies might not suffice, as I have done many terrible things to you. We had limited time and had no choice but to use that method. I hope you can forgive me.”

 

Athena-san’s eyes glistened as she lowered her head in remorse. I began to recall what she might be referring to.

 

Kai: “…The Trial of God It was a test for me to become your knight, wasn’t it?”

 

I remembered the trial in the golden Cube. And the time I journeyed through Lancelot-san’s memories, undergoing a similar trial.

 

Athena: “Yes, having journeyed through his memories, I believe you understand most of it. However, I’ll explain once more. The Black Empire is attempting to revive. Therefore, I had to entrust someone with those eyes. But I had to choose someone. Someone who possesses strength, wisdom, and heart. You were the vessel who could become a knight embodying all three. That was the only method I could think of.”

 

Many have died. Yet, after surpassing that trial, I inherited the Eye of God.

 

Kai: “So, it’s me. The Black Empire… You mean those black knights?”

Athena: “Yes, an empire with overwhelming strength and numbers. Our White Kingdom was on the brink of extinction. However, using my magic, I managed to temporarily seal them all. But it cost the lives of the entire White Clan and the world’s magic.”

 

In the distant past, during the age of myths when magic was abundant, it was Athena-san who sealed everything.

 

Athena: “The Cubes represent the fallen White Knights. They became coffins of sealing for my pitiful sake. Their light, their souls, are what make up the Cubes. And now…”

 

Athena-san then touched my chest.

 

Athena: “…that light has been entrusted to you and our descendants. You have inherited the light of many knights, along with the trial.”

 

The full clear reward was indeed for strengthening me. Only those with the Eye of God could fulfill certain conditions, and by clearing the dungeon, I would receive that light, that magic. The Cubes, the sealing boxes, were made to seal the beasts of the White Clan and the Black Clan.

However, I wasn’t surprised.

I already knew everything from the journey through Lancelot-san’s memories. The emblem of the golden knight must have been a guide to bestow the light upon me.

 

Kai: “What should I do now?”

Athena: “Right now, the black sorcerer who hastily broke my seal is targeting this world.”

Kai: “What?”

Athena: “And their ultimate goal is, of course…”

Kai: “Me… Because of this eye?”

Athena: “Yes, that Eye of God. If they obtain both the eye and the stolen Body of God, an unstoppable monster will be born. The world will end, and no one can resist. The world will forever be dominated by the Black Clan. We must prevent that at all costs.”

Kai: “…Odin.”

 

I remembered. The being with overwhelming strength that defeated the White Knights. Even Lancelot-san was on the defensive against him.

 

Athena: “I don’t know why my brother betrayed us. But there’s still time. Kai, the black sorcerer is after you right now. But I believe you can defeat him. Please, save this world. With the light of many knights you’ve inherited, I believe you can!”

Kai: “…Save the world? That’s a huge responsibility for someone like me.”

Athena: “But!”

 

She lowered her voice a bit, but it wasn’t in denial.

 

Kai: “If I were alone, it would be difficult. However…”

 

I stood up. My wounds had healed. I felt a bit dizzy from the blood loss, but I was recovered enough to fight.

 

Kai: “…I’m not alone. I carry the hopes and wishes of many. Plus, I have many strong allies on my side.”

Athena: “Hehe, I thought you’d say something like that. Please, go now. I sense unrest in your world from here. I can’t see exactly what’s happening, though.”

Kai: “What will you do, Athena-san?”

Athena: “…Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. This body is already decaying. I can only exist in this world for a short time. Once I’ve fulfilled my final duty, I’ll vanish.”

 

Athena-san looked a bit melancholic.

I recalled the throne where I received the Eye of God. The decaying figure there seemed like Athena-san. Meaning she’s already dead. She’s just using magic to keep her memories in this world.

 

For so long.

Whether for decades or thousands of years.

How lonely must she have felt during that time?

 

Kai: “…Athena-san.”

Athena: “What’s the matter?”

 

I hesitated. But their tragic end was too sad, too pitiable. I couldn’t help but meddle. It’s just my nature.

 

Moreover, he was urging me. Telling me he wanted to convey his feelings. The voice inside me was echoing with his sentiment.

 

Kai: “I journeyed through Lancelot-san’s memories. I felt all of his emotions.”

Athena: “…Yes.”

Kai: “He always suppressed his true feelings, knowing he belonged to the Black Clan. He kept his genuine emotions hidden, believing he could never confess. If he did, he thought you would accept them.”

Athena: “His true feelings?”

Kai: “Yes. But those deep-seated feelings never changed. They remained constant, always like a steadfast sword within him!”

 

Suddenly, my body was enveloped in white armor. It was the power of my true awakening, the armor of Lancelot-san, the most compassionate and excellent knight.

 

Athena: “What are you doing!?”

 

I, in that armor, turned and knelt. Then I let out all the feelings he wanted to share but felt he couldn’t. He had always regretted not saying them.

So, I gave voice to his heart, echoing his words through me.

 

Kai: “Athena-sama… On that day, I vowed to dedicate my sword and my life entirely for your sake. I resolved in my heart to serve you loyally as a knight of God. However, there were things I never could say. Words I’ve always wanted to express. The words my cowardly self kept suppressed…”

Athena: “Lancelot!?”

 

From my voice, my demeanor, Athena-sama understood it was Lancelot speaking through me. I took Athena-sama’s hand and gazed deeply into her eyes.

 

Kai: “Athena-sama, I… I love you. From the moment I saw you that day, I fell in love. I’ve always genuinely wished to be by your side, to be your sword. So, Athena-sama, let us perform the Oath of Loyalty here.”

 

Athena-sama, with tears streaming down her face, managed to speak through her sobbing.

 

Athena: “La… Lancelot!! Do you swear to become my knight and fight for me?”

Kai: “I swear.”

Athena: “Do you… vow… to eternally serve as my sword and shield for the greater good?”

Kai: “I swear.”

Athena: “My knight, Lancelot. Will you become my sword, my eyes… and do you… vow to love me?”

Kai: “I vow to love you… My sword, my loyalty, and my heart will always be for you. And if we ever meet again…”

 

I stood up and uttered the words he never could say that day.

Holding the sobbing Athena-sama tightly, I whispered.

 

Kai: “This time, I promise to make you happy, Athena-sama.”

Athena: “You’re late, Lancelot!! Idiot! I wanted more time with you!!”

Kai: “I’m sorry. I was weak. But next time…”

Athena: “You better! You must… make me happy, or I’ll never forgive you!!”

Kai: “Yes, I promise I’ll find you again.”

 

Conveying every ounce of feeling, I said.

 

Kai: “With these eyes, surely.”

 

With eyes shining golden.

 

—

 

Afterword

I’m moving towards posting every other day.

Thanks!