Chapter 6

14/4/16

08:30

"Deharm Milford, for now, your papa and mama, who gave birth to you, will always be by your side. Don't let the words of Empress Emporas get to you. You are mama's beloved son; the three of us are the royal family of Newtopia. You must be proud to be a Milford," mama said with a very serious tone.

"Yes, I understand. Mama must feel challenged by Her Majesty, the ruler of the Progeion Empire. I understand because she is indeed extremely dangerous; she often teases those around her who aren't captivated by her appearance," I replied in a flat tone.

"What do you mean by 'around her'? She dresses like that on purpose to tempt the people around her. You've been affected by her, haven't you? It's because you're a man. You're all the same. As soon as you see an attractive woman, you lose control of your desires," mama replied angrily.

"I admit it's natural for me to be attracted to something extremely beautiful, but it's not just men—women are also mesmerized by her charming and graceful appearance. On top of that, her voice makes people see her as friendly and approachable. Her behavior is also well-mannered and unpredictable, which adds to her mysterious aura. Truly, she is a dangerous woman," I said in a flat tone.

"So, she appeals to everyone. If you were to compare, who is stronger: mama or Empress Emporas?" mama asked with a very serious tone.

"In terms of strength, if both of you were serious, you'd be evenly matched. Even if mama uses the final form of her soulder, the Valkeyrise Salvation Form, it would be equal to Her Majesty, Emporas," I answered seriously.

"You seem to be taking this very seriously. Can she lift a huge building like mama?" mama asked seriously.

"The power scale of a creator is different. We measure it by the small energy balls that appear on a fingertip. One ball from her hand could level the entire Newtopia Palace in an instant. But that's not all; she can do it consecutively, producing 20 balls in one second," I answered in a flat tone.

I didn't expect a meeting to be held among the top officials of the Noctrune Research Institute, Earth branch. As far as I remember, I gave Chronos access to my research.

Considering this company is large enough to have its own area, I'm curious to know who runs all these operations, given the conflicts between the races and their backgrounds.

"She doesn't deserve to attend this meeting. Her presence will disgrace us all. I can't believe she's conspiring with that evil wizard. She must be eliminated now. Can you hear me, Sky Princess Ruby?" said the Righter angrily.

Upon hearing the voice, I slowly opened my eyes to see the main hall of this company, filled with mass media and political groups supporting the magic association.

I sighed and glanced around, noticing the ruler of the Elsyium Empire, who had changed her appearance. She now wore a white dress that showed off her figure, and her golden-blonde hair was neatly tied back, adorned with a tiara on her head.

Meanwhile, I turned my gaze to papa, who stood silently, staring blankly ahead, still wearing his military uniform. Finally, he turned toward me with a serious expression.

"Papa is not tempted by the Empress of the Progeion Empire, but her power is incredibly dangerous because it can charm other men. That's something very dangerous," papa said in a very serious tone.

"That's a natural phenomenon possessed by all Progeion bloodlines, both creations and creators. Even papa has it. It's a characteristic of great people," I replied in a flat tone.

"Deharm Milford, you seem to understand this topic very well. Please don't joke around, as this is a serious topic," papa replied in a very serious tone.

"I'm serious. Papa can look around. If people are staring at papa, it means they're interested in you, either positively or negatively, because of all your achievements," I responded in a flat tone.

Papa looked around, and I followed his gaze to see the senior members of the magic association staring at him. Among them, I noticed the ruler of the Elsyium continent, looking at him with a surprised expression.

Next to her stood Jeanne, wearing a white dress with her hair flowing freely and her golden eyes fixed on me. She gave me a small smile and gently waved her hand.

I returned her wave with a broad smile, looking excited, waving my hand in the air for about 10 seconds before adopting a flat expression and lowering my hand.

After that, I noticed the ruler of Elsyium gazing at me with a very serious expression. Then, I turned my gaze to papa and mama, who were looking at me with serious expressions.

"Deharm Milford, you have a friendship with Princess Jeanne. But to be greeted by the Goddess of Elsyia—now that's a surprise," mama said seriously.

"You could say we're just acquaintances, nothing more, nothing less, even though I've asked her a few times about the history of the Elsyium continent," I replied in a very flat tone.

"Using her to gain information—please don't joke. So your relationship with the holy Elsyia goddess is only that?" mama replied seriously.

"Getting close to her would anger many people because someone like me, who is tainted, isn't worthy of a relationship with someone as pure as her. So the best solution, considering my background, is to maintain a relationship as a knowledge-seeker interested in the history of the Elsyium continent," I responded flatly.

Mama remained silent, and I let out a long sigh. Finally, there was a long silence until a green cat-eared girl appeared in the main hall.

Her gaze was fixed on me as she approached, looking very serious. Behind her, I saw a creature made of stone with three pairs of sharp wings and golden eyes in its center.

Slowly, the three small dragons flying around me caught the girl's attention, and she reached to her waist, pulling out a green card showing an image of the creature, with the silhouette of a girl inside.

"Can you show me your mark?" the girl asked seriously.

"That card—so it's called a mark. Wait a moment," I replied calmly.

I channeled white energy into my left hand, revealing a white metallic bracelet on my left wrist with a silver metallic X symbol on a black background engraved on its top.

I grasped the protruding part of the bracelet, twisting it 90 degrees to reveal five clear glass card slots.

Two of the slots were filled. One card showed a silver-scaled dragon with red eyes, with the silhouette of a child inside its body and the word [Awaken] at the top. The other card had an image of a slightly older human surrounded by stars, with the word [Cross] at the top.

"Oh, so you keep them in that toy. Speaking of toys, so you really like toys. But what about the human mark?" the cat-eared girl asked seriously.

"The card given by the soulders as a sign that I have successfully conquered the darkness within my body. As for the Awaken card, it functions to release the power seal placed on my body," I replied in a flat tone.

As I tried to reach for the two cards, a black card slowly appeared. It featured an image of a person standing over a pool of water, with a monstrous humanoid silhouette with red eyes beneath, and the word [Knightmare] written at the top.

I immediately grabbed the card and felt a familiar power flowing through my body.

"Prince Deharm, and you—turns out you have a mark. According to the regulations, you are supposed to surrender that mark to prevent yourselves from endangering us, the people who have brought peace to this world. This has been approved by the Astra Dragons, so you cannot refuse. Your powers would be better used to increase the strength of the wizards," the ruler of the Elsyium continent said in a serious tone.

"As the one who approved it, I ask you not to do so because both of them completed their trials when they were children. According to my command, all powers derived from the last holy war must be eradicated," Solnova's voice could be heard in an extremely serious tone.

I scanned the area, noticing the serious expressions of the people around me, all directed at me. In front of me stood the white dragon in its doll form.

From a distance, the Righter appeared visibly angry, his gaze fixed on me, along with the other senior officials.

Meanwhile, the ruler of the Elsyium continent stared at me with a very serious expression.

"This is extremely unfair. Haven't our powers already been sacrificed for the sake of peace in this world? We have lost our powers to maintain this peace, yet Crown Prince Deharm Milford can still use his power. Doesn't this mean we can never use our powers again?" the ruler of Elsyium said in a very serious tone.

"Your Majesty, ruler of the Elsyium Empire, the command was to destroy all powers related to the last holy war. My power comes from something else," I replied in a flat tone.

"Really? If that's the case, could you tell us the source of your immense power?" the woman asked seriously.

"The suffering I've endured all these years. Over the past ten years, as far as I remember, twice you have poisoned my soul with the darkness accumulated from all the wizards in the magic association. As a result, I expelled it, and it became this card," I answered in a flat tone.

"Who gave your soul this darkness?" the woman asked angrily.

The woman fell silent, her expression extremely serious. I stretched out my arms and gave a wide smile.

"The holy skies of Unitopia have decreed a test from the holy skies of Unitopia upon the son of two heroes. As someone born from holy beings in this world, who has brought peace to this world, he must sacrifice himself to become a sineater—a being who will absorb all the sins of holy people like us to maintain peace in this world. In ten days after becoming a sineater, his soul will be sent to the celestial realm for punishment by the holy angels who follow the commands of the holy skies of Unitopia. If you dare oppose me, the great and mighty Righter, beloved emissary of the holy skies of Unitopia, then you too will become a sineater like him," I shouted loudly, with emotion in my voice.

I adopted a flat expression and turned my gaze toward the woman, who wore a serious face.

"A sineater? So you are a sineater. If that's the case, you should already be dead, because using magic with that darkness should have destroyed your soul. What kind of magic are you using to stay alive until now?" the woman asked seriously.

"I didn't use any magic. During the ten-day incubation period, I refrained from using any magic, allowing my body and soul to adapt to the dark power. You are remarkable for discovering a ritual to awaken human powers," I replied flatly.

"The awakening of dark power... Wait a minute, you should be dead by now. My daughter, Crown Princess Jeanne, is merely waiting for the sun to set to be sacrificed as a sineater. This is a very serious matter to me, Prince Deharm," the woman replied seriously.

"I'm serious. This is one of the advantages of having human DNA in my body. Go ahead, channel your dark mana into me," I responded in a flat tone.

The woman's eyes slowly turned red as she channeled thick black energy for about two seconds, which was then absorbed by the cat-eared girl standing next to me, who absorbed it into her body.

"I apologize, but we have strict agreements regarding the distribution of power. Please don't provoke our greatest energy source to increase your power. By the way, my subordinate informed me that you have a farm rich in aether energy?" the cat-eared girl asked seriously.

"Oh, yes. Plants rich in energy because they haven't been affected by magic. I have them in an agricultural colony near the moon," I replied in a flat tone.

"I think it would be difficult to see them because it requires a spaceship to get there. The quality of food on this planet has been deteriorating due to the large number of magic users," the cat-eared girl replied seriously.

"Would you like to try it? I've already solved that issue by packaging the food from the farm," I replied in a flat tone.

Finally, one of the small gray dragons handed the cat-eared woman a small lunchbox wrapped in black packaging. She put the card back into her waist pouch and accepted the lunchbox.

She opened it, revealing slices of watermelon, which she picked up, her expression showing great surprise as she sniffed it.

"The scent of natural fruit. You didn't use magic to add artificial flavor," the girl said in surprise.

"No, magic would ruin the taste. So I did it naturally," I replied in a flat tone.

The woman began eating the watermelon, her surprised expression growing as she devoured the rest of it.

I then turned my gaze to papa and mama, who were looking at me curiously.

"Deharm, my son. That's right—your space station was built so you could cook without being disturbed by us. If you can use dark magic, mama will teach you various techniques that will earn you high respect in the magic association," mama said seriously.

"I could do that, but I've sworn never to learn it because dark magic traumatized me," I replied very flatly.

"Mama doesn't understand. Why are you afraid of such great power?" mama asked seriously.

The girl placed the watermelon rind back in the lunchbox. I sighed as I channeled dark energy into my hand, and the watermelon emitted a golden glow.

"Deharm, this is a good start for magic," mama said excitedly.

Slowly, the watermelon turned red before crumbling into ashes that fell to the floor. I turned to papa and mama, who were staring at the ashes.

"I refuse to use it until I've fully studied the magic you've been using. Do you want me to kill people and turn them to ash when I touch them?" I asked seriously.

"Deharm Milford, my son. Of course not. Even mama is confused as to why the watermelon turned to ash. I understand now. This must be the pinnacle of the magic taught to the younger generation. Mama won't force you to use it again because this magic is very different from the magic mama uses. It's forbidden magic from the Holy Empire of Unitopia, which we consider taboo. Did the Righter teach this magic to the younger generation?" mama asked very seriously.

Oh no, I've just unlocked a forbidden seal that should never have been opened.

"If the three small dragons had done it, yes. But the technique just now was a technique derived from human inner strength. It's a technique developed by humans to face angels, based on our energy blasts. This technique has been passed down from generation to generation by humans to protect themselves from aliens. However, this technique was erased during the occupation of the Holy Empire of Unitopia because it was deemed unworthy, as humans are weak creatures who inherently cannot use any power, considered lower than the bestia. Where did you learn it?" Solnova asked, with a curious tone.

"Anime cartoons I watched as a child, which adapted stories from the dark era. To pass the time, I often mimicked the poses of the characters I thought were cool when I was younger. I even learned about you, the Astra dragons, from there," I replied in a flat tone.

"Cartoons, anime—how interesting. So you already knew the secret. Can you explain how far I was mentioned in that anime? I want to know my popularity among the otaku," Solnova responded in a serious tone.

"You are an important character, although rarely seen, but extremely crucial. Your body was used as the foundation to keep Celestial City standing before its collapse. But as far as I remember, you also had a brief fight scene with Celestron Dragia, the giant dragon weapon designed to destroy Earth before joining Chronos and Tempest in the Trinity magic combination," I responded in a flat tone.

"That is quite accurate. I didn't expect history to live on among the otaku. Hmm, I guess I've been too harsh on you all. But weren't all digital videos destroyed during the last holy war?" Solnova responded seriously.

"Oh, I copied it from the soulder database. Remember, the soulders love collecting various things from the worlds they visit, especially if their names are mentioned. Even the Knightmare case is important because of their name. If you want to see it, you can submit a request to them," I replied in a flat tone.

"That's a good idea. If they enjoy collecting such things, that means they have copies of all the figures and paintings I acquired from the modern era. After this meeting, your new headquarters must display all those collected items in the main room. Understood?" Solnova responded seriously.

"Huh? But I'm supposed to return to Grandpa's penthouse," I asked curiously.

"Manari sold Manari Tower because the stone used to build it came from the last holy war, which is quite popular among the Progeion who buy it for 20 million zenark each as souvenirs. If I may ask, what is your hobby in collecting seemingly unimportant things like that?" Solnova asked seriously.

"It's not unimportant. These items are silent witnesses to the changes that occurred in the worlds visited and are studied by the Progeion to increase their knowledge. As proof, they are required to bring back something related to that history so they are not considered liars," I replied in a flat tone.

"Really? So you observe conflicts in a world to study them and apply the lessons to yourselves. In that case, Earth is a perfect subject for the Progeion. Don't you desire shining gold instead?" Solnova asked seriously.

"Gold? It holds no value to us, except for transactions with societies in this world. For us, the most important thing is the experience of solving problems. You know that Progeion like me naturally grow stronger every time we encounter an unsolvable problem. We naturally become stronger to ensure victory and earn praise from fellow Progeion," I replied in a flat tone.

"So you, too, desire praise. Come here, let me praise you—you are truly incredible for defeating the Righter," Solnova responded in a serious tone.

"That's true, but I think I'm tired of being praised for my strength. Maybe it's because my humanity has awakened. Unless it's praise for my cooking, I won't accept it. If you want to call me an attention-seeker, I'll accept that with open arms," I replied in a flat tone.

"Your words are true, but you don't cause problems, which in itself earns you praise. You are someone who can control yourself when it comes to choosing problems. I think everyone should follow your example—helping with a sincere heart without judging others by their background or appearance," Solnova responded seriously.

"That's not because I'm wise, but because I'm tired of being seen as just a tool to solve other people's problems. Since I was a child, I was kept alive because I was seen as a complement to papa and mama's happy family. Then, I was used as a sineater for the children of the sky and experimented on by the Templars. I just want to live a normal life without problems, but this world keeps dragging me into them," I responded in a flat tone.

"Complaining... a normal reaction. But it seems you've already found the answer," Solnova responded seriously.

"Yes, solve the problem like a normal person, and don't involve the powers I possess unless necessary," I responded in a flat tone.

"So this is why you never use your powers unless the situation forces you. You are already fit to lead the White Faction, Deharm Milford, even at such a young age!" Solnova responded seriously.

"If I become the leader of the White Faction, I'll be too busy with political affairs between factions. I'll be so busy that I won't have time to cook. And who will prepare meals for you when you get bored?" I asked in a flat tone.

The white dragon nodded as it stared at me. Slowly, a white scroll with golden embroidery appeared on its tail as it flew toward the cat-eared girl.

"With this, I officially support the Noctrune Research Institute for whatever happens. This meeting no longer needs to take place. I'll borrow Deharm Milford for now because I want him to cook me a dish from the old era," Solnova said seriously.

The cat-eared girl wore a very serious expression as she glanced at me.

"Oh great Solnova, we have procedures we must follow, and we still need him to help develop the anti-elixir serum because many people are suffering," the girl said seriously.

"I'll send my trusted people to assist with your research, as I did before," Solnova responded seriously.

"We can't accept them. They always sabotage our research progress, and they don't have the expertise in this area. Besides, if many people regain their humanity, they will start feeling hunger again and need food. I promise to create a new ritual where you will be invited every time food is offered—no, even food will become the new offering, replacing gold. Delicious food with diverse flavors that will never bore you," the cat-eared girl responded seriously.

Solnova opened its mouth and nodded.

"Diverse flavors are a new surprise. I agree," Solnova responded very seriously.

Finally, the scroll was accepted with a broad smile.

After the scroll was accepted with a broad smile, I saw the cat-eared girl glance at me again, her expression more relaxed. However, her gaze was still intense as if she wasn't done discussing the matter.

"Prince Deharm Milford, regarding the food supplies that will be used for the new ritual, I need you to understand that this won't just be a short-term solution. If humanity regains its humanity, then hunger will become a persistent issue that requires regular attention. We need you to work closely with us to ensure a stable supply of high-quality, non-magically influenced food," she explained seriously.

I took a deep breath and nodded slowly. "I understand, but keep in mind that my agricultural colonies can only produce so much food at a time. Expanding production will require time and resources, especially considering the scale of distribution you're talking about."

"We're prepared to offer any support you need—financial, technological, or otherwise. We can't afford any delays once the ritual begins. Our people will need sustenance immediately, and the success of this project depends on your cooperation," the cat-eared girl added, still serious.

Solnova, who had been observing quietly, finally interjected. "Enough of this. Deharm, I'll make sure you receive all the resources you need to continue your culinary pursuits. After all, you're not just a researcher—you're also my favorite chef. Now, let's talk about the dish I want you to prepare for me. I've been craving something from the pre-holy war era," Solnova said with a smile, attempting to lighten the mood.

"I'll see what I can do," I replied flatly. "But remember, I'm not a miracle worker. If you're asking for something that requires ingredients that no longer exist, I'll need time to figure out suitable substitutes."

"Don't worry, I trust your skills. Just make it as authentic as possible. After all, you're the only one who can do it," Solnova said confidently.

At that moment, I noticed papa and mama exchanging glances. They seemed relieved that the tension had lessened, but their expressions still held some concern. It was clear they were still processing everything that had happened in this strange meeting.

The cat-eared girl gave me one last serious look. "Deharm, I'll send you the necessary documents for the food production plan. Please review them carefully and provide your input. We're counting on you," she said.

I nodded in response, and with that, the meeting was effectively over.

Solnova flapped her wings gently, signaling that she was ready to leave. "Come, Deharm. Let's return to your kitchen. I want to see how you'll recreate the dishes from the old era. I'm excited to taste them again."

With that, we departed from the hall, leaving behind the officials, the cat-eared girl, and the heavy discussions of food supplies and anti-elixir research. As we made our way to the exit, I couldn't help but feel the weight of responsibility pressing down on me. The world was changing, and once again, I was being dragged into the middle of it all.

But for now, all I could think about was the dish Solnova wanted me to prepare. Perhaps, in the act of cooking, I could find some semblance of normalcy amidst the chaos.