Volume 9 Chapter 2 New World (Try Order)
When one looked up, the ceiling was so high that it caused a pain in the neck. A spacious room that seemed to take more than a minute to walk from end to end. The alabaster stone used in the construction displayed a smooth gleam, almost as if one's face would reflect upon peering closely.
The purpose of that room became evident upon gazing at the throne placed at the very back.
It was an interval for the throne.
However, it remained unoccupied. Since its creation till now, not a single soul had sat upon it. It carried an eerie pressure, almost as if rejecting anything.
At that moment, a man appeared with a young girl in tow.
The man, cloaked in white, was an elderly figure who had long surpassed his prime. The deeply etched wrinkles on his face seemed to engrave a history full of anguish.
Yet, his posture stood tall, and his steps were as firm as an elephant's.
The old man's eyes were not tired, above all else. Yet, they didn't gleam with ambition like that of a schemer.
It was a light that could illuminate a storm or shine in the midst of a desert like an oasis. Perhaps a light that seemed like an illusion.
Now, the man gazed quietly at the celestial throne with those eyes.
Following behind him was a beautiful girl. Her golden hair, touched by the winter morning sun, and her eyes, a vivid crimson. Her beauty was not just in her appearance.
She exuded an otherworldly atmosphere, as if she had wandered into reality from the realm of fiction.
The man and the girl walked straight, ascended stairs, and reached the throne. The man, brushing the railing as if unnecessary embellishments irked him, let out a small sigh.
"For whom is this? ...Could it be me?"
"There's no one else. Besides, didn't you create it?"
"I've never liked things like this. I wouldn't make something like this on purpose."
"Then it must have been deemed necessary. I don't know by whom, though."
As the girl spoke, the man sighed.
"Is there no seat for me? I'd appreciate it if you could spare me from sitting on your lap."
"I wouldn't dare to have you sit on my lap, grandma."
"If you call me 'grandma' again, I'll kill you."
"Oh, scary."
The man shrugged his shoulders and directed his hand to an empty space next to the throne. Then, with a snap of his fingers, a cube of light appeared and began to assemble like a puzzle.
In a matter of seconds, a chair smaller than the throne appeared.
"I'd like a cushion too. Unlike your wooden-like butt, mine is softer than marshmallows."
"If it's soft, you might not need one."
While saying this, the man waved his fingers again, producing several cushions on the chair. It was evident that complaining would continue if their tastes didn't align. It seemed like a strategy of hitting the mark with a few complaints.
Perhaps pleased with the overflowing cushions, the girl snorted and hopped onto the chair. Watching this, the man sighed, resigned, and sat on the throne.
The moment a man sat down in a place that had never been accepted by anyone before, this room witnessed its completion.
Just by sitting, this place has reached its original form.
And at that moment, as if on cue, several people appeared.
They were all kneeling with their faces turned down.
Among them, Vincent Luger, wearing knight's armor, spoke without raising his head.
"――My lord, we, the Grimoires, have been waiting for your return."
The man called my lord looked at each person one by one and opened his mouth.
"Don't be so formal. I apologize for keeping you waiting for so long."
"There is no need for such words. It is only my own incompetence that I cannot even assist with your noble work."
"There is no need for that. Each person has their own role, that's all there is to it. Luger, you have secured the 'key,' haven't you? It was truly a splendid effort."
"I am humbled by your generous words."
A voice full of emotion resounded from inside the helmet.
"All of you have gone through hardships."
Upon hearing those words, the Grimoires kneeled and trembled.
They had long awaited this moment.
The organization known as Try Order existed because of this man. Even if he had been absent from that position for a long time, that fact remained unchanged.
The reason they were here was simply because of the man who would sit on the throne.
"Now then, despite the unexpected events, our duty remains the same."
The man spoke, pausing his words.
And slowly, he revealed a certain fact.
"The 'Kakehashi (Bridge to the Universe)' has been completed."
Immediately, most of the Grimoires looked up, unable to hide their surprise.
Representing them, Luger spoke.
"Finally, finally, the time has come."
"Yes. It would have been impossible for me alone."
After saying that much, the man narrowed his eyes as if looking into the distance.
"Tsuzuri can also be given words of praise. If she wasn't here, this day would not have come."
Sakaki Tsuzuri challenged Yamamoto Yuusuke and others to a fight for a certain job, and fulfilled that duty. And by the hands of Eris Philin Centraris, she became a person who would never return.
Luger nodded, thinking about his fallen comrades.
"Just by saying that, Sakaki will be rewarded."
The man closed his eyes for a moment, as if offering a silent prayer. And when he opened his eyes again, those eyes were looking at him.
Luger and the others didn't know where he was looking.
Surely, there must be something that only he can see. It's not necessary for them to know. Once everything is over, they will eventually witness it as reality.
The man──who has lived as Isumi Tengai until now, looked down at the Grimoires as the leader of the Try Order.
"Let me hear it once again, my dear comrades. The long-planned strategy has finally reached its end. If this is accomplished, we shall forever be branded as grave sinners, even in death and oblivion. I admire your unwavering loyalty. It is a loyalty that is beyond comprehension. Therefore, from this moment on, you are free. You may leave this place. You may even raise your blades against this wicked old man. No one shall deny your choice."
Tengai spoke resolutely.
It was not an order given by a lord to his subordinates, nor a speech meant to incite people. It was a gentle yet heavy message, akin to a father imparting his wisdom to his child.
"However, if you are willing to stake your lives alongside me and embark on this tempestuous voyage, there is no greater joy than this. No matter how many people revile you or throw stones at you, I alone shall praise your unwavering conviction and pride. And this old fool also wishes to respond to your resolve with my entire being."
Grimoires listened in silence. Everyone sensed what would happen. The answer was already decided.
"Everyone, close your eyes. It's time to choose."
A few seconds passed. All sound and movement ceased. The room was filled with a mysterious tension.
Not unpleasant. Just a sense of anticipation akin to the excitement of a predetermined future unfolding.
Without thinking, they opened their eyes and saw the same scene as before.
No one had departed.
Tengai let out a small breath. The only one who noticed was the girl sitting beside him.
"Let's express my gratitude for everyone's loyalty without reservation."
Tengai stood up, arms outstretched.
"Now—"
He prayed for blessings in the future to come and declared,
"Let's begin a new Genesis."
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