"I'm Evernight, and here is my confession. I've killed 38 people as of this minute, 20 angels and 18 devils. And I know that with each second that passes in this Dominion, the chances of that number increasing double. I can no longer say that I am pure of heart or even a good person; I merely live to survive. To devour is the cost of life."
I was alone on the colossal walls of Grandheart, looking out into the bountiful meadows filled with lilac and gold. The sun's rays, heightening the divinity in every inch of this land, made it truly beautiful.
It is far surpassed by its homeland, England on Earth. If such a sight existed in England, then I wouldn't have gone inside ever again.
My solace was interrupted by approaching soft footsteps; to say I was alone wasn't exactly right. I was just temporarily by myself; Artoria was always with me, watching my every move, and now I had a new person to look after, Liliana.
"Oh, don't do that to yourself, Evernight. I've seen far too many succumb to self-pity. I may look young, but I am anything but. If you continue down that path, you'll succumb to madness before death; just forget the ones you kill. Or else you'll end up like her."
Liliana didn't elaborate more on what she meant by 'her', just focusing her gaze on the meadows below, her pink hair flowing in the breeze. Although I had suggested that she cut it, she flat out refused, pouting and throwing a fit about it.
"How old are you, Liliana?" I asked.
"Who knows? I certainly don't, I've long since lost track."
Liliana's face downturned slightly as she spoke, her grip on her hair around her fingers growing tighter.
"Evernight, I haven't properly thanked you yet for saving me from those devils. I am truly indebted to you, thank you," exclaimed Liliana.
She turned to face me suddenly, her golden and white cloak flowing against the pull of the wind. She smiled at me sweetly, her expression harboring nothing but everlasting kindness and care. Her face invoked a deep sense of care; a need to protect her was burning in my heart.
Even if she was a devil, it didn't matter. I need someone to distract myself from the burdens of death weighing down on me, even if my need to protect her was a selfish one. I'd still continue to protect her, that was the promise I had made, and I had no intention of breaking it.
"Don't worry about it, I made a promise to never leave you, and I intend on keeping it until I die."
I ruffled the top of her head, joyfully accepting her gratitude. She swiftly knocked my hand away, huffing about looking distinguished and that I'd ruined her beauty.
"Come on. You don't need to be grumpy about your hair."
"A lady's hair is her most valuable asset; it's only natural for a man like you not understand."
Liliana's cheeks puffed out as she turned away from me in a huff, staring into the vast meadows surrounding Grandheart.
Her hair reminded me of last week's events. I'd defeated Karravok and met with the Horsemen of Pestilence, a most unsettling threat.
From Ickni and Artoria's dire looks, there was something more to the Horsemen; just the presence of one had shaken the unbreakable chains sealing Ickni's true emotions.
That was something far more terrifying than I had ever seen before. What would happen if those chains around her mind broke? That is the sole question circling my mind.
While I learned a great deal about my abilities, I am now able to copy the spells of others by transporting the picture of their spell into my mind and twisting it into light. Due to Seraphina's power, my mind was the sole instrument of my power, but its cost was extremely taxing.
Pushing my mind by copying and creating new spells puts an immense strain on my mind, needing full weeks of rest when I reach the edge of my abilities.
Such a weakness didn't put my mind at ease, knowing that all my fighting could be cut short in my sleep.
I'd have to keep my weakness in mind when fighting against formidable foes. If I could discover a way to win without fighting with everything, then I must take that path. But I knew far too well that I wouldn't get such a luxury in the heat of battle.
Upon the walls of Grandheart, an enormous number of soldiers are always stationed, watching for threats and manning the anti-air cannons.
Although they don't tend to be as vigilant as their job title would suggest, from the brief couple of days I've spent here. I've seen a plethora of slackers and soldiers just chatting until the end of the day.
Despite their laziness, I quite enjoyed the quiet life up here. It was peaceful. The Order Dominion was at the top of Kathoros and the furthest away from the frontlines, so battle wasn't expected to arrive at some random hour.
Although it was unsettling knowing that the Horsemen can easily teleport into any city of Kathoros with one of those devices, if the soldiers here knew of that device, they wouldn't be so carefree as they are now.
"Isn't that right, baha!"
The shouts of a few soldiers caught my attention; their cheeks were rosy, and their movements were less than stable. On a couple of crates, there were a few empty tankards of most likely some kind of alcohol, judging by their behaviour.
"Hey, you guys! Have you heard about that moody bastard in the Servants? I've heard he's blessed with a real unfortunate personality."
At first, I thought they were talking about me, but I had yet to meet anyone bold enough to spill insults in front of my face. Incurring mine or Ickni's wrath was one of the last things common soldiers wanted now, after my accomplishments in battle.
"Yeah. His name is Julius Croft, right? I hear he's got a certain tendency in wanting to die, but for some reason, he's still breathing."
"Ha! What a weirdo. What's the point in that!"
I turned my gaze away from the drunkards; I didn't care for their conversation or their current state. I wouldn't tell anyone about their laziness. My reputation was already low with the common folk; I didn't need it sinking further.
I hadn't heard much of Julius, but I knew he was the runner-up for Primordial String, his might coming close to Artoria. Although I've never seen him in person.
As my gaze focused on the meadows, I saw something odd in the corner of my eye. Liliana had a small empty bag in her hand. She pulled it up from the edge of the wall and swiftly stuffed it in her pockets.
"What's with the bag?" I asked.
Liliana slightly jumped back at my question; she seemed to be totally caught off guard by my question. Her eyes were fixed on the meadows.
"I've had it ever since I was imprisoned by the Famine Traitors. It once held my mother's ashes, although we are in angel territory. I thought I should release the reminder here so they don't end up on the ground."
"That's sweet."
I was going to pressure Liliana more about the bag; something about her answer didn't sit right with me, but I was interrupted by Artoria's heavy footsteps. She beckoned for me, dismissing my proposal to bring Liliana.
I followed her up the stairs leading to a higher position on the walls. It was a small watchtower used for scouts for anti-air guns, but was currently unmanned, making it perfect for secret discussions.
"Do you sense it?" asked Artoria.