The moment the Memory was fully formed, I instinctively understood its uses.
First, a sense of mental clarity washed over my exhausted mind, weary from the continuous pressure of the past days. The pain didn't vanish, but I began to see and think more clearly and swiftly.
The second thing I noticed was a renewal of my vigor and vitality, along with a strange sensation of enhanced protection surrounding my soul. It was clear that both effects belonged to [Hermit's Serenity] and [Soul Fortress].
As for the last two enchantments of the Memory, one was related to my understanding of runes. It felt as if I had suddenly gained a natural talent for them. Finally, my scent and the sounds produced by my body had completely vanished.
Hmm. I focused on the runes to see the description of the enchantments.
Yes... Hahaha! This was one of the abilities of my [Beast Eye] attribute; I could see the descriptions of enchantments.
[Void Field]: A veil drops around you, completely concealing your existence. [Runic Eye]: This Memory enhances the wearer's ability to understand runic characters. [Soul Fortress]: This enchantment provides protection and reinforcement to the user's soul. [Hermit's Clarity]: This enchantment provides protection and reinforcement to the user's mind.
Hahahahaha! Magnificent, magnificent... I mean, it was truly beautiful. My god, all the enchantments are passive, and every single one is brilliant and useful.
Well, after finishing my small celebration, I stood up and stared at the corpse of the Sovereign before me. Weaver's Mask had disappeared after her death for some unknown reason. Well, I don't think the Spell would be able to replicate a Seventh-Tier Divine Memory created by Weaver himself.
I dismissed the Echo as I turned around and began to leave. Nothing remained. Soon, my Nightmare would end.
I retraced my steps through the halls and corridors; however, I soon heard the echo of footsteps resonating within the cathedral. I wasn't afraid. Even without the [Void Field], I possessed my own skills for escape and retreat, and I owned a powerful Ascended Echo. There was no need to fight a battle without a purpose.
Bit by bit, I exited from the rear of the cathedral and began heading toward the dark city walls. Now, we need a boat.
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Upon reaching the harbor, I wasted no time. I summoned the Knight and pointed toward the soldiers.
"Kill them quickly and follow me."
I turned and began untying the boat's rope, preparing it, while the sounds of screaming and the clashing of swords reached my ears. Soon, the voice of the Spell spoke to me:
[You have slain an Awakened human. Name: Unknown.] [You have slain an Awakened human. Name: Unknown.]
The Knight returned moments later while I sat lazily inside the boat.
"Let's go," I told him, pointing toward our destination. He lifted the boat and threw it into the water. I dismissed him and re-summoned him again inside the boat.
The Echo lowered its hands to touch the water. And then... darkness erupted from them like a wave. Our boat began to travel magnificently.
In this era, the Dark Sea had not closed yet. Well, to be more precise, it would close in a day or two. I have enough time until then. A day and a half until the end of the Nightmare.
Currently, what I feel can be described in one word: Boredom.
After everything ended, as I stared into the infinite darkness, I had no thoughts left. The sky above us was dark, devoid of any light, and the sea below us was as dark as the abyss. I didn't light any lamp; after all, what use is it when I can see without it?
In the end, I decided that the best course of action was to sleep.
"Wake me when we arrive," I said to the dark wall sitting in front of me as I rested my head. I browsed through some Memories until I found a few that suited me. I donned a dark clothing Memory made of smooth fabric called [Priest's Robe], and summoned another Memory in the form of incense that gave a feeling of comfort, calm, and some serenity.
Goodnight, you cursed world.
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I was awakened by the sound of the Knight straightening his posture.
Hmm. I opened my eyes to stare at something other than darkness. There were red leaves.
When I focused a bit more, the tree trunk was pitch black, just like the sky and the sea, which made it look like a part of them and made the leaves appear as if they were floating. The tree was... ordinary. Except for the color of the bark and the leaves, it wasn't as massive as it had been described. Well, it was certainly huge by the standards of normal trees, but I had seen trees of the same size in photos and exploration reports. It was perhaps 100 meters tall, while its leaves rose into the sky like a great, bloody crown.
"Stop."
I stopped the Knight before we got too close, calmly calculating the situation. This tree is supposed to be a sleeping terror or something like that. However, sorcery remains sorcery. Should I send the Knight and tell him to kill the egg? Or should I step forward myself with my new necklace? Forget it—risking it now would be nothing but stupidity.
I turned to the Knight and gave my orders calmly: "Advance slowly. If you feel a mental attack or any kind of control over me, withdraw immediately."
He had no reaction, except that I felt as if he nodded imperceptibly. Hahaha, obedient knight. Take us in.
Bit by bit, we approached the tree. Nothing happened. Hmm. Perhaps the tree is ignoring my existence or doesn't sense it. I mean, it's possible it doesn't even realize we are coming. Soon, we reached the hill and disembarked quietly.
I summoned a rope Memory and tied a knot around myself, then fixed it onto the Knight's armor.
"Take us up," I told him, pointing toward the top of the tree. My hand was shattered, and my body was exhausted and weary. There was no need to do anything myself when I had such a wonderful Echo with me.
The Knight moved with agile, wide strides until he neared the tree and began climbing with his first steps. Slowly, we moved forward as I enjoyed the feeling of being carried quietly. Soon, I noticed the position of some branches that looked stretched as if they were weighed down by something.
I pointed the Knight toward them and we began to advance. Well, the Echo began to advance.
Soon, the view was revealed before us. Directly, hidden from the world in a secret pocket of twisted branches, a giant and meticulously crafted bird's nest rested among the crimson leaves.