Genius 40

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Chapter 40. Decisive Battle

And then, that afternoon.

Beyond the forest Hermes and the others had been hiding, to the north. In a desolate, small clearing on the plain.

"Hmph, it's admirable that you came out."

Hermes, facing off against the soldiers alongside Katia. Aster's voice echoes confidently at the head of the group.

"It seems you've finally realized that you can't escape from me!"

As confident as ever, as if he didn't doubt for a moment that he was the center of the world.

With his hands outstretched Aster continues to speak with a beautiful voice that seems to reach everything around him, even though what he's saying is off the mark.

If he really thought about it, he could have escaped easily. After the incident in that village, Hermes judged that Katia probably had some tracking magic on her, so he observed her and quickly found a spell that emitted a unique magical trace. He dispelled it immediately.

After that, if they disappeared, Aster probably wouldn't be able to follow them anymore. They had a few tricks up their sleeves, and worst-case scenario, they could use the forbidden [Hraesvelgr] and fly away, evading any encirclement.

Yet, they were standing here now because Aster, who chased after them as he did in that village, didn't know what else he might do.

Above all, they couldn't keep running away; they needed to settle this head-on.

"Now, I'll teach you. The fate of fools who selfishly disrupt countries and refuse to acknowledge their sins!!"

As Aster spreads his hands and begins to chant his own magic.

In response, Hermes also increases his magical power—then, at that moment.

Katia steps forward as if to intervene.

"...Katia?"

"Hermes. May I make a selfish request?"

He lightly widens his eyes.

It's a phrase he heard just a few days ago. Therefore, he can predict the next words.

As expected, she speaks:

"Let me handle him alone."

Everyone who hears those words is astonished.

Especially Aster. After his surprise, his face contorts with anger and humiliation—but soon.

"Hahaha!"

He laughs it off with a mocking expression as if to cover it up.

"I see, so you've only managed to defeat someone like Chris with the power you gained relying on forbidden methods! You're quite conceited—very well, I'll play along! Crushing your arrogance is my duty after all!"

He says it's his duty, but deep down, Hermes knows he just wants to do it for himself.

"Did you hear that, all of you? I'll crush Katia alone, don't interfere. In the meantime, make sure this Hermes doesn't get in the way!"

"...Oh dear."

Following his instructions, the soldiers turn their hostility towards them.

While taking in their hostility, Hermes confirms with Katia beside him.

"Are you sure about this?"

"I am. The power you gave me isn't something evil. I want to prove that on my own."

If she says so, he can't refuse.

Then, he'll focus on the soldiers. If Katia has decided, he won't interfere, but if they come at them, they won't have a choice but to fight.

So, finally.

"Just one correction. —It wasn't given by me, it's your own power. Have confidence."

"!"

With only that said, Hermes leaves Katia and rushes forward.

"...That's unfair, really."

Katia murmurs softly.

A departing word.

He always gives her the words she wants. Sometimes, even those she didn't realize she wanted.

She wanted to be acknowledged.

All the effort she has made so far is something remarkable. It's something to be proud of.

She can continue walking the path she's taken. She believes there's something she desires waiting for her beyond what she's believed in.

So, she won't hesitate anymore.

She'll choose what she believes in. It may be a selfish affirmation, like Aster's, but she thought about it. She hesitated, agonized, and finally made her choice with confidence.

With that, she moves forward.

As long as he's with her, she won't mind facing even hell.

"Now, Katia, are you ready?"

Aster asks with his usual arrogant attitude.

As always. This man never hesitates or doubts—never thinks at all, maintaining his confidence unconditionally.

She used to think that was strength. Perhaps even terrifying.

But now, she doesn't think that at all.

"Yes, I am."

Hence, she replies.

She doesn't consider things like being of royal blood or superior to others; she's just herself, laid bare.

"Ready to defeat you. Aster Joseph von Eustia."

This man is undoubtedly at the center of this country now. If she defeats him, the country will be more chaotic than ever before.

—So what?

If she can rebuild it herself, then it's fine.

She'll apologize wholeheartedly to those she inadvertently involved before. Then, she'll promise to lead them to a better future.

She believes that's for the sake of this country.

With a minimum of formality, she declares her intentions.

Aster grimaces with discomfort, anger, and disgust, and begins to chant his magic.

"'Radiant celestial judgment, My flaming ring judges the heavens and earth with seven lights!"

"'At the eve of the apocalypse, sing of peace, for dawn shall never come here again. The world of salvation shall appear behind the current reality'!"

In sync, she does the same.

Now is the time to show. What Hermes taught Katia this morning. The true value of her magic.

With that—she will surpass the strongest mage of this generation.

With determination, she opens her mouth to swear her magic.

Meanwhile, Hermes.

"First, I have a question."

He throws the question not to the soldiers surrounding him, with their hostility, but to the green-eyed girl staring at him.

"Sarah, are you going to fight?"

Against all odds, his words silence the soldiers around him, who were starting to object.

Then, in the ensuing silence, Sara, with a hint of fear but determination in her voice, responded.

"Yes. I will fight."

"...May I ask why?"

Though he somewhat predicted it from her expression, it's still surprising.

After all, it's clear she has doubts about Aster's decisions. Otherwise, she wouldn't have taken an action like evacuating the villagers Aster decided to burn without telling anyone, an act that would undoubtedly damage trust if discovered.

He also knows she doesn't actively oppose Hermes and Katia. So, when he asks why, she replies:

"Hermes-san, you said it before. If I choose to oppose you and fight, then let's fight fair and square. After all, we have magic for that."

"Yes."

"I'm... still undecided. I haven't made a clear decision to leave Prince Aster, nor have I resolved to defeat you at all costs. I'm sorry. But, that's why."

Lifting her head, she says with the most serious expression he's seen yet:

"I want to make sure. I want to see what kind of magic you, who changed Katia-sama, cast with what feelings. That's why—I ask for your cooperation, please."

"I see."

There's no clear determination. But to fight to understand someone else's determination.

Hermes feels that's also a worthy cause.

"In that case, as I said, let's fight fair and square. Prepare yourself."

"Y-Yes!"

And he gathers his resolve again. —He can't afford to be careless.

He's seen her magic before. None of them seem suited for combat, and they seem to pose little direct threat.

But if his guess is correct, in this situation, under these conditions.

Perhaps she's the most troublesome one for him right now.

With that in mind, Hermes declares firmly as he faces her directly.

With a hint of tension but also some joy in her voice, Sara responds. At the same time, the soldiers looking at her suddenly bristle with hostility.

As if answering them, Hermes begins to chant and rushes forward.

And so, the battle begins: Katia versus Aster, Hermes versus Sara.

The fateful showdown, or the battle that will decide the future of this country, has begun.