Chapter 77: Pador, Grove of the Ancients: An Ancient People

It is certainly a surprise to find out such a place existed in my era.

Everything's so big. It feels like we've shrunk.

Titans, an as-yet unknown tribe. This will make for valuable data!

It's about time we went after Garam and met this Siodglase woman.

Oh. So you're our human visitors, are you? I am Siodglase, the chief of this village.

These two have updated me. You wish to open the gate in Demon's Den and go to the Underworld? All in search of someone you care about?

To cut to the chase, you can't. I sympathize with you and your situation, but there's nothing I can do about the miasma that surrounds the gate.

Oh no...

Siodglase, I know that miasma is said to drive the titans insane. But could it be different for these people?

Well... At the end of the day, the curse was put only on the titans. I can't imagine that humans would mutate as described in the ancient text when passing through the gate.

Then couldn't we just open it on our own?

Only a titan can break the seal on the gate. The gate will not move an inch for anyone else, even if they were somehow stronger than a titan.

Only the titans were afflicted with this curse, yet only the titans can open the gate. That is quite the predicament.

What if I opened it, Siodglase?

What?

I have the power of a titan, yet my body is closer to that of a human. Even if I am cursed, perhaps I won't mutate like other titans would.

You can't. There's no evidence to suggest that you wouldn't mutate upon contact with the gate's miasma. I am not willing to endanger any of my villagers with this.

No evidence? That's not necessarily true. Siodglase, you must know of the legend told in this village?

The legend?! How did you... No, where did you...

So you really thought you'd managed to conceal all references to the legend after I was born? Because that's how it's sounding.

I don't know where you've heard this gossip, but I've nothing more to say on it. Take these people and leave.

......

That sure was a sudden change of attitude in Siodglase. What is this legend exactly?

Garam, this legend you're talking about, you can't mean...

I've got to find something. Sorry, but I have to go.

Hey! Garam!

They've gone.

I feel somewhat intrigued by this legend he mentioned.

Someone in the village might know. Let's ask around.

Huh? You need something?

Do you know anything about the legend told in this village?

Hmm. Let me think... One of small stature born to our people will bring either great calamity or great salvation to this land... I think that's how it goes.

Thank you!

Wait! I think there's more. Um... Err... Like... Likely... No, that's not it. Urgh what was it?

Sorry, I can't remember. Ask someone else for the rest.

That was more than enough, thanks.

I'm so stupid. Get to a certain age and you don't remember much. Come to think of it, I'm pretty sure someone told me to keep my mouth shut about that legend...

I'd even forgotten about that. Hahahah!

Do you know anything about the village legend?

Legend?! Where'd you hear about that?

Umm, well...

Sorry, but I promised not to tell. You'll get the same answer whoever you ask. You'd best give up on this fool's errand.

Wha? What d'you want with me? A human's never spoken to me before. You're making me nervous.

Could you tell us anything about the village legend?

Legend? Why would I know about something so old-fashioned? I'm younger than Garam, you know.

R-Really?

Actually, Granny may've said something about it a long time ago.

What did she say?

Umm... Our fate...will be decided... When the likeness opens the gate to the next world? Something like that.

Oh, wait! I was told not to tell anyone that! Forget what I said! Forget it!

If we put everything we heard together... One of small stature born to their people will bring either great calamity or great salvation to this land. And their fate will be decided when the likeness opens the gate to the next world.

Why would that make Siodglase go pale though?

The villagers also seem to have undergone data loss prevention so as not to leak the information out.

Perhaps this person of small stature is Garam.

And maybe the likeness is us, since we're the same kinda height?

If the gate to the next world means the Underworld, it's as if it's prophesizing that Garam will open the gate.

And since it could lead to either calamity or salvation... Perhaps this is why Siodglase tried to keep the legend a secret from Garam, so as not to sow the seed of calamity.

I guess we'll have to go back to Siodglase and ask her more about it.

Then I'm coming with you.

Why, if it isn't Geldbariss! Have you been listening to us?

Honestly, I too have been feeling a little concerned about this legend Garam mentioned. And you managed to gather all that information in the blink of an eye. I'm a bit taken aback by this whole thing.

You never asked Garam about it?

Oh...

So the legend involves a likeness? I think I understand now why he's been so concerned over you. You're the key. The key to answering the question that's plagued him for so long. Who is he? And if true, I've got to see this for myself. So I'll help you out to the best of my abilities.

Thank you, Geldbariss. Now then, let's give Siodglase another visit.

So you found out about the legend. People really can't keep their mouths shut, can they?

But you presumed right. It is said that he could bring either calamity or salvation to our village. As the protector of this village, I must expel the seed of calamity before it starts to sprout. And so I chose to keep the legend secret, to stop the demon child from showing an interest in the Demon's Den gate.

With all due respect, Siodglase... Garam has been trying to answer the question of who he is. He's spent his life trying to find out what his purpose and mission is. You think a man like that's going to bring us calamity?

Calamities are not necessarily caused by a wicked heart. No matter how good the man, if he is consumed by the inescapable darkness, this may pave the way for disaster. Just like our ancestor, who was consumed by the miasma of the gate, causing him to attack his fellow villagers.

Basically, you don't want him becoming like that, which is why he can't go near the gate.

Yes, exactly. I am a mother, after all. He lost his parents early, so other villagers like me would often take care of him. I think of him as my own son. And what parent would want their son to mutate into such a monster?

Even so, won't you let me go there, Siodglase?

Garam!

I know this is a selfish request. But if I miss this opportunity, I might never find the answer to why I was born. We live and then we die. But there has to be some deeper meaning to life. There just has to be.

The likenesses who came to our village... They are willing to face the mighty darkness to save someone they care about. If I am the only one who can make that earnest wish of theirs come true... Then what is the point in living the rest of my days until I die, having failed to fulfil that role?

Garam...

And, Siodglase... The outside world is full of possibilities that can never be seen from the village. In the outside world, I might be able to discover a meaning to life that I never knew before. It may help them to open the gates of the Demon's Den.

And, Siodglase... Once I've opened up the gate, I'm thinking of leaving the village. Maybe if I go into the outside world, I'll be able to find what I've so far failed to do, the meaning of my life. So once I've opened the gate in Demon's Den with my own two hands, I want to set foot in the outside world.

But...

I would also like to request this of you, Siodglase. I believe that Garam won't cause a calamity. But if, for some reason, that happens... Then...I am prepared to stop that calamity, and stop him. That is my duty as his friend.

Geldbariss!

But this is a big "if" we're talking about. Because you're not intending to hurt the villagers, are you? Or wouldn't you be happy, stuck with me as your last ever opponent?

No, I couldn't think of a better one.

Geldbariss may be prepared to do that, but I'm not allowing Garam to be sacrificed on my watch. After all, it's for our sake that he'll be opening the gate in Demon's Den. I'll do whatever it takes to make sure Garam doesn't get consumed by the darkness. Is there anything we can do?

Okay. I see your will is not about to be shaken. Then you should make the secret essence before you head to the gate.

Secret essence?

It is a potion I take when inspecting the gate. It prevents me from being consumed by the miasma. Though, it can only protect you from the tiny amount of the miasma trickling out of the gate. There's no proof that it will protect you from the miasma that will pour out once the gate is opened. But it should be powerful enough to protect those of a strong will who dare face the darkness.

Okay. Sounds like we should make this secret essence then.

Aldo... There's something else I'd like to ask of you so that I can go against the darkness.

This is the text that describes the legend in full. I hid it away when I was young. The book says as follows...

One of small stature born to our people will bring either great calamity or great salvation to this land. Our fate will be decided when the likeness opens the gate to the next world... Commune with the likeness and the darkness will be cleared.

So there was more to the legend!

I think the "likeness" means you. If the worst happens and I am consumed by the darkness, it's you who can save me.

"Commune" you say...? Sure, I'll try and remember that.

For the secret essence, you'll need three hegina leaves from Valley of the Ancients, and one dragon eye rock from Demon's Den. Once you've found them both, I'll mix up the potion for you.

Thank you, Siodglase. We'll be on our way then.

That's a hegina leaf.

Well spotted! It looks the same as any other leaf to me.

We titans are always fighting with the monsters in the Valley of the Ancients. I guess hunting for enemies deep in the forest each day has made me pretty observant.

Garam's better than pretty much all of our people when it comes to finding monsters. Perhaps his tiny size means he can detect the slightest of movements.

But I can't see anywhere near as far as you, Geldbariss.

You seem to know a lot about each other.

Yeah, he's the only true friend I've got.

Thought I'd find one here.

This place brings back memories. We used to hide out here long ago.

You said that Geldbariss was your only true friend, Garam. So how come you two got so close?

I wasn't originally intending to make friends. With my stature, just going out to play was pretty hard for me. But he's a real weirdo, and he kept trying to talk to me, no matter how many times I pushed him away.

I was just curious. He was like some rarity, being so different from everyone else. I thought there must be a reason why he was born with that tiny body. I felt sure he'd be the key to changing up the tedious life our people lead.

Tedious?

I guess you wouldn't see it that way. But the life of a titan is one of living in obscurity in this closed off forest, knowing our duty has been long since carried out.

I see...

He's a bit of an oddball. You won't find any other titans saying stuff like that. Acceptance is a virtue found in most titans. Perhaps it was inevitable that I'd hit it off with one who went against that.

We used to play here a lot, too. No one else was as light and agile as you, Garam.

This was the one place where I had the advantage. No one could beat me when I had the high ground. It was my only ever chance.

So have you two always been together?

Yeah, we were pretty much raised as brothers.

When the other titans were mean to me, it always made Geldbariss angrier than me. He'd kick off at them.

You just don't get angry enough. Most people would get that angry if someone criticized their friend like that.

I guess I just got used to people saying things about my size... I'm grateful that you cared enough to get angry. But I thought about it a lot... About why was I different from everyone else. I couldn't do things that the others took for granted. Whatever I did, I'd never compare to a full-sized titan.

Garam... That's not true.

There are so many things that only you can do. Don't put yourself down like that.

Don't ever change, Geldbariss. You always know how to make me feel better.

Things that only I can do? I wonder if they're in the outside world...

......

I used to come here a lot when I wanted to be on my own. I'd gaze over the outside world.

The far off world I'd never seen before. A different, distant place that was anywhere but here. I'd think about how this place wasn't where I was supposed to be.

Garam...

Let's get going. We've collected the hegina leaves. Next is dragon eye rock from Demon's Den.

This cave's giving me the creeps...

Even titans don't come here unless we have to. The monsters who inhabit these parts can be quite a pain...

A pain?

They're pretty strong anyway, but they like to call to their friends for back up. We should find this dragon eye rock before we ruffle their feathers, and get out of this place.

We did it!

'Twas mere child's play.

Don't get too comfortable. I think this one's called to the others!

That was quick! Come on, Garam!

We can cut through them if we work together!

We did it!

That was harder than I expected.

Gah!

Are you okay, Geldbariss?

I'm fine, don't worry. It's just a scrape, that's all.

Okay. More monsters are on their way though, so be careful!

I will, I'm ready for them. I'll take the back. You can trust me.

Of course I can. I'd never doubt you for a second.

Thanks, Aldo. You're pretty good, you lot. Didn't see that coming to be honest with you.

You're the ones who're helping us out. Of course we're gonna chip in with the fighting.

Well, now we've got the dragon eye rock, let's head back to Pador.

Siodglase, we've brought the hegina leaves and dragon eye rock.

You've done well. I'll get to work on the ancient secret essence recipe created by the titans of yore.

Thank you.

It's nearly time for me to meet my destiny.

Aldo... All I can do is perform Garambarrel's last rites should he fall into the darkness. I'd rather avoid such an ending, so will you give me a hand, as his likeness?

Of course. We won't let Garam be consumed by the darkness. This isn't just for us. It's for the future. A future where Garam can experience a new world and find the answers to his questions.

That's certainly reassuring. I'm counting on you, O Child of Man.

It is done.

This is the titan's secret essence, handed down from each Pador chief to the next. Please, take it.

Thank you so much, Siodglase.

Okay, let's head deep into Demon's Den!

Here it is, the dragon eye rock. I'll just take this...

Garam, wait!

Oh no! These're what I was talking about! Demon basilisks!

Garam, I'll take on this one! Hurry up and get the dragon eye rock!

I feel bad about looting your den like this, but this is really important. I'm sorry!

All right, we'll take on this one. Don't worry!

Okay, thank you! Once you've provoked it, you've got to finish it off quick or you're in for that pain I was telling you about!

Right, let's do this! Come at me!