116. Legacy

You're back. You are a little later than I expected.

So? How did it go? Did you destroy the Host?

We've completely wiped out all the monsters in that ruin.

Well, that's what Luciferin said in her report. Good job. Then as promised, I will... Oh?

Awakener, what's wrong? Why the long face?

Huh?

You don't look like someone who has come back triumphantly from eliminating a target. Shouldn't you be glad to get the information you want soon?

Well...

You really do wear your heart on your sleeve. Seems like something must have happened on the way. Am I right, Awakener?

...Yes.

The monster was far more powerful than I could ever imagine, which shook me to the core'', I am guessing this is not it. Hm...

Horus muttered and fell into deep thoughts...

... I forgot to tell you that the Host you destroyed was actually a biological weapon created by Rasparta through experimentation.

The Host was a biological weapon created by Rasparta... ?!

Yes. Precisely speaking, it was a product of a failed experiment.

No wonder it's so tough... Does that mean the Host escaped from the lab?

Who knows? Even we haven't managed to find out many details, but whatever happened, we don't need to care about such a trivial matter now.

A trivial matter''... Then why did you bring it up?

No reason. I was just thinking out loud. Listen. The upcoming war is not just a battle between the four factions, Nebu, Eastrise, Empire, and Bifrost...

it is also the deciding war between modern human civilization and Rasparta, who is trying to destroy us all.

This means that, a large number of monsters as strong as that Host will emerge in this war.

... If you are scared of the Host, then I believe it will be wise to back out now.

Who are you to say that I should quit?

I only have to look into your eyes to know that. When you first left Nebu, you might have been young, but there was courage in your eyes. But it's replaced with confusion now.

I...

It's good to be in awe of strong power. However, there should never be confusion.

A lingering confusion will only blunt your discernment. Not only will you endanger yourself, but you will also put your companions in danger.

So if you cannot clear up your confusion, then quitting is also an option. Otherwise, it will not be as simple as losing your own life.

... You're right. I feel very confused right now...

Oh?

But this cannot be a reason for me to stop. Fear and confusion cannot stop me from doing what I must do!

Even if my heart is confused right now, I must keep going!

... Ha, interesting. You looked like an abandoned puppy when you came in, which made me worry if you had started to waver.

Looks like it was merely my groundless fears.

Well, since you're ready, I will let you search for the Relic with the Book of Falco as promised.

For this reason, I must first let you know the true form of the Book of Falco.

Now, where should we begin... Anyway, it's going to be a long story. Relax. Make yourself at home.

Thanks. So... what exactly is the Book of Falco?

So far, I only know that it's passed down verbally...

The so-called Book of Falco... is said to be the Oracles given to by the ancient gods in the myths to the tribe priests at that time.

They were Oracles passed down by each tribe. With the establishment of the ancient ''Nebu Alliance,'' they were compiled into the ''Book of Falco''. Since then, the Book of Falco has been passed down throughout the generations to a very small number of inheritors in a group.

''A group''...?

Yes, it's a group of priests called ''Water of Origin.'' The only people who know about this are the chosen inheritors and the commanders-in-chief of the Nebu Alliance.

Even the current chief priest, Anubis, doesn't know about this. Because the ''Water of Origin'' is a group completely separate from the priests with an independent network.

Is that why Anubis doesn't know anything about the Book of Falco...?

Yes. As I said, not even I have the full picture of the Book of Falco. The only people who know all the Oracles are the inheritors of the ''Water of Origin.''

And all our commanders are given parts of the Book of Falco from the inheritors when needed to solve the issues they face during their reign.

Why only parts of it? They're letting you know already. Wouldn't it be more efficient to tell you the whole thing...

... You understand how dangerous it is to pass on the whole ''weapon'' with absolute power to a single person, right? If it isn't someone wise, they may use it to destroy the world.

That is why the Book of Falco has been divided into several parts, inherited and managed by several inheritors. The knowledge of the future can be a powerful weapon. But, sometimes, too much power often makes humans lose their sanity and leads to the path to self-destruction.

But even so, humans never stop seeking great power. This is why books and tablets claiming to be the Book of Falco are all over the market. They partly act as a smokescreen to divert those seekers.

Now, we are finally at the most crucial piece of information about the real Book of Falco... I'll tell you where you can find one of the inheritors, The priest of the Kasi Tribe.

The priest of the Kasi Tribe... is an inheritor of the Book of Falco?!

She is just one of the inheritors who know part of the Book. But this should be the most useful information you have right now.

The Kasi Tribe priest is called Ifurito. Send her my greetings when you see her.

Ifurito''... Got it. Thank you. I will never forget the kindness you've shown today.

This is all just a fair deal. You guys destroy the Host for me, and I give you the information about the Book of Falco, which will help you find the Relic. This is what we agreed on.

Th-that's true... In that case, I'll accept this information as a reward I earned.

Well then, I'll take my leave now. I have to go tell my companions about this...

Good. You're welcome to come back to me if you face any other problems... which won't happen... But if anything does go wrong, you can still come to discuss it with me. I will help you with what I can do. Go. You must not let your guard down.

Hey! It's Awakener! Welcome back! So? What did Horus say?

Uh, well...

... Although I'm very much bothered by the fact that the Host was a weapon created by Rasparta. Our next stop should be the village where the Kasi tribe is, right?

I didn't know there were such secrets behind the Book of Falco. Well, my inquisitive brain is getting excited...!

Argh... we really can't get a break. How are you gonna compensate me if this affects my smooth skin?

You can complain and play the victim all you like after we find the Relic. Let's hurry up and set off for our destination now.