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Chapter 406 - 403: HE - Immortality

Chapter 406: Chapter 403: HE - Immortality

The snow beneath the city walls was whipped up by the wind, as if to bury this mottled brick barrier.

From every direction, one could see streaks of white formed by the falling snow, landing on the open pages of a book.

Su Ming’an extended his hand, and the snowflakes settled on his shoulder.

He paid no mind to the frantic barrage of comments yelling "Keep Sherrod!" "Persuade him!" and instead he bent down, placing his hand on the other’s forehead.

The most dedicated Knight of Light.

No longer controlled by settings, no longer restricted by the system.

His soul was noble and pure, embodying a sheer divinity.

Defying a system, character designs, the identity of an NPC, even if he went along with the so-called storyline, heading down the path he was supposed to take, he still believed that it was the result of his own thinking, a choice he willingly made.

He was not manipulated by so-called destiny; he did not have to sacrifice himself alone, forcibly on this land.

This was the outcome he chose for himself, fully aware that he held the Red Rose, fully aware that he could survive.

In the meantime,

he never once wavered or felt confused.

"Thank you, Captain," Sherrod said with a smile.

His smile was clean and pure, like that of a child who had not seen the ways of the world.

It was a smile as pure and flawless as blank paper.

"You are the ’Number One Player,’ Captain."

"Logically, knowing that I am a self-awakened NPC, you should not have wasted a moment on me."

"But."

"...But you went to have barbecue with me, twice."

"...You saved Gerald’s grandmother and Lele, who were originally none of your concern."

"You... respected me, always treating me as if I was a soul you could converse with as an equal."

"Even for that girl called Nailuo, you never abandoned her, tolerating her sometimes capricious demands, and sought out the treasures that would restore her beauty."

"Why would the ’Number One Player’ do so many pointless things? Why would the strongest of all otherworld travelers put aside precious leisure time to look for a sister he’s never known?"

He paused for a moment:

"...Because you are a ’person’ too, just like the rest, no different from any ’person’."

"Captain, you... are also a being that transcends such settings, absolutely independent."

"...Thank you for respecting my choice."

Su Ming’an watched him.

The snow settled on his opponent’s golden hair.

A faint sound.

"Woosh..."

The azure soul of the Sea Monsters, detaching from Su Ming’an’s body, flowed into the knight’s forehead, radiant with the setting sun.

The King of Sea Monsters endowed Sherrod with the power to expel the Sea Monsters, and began drawing out his soul.

Su Ming’an respected the other’s decision.

"You are no longer an NPC, nor a Player," Su Ming’an looked into his firefly-like green eyes, "—you are a unique ’person,’ outside of those two identities. Congratulations."

...

[NPC (Sherrod) HE (Happily Ever After) Ending Progress: 90%]

...

The air began to tremble, soar, and the snowstorm began to spread outward.

The energy around the knight surged in an instant, lifting the roofs of nearby residential buildings, with sandpaper flying about, sawdust and shattered bricks mingled with the snow rushing towards him.

Fierce, searing, majestic, explosive.

He became the core of the storm in an instant.

Like a blue meteor, the knight raised his shattered sword, no longer looking back, charging toward the outermost Barrier swarming with Sea Monsters.

"Swoosh—!"

At that moment,

whether they were injured on the ground, dazed, or those dancing jubilantly, all raised their heads,

As they lifted their gaze, it was as if they had seen Dawn breaking through the storm of snow.

Like a crack tearing through the night, like scattered neon lights, under Su Ming’an’s control, the knight breached the Barrier and dove into the midst of the Sea Monsters.

The Sea Monsters followed his silhouette, obeying his command.

Thus, following that blue meteor, were the Sea Monsters, gathering like a transparent storm trailing behind him, moving further away with his figure.

Like a solitary, fading star deeply embedded in the universe.

Unknowingly, he led these creatures steeped only in slaughter, toward the ocean, to places far beyond what human eyes could scarcely see.

He raced towards that distant horizon.

The Sea Monsters surrounding the pain-stricken island from all directions were all drawn to it.

They followed, tumbling like meteors falling from the sky, cutting across the heavens, sweeping over the sea, gradually disappearing from people’s sight.

The cheery songs and bonfire at the centre ceased.

People stood up straight, some looking bewildered at the stunning scene, at the heavens where it seemed as if thousands of stars were plummeting.

Countless stars chased after a deep blue one, a falling star.

...They blossomed into splendorous flowers.

...

The catastrophic sea monsters completely vanished from Pulaya.

The people, yet to completely sober up from the celebration’s joy, learned of this.

...So the disaster that could have destroyed Pulaya was silently resolved.

They feared retrospectively, not having realized that only now had the disaster truly ended.

The "Brave" like the one in legends, had successfully quelled this disaster.

As a matter of course, the dead were cremated, buried in the earth. The injured were healed. The relatives of the victims received compensation and honor.

And those still alive continued to enjoy the peace and joy that belonged to them.

Bonfires were lit.

Bright red flames leapt into the sky,

turning the nightfall in Pulaya a blazing red.

...

Since sending Sherrod off, Su Ming’an had been waiting by the city wall, waiting for nightfall.

The heavy snow had gradually stopped, and Pulaya at night was quieter than during the day. The city walls, after the snow, resembled a white serpent stretching into the distant night.

He waited quietly here until a blue meteor returned.

The figure’s body was completely transparent, his soul nearing the void.

The returned knight collapsed onto the ground with his pupils dilated to the edges, like those of a dying star.

His fiery breath spread everywhere uncontrollably, rampaging across his body.

His body drained, his soul offered, his life was spiraling out of control toward its end.

"The world has been kind to me," the knight laughed softly as he lay on the ground.

He opened his eyes, tears suspended in his dense lashes, like a spark fluttering.

It seemed like a silent, falling destiny.

As if sensing people’s gazes, he turned his head with great difficulty, meeting Su Ming’an’s eyes.

The scorched air cooled down little by little, his bright golden hair wet by the snow water, clinging like the feathers of a dead bird.

"Captain. Help me open Changying’s container; there’s a bit of energy left. I... need to save her," he said.

"Are you sure?" Su Ming’an said, "After expelling the sea monsters, some of your soul remains. As long as you’re not completely dead and wear the Red Rose, you could be immediately transported to the Main God World and become a Player. Even with a damaged soul, you might fall into slumber, but perhaps in the future, there will be a way to repair your soul."

"...Captain," he said, "This is my judgment, sorry."

His eyes burned blue, almost as if bleeding, but still firmly fixed on him.

Su Ming’an opened the container.

The nearly transparent form of a girl emerged, and Xie Changying was not yet fully awake from her slumber when she was embraced by a pair of ashen arms.

In that moment, the embrace felt scalding, warm, familiar, like stepping into the bright sunshine of summer, enveloped by the heated temperature all over.

"Thump."

"Thump."

Through the furnace-like hard armor, she could hear the heart inside, beating fervently.

The dying knight touched her head, injecting the last of his energy into her.

Xie Changying realized something.

She knew her brother seemed to be saving her.

Her sight was gradually submerged by the light of water, hot tears sliding down her cheeks.

She uttered fragmented phrases, her eyes filled with a nearly shattered struggle.

"Bro, bro."

"..."

"Happy, birth, day."

Her voice choked.

The knight lifted his chin slightly, revealing a smile.

In his eyes, there was no past pain or sorrow, and naturally, there would be no future passion or joy.

"Changying." He placed the necklace around her increasingly solid form: "Happy birthday."

...

"Ding dong!"

[You have completed the Red Level task "Immortality."]

[Task Evaluation: SSS (Perfect!)]

...

[You have obtained the Immortal Pendant (Red Level)]

[Immortal Pendant (Red Level): ...]

...

During the energy infusion, the knight looked towards Su Ming’an.

"Captain," he said, "I’ve learned a complete poem from your world. Can you listen to me recite it?"

Su Ming’an nodded.

The knight closed his eyes.

Bright red trails of blood streamed from the corners of his eyes, and his voice was growing fainter.

This was a poem he had once heard the Player recite.

"I wish... to arrive at that place of happiness forthwith.

"It looms like a beautiful fertile land, one...

"Rich in scenery, filled with beloved treasures.

"Such a man is the happiest and most blessed,

"...He finally gains peaceful and sweet rest,

"His slightest delights are enough to eliminate,

"All the painful memories that weigh upon him.

"Thus, all sorrows become insignificant..."

As he recited this, his voice became softer and softer, as if it might disappear into the wind at any moment.

He weakly opened his eyes.

The act of opening his eyes seemed to take all the strength he had.

He released Xie Changying and handed the notebook in his arms to Su Ming’an.

"Captain," he said, "the complete poem is in here... Can you... take my notes, and go... on the journey I could not finish?"

Su Ming’an took it and flipped it open. Dense small print came into view before his eyes.

On this diary filled to the brim,

There were notes about refreshing lemons, magical TVs, chocolates tastier than grass sweets.

... They recorded romantic love sonnets, colorful Christmases.

... The wondrous live broadcast in people’s eyes, another world without war.

...

The knight had the chance to see it.

...

Wind swept over the city walls.

Pages of the notebook flipped open, revealing the last page that was gradually stained with blood-red.

[NPC Sherrod, born in Pulaya, occupation as a Knight of Light, believer in the deities of Yun Shang City; Usual activities: battling the Soul Clan, eating grilled meat with the Captain, copying notes about travelers from Otherworld. The only kin: his sister Xie Changying. Ending: In order to save Pulaya, he gave up on becoming a Player, sacrificed his soul, and died a heroic death.]

These printed words gradually appeared, following Sherrod’s handwritten notes, as if the system was ruthlessly mocking him.

Su Ming’an tore out the page, shredding it to pieces.

"I understand, I will take it with me when I leave." He gently placed his hand on the knight’s head, just like the old lady’s gesture that night when she said goodbye.

Under the clear moonlight of that night, Gerald’s hand had gently caressed these golden locks, with the moonlight falling upon her hand, blending with the glittering blond hair as if the dappled moonlight stirred with it.

This was Pulaya’s blessing ritual.

"You are the most worthy Knight of Light I have ever seen," he said.

"I sincerely bless you," Sherrod bowed his head, his breath fading little by little.

Even amidst the blizzard, his voice, though soft, remained steady and firm as if it had never been disturbed.

"Captain."

"— May your martial fortunes prosper."

...

The scene was like a knighthood ceremony.

The knight plucked off the Red Rose he had longed for so much by his own hand.

...

[A knight’s honor comes from the recognition of gods and people. Gods grant only those worthy with the glorious title of knight, but whether a knight can live up to this honor in future actions depends on whether he maintains his faith and continues to fight for gods and people.]

[The title of knight is not the end for those with steadfast faith; it is their beginning.]

[People watch over you, and so do gods.]

[—Knight. You must not slacken in the least.]

...

The knight left with a smile.

...

[Sherrod’s HE (Happy Ending) progress: 100%]

...

[You have achieved Sherrod’s character ending: HE·Immortality]

[(Immortality): "Captain, thank you for respecting all my decisions."]

"I thank you..."

"...for treating me as a ’person’ just like you."]

...

A breeze picked up, turning the pages.

The diary filled with dense text spread open before Su Ming’an’s eyes.

...

[On the seventh day of meeting the traveler from the Otherworld.]

[Today, the captain behaved quite differently. In his speech, he affirmed my existence and that of the residents. I suddenly realized that there were people I cared about and wanted to protect.]

[He said he loved us.]

[Today, the captain also called my name, and he said to me—if I believe in myself, if I understand that my current thoughts are the results of my deep reflections, I won’t regret any of my decisions.]

[—Then, I must believe that I am an independent individual.]

...

[So, during this time, I’ve been reflecting.]

[I saw the sea monsters that were not yet retreating, witnessed the sacrifices of the Soul Hunters, saw the mother holding the urn of her child’s ashes, and also saw... my Changying, languishing in a jar, barely alive, waiting for rescue.]

[I also remembered the novel fruits recorded in my notebook, the magical television sets from Otherworld, romantic poems from the Otherworld, and those people in the ’live broadcast’ who liked me.]

[...]

[I remembered what Miss Lin Yin said, about how knights in their world would swear an oath of loyalty:

["Lances and roses, ready to serve the Princess at any time."

"Love and tenderness, to be eternally bestowed upon Your Highness, the Princess."]]

[This is a sentence laden with responsibility and yet immensely romantic.]

[Perhaps, in their world, there are also knights who are loyal and just, and who would say such words.]

[In every world, perhaps there are knights just like me, who ponder in such a way.]

[I think, to fight for this land is my voluntary wish, not some line of thinking constructed by any system—I believe this with utmost clarity in my heart.]

[...]

[At this moment.]

[...]

[I suddenly...]

[Suddenly remembered the meandering river from my childhood, the bamboo shelter on Thirteenth Street wet with rain, and the newly made rice cake candy that Grandma Gerald had hidden away.]

[I remembered the barbecue voucher that Minister Aiske gave me before taking me to that office.]

[...]

[...]

[I think.]

[... Perhaps there’s no need to try exotic lemon and chocolate anymore.]

[Let’s pass on the tastes from the past to the children.]

[The grass candies of Pulaya are also delicious.]

...

The blizzard had just stopped.

Su Ming’an opened his eyes and placed the necklace around his neck.

The transparent blue glow of the soul steadily faded before his eyes.

In this moment,

he suddenly remembered the first time he met the knight.

...

...

"Su Rin, welcome to Pulaya. This is Sherrod, a Knight of Light hailing from the Yun Shang Cathedral, a newbie who showcased Red Level Soul Hunt prowess immediately after receiving the Deity’s blessing,"

said Aelas, who was yet to be stained with blood, smiling.

He had once repeated the faith of Pulaya within the cathedral, amidst his severe coughs and choking sobs.

But during this first encounter, his voice seemed very kind, almost like a gentle concern.

By his side, Aiske, with blond hair adorned with a stylish iron ring and a still rosy face, patted the person who approached.

"—He’s the one most likely to break through to S level. This kid is good in every aspect, just a bit short on combat experience... Su Rin, I know you don’t think much of those B and C level Soul Hunters, but in the battles to come, you can take this kid with you, he’s trustworthy."

The warm light inside the room shone over the heads of the four people, absent of the cold blizzard, without the piercing cries of sea monsters.

All was peaceful.

The figure clad in golden armor, with a Knight’s Sword at his side, approached from outside the door.

The knight,

with a straight back and bright eyes,

—was advancing towards them, facing their gazes.

The room’s light lingered on his golden curls. Those emerald eyes, as clear as lake waters, slowly looked over.

The sword sheath and armor emitted resonant sounds, as if the metals had come to life in that moment.

Favored by the God, bathed in brilliant sunlight, the Knight of Light, embodying all upright and wonderful things of this world, gave him a smile.

"—Hello, a pleasure to meet you."

...

"Captain."

...

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