The next day, near the windmill by Blackmore.
"Well done! Done in a way I never expected! Naoki!"
Like an actor on stage, Zepia used an overly exaggerated tone and expression to speak to Naoki, who sat across from him.
"According to my calculations, there was no way you could have resolved the Logos React issue, but who would have thought it would end in such an absurd way! The Seven Great Weapons, the pride of our academy, ended up malfunctioning due to an overload of data! How embarrassing for our academy! HAHAHAHA!"
Because of Arthur's soul taking over, and even resonating with the Arthur in the Throne of Heroes, the Logos React received information from outside the world—in simple terms, it connected to the Root.
Of course, it wasn't a full connection, at best it only connected to the outermost layer of the Root, but even so, the information contained within was enough to crash the Logos React. Considering that the Philosopher's Stone is the ultimate memory storage medium capable of recording nearly infinite information, absorbing it all wasn't impossible.
It's just that it would happen in the very distant future.
"I think we won't have to worry about the Logos React being reactivated for at least the next ten years." Zepia said. "So, for at least the next ten years, I won't have to worry."
"Even so, you've never really been worried at all, have you?"
Naoki took a sip of the drink in front of him.
"I don't believe that the Atlas Institute created the Logos React and, after realizing its dangers, didn't devise a way to deal with it. Even if the situation truly escalated to the worst-case scenario as you described earlier—world destruction—I think you'd have a way to handle it."
"Perhaps."
Zepia didn't entirely deny Naoki's statement.
"Due to the Atlas Institute's contract, I actually can't intervene in any way regarding the Logos React's malfunction, as it would violate the terms of the contract—unless we determine that the contract can no longer be fulfilled. And to make that determination… I think it would require about half of Wales to be involved in the disaster to qualify."
"In that case, for the people here, it's no different from the end of the world. This is an era where an earthquake destroying a single city would cause panic, so if half of Wales were affected…"
"Fortunately, it didn't escalate to that point. In fact, the probability of it reaching that stage was only about three in ten thousand. It's just that I, personally, always assume the worst-case scenario to stay vigilant."
At this point, Zepia poured himself a glass of red wine, took a small sip, and then continued: "Let's talk about something else. Problems that have been resolved can be ignored for now. What do you think this village will be like in the future?"
Naoki propped his chin on his hand: "The Logos React has temporarily stopped functioning, and it's unclear when it will be reactivated—this sudden situation should have shocked and panicked everyone in the village. But that's all."
"Humans have an incredibly high adaptability to unexpected situations. Even if they experienced something akin to the end of the world just yesterday, they'll soon fully adapt to post-apocalyptic life. I think this village will be the same. There might be some minor issues at first, but time will smooth everything over."
"So, there might not be any changes. The village will likely remain as it is. Perhaps after losing the purpose they've held onto for so long, the villagers will awaken and start a new life?"
At this point, Naoki smiled faintly and stood up.
"Leaving?"
"Yes, the anomaly mission is complete. There's no reason to stay here any longer."
"Right. Before you go, there's one thing I need to tell you—rewarding those who have done great deeds is an ancient rule. For you, who helped me resolve the Logos React issue, I've naturally prepared a gift. It's just a bit complicated, so I'm still making the final adjustments. I'll send it to you later. Remember to accept it."
A gift?
Naoki smiled: "I'd like to say it's unnecessary—it's not a big deal—but saying that would be pointless. Thank you for your kindness here. Well then, until we meet again, Dean of the Atlas Institute."
"Yes, until we meet again, Magus of the Clock Tower."
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
He said he would leave the village, but in reality, Naoki couldn't leave immediately. Time-wise, it would still take two or three more days.
The reason was simple. Because of the Logos React issue, the entire village was on high alert. Everyone was tense, desperately trying to find the person who had ruined their well-laid plans.
And Naoki, as the most conspicuous outsider in the village, was naturally the prime suspect—an outsider arrives on the second day, and the Logos React, which had been running smoothly all this time, suddenly malfunctions. If there's no connection between these two events, even a ghost wouldn't believe it.
So for the past two days, every time Naoki went somewhere, he was closely watched by the villagers. If he encountered more aggressive individuals, they would even interrogate him. And this morning, the respected elder of the village came personally to interrogate him directly.
In the end, Naoki simply shouted in anger and drove her away—partly out of long-suppressed resentment from being interrogated and watched, and partly to act. He was quite confident in his acting skills.
"Ugh~ Do I have to endure days like this for a few more days?"
Lying on the wooden bed, Naoki stared at the ceiling and sighed wearily.
And at that moment—
*KNOCK!* *KNOCK!*
The sound of knocking came from the door. Before Naoki could open it, the person outside barged in.
Bersac.
Sitting up from the bed, Naoki frowned: "What is it, Gravekeeper?"
"You could say this is an urgent matter—you're in a bit of danger, Magus." Bersac looked slightly anxious. "Because the culprit behind the malfunction of the underground device hasn't been found, the elder, to calm the people, plans to eliminate you."
"Huh?" Naoki was stunned, then raised both hands. "That's quite a quick decision."
"Everyone in this village is fiercely loyal to King Arthur and wouldn't do anything to harm the village. You, as the outsider, are the most suspicious—even if the reasoning is a bit forced, it's still true."
"So, you came to tell me to run away?"
"If you're captured, and in your fear, you give me up, I'll be in trouble too—leave here with Gray, and never come back."
"Alright, huh?!"
Naoki, who had just agreed, suddenly jolted.
What did this old man just say?
"Leave with Gray? You did just say that, right? What's the story? Why does Gray have to come along?"
"She doesn't need to stay here anymore." Bersac said. "The underground device has stopped functioning. The village's goal of reviving King Arthur can no longer be achieved. As such, Gray no longer needs to serve as a vessel. But even so, she'll still only end up as a vessel for past heroes. It was like that before, and even now, it's the same."
"You mean, the villagers, perhaps because of the Logos React's shutdown and the fear in their hearts, will become even more fanatical in worshipping Gray?"
Bersac nodded in agreement with Naoki's statement: "Originally, I appointed her as the next Gravekeeper because I couldn't bear to see her miserable life. But now, even my actions can no longer help her."
"So you want me to help her? Take her away from here forever?" Naoki couldn't help but pause. "...The outside world isn't as beautiful as you think. Especially where I'm from—the world of Magi isn't a good place."
"It's better than this place full of the dead. Besides, someday, she'll have to see the outside world anyway."
"What about her opinion?"
"She's already been persuaded—leave after nightfall, take her with you, and never return."
After saying that, Bersac turned and closed the door without giving Naoki time to respond—or rather, he directly assumed Naoki would agree.