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𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐬𝐦𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐫
The battle ended, and the cleanup began.
All of Typhon’s flesh had vanished, leaving only the ruined town.
With the help of the knights, the citizens, and the power of the Summoned beasts, the town’s reconstruction began. The restoration was progressing smoothly, and in the not-so-distant future, the town would be fully rebuilt.
They also conducted burials for the deceased.
Over a thousand citizens were affected by Typhon’s devastation. The country held a joint funeral, offering prayers to the deceased.
Apart from the joint funeral, many chose to conduct individual burials.
At a cemetery on the outskirts of the noble district, S-class boys and girls gathered.
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“Uh. . . . . .uwu, grandmother. . . . . .sob.”
“Lapis. . . . . .”
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Garnet’s grave after the burial.
The S-Class Summoners visited the day after the burial. After experiencing the fatigue of battle and the death of loved ones, everyone, including Albero, had been bedridden. After the funeral, they finally all came to pay their respects.
In front of the Duke Fragment family’s gravesite, Lapis offered flowers.
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“Grandmother. . . . . .thanks to you, I was saved. If grandmother hadn’t brought me to the S-class and to Albero, I would still be alone. . . . . .Thanks to you, I became strong.”
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Wiping away her tears, Lapis bowed in front of the grave.
Albero and Ashe also bowed in front of the grave.
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“Teacher Garnet. . . . . .I will never forget you. My mentor. . . . . .you taught me so much. Thank you so much!!”
“Teacher. . . . . .sob, thank you.”
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Yorha, who was supposed to be busy with post-war duties, also arrived.
She offered flowers and placed her hand on her chest to pray.
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“On behalf of the royal family, I express my gratitude. Garnet Shine Fragment. . . . . .you are a hero who protected this country. . . . . .fufu, you would probably hate to be called that.”
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Then, Ridelle stepped forward.
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“Teacher. I truly thank you. . . . . .All I have is gratitude. I will never forget you!!”
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Bow deeply and then raise your head.
The face that looked like it was about to cry was now smiling strongly.
And then, Leivinia and Nisrok.
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“Humans are fragile. Even if our bodies perish, our souls return to the other world. It takes time, but we can reincarnate and return to this world. But humans. . . . . .humans are different.”
“I’m sad. . . . . .I want to see Garnet.”
“Nisrok. I realize now. . . . . .what we did was unimaginable.”
“Yeah. . . . . .Following Demon Emperor-sama’s orders, we did terrible things to the humans.”
“We won’t do it anymore. Understand, Nisrok?”
“Yes, little sis.”
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Leivinia and Nisrok reflected on their past actions with regret.
This too was growth. Everyone believed Garnet would be pleased.
And then━━Kid.
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“. . . . . .”
“Kid, it’s your turn. . . . . .”
“. . . . . .”
“Hey, Kid.”
“Albero. Let’s go back. . . . . .”
“Huh, Ridelle?”
“Just go. Come on, everyone, let’s go.”
“Right.” “Yes.” “Indeed.”
“Hey, wait?”
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Ashe and Lapis grabbed Albero’s arms, and Yorha pushed his back.
Ridelle looked back and stopped at the entrance of the cemetery.
Whatever Kid was going to say. . . . . .probably, no one should hear it.
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◇◇◇◇◇◇
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Kid splashed the whiskey he brought onto Garnet’s grave.
Then, he drank the rest straight from the bottle.
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“I promised we’d drink together again. This should suffice.”
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Kid paused for a moment and then began to speak.
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“Arnaud will be coming later. The old lady 『Fate』 and Damocles will pay their respects too. You had quite a reputation, huh? Tch, this isn’t like me. We’ve said all there is to say. Goodbye.”
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Saying that, he started walking.
After taking a few steps, he stopped as if remembering something.
Then, he took out a simple-designed pipe from his chest and lit a tobacco chosen by Garnet.
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“Inhale. . . . . .As you said, once you get used to this, it becomes addictive.”
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The tobacco Garnet chose was a light one that women often smoke. It was made from dried fruit leaves, giving a sweet and fruity taste.
Kid placed the pipe in his mouth and tilted his hat.
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“I won’t forget. . . . . .you, the taste of the alcohol we drank, this tobacco. If you live on in my heart, then take care of Sara for me.”
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Muttering that, Kid started walking again.
The amber-colored whiskey splashed on the tombstone glistened.
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◇◇◇◇◇◇
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Asgard Summoning Academy was in chaos due to pending tasks.
Amidst this, Esterize was summoned to the royal castle. The summoner’s identity was unknown. The received letter simply read, “Come to the castle immediately.”
Thinking, “At such a busy time?”, she headed to the castle.
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“. . . . . .sigh.”
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She wore her school uniform perfectly, her hair done up and makeup applied.
However, if this was just a trivial greeting or thanks from King Sanbalt, she thought of heading back immediately. With that thought, she headed to the castle and showed the letter to the gatekeeper.
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“A-Class Summoner Esterize・Rushout. I’ve come in response to the summons.”
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The gatekeeper verified the letter and escorted her.
Contrary to her expectations of being inside the castle, she was led through a courtyard to a large building beyond.
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“Huh. . . . . .Where is this?”
“Please wait inside.”
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She was led to a cathedral.
Present there were clergymen offering prayers to 『God』. There was only one person who held such an indispensable position in this kingdom.
The doors opened, and the one praying at the altar was. . . . . .
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“Welcome, Esterize.”
“C, Cardinal Gabriel…?! Why?”
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Among the twenty-one summoners, the last number and commander was 『Judge』 Gabriel. Despite looking in her mid-teens, she was beautiful like a snow fairy.
Although she should be well over seventy, she looked stunning.
Gabriel stopped praying and began walking towards Esterize.
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“I called you because I have a request.”
“Y, Yes, of course!”
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Esterize knelt down.
Gabriel came close to Esterize, gently reaching out.
Her hand was placed under Esterize’s chin, lifting her face slightly.
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“Garnet has passed away.”
“That’s. . . . . .very sad.”
“Yes. But we can’t dwell in sadness. The day is coming. . . . . .We, the Special A-Class, must return to the battlefield.”
“. . . . . .Yes.”
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Gabriel released her hand from Esterize.
Then, she finally conveyed the main topic.
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“Esterize. I confer upon you the title of 『High Priestess』. From now on, as a Special A-class, lead the A-Class Summoners into battle.”
“Huh. . . . . .?”
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It was like a bolt from the blue.
Special A-class.
A rank above A-class. A title held by only the strongest twenty-one.
Esterize was taken aback.
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“I was convinced in the recent battle. You excel in leading people. There is no successor to Garnet other than you. This is my judgment as the head of the Special A-class.”
“. . . . . .Y, Yes.”
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Esterize could barely muster a response.
Gabriel said with a gentle smile.
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“Furthermore, we will form an elite unit of A-Class Summoners. Esterize, you will be the captain. From the selection of A-Class Summoners to the management of the organization, everything is entrusted to you. I expect you to be the strongest force of the Asgard Kingdom.”
“Y. . . . . .Yes!!”
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Esterize replied with great enthusiasm.
Yet, she hadn’t realized.
The formation of the strongest unit. Her promotion to Special A-class.
In other words, she was to create a force that was different from the S-class, the strongest in the kingdom.
Gabriel smiled with satisfaction.