This Heretical Rise is... a bit too plain.
To be able to construct a mage's tower of this scale in such a harsh environment undoubtedly proves that this mage possessed both immense wealth and magical ability. Yet the room before her was far too austere—aside from the essential research equipment and a large number of books and scrolls, there wasn't a single item that could be considered a luxury or something that would make living here more comfortable.
Was this the inevitable state for a mage in the Lands Between, living in a world that denied death?
As she examined the various items in the study at the top of the tower, Aoko pondered. Now, neither she nor Touko was bound by the limitation of lifespan. In such a long stretch of time, no matter how obsessed she became with magecraft and magic, was it necessary to suppress all other desires as this heretical mage had?
Aoko's answer was no. She enjoyed fine food, interesting books, music, beautiful girls, and all kinds of technical knowledge. All of these formed her complete personality and soul, maintaining her mental stability. They were not essential for survival, but they were crucial to keeping her spirit vibrant.
This heretical mage had undoubtedly achieved great magical feats, but his end was tragic. His research left no heir, his tower became the spoils of strangers, and even his remains were nowhere to be found.
Aoko didn't know where the owner of this tower had gone or where he died, but it was not a happy ending. Perhaps the mage sphere in the tower marked the end of his path.
While letting her thoughts wander, Aoko moved aside a cabinet that was blocking something. Behind it sat a lonely treasure chest.
Aoko hesitated slightly, considering how many traps she had encountered since entering this tower. She decided to be cautious.
Quickly forming several hand seals, she chanted a short incantation and cast a Knock spell.
With a flash of magical light, the lock on the chest clicked open without triggering any traps.
Inside was a single, exquisitely crafted scroll.
With a wave of her hand, a Mage Hand lifted the scroll and placed it on a nearby table. After confirming that the scroll wasn't cursed, Aoko unrolled it and began reading carefully.
The scroll was densely filled with neat and meticulous writing, clearly showing the author's serious attitude toward magic research—and perhaps a bit of obsessive-compulsive personality.
The first half of the text describes how, as a descendant of stargazers, the author inadvertently discovered a certain origin in the dark abyss while studying the stars. Based on this origin knowledge and his comprehension, he developed one of the earliest origin magics in the Lands Between—Starbirth Rain.
The second half detailed the spell's underlying principles, magical model, casting requirements, and ability prerequisites.
Aoko skimmed it and confirmed that this was indeed the primary objective of her journey to this snowy land: to find and obtain the original manuscript of Starbirth Rain.
The version that Selyn had studied was no doubt passed down orally by her teacher. In both essence and power, it differed significantly from this original version. This was also why the strength of the academy's mages had gradually declined. Glintstone magic didn't just test intellect; it also had high demands on the caster's basic qualities. Some mages, to ensure the continuation of their magic, would modify spells based on their students' capabilities, reducing the requirements and, in turn, weakening the spell's power.
A talent like Sellen could be considered a throwback to the ancient prodigies. Even Queen Rennala of the Full Moon, upon learning of her, had taken a liking to this gifted girl. Recently, she had even devoted rare personal time to instruct Sellen directly—something nearly unheard of in the past.
Aoko carefully rolled the scroll back up and placed it in her imaginary pocket. According to their prior agreement, she would share the scroll with Sellen and Touko, so they could study it together and provide a copy to the academy at Raya Lucaria.
— Page Break —
At the same time, as the Lands Between was thrown into turmoil by the return of the Holy Crusade led by Messmer, the leader of the Knights of Miquella, Leda, returned to the side of the demigod Miquella, carrying that precious soul.
Her journey had cost the lives of many of her fellow knights, but for Leda—who cared little for anything beyond loyalty—it was a price she unquestioningly paid. She had completed the task Miquella had entrusted to her: delivering Radahn's soul into his hands.
The beautiful and radiant demigod gently took the vessel containing his brother's soul from the kneeling Golden Needle Knight. He held it close to his chest and closed his eyes, quietly feeling the pain within it. The pure golden light soothed that pain—but beneath that light, the divine power of Miquella's law was hidden.
"My king of promises… I shall become a god," Miquella whispered. "To fulfill the vow between us, please become my king… Just wait a little longer. I will bring you back… and together, we'll create a gentle world—a new age of paradise."
Leda remained patiently kneeling until Miquella turned his gaze back to her. Only then did she raise her head and look directly at her lord.
"You've done well, my knight," Miquella said, gently stroking her golden-sand-like hair and smiling warmly. "My brother has now escaped the rot and come to my side. And now, I have another important task for you."
"I will not fail," Leda replied with firm resolve.
"In the northern snowfields of our homeland, the candidate chosen by mother's outdated law is seeking the trail of the Lord of Blood," Miquella said. "After that Tarnished slays Mohg, bring his body back to me. If the warrior's descendant lacks the strength, you may offer the necessary aid."
"My other brother, Messmer, has already led his army away from the Land of Shadow," Miquella continued, turning to gaze toward Enir-Ilim, hidden beneath the shadow. "His departure has severed our path to the Divine Tower—but that is not the end."
"Next, I shall go to the depths of the Azure Coast and seek the Lost Queen's legacy," Miquella declared. "If Messmer's power can burn away thorns of denial, then the source of his flame must be capable of it as well."
"Go now, my knight," Miquella said, gently lifting Leda from her kneeling position and whispering in her ear, "The gentle law… the thousand-year journey is about to begin. Once we cross this final obstacle, a world filled with love will arrive."