Chapter 133 - Winter Queen 4 (2/2)

He was exchanging Records with his party members through dreams.Artpe had suspected this was the case, so he unconsciously accepted this information.

‘As expected, this might be caused by Maetel’s power.’

Artpe shut his eyes as he thought.

From the moment Maetel learned the Record Divide in the Hero’s development Dungeon, he had sometimes seen events from his past life from a different perspective.It was memories of events he hadn’t personally experienced.

At first, he thought he was reconstructing past events using his imagination.He thought he was under a delusion.However, the dreams were too detailed, and he was able to clear this ruin thanks to the dreams.It would be pathetic for him to deny the truth now.

Yes, the dreams were Maetel’s Record.Artpe had seen her Record.It wasn’t the present Maetel, but the Record of Maetel from her previous life.

[I hope you won’t ask me if such a thing is possible.History was been rewound, but that doesn’t mean the event that happened disappeared.It was merely covered up.The truth remains alive deep within her heart.]

“Does that mean she knows about her past life…...”

[Maybe.That is unknown to me.If her Record was bigger, I might have been able to confirm it.]

“Thank you for giving me such an obvious answer.”

Artpe gave a gruff reply, then he shut his mouth.He had learned two shocking truths, so he was low on energy.One of the reason for his annoyance was that he couldn’t do much to change what would happen.

‘Shall I ask her after I exit this place?If she knows everything, how should I respond?What if she doesn’t know anything?That might put weird ideas into her head…...’

Artpe grabbed his head as he struggled over the problem.The female sculpture called out to him once again.

[If you don’t have anything further you want to ask me, I want you to tell me what you want from me.]

“······you should already know this.”

[You mean this.]

The female sculpture opened her mouth.A small sculpture that looked like an exact replica of the bigger sculpture appeared.In truth, it was a creepy sight.

“I didn’t receive this item like this last time!”

[On the other hand, the quality of this item is higher this time.I am breaking off part of myself.This will suit her better..]

In truth, she wasn’t wrong.A soft cold energy was emanating from the item.It couldn't be compared to the sculpture he stole in his previous life.He naturally realized something when he looked over it.

“You are a sculpture made out of the world’s first ice, and this is a part of you.”

[That’s right.]

It took him a very long time to discern the makeup of the item using his Read All Creation ability.It wasn’t because it was made out of many elements.It had been bonded too well, so it took him a long time..

It would have been understandable for a foe like the Kraken where he couldn’t lay eyes on the entirety of a subject.He could take in the item in its entirety with his eyes, yet it was taking a long time to see its true nature.Maybe, his Read All Creation ability was still lacking.This might be the impetus that would grow his ability.

“This is all I want.I just want my party members to acquire real power..”

This place was the biggest reason why Regina was able to go toe-to-toe with Etna in their past lives.It was the blessing of the Winter Queen.

The archmage Regina became a pivotal figure after receiving the power of the Winter Queen.She had been a big help to the hero’s party when they crossed over to the Demon realm.It happened after Artpe’s death, but it would have been impossible for the hero’s party to defeat Etna without the power of the Winter Queen.

[You can rest easy in regards to that.Since you’ve joined them in seeking me out this time, they….Yes.The entirety of my power will be transferred to her.In terms of aptitude, she is closest to me.That is why she will gain the most power.]

“You are quite thoughtful in your consideration.”

In this life, Artpe had never been at a disadvantage thanks to his Read All Creation ability and the memories of his past life.However, the so-called Winter Queen remembered her past life, so she wasn’t at a disadvantage against Artpe.

“Yes.That should be enough.I guess I just have to wait now.”

Artpe weakly mumbled to himself as he put away the sculpture.It would be great if Etna became happy after receiving this item.However, he became depressed when he thought about the unavoidable fight that would occur when he met her once again.

[What else?]

The annoying voice stopped him once again.

“What do you mean what else?I want you to properly empower my party..”

[I still have something I have to give you. The sculpture I just gave you is merely a very small fragment of myself.It wouldn’t be fair to just give you that.]

“Since we cleared the ruin, you want me take everything?I merely used Blink once to get here. The reward seems disproportionately large compared to my action.”

[You revived the Wind Spirit King’s power.You were successful in bringing back the power of space and time.Your achievement isn’t trivial, so you can boldly ask for more.Therefore….]

The Winter Queen let out a bitter laugh as she spoke.

[It is time to give my Record to you too.You should meekly take it since I am offering it to you.]

When Artpe heard those words, he didn’t understand what she meant for a brief moment.He tilted his head in confusion, but his eyes turned wide when he discerned the meaning of her words.

“Right now….You are choosing your own demise?”

[No.It means I choose to live my life in a different way.I’m not sure if this could be called living…..I’m sick of it.Even more so in recent years.]

Artpe smirked when he heard the Winter Queen’s voice.She spoke lightly, but it seemed she was serious.Still, he didn’t need to accept anything more from her when what she was offering wouldn’t be of much help to him…..

“Then you should look at this.”

[······ho-oh.I see.]

She had the most interested look on her face since she started conversing with Artpe.The Winter Queen answered him.

[The ice sculpture isn’t the only present you will gift her.]