203 [3-60] She was crazy (1/2)

So, in short, you're not going to turn into a dark elf and just die like that?

I don't mind, because it'll give me some good data.

Not everyone has accepted the idea of becoming a Dark Elf. ......

I have to lead them ...... as long as I live!　I have to lead them .......

In the middle of the swamp, in the thorny ”political prison camp”.

In the middle of the swamp, in a political prison covered with thorns, lying on the floor of woven vines, crucified with thorns, the ”Imam” Jibal Maguza, his wrinkled face even more wrinkled, stares at the ceiling and says.

In the midst of such pain that he didn't even know if he was alive or dead, Jivarmaguza hadn't lost sight of himself.

If he became a dark elf, his body would adapt to the evil, he would be spared the pain, and he would live forever. But Jivarmaguza had no intention of becoming a Dark Elf.

Zivarmaguza was a prisoner, but some were allowed to see him. Probably to keep the village together. Killing Jivarmaguza, the leader of the village, would have created a backlash, but keeping him alive would have somehow preserved the form of the village.

This is what Jivarmaguza himself wants. I don't think I can do anything now, but I have to lead my tribe as a spiritual pillar. And he must be noble to the end so that someone else can inherit his pride. That was Jibal Maguza's last task.

Beside her, a shamelessly dressed witch crouched down to observe Jivarmaguza.

She wasn't mocking him, nor was she angry. She was just amused.

”...... Witch. Over four hundred years ago, in the far south of this continent, there was a war for the survival of the human race.

I know. I was in that war. On the losing side.

Well, ...... we fought, too, .......

Every time I breathe, my lungs ache as if my veins are being pulled out.

The evil spirits of Jivarmaguza were barely able to keep him alive, thanks to the suspicious drugs he was given twice a day.

In the midst of her pain, memories of the distant past kept coming back to her mind.

Many of my comrades-in-arms, who were closer to me than my family, died in the ...... battle.

Men and women, young and old, ...... even the breath of the gods was by my side, ...... working together as if we were one ...... life, just to survive. ...... we were the world .......

A single hot tear rolls down Jibal Maguza's cheek, as if an old wound is suddenly aching and burning.

You know what I mean: ......

You can't change the way you live now. You can't sell your soul. ......

Whether it's right or wrong is ...... none of my business. ......

Maybe that's the way it's supposed to be.

The witch surprisingly nodded with a sigh of sadness.

I'm not sure.

It was near the edge of the residential area in the center of the forest.

The area was sparsely wooded and open, with soft grassland.

A fresh breeze with a green scent blew through the area from time to time.

A vine sprouting from the ground formed the shape of a bench with a backrest, on which Krus Salina was sitting.

Her hair, once a beautiful grass color, had turned white, like that of an old man.

Dressed in a simple nightgown, not a miko costume, she just stared blankly up at the sky.

”Oh?

She turned at the sound of Lia Ramirez's footsteps on the grass as she approached her.

Hello. We see each other often.

”...... Yes.

She smiles and bows to him, and he responds animatedly.

What's your name?

”Riela Milles. ......

Yes, Ms. Liera.

It was the same question he had asked her yesterday.

Cruz Salina, who had been so cheerful, suddenly had a questioning look on her face.

”What's your name ......?　What did I say ......? My name is .......

”Cruz.

Riera Milles, a little bitingly, called her name as if to add to her words.

”Cruz Salina. You're Cruz Salina.

”Cruz ......, yes, I'm sure you are.

”What were you doing?

”...... I don't know.

Krsna looks up at the sky.

The sky was clear and blue, cutting through the blackness of the trees.

I've been thinking that I need to go somewhere, do something. ...... I've been thinking that I need to go somewhere, do something. ......

I can't just sit here and ......

I have to help ...... everyone. I have to protect them. ......

But ...... how?　From what ......?

Cruz Salina collapsed, clutching her head.

”Cruz!

”I can't ...... get my thoughts ............ out, I can't ......

Oh, my head!　Aaah!

It's okay. I'm fine. Okay?

Cruz Salina screams, clutching her head and shaking it like an itchy child.

Lieramires hugged her gently.

There is nothing ...... for you to worry about. It's okay. ...... Don't worry. ......

It was heartbreakingly sad.

Cruz Salina no longer understood what the color of Lia Ramirez's skin meant.

She forgot who she was supposed to be fighting, and yet she was still trying to fight and protect.

◇ A plant that is neither ivy nor tree.