Aster Evans.
Divine power, Baldur.
However, word was that Aster had completely severed his connection with the God Baldur after the Manggot War. Aster himself had declared it.
Unlike Frondier, Aster wasn't one for secrets or subterfuge. He was solely consumed by his relentless pursuit of self-improvement.
Frondier once remarked to him, “Exposing so much about yourself could become a weakness, you know.” To which Aster simply replied, “Then I'll have to overcome that weakness,” leaving Frondier with a bewildered expression.
"Greetings, Mr. Ludovic. What brings you here?"
Aster tilted his head, curious about the sudden visit from Zodiac Ludovic.
After graduating, Aster had become a pro, his line of work vastly different from that of Ludovic, a knight of the Imperial Palace.
They had crossed paths occasionally during joint missions between pros and knights, exchanging greetings and becoming acquainted. However, they weren't particularly close.
Ludovic scratched his cheek and said, "My apologies, Aster. It's an order from the Palace."
"An order, sir?"
"We need to identify individuals possessed by Gods."
Aster's brow furrowed.
"Possession, sir? Me?"
"It's an order, Aster. I'm not saying it's my idea. It's just that if someone like you, Aster Evans, were to be possessed... things could get messy."
"...Well, yes. I am Aster Evans."
"Right, right."
Ludovic nodded as if Aster had given the most obvious answer. Aster, in turn, tilted his head to the side, mirroring the angle of Ludovic's nod.
It seemed Ludovic's explanation had completely flown over his head.
"...So, how do we confirm if someone's possessed?"
"It's not as simple as mind control this time. We're dealing with Gods. It wouldn't be difficult for them to mimic the humans they've bestowed their power upon."
"So, you're saying I might already be Baldur instead of Aster?"
Ludovic nodded.
"Exactly. So, Aster, is there anything only you know? Something Baldur wouldn't, something that would assure us you're really you?"
At Ludovic's question, Aster stroked his chin, deep in thought. Then, as if struck by an idea, he lifted his head.
"Ah, yes. It's not exactly information, but..."
"Good, good. What is it?"
"A flash."
"...What?"
Despite Ludovic's bewildered expression, Aster, with an air of resolve, drew his sword.
"Ah, you see, a flash is a technique I received from the finest swordsman in the Falind continent, modified to suit my own style—"
"No, no! I know what a flash is! Who in the continent wouldn't?!"
"...Quite a lot of people, I imagine?"
Aster asked as if it were the most natural thing in the world, eliciting a sigh from Ludovic.
"That's not the point! Why are we suddenly talking about flashes? This could be settled with a simple word!"
"My apologies, but I don't really have any secrets. Baldur knows almost everything I do. Well, he's been away from me for a while now, so I'm not sure what he's privy to these days."
Aster shrugged and continued.
"However, flash is different. I can confidently say that it's a technique Baldur cannot replicate. It's the easiest way to prove I am who I say I am."
"...You're saying a God can't copy it? Really?"
"Yes. Especially if it's not their own body but a vessel they're possessing. It would be impossible."
Ludovic's gaze darted around, finally settling on a nod.
"Alright. I suppose even a God can't perform something they've never practiced."
"I'll demonstrate in this direction. Please observe carefully."
Aster moved to Ludovic's left, positioning himself at an angle where Ludovic could clearly see his movements from the side.
Ludovic spoke.
"Give me a signal. It's a swift technique."
"I always announce my signals."
With that, Aster, true to his word, declared,
"Here I go."
And as his aura completely vanished,
──Clang!
A thunderous metallic clang ripped through the air.
Chaaaak!!
Two long, deep lines were etched into the ground. Ludovic, still in his stance, stared at the lines, momentarily stunned.
"...What... what was that, Aster?"
Aster's flash had been aimed directly at him. Without a moment's hesitation.
Ludovic had only managed to block it thanks to the clear signal; otherwise, it could have been disastrous.
"Hmm."
Aster's eyes were cold as he looked at Ludovic.
"Even now, you call me 'Aster'? You had every reason to suspect I was Baldur."
"......!"
"As I thought."
Aster assumed a new stance. Middle guard. The picture of a swordsman.
"It's easy for a God to mimic a human, you say?"
Aster echoed Ludovic's earlier words.
"Your stance, your gait, the way you hold your sword, your expression... None of it resembles Ludovic in the slightest. What gave you the confidence to claim it was easy?"
"!"
"And above all,"
Aster's gaze, now laced with a rare intensity, pierced Ludovic.
"Are you oblivious to Ludovic's current state?"
"...What?"
"The last time I saw him, Ludovic was consumed by guilt. Guilt over driving Frondier away. He was the one most burdened by his transgression against Frondier de Roach."
Aster wasn't particularly close to Ludovic.
However, in their limited interactions, he had memorized the look on Ludovic's face.
──You call yourself a Zodiac, Ludovic?
Aster had never heard those words spoken aloud.
But he remembered the remorse and regret etched on Ludovic's face.
"Ludovic was mentally vulnerable. Possession would have been child's play."
"..."
Ludovic remained silent.
Or rather, the 'being' inhabiting Ludovic's body, having abandoned all pretense, simply let his face harden into a cold mask.
"Yet the God who granted you divine power takes over Ludovic's body, approaches me, and speaks so casually, as if he's forgotten everything?"
Aster's aura pulsed and contracted, growing in intensity.
"You know nothing of the man Ludovic is. So much for a God."
The courtesy Aster typically extended to all had vanished.
A brief memory flickered in his mind, and Aster let out a dry chuckle.
"Baldur, you were no different, were you?"
Read ahead by supporting me on Ko-fi. Tiers starting at 10$ per month and you can access upto 40 advance chapters! Choose your tier by clicking the 'Support me' button! Join our discord server for latest release updates and novel discussions. Rate and review this novel on NU to help people find this novel. Bonus chapters on reaching milestones. Happy reading!
he's the main for a reason. coolio
ReplyDeleteUwooogh our MC Aster
ReplyDelete