Chapter 160 - 2-42 Louis's Perspective
“I shall guide you from here.”
An unfamiliar voice echoed, prompting me to look around. My eyes met Theodore's, who wore a puzzled expression.
“Hmm? What is it?”
“No... that voice just now...”
“What are you doing? There is no time.”
My gaze wandered until it landed on Van. With the star-studded sky as his backdrop, he soared overhead, his massive wings outstretched.
“Is Van... speaking?”
“Ah, right. This is your first time hearing him, isn't it? You can hear the arrogance in his tone, can't you?”
Theodore smirked at my astonishment while keeping his eyes on Van.
“Can you always hear the spirits like this?”
“Yes. Spirits understand human speech, but the reverse isn't true. It seems they have many grievances because of that.”
“And you... act as their counselor?”
I couldn't help but chuckle at the man's hidden depths. But there was no time for idle thought; Van accelerated as if to urge us forward.
“Hey, no time for chatter. Run faster.”
“Is the Room of Space-Time really in this forest?”
“Indeed. The Room of Space-Time, managed by the Spirit King of Light, lies in an annex within the Temple where the King resides.”
“An annex? Won't we be spotted by other spirits?”
“It should be fine... I hope. According to Van's intel, even within the Temple grounds, other spirits rarely approach the annex. Besides, I've been using perception-blocking magic on us since we arrived.”
“When did you... wait, you can use that too?”
“Haha, well, you know.”
Theodore gave me a knowing look while keeping pace with Van.
“You really are a handful.”
“Oh, please. You're always relying on me, Louis.”
“True enough. I'd hate to have you as an enemy.”
Theodore burst out laughing at my honest reply. I joined him, the tension breaking for a moment as we ran side-by-side.
Eventually, Theodore pointed ahead, his voice bright. “Look! I see a light!”
Van dove through the trees toward a faint orange glow. We pushed ourselves to keep up. At the end of the path stood a modest stone building.
“Is this it?”
“Yes. We have arrived. It is beyond this door.”
Van landed on my shoulder and nodded. “Is there a key?”
“Of course. But I do not possess it.”
He didn't have it? We had come all this way only to be locked out?
“Do not worry. The Room of Space-Time is the most vital location for the Spirit King. Not even every light spirit can enter freely. Thus, I have secured the cooperation of a high-ranking spirit who holds the key.”
A high-ranking spirit? I looked at Theodore, who seemed to already know, nodding with his arms crossed.
“And where is this spirit?”
“Right there.”
Van looked toward a space that had been empty a moment ago. A boy stood there now.
“When did he...”
He looked about ten years old, with long silver hair and yellow eyes, wearing a gentle smile. He walked toward us gracefully, unbothered by my confusion.
“I have heard everything from your contract spirit. You are the Prince of Dutoit, caught in the Dark Spirit King's mischief?”
“Nice to meet you... I am—”
I tried to process the situation and introduce myself, but the high-ranking spirit boy raised a hand to stop me.
“No need for introductions. I already know who you are. More importantly, you should return to your world before the King notices.”
Theodore stepped forward to assist me. “Van mentioned the Spirit King dislikes humans and might not help. I assume you, as a high-ranking spirit close to him, feel the same?”
“Naturally.”
“Then why help us? Van helps Louis because he's his contract spirit. But you have no such obligation. Aren't you defying the King's will?”
The boy brushed back his silver hair, his expression softening. “Perhaps. The King does not wish for us to favor humans. However, this is a crisis for the Prince of Dutoit. I do not know if this is the 'right' choice, but when I heard the hawk's story, I felt a desire to help you. I chose to trust my intuition.”
His eyes were honest. He was willing to go against his King for his own convictions. The compassion in his gaze warmed my heart.
“Thank you. I will never forget your kindness.”
“Then please, ensure the people of Dutoit always feel close to the spirits. Protect nature so we may continue to live in this forest. Never forget that we, the light spirits, coexist with your people.”
“I promise.”
The boy gave a pure, childlike smile. “I am relieved. I shall open the door now.”
He produced a staff, and light erupted from it. A heavy door appeared on the brick wall. A click signaled it was unlocked.
“Please, enter.”
I swallowed hard and reached for the door.