kscans

Chapter 411 - Possibilities and Possibilities and Possibilities

"—Next, about the 'Red Circle' that started interfering with the raid midway through."

The conversation shifted from 'White' to 'Red.' However, judging from Ashe's expression on this matter...

"Honestly, I don't really understand this part. It's less of an analysis and more pure speculation, a simple 'what if.'"

Which, well, was to be expected.

"No one's got the answer to that grotesque horror surprise."

Urging her to share her thoughts without reservation, Ashe nodded and began to speak. As usual, she began with a preface: "Starting with my conclusion."

"I believe the raid for `Liertaheria of the Red Circle` was designed from the start so that its Vanquishing and Laying to Rest couldn't be achieved at the same time. In other words, its 'last phase' was to manifest as a 'strengthening factor' in another 'Colored Monster' raid, just like this time."

"Hmm...?"

"Let's assume the condition for achieving 'Laid to Rest' is for us to make them 'accept' or 'be satisfied.' If the `White Throne`, which is tied to the Eastern Faction of conflict, Istia, sought simple 'individual strength'... then what the `Red Circle` sought was probably 'connection.'"

............To be honest, I can't say I fully understand, but I can sort of follow the flow of the conversation. If the characteristics of the faction corresponding to each Pillar are involved, then...

"The Southern Faction, Sotalm, has the blessing of wealth... It's the most efficient source of currency needed for trade, so yeah, it's a linchpin in terms of 'connecting' players."

"Honestly, it's mostly a stretch. But considering what systems were unlocked when the `Red Circle` was vanquished, I don't think the direction is wrong."

It was the clan and marriage systems, after all. The possibility that the underlying theme is the 'connection' Ashe mentioned is indeed high.

"So, why do you think the `Red Circle` was laid to rest?"

"It probably fulfilled its 'true purpose.'"

True... purpose?

"Perhaps it was created that way from the beginning. To become one with the other Pillars, to act as a kind of 'living external armor' that strengthens them."

"L-Living external armor...?"

"In contrast to the 'White' which governed 'Boundaries' and used teleportation and spatial isolation, the 'Red' which governs 'Infinity' used 'proliferation' and 'mutation.' If we consider its Authority to be versatile transformation, it's not unreasonable to think it was a being designed to adapt and merge with others............ I, think, at least."

Perhaps because of my lackluster reaction, Ashe's words gradually lost their conviction. Not quite anxious, but noticing her probing gaze, I hurriedly waved my hand.

"No, sorry, I was just taken aback. Don't worry about it."

"...I'm aware that what I'm saying is outlandish."

Is it really outlandish? It's certainly a wild theory, but I think it makes a certain amount of sense.

"So, basically, after destroying the main body, the condition for laying it to rest is to defeat another 'Colored Monster' that its remaining consciousness or soul has possessed... right? If the 'enhancement armor' was 'used' for its original purpose and was 'satisfied,' that does seem plausible."

At the very least, it's far more persuasive than any theory I could cook up in five minutes.

"—Ah. Then, could that be it, too?"

"That?"

"You know, the thing I showed you before."

As I spoke, I summoned the [Rabbit Dagger: Parabellum] and, with a few quick taps, brought up its flavor text—

[Rabbit Dagger: Parabellum]
Crafted Weapon: Dagger
A crimson dagger carved from the demonic horn of a ruby rabbit that guards a scarlet spiral.

*The demonic brilliance governing the 'Red's' immortality hides a curious authority—
Its great wish fulfilled long ago. The red eye that touched its noble brethren leaves a blessing and returns to its rest.*

"............................"

And then...................... Ah... Yeah, pass.

"...It's changed."

"Yep... Well, basically. I was thinking that the original text, 'The Pillar is yet immortal—,' might have been referring not to the `Red Circle` itself, but to the other Pillars."

"Mm... that might be it."

How should I put it?

With the `Remains of the Red Circle`, the gruesome effects during the fight, and its appearance, I'd basically written it off as a grotesque horror monster.

But if it prioritized others over itself... maybe that's not the right way to put it, but recalling the 'final scene' burned into my memory—

Maybe it was just really loyal to its comrades.

"...By the way."

"Yeah?"

"If you have any theories of your own, I'd like to hear them."

"Ah..."

This is a little tough, huh? Following up the [Sword Queen]'s intense analysis with my own 'theory,' which is based on 100% feeling and barely any thought... well, I guess it's fine.

"I only have one. I was thinking that the `Red Circle` mixing with the `White Throne` might have been a result of the 'White's' own abilities."

That said, it's not a theory that necessarily refutes Ashe's. It's the kind of 'what if' that doesn't conflict with her 'Red Circle as enhancement armor' theory.

"I told you my Anima is derived from the `White Throne`, right?"

I tapped the ring on my right hand, which had recently evolved once again, finally reaching its third tier. The white band with a red gemstone remained, but now a golden line circled it completely.

"This thing 'ate' a ring derived from the `Red Circle` when it evolved. So, I was thinking, maybe the `White Throne` itself has that kind of nature."

"That kind of, nature?"

"Yep. The ability to eat other 'colors' and grow stronger—something like that?"

I had misunderstood before when I heard that the 'Colored Monsters' had grown stronger after the `Red Circle` was defeated, but that information wasn't entirely accurate.

More correctly, it was that the 'Colored Monsters' had probably grown stronger; it was just speculation regarding the Pillars as a whole. The only one confirmed to have grown stronger was the `White Throne`.

Specifically, the tentacle cannons in the first phase. In the challenge before the `Red Circle` was vanquished, there apparently weren't nearly as many as the ridiculous number that had chased me around.

After the previous challenge, where the assault team was annihilated in the second phase following that absurd power-up, the terrified raid group took the monsters' learning and evolving nature even more seriously and temporarily froze all 'Colored Monster' raids.

The information had stagnated in the form of 'The `White Throne` got stronger after the `Red Circle` was vanquished. Therefore, it's highly likely the other Colored Monsters did too.'

And now, seeing the remnants of 'Red' not just 'strengthening' but actively participating in this raid—I had an idea.

"They're called 'Colored Monsters' or 'The Five-Colored Pillars,' so the 'colors' themselves probably have a significant meaning, right? In that case, 'white' has the potential to be dyed any color, like a 'foundation'... or, you know, a blank sheet of paper before anything is written on it?"

"............"

"So, if we had hypothetically defeated 'Green,' 'Blue,' or 'Black' first, there's a possibility things could have gotten several times more dangerous than this time... maybe..."

Oh no, the Princess is making a face I've never seen before, and it's super grim.

Well, I get it. I do. If, by some one-in-a-million, one-in-a-billion chance my 'analysis' (lol) turned out to be correct, then there's a possibility that a truly unbeatable monster—or rather, a 'Demon Lord'—could have been born...

"..................In the end, only 'God' knows the truth, but."

"Well, yeah."

"I'm glad we didn't impulsively switch to raiding `Green Connect`."

"...Y-Yeah, you're right."

Thinking that we were spared by merely trembling at a 'future that might have been,' I couldn't help but agree with Ashe's heartfelt murmur—

――――And then,

"............................................Are you done talking?"

"Hm, for now."

"Sorry about that."

It seems the one person left out of the loop was getting a bit frustrated, so I guess it's time to move on to a topic that 'involves the three of us.'

You'll see soon enough—you're not going to be an outsider for long, Nia-chan.

---

Even so, she seemed to enjoy having free rein to mess with his hair.