kscans

EPILOGUE : THE ENDLESS JOURNEY – Final Chapter – Sea of Clouds

1

Three months had passed since they set out on the journey. During these three months, they encountered various adventures. Fyuza was vast, and once they started climbing, they found a series of mountains and valleys where humans and demi-humans lived. There were many towns, villages, and countries.

In one village, they defeated a monster that was said to appear once every few years from behind a ridge called the Dragon’s Back. In another village, they accidentally ate a fish that could only be caught on moonless nights and were chased around by the villagers. There was a settlement of demi-humans called Parkazul who spent half a year sleeping in burrows. There was a settlement of demi-humans called Orando with four arms and a strong tail. There was a settlement of demi-humans called Yurukuru who were soft and changed shape before their very eyes.

The three of them fell into crisis many times, but they got through with Jurchaga’s wit and Karz’s swordsmanship. In a village at the foot of the mountain, they were taught that to climb Fyuza, they had to slowly acclimatize their bodies, so they did so. But Jurchaga’s physical strength is gradually weakening. Because of this, their pace has also slowed down.

The weather on Fyuza changes rapidly. In one moment it’s clear, and the next, rain clouds swell at a terrifying speed, turning into a downpour. Then suddenly, the rain stops, and a warm sunshine breaks through. At such times, flowers raise their heads one after another from the ground, and the area instantly becomes a flower field.

Now, Bard and his companions are by the shore of a large lake. What clarity! What beauty! And that mirror-like surface reflects the great Fyuza. It was a sight they never get tired of seeing. They had already camped by this shore for two nights, but still didn’t feel like leaving. Jurchaga is still sleeping. Lately, Jurchaga’s sleep time has become longer. Also, his ability to detect enemies has significantly decreased.

Suddenly, the foothills of Fyuza reflected in the lake rippled. Bubbles began to rise, pop, pop, pop. The intensity only increased. Eventually, something enormous rose from the bottom of the lake. Wrapped in layer upon layer of watery garments, what emerged on the surface was… a majestic naked goddess. With her eyes closed, shedding water from her body with a splashing sound, she thrusted her upper body out of the water surface. A giant sleeping beauty with silver hair. The Queen of Manuno. The impression of the queen seen in the bright light was completely different from the one seen in the dark forest. A beauty that could only be described as divine. No. She might actually be a goddess. Throughout the long, long history, this mysterious being might have been revered or feared as a divine spirit by humans and demi-humans. The Queen of Manuno suddenly opened her closed eyes. She turned her opened eyes downward and fixed her gaze on Bard. He had thought that the Queen of Manuno couldn’t leave the giant Yambagalpa tree in the forest. How could she appear in a place like this? This must surely be something special.

“Bard Rowen”
“Human Bard Rowen”

The queen spoke to Bard’s mind.

“Queen of Manuno, it’s been a while. Perfect timing. I had something I wanted to report to you.”

“Is it about defeating the King of Evil Spirits?”

“What? You already knew? I sent messengers to tell the Jameen and Gerkaast, but there were no messengers who could communicate with you.”

“The death throes of the King of Evil Spirits”
“Reached our hearts”
“And after that”
“The world became brighter and purer, as if a weight had been lifted”
“The poison in my body was also cleansed”
“It’s unbelievable, but”
“Bard Rowen”
“You defeated the King of Evil Spirits, didn’t you?”

“Well, that’s right.”

“The King of Evil Spirits”
“Was searching for something”
“Did you use the power of that something”
“To destroy the King of Evil Spirits?”

“That’s right.”

“I want to hear that story in detail”

“I refuse. I told those around me that I defeated the King of Evil Spirits, but I didn’t say anything more than that. I even forbade them from asking questions.”

“Why is that?”

“Because it’s better not to share the truth about the legacy of the ‘First Humans’ that the King of Evil Spirits was looking for. If it is known, it would become a source of conflict.”

“I don’t quite understand, but it has enough power to defeat the King of Evil Spirits, doesn’t it?”

“Yes. It probably has even more power than that.”

“Wouldn’t it be good for you, human Bard Rowen, and your descendants to inherit it?”

“I’d rather not have such great power.”

“Hmm”
“If you’re uneasy because its power is too great”
“Why not destroy it?”
“Then you could reveal the truth”

“That power and its existence are not for me to meddle with. Someday, someone might need it. Only the gods know that.”

“I see”
“Bard Rowen”
“In any case, this is what you’ve accomplished”
“Whatever you decide to do with it”
“Is up to you”
“We”
“Will follow your decision”

“I’m glad to hear you say that.”

“But”
“Bard Rowen”
“In the world of humans”
“This is not known, is it?”
“Even though my brethren have seen and heard in various parts of the world”
“No one speaks of this great achievement”

“Well, I’ve only told a very few people.”

“Then”
“What kind of reward”
“Will you receive?”

“Demonic beasts will never appear again. The spirits have returned to their correct and pure state. That is the greatest reward.”

“I see, so that’s it”
“The spirits being born”
“Returning to normal”
“Is because you defeated the King of Evil Spirits?”

“Yes. It seems that being was indeed the cause of all the distortions.”

“I see”
“It’s good that they’ve returned to normal, but”
“There are so many spirits now that”
“We’re a bit perplexed”

“Many, you say? That’s strange. Around me, spirits are still rare. There are spirits that occasionally come to see me, but I hardly ever encounter them on my travels, so I was wondering what was going on.”

“Since the King of Evil Spirits perished”
“Spirits have increased rapidly”
“In my bedding, for example”
“There are now more spirits dwelling than Manuno”

“What! To that extent?”

“But if they’re not appearing around humans”
“Perhaps the spirits have finally learned to be cautious of humans”

“Haha. That’s a bit late. But maybe that’s for the best. It would be troublesome if those who eat spirits appeared again. Perhaps it’s better for spirits to keep some distance from humans.”

“Someday, when the spirits’ caution relaxes”
“They will start interacting with humans again”
“Whether that’s in tens or hundreds of years, I don’t know”

“Yes. Spirits should find a way of life that suits them. My wish is for spirits to live peacefully and happily.”

“Bard Rowen”
“You are a Dessa Tori (great person)”

“Haha. I’m not as big as to be called a Dessa Tori (giant) by the Queen of Manuno.”

“We Manuno”
“For eternity”
“Will not forget”
“Your achievements”
“If someday another human appears who can understand our words without us controlling their mind”
“We will speak of your achievements”

“No, please don’t do that. Ah, that’s right.”

“What is it?”

“About Yana’s bracelet. I entrusted it to my grandson.”

“I see”
“If that’s what you decided, then that’s fine”

“My grandson went to the Mercano Temple Autonomous Region. As one of the candidates for the Pope.”

“I see”
“Then that must be his destiny”
“If so, that’s fine”

“I’m relieved to hear that.”

“Human Bard Rowen”

“What is it?”

“Drop a single drop of your blood into the lake”

Bard thought it was a strange request, but he started to take out a knife from his hiding place. However, he stopped midway and turned towards Karz. Karz responded to Bard’s silent request and drew his sword. Bard turned his left palm upward, stretched out his fingers, and extended them towards Karz. Karz’s sword flashed. It was a sword forged by the master swordsmith Zendatta. A cool breeze passed through the tip of Bard’s left middle finger. A pool of blood forms at the tip of that finger. Karz had made a tiny wound. A cleanly cut wound heals quickly. That’s why Bard thought it is better to have Karz cut it rather than doing it himself. Even so, Karz’s sword movement just now was completely invisible. He is weakening. Bard’s power has declined, and now he can no longer discern Karz’s sword. Bard squeezed that blood and let it fall into the lake. The Queen of Manuno remained motionless.

“Oh”
“Could it be”
“What a thing”
“This is”
“So that’s how it was”
“Bard Rowen”
“You are”
“One who received”
“That person’s”
“Blood”
“Even so”
“At the end of such a long time”
“For such strong blood”
“To appear”

“What exactly are you so impressed about?”

“But now I understand”
“Various mysteries have been solved”
“Oh”
“Oh”
“How nostalgic”
“Human Bard Rowen”

“What is it?”

“Manuno have no names”
“But I”
“Have a secret name”

“Oh?”

“My name is”
“Nelle”
“From now on”
“If you”
“Or someone with the same blood as you”
“Seek our help”
“We will provide assistance”

“Hmm. You’ll help my descendants, is that it? But, Nelle.”

“What is it?”

“If what my descendants try to do is reasonable, lend them your strength. But if their words and actions are wrong, admonish them. If they still won’t listen, destroy them.”

“Is that alright?”

“Yes. That’s fine.”

“Then, we shall do so”
“The promise has been made”

“Nelle.”

“What is it?”

“You’ve helped me in many ways. I thank you. Take care. I’m glad I met you.”

“May you also”
“Be well”
“Blessings on your journey”

The Queen of Manuno sank back into the lake. Suddenly looking to the side, Bard saw Karz smiling. His eyes, which glanced briefly at Bard, held a light of understanding.

“This fellow! I can’t believe it, but could it be that you understand the Queen of Manuno’s words?”

Thinking about it, Bard realized he had never asked Karz if he could understand Manuno’s language. Unlike other humans, Karz is a special human who carries the blood of the Werewolf King. It wouldn’t be strange if he could understand them. Come to think of it, when the Queen of Manuno spoke to his heart earlier saying “Drop a single drop of blood”, this man correctly understood the conversation that went. Indeed, he could hear it. The blood of the Werewolf King made it possible. When he thought about this, a sudden idea occurred to Bard. Wait a minute. The Werewolf King and his descendants. Bloodline. King Jean’s bloodline. Could it be? Could it be?

From the captain’s manner of speaking, it seems King Jean had multiple wives. Among them, perhaps there were some of the “original people,” that is, demi-humans. He’s heard that children are rarely born between demi-humans and humans, but it’s not completely impossible. The great King Jean may have had the ability to impregnate demi-human women.

Yes, and that’s not all. What did the captain say? What did he say were the conditions for becoming a wielder of an ancient sword? Wasn’t it that only descendants of King Jean who have hearts similar to his can communicate with the divine spirit beasts dwelling in the ancient swords and draw out their power? If so, they must consider that the bloodline of the Werewolf King, which inherited the ancient swords as national treasures and occasionally produced wielders, is indeed the lineage of King Jean.

If that’s the case, the royal family of Zarban are descendants of both King Jean and the Werewolf King. Being descendants of both King Jean and the Werewolf King means… Could it be? Could it be? King Jean was male. The captain said it clearly, so there’s no mistake about that. And could it be that the Werewolf King was female? Could their descendants be the royal family of Zarban?

Who was the Werewolf King? Was she a demi-human? No, she couldn’t have been just an ordinary demi-human. She must have been a special being with special powers.

And what were the divine spirit beasts? What are these divine spirit beasts that are sealed within the ancient swords, spending an eternity giving protection to the descendants of King Jean? What are these descendants to the divine spirit beasts?

Moreover, this means that Adolkarz is also a descendant of King Jean and of the Werewolf King’s bloodline. Adolkarz headed to the Mercano Temple, which is swirling with conspiracies, as the heir to one of the four high priests. That means he is one of the candidates to become the Pope. Adolkarz, who carries the blood of both King Jean and the Werewolf King, becoming a candidate for Pope. At the same time, Adolkarz is also the heir to the House of Rowen. What great destiny awaits him? What adventures lie ahead? Neither Adolkarz nor his descendants will be able to live peaceful lives. May he be brave. May he use his life for the sake of the people.

-Gods. Great life. Blessings upon Adolkarz and his descendants.

Bard realized something else as well. This means that Lugurgoa Geskas was also a descendant of King Jean. What a thing! Bard and Lugurgoa were distant relatives and brothers. Bard held both grudges and debts of gratitude towards Lugurgoa Geskas. Whatever his intentions were, it was undoubtedly because of his actions that they were able to defeat the dragonoid Uldruu. If either dragonoid Uldruu or dragonoid Echidorkiye had survived after he defeated the “Captain,” it would have been an immense threat to all humans. Even Bard with the ancient sword would have been no match for them in a direct confrontation. The fact that two dragonoids with special powers had died before the battle with the “Captain” cannot be appreciated enough. There might be a few dragonoids who have survived and are biding their time, waiting for a chance to make a comeback, but that’s something they can leave to future generations.

—Come to think of it, heh. To think that even the General of Greed was a descendant of King Jean. I wonder if King Jean was also a glutton.

As he thought about this, he suddenly realized something. The thousand-year journey on the star ship. It was said that the problem of “food” made the journey long. Because of this, King Jean gained extra time. If the captain and the other “crew members” had awakened at the same time as King Jean, the world as they know it wouldn’t exist. In that case, it could be said that King Jean was a person blessed by the god of “food.” It’s only natural for King Jean’s descendants to seek food fortune.

And then, Nelle. The queen of Manuno called herself Nelle. Nelle was a radiant beauty, and because her beauty’s light reached Corama in the sky, she received Corama’s favor. That’s why Zona, Corama’s wife, hated Nelle out of jealousy. She hated her so much that she tried to strike the earth with “Corama’s Arrow of Fury.” Corama, in a panic, turned Nelle into an ugly snake to appease Zona’s anger. In the legends passed down by humans, Nelle is said to be the ancestor of Manuno, a demigod born from the union of the god Eina and a snake. In the Manuno mythology, it’s said that the god Eina was born from the union of the snake god Nelle and the human King Jean. Bard doesn’t have the knowledge to judge what is correct and what is incorrect in these myths and legends. However, from his many adventures throughout his life, Bard has learned that legends can sometimes convey past events in unexpected ways. However, he has also learned that events said to be from ancient times can sometimes be more recent, and that the connections between events are not necessarily as they are told. Which is the cause and which is the effect? Which came first and which came later? On such points, he learned that legends cannot be taken at face value. Is the Nelle he just bid farewell to, the very snake god that appears in the myth? Or is she someone who inherited that name? Or is there a fact not told in the myths, and Nelle is someone who lived through a history unknown to humans?

Come to think of it, it’s also said that the Megierion (divine dragon) is the incarnation of the jealous Zona…

Wait a minute. Nelle said it was nostalgic. After tasting Bard’s blood, Nelle said it was nostalgic. Who was she nostalgic for? Nelle was surprised that such strong blood appeared after such a long time. Nelle said that he was someone who had received that person’s blood. By “that person,” does she mean King Jean? If she’s nostalgic for King Jean, it would mean that Nelle has been here since human history began on this land. Is that so? If so, Nelle is the one who knows history. She’s the one who has witnessed the events that have occurred since the star ship landed on this land.

If he were to drop his blood into the lake, he could probably summon Nelle again and ask about the secrets of history. But Bard didn’t want to do that. Nelle is already a friend and comrade. They cooperated and fought against a powerful enemy. And their time of interaction has already ended. Will someone with the same blood as Bard meet Nelle in the future? That’s something that can’t be known, and there’s no need to know it.

2

Some time later, the group came to a place just one step away from where snow lay. They had been told in the village at the foot of the mountain not to step into the area with “never-melting snow.” So from here, they would have to circle around to the north while looking at the snow. That night, Bard felt extremely restless in his sleep.

When he woke up, there was an astonishing sight before him. A sea of clouds. They had been troubled by a lot of fog yesterday afternoon, but that might have been these very clouds gathering. What dense clouds they were. It seemed as if he could step out and walk on them. It was a heavenly carpet, complexly shimmering in silver and burnished silver, illuminated by the rising morning sun.

There, a heavenly kingdom, different from the earthly nations, had appeared. Bard was shedding tears without realizing it. A soft wind caressed Bard’s face. His swaying hair and beard were as white as snow. Karz and Jurchaga, standing beside him, were also watching this mystical scene without moving.

Then, something began to shimmer above the sea of clouds, gradually taking shape. It was people. Here and there. Countless people. Their figures were enormous. They must be dozens of times larger than earthly humans. And gradually, their facial features became clear. Seeing the smiling woman in the center of the clouds, Bard’s eyes widened.

-Lady Idora!

And next to her, embracing Idora’s shoulders familiarly, could that be the King of Wendelland? Ah. Isn’t that Jule standing next to him? Behind them, the dear Elzera, Hydra, and Vola are smiling.

To the right of Wendelland, there’s Seifert, Mytalp, Gorz Boar, and Barry Toad. Had Barry Toad died without his knowing?

Looking to the left, there’s Kirie, Gassara, and the warriors who fought alongside them. Hiding in and out of view in the clouds in the back seems to be Cantor Edda. Next to Cantor Edda is his (Bard) father. His mother is there too. And many knights are there. He can see the familiar villagers and craftsmen too. Godon! Even Godon Zarkos is there! He’s waving at them along with Kainen and Eureka. Who’s that beautiful girl next to Godon?

Ah! Has this place now become the Garden Of the Gods? Or is the scenery of the Garden Of the Gods far up in the sky being reflected on this sea of clouds?

As the sun began to rise higher, the figures of the people reflected on the sea of clouds began to blur. Bard, glaring at the King of Wendelland, shouted in his heart.

-I’ll be joining you there soon. Wait for me. Don’t you dare run away this time!

After the vision disappeared, Bard gazed tirelessly at the sea of clouds. That’s when he heard Jurchaga’s voice.

“Mister…”

3

Looking over, Jurchaga was lying on the ground. Karz was kneeling beside him. He probably collapsed suddenly. Karz must have quickly supported him and gently laid him down.

“Mister… My legs…”

Jurchaga’s voice was faint. His eyes, turning his head to look at Bard, were weakly narrowed. Bard rushed to Jurchaga’s side, threw down his staff, and knelt down.

“My legs won’t move anymore. My proud legs that carried me faster than anyone else won’t move anymore.”

-Hmm, hmm. Your legs have worked hard indeed. They’re fine legs that any ruler of a great nation would covet.

“Hehe. Is that so? When you praise me so much, I get embarrassed.”

Even as he said this with a laugh, his words were broken and weak.

“You know, that time…”

With a face as if looking back on a distant past, Jurchaga said. Bard nodded, “Hmm.”

“You know. When I called out to you in Linz. By the riverside where the food stalls were lined up.”

Ah, after the letter from the princess was stolen, Bard said.

“Yeah, that’s right. At that time, I asked you to treat me to something, but actually, I had money. But I still called out to you. Inside my heart, another me was saying, ‘Hey, what are you doing, you idiot? That’s the ‘Knight of the People.’ That’s Bard Rowen,’ and was panicking.”

The young Bard had absolutely no mercy for thieves. To Jurchaga, a thief with a nickname, he must have seemed like a messenger from hell.

“But you know, I’ve always thought… If I had a dad, and we were walking together in a place like that with food stalls lined up… Begging him, ‘Buy this, buy that’… What would that feel like? At that time, when I saw your back… I thought, ‘Maybe a dad’s back looks something like this.’ That’s why I accidentally called out to you.”

Jurchaga frowned painfully and fell silent for a while. He must be enduring the pain of the disease ravaging his body.

“I thought, ‘Am I going to be killed? I’m probably going to be killed.’ Well, whatever. Thinking like that, when I said, ‘Treat me to something’…”

Jurchaga showed a delighted smile.

“You actually treated me to things like grilled sandwiches and sweet sake. We sat side by side on the riverbank and ate together.”

At that time, Bard had just learned of Idora’s death and was feeling down, longing for human company. If not for that, he would have captured Jurchaga, squeezed him, and made him confess where the letter was.

“It was so delicious. And then, a child fell into the river. You and I saved him with perfect teamwork.”

That’s right. Come to think of it, that was the beginning of when he started acting together with this man.

“Everyone gathered around, rejoiced, praised us, and it turned into a big celebration.”

Here, Jurchaga’s words stopped for a while. Various memories must be crossing his mind. Suddenly, Jurchaga opened his eyes and looked straight at Bard.

“Mister, mister.”

When Bard asked what it was, Jurchaga started saying something strange.

“You know. Have you heard of Caskel string stew?”

When Bard answered that he didn’t know, Jurchaga grinned. Caskel grows in poor soil, and its fruit is eaten as an ingredient in soups and such, but honestly, it’s not very tasty. However, Kamler once surprised Bard by crushing Caskel fruit, baking it like a cracker, and serving it with seafood on top, creating a truly sophisticated and delicious dish.

“Hehehe. In the northern part of Fyuza, they crush Caskel fruit, knead it, stretch it into thin strings like noodles… Then they quickly boil it and eat it dipped in a sweet and savory soup. They say it’s an indescribably delicious taste.”

Bard praised him, saying he was as well-informed as ever. He was truly impressed. There should be no way to know about things beyond Fyuza. How did this man obtain such information? One might think he was making it up, but if Jurchaga says so, then it must be true. There must be such a dish, and it must be delicious. Bard thought he must definitely try it.

“Right, right? Hehe. When you praise me so much, I get embarrassed. Hey, hey, mister.”

When Bard asked what it was, Jurchaga pleaded.

“I want to eat Caskel string stew. I really want to eat it. Take me there, will you?”

Alright, I’ll take you there, Bard said.

“Yay! Ehehehe. I’m looking forward to it. Traveling like this with you, mister, always looking for delicious food… It’s been fun.”

Jurchaga’s voice was getting quieter and quieter. His eyelids were gradually closing. The flame of life was about to be extinguished.

“You know, mister… All this time… you’ve been… my dad…”

No matter how long they waited, no more words came. With an unusually calm and gentle expression, Jurchaga died as if falling asleep.

They performed a funeral as respectfully as possible given their circumstances on the road. Some of his personal effects were packed into their luggage. Karz took off his cloak and wrapped Jurchaga’s body in it.

“Well then, we must take Jurchaga back to Fyuzarion,” said Bard, holding a lock of the deceased’s hair.

Unusually, Karz shook his head. Then, to Karz’s right, Jurchaga appeared and said,

“Oh, come on, mister. You just promised to take me on a journey.”

Bard, looking at the lock of hair in his hand, thought,

“Come to think of it, that’s right. If we deliver the hair and inform them of his death, Jurchaga’s journey will end there. If we continue the journey without informing anyone, it would be as if Jurchaga is still alive and traveling with us.”

He looked to Karz’s right side again, but of course, no one was there. As he untied the string binding the lock of hair, a sudden gust of wind blew, as if it had been waiting, and snatched the hair from Bard’s hand. Jurchaga’s hair quickly soared high into the sky, scattering and disappearing into the distant heavens. After watching the wind’s path, Bard and Karz mounted their horses and departed. Their figures vanished into the sea of clouds.

For several years after that, Bard Rowen’s footsteps could be traced in various parts of the northern frontier. Eventually, even news of him ceased.

And time flowed on. Before long, even the names of the once prosperous great nations and mighty kings were forgotten. However, the stories of the strong and kind old knight who wandered the frontier helping people, along with his companions, continued to be told without interruption, warming people’s hearts.

(End of “The Old Knight of the Frontier District”)