"Haaa… Haaa…."

Standing right in front of us, and surrounding us from all directions, is an entity that stands at the pinnacle of human ability.

The most dangerous existence that humans can ever possibly hope to defeat.

Cadre 5 Noble Plant-type Magivore—Thorn Overseer Vine!

Rarity… extremely high.

Difficulty… extremely high.

Minimum Level required… multiple High-Rank Knights and Peak-level Humans.

This is the kind of creature we are facing at the moment, a slithering mass of spiky green vines, coalescing to form a living throne of thorns.

Atop this throne is a crown made of thorns, and several merging vines that rise from it like an endless sea of living tentacles. Some of them are thick, some or tiny, but all of them are equally lethal, dripping with the poisonous stench of death.

The vines are everywhere.

They have covered our surroundings, cutting our escape route with little to no ease.

Attempting to cut them down is useless, as they rapidly reproduce with no problem at all, almost like they have an endless source of vitality.

The throne itself is the main body, and within it is a core that grants life to all of the vines.

Destroying the brilliant core would kill the Magivore and save us all.

But how can that even be possible?

This Magivore—Thorn Overseer Vine—is at least thirty meters tall, with a body ridden with large spikes that can be deployed at any moment. Its vines can merge and divide, and they can also take on multiple forms—akin to constructs.

They aren't too tough, but their overabundance makes cutting them down useless.

In this dense forest, we expected to find a Beast.

A Cadre 4 Beast.

Little did we know that we walked directly into the territory of one of the most terrifying beings humanity has ever had to face. Within its domain, this creature is invincible. It probably finally exhausted all its supply of food in the vast forest, hence it started attacking the passersby for sustenance.

Such a creature is far too powerful for us to defeat.

So…

… Are we going to die here?

"Huff… Huff…" My throat is itchy, and my body aches incessantly.

The slithering sounds of these vines have disturbed my ears for over a day now, yet my feet have to remain steady just as my body has to keep moving.

Any sluggishness… any mistake… and it could cost me my life.

Everyone alive recognizes the same thing as we face off against the spike projectiles and the endless vines that attack us from every angle.

This thing is considered the monarch of all lesser brambles.

It should only be found in dense carnivorous jungles, so it is a horror to find such an existence so close to civilization. All the vines within miles are controlled by it, strangling prey and reshaping the terrain according to its will.

Even if we managed to escape this place, which is extremely unlikely, we still wouldn't be able to run away from it, since it could easily reshape the surroundings and lead our path right back to it.

We were doomed from the start.

A Cadre 5 Magivore is something an entire Kingdom has to prepare considerably for in order to defeat, and it will undoubtedly lead to great casualties.

That is why, despite the current situation, I still find this Magivore to be quite tame.

If it wasn't… we would all be dead.

But, so what?

There's no escape in sight.

Our Potions are running out, and the Armaments we cling to grow more damaged by the hour.

In another half day or so, their effectiveness will have plummeted considerably, yet the Cadre 5 Magivore will not even lose a shade.

Despite the fact that we're hanging on right now, the ugly truth doesn't elude me.

We… will end up dead sooner or later.

No hope.

There is no hope at all.

I shut my eyes tightly, wondering for a fraction of a moment if it would just be easier to stop struggling and simply let go now.

"Don't do that, Javier…" A soft voice, almost like a whisper, echoes beside me.

My eyes snap open, and I glance at the man who stands right next to me. His peach-colored hair is stained with crimson, and his huge body is wounded from every corner, oozing fresh blood, yet he still flashes me a gentle smile.

"Nothing is impossible… to a man who has chosen to bear hope in his heart."

What?

What the hell are you saying, Brad?

Can you not see the situation? In such a circumstance, with everyone fated to die, how can you spew out such naive drivel?!

These thoughts constantly echo in my mind, but my shivering lips cannot let them out.

I merely grit my teeth and glare passionately at him.

But, he only laughs lightly. Like a man with no restraints—free as a bird.

Despite the incredible danger that surrounds us, the disfigured corpses that fill our sight, and the wounds that constantly pile up on his body, he doesn't stop smiling.

Instead, he pats my shoulder and laughs.

"Let me prove it to you…"

I am speechless.

Before I can say anything to him, Brad moves forward, his broad physique brushing past me with a valiant demeanor. As he bravely walks forward, he brings out something from his bag—an item I have never seen him use before.

It has the resemblance of a crooked flute, made with what resembles a chalky white bone.

Several engravings glow from within the bone, and the moment the flute is exposed, a great amount of Trace Element wafts out.

T-this…

"What kind of Armament is that?!"

My eyes nearly bulge out of my eyes, but even as I scream, Brad doesn't look back.

He only whispers.

"She could do it with just her voice, but because of my inadequacy, I have to use an instrument."

Then, he places his lips on the mouthpiece.

The Thorn Overseer Vine must have sensed the Trace Elements of Brad's mysterious flute, its instincts warning it of the danger it poses, because several vines rush towards him at this very moment—far more than what has attacked anyone since the battle began.

These vines form bladed constructs, with giant saws and flytrap mouths also among the multitude that charge at him.

Their speed is remarkable.

Even with the lingering effect of my Potions, I won't be able to make it in time to protect him.

"Bra—!"

Before I finish speaking, it's already too late.

The vines close in.

Then—

~Fuuuuiiiiiiiuuuuu…~

—A melodious tune suddenly proceeds from the flute, causing the vines to pause in mid-air, right before they touch his skin.

"W-WHAT?!" The shock in my voice is palpable, but I'm not the only one.

The other seven also look at Brad with similar shock.

They can't believe what is happening!

Just him alone… has stopped the onslaught of the vines that would have torn him to shreds in a single second. How absurd! It's unbelievably unreal!

Then, Brad turns to us.

His smile broadens, and he nods at us while giving me a meaningful gaze.

I understand…

He is saying:

"I have a plan, you guys. I'll control the Magivore, while you take this chance to fight."

Fight.

Not run?

Despite how crazy it would be to fight this horrifying creature, I suddenly find myself smiling with Brad, feeling a strange surge of strength rise from within my body.

Is this what Brad meant with his earlier statement?

Is this hope?

"Alright, everyone… listen up!" My loud voice roars, echoing within the vast chamber of thorn-covered vines. It easily commands the attention of everyone still alive, with all my teammates thankfully being among them.

Unfortunately, Rupert has lost an arm, and Austin is still unconscious, but we're all still alive.

"If we leave this thing to roam free, it will claim the lives of several more before the Kingdom is prepared to deal with it. However, right now we have an opportunity… a chance to prevent all those casualties by acting now."

This must be why Brad is so adamant about killing the Magivore right here and now.

If we don't… it will become a Kingdom-wide disaster.

"Brad can stop the vines from attacking, which means we actually stand a chance. Without the vines attacking, we can deal a heavy blow to the enemy." I continue with heavy breaths, but still manage to maintain my loud cry. "If we can ascend the throne and cut our way to the core of the Magivore, we win!"

I point my blade to the throne that stands imposingly before us.

Many gulp.

But my teammates bravely nod.

Fighting means survival. The alternative is fleeing, and not a single one of my friends would dare leave Brad behind just to save their skin.

Besides, our retreat here would mean the death of countless others.

Despite our desire for rewards and the profit associated with business, are we not all humans in the end? With our conscience intact, and an opportunity presented before us in the form of a miracle, why wouldn't we give it a chance?

"Let's do it!"

"I'm ready!"

"Just give the order!"

"What would you have me do?"

"Fucking monster! I'll make sure to kill you, even if I die as well!"

My smile turns lighter.

Good. It seems everyone is fired up.

"We'll be launching an all-out attack, with everyone scrambling to make it to the top. The first to reach the throne should do their best to damage the vines, so that when the others come, they can do the same." After saying this, I slice at some of the vines, and I'm relieved to find that the regeneration has slowed down drastically.

"Since its vitality has plummeted, we actually have a shot at reaching its core."

As soon as I say this, several spike projectiles launch towards us, which we quickly deflect with practiced proficiency. After battling this thing for over a day, we've gotten quite used to the trajectory of the spikes.

The vines are the most difficult aspect of the Thorn Overseer Vine, but Brad is handling that.

"Someone will have to stay behind to protect Brad, since he has to focus on playing the flute." I glance at the tall giant of our group with deep concern, before returning my attention to everyone else. "Everyone else… with me!"

And just like that, the morale of our group surged once again.

We all charge towards the massive throne, climbing the vine walls with as much ferocity as possible. Some lose their footing or grip after reaching a few meters high, while some unfortunate ones fall after ascending to ten or a dozen.

To those ones, it's clear that they fell to their deaths… but the climb continues.

To prevent further deaths, I decide to stay in the lowest parts, catching as many who fall. This helps save a few more lives.

However, with the spikes attacking and all of us trying our best to climb and defend at the same time, it's clear that there will be casualties among us.

After several arduous minutes like this, we finally reach the seat of the throne!

I'm the last to get there, and by the time I arrive… I can see many already hacking at the foliage, trying to breach the inner walls, which are far more dense than the more succulent vines that make up the outer layer.

I hurriedly join them, and we use Potions and Armaments to bombard it with all our might.

Everything—the whole plan is counting on this!

"Gack!"

Suddenly, after an ear-piercing cough, the vines begin to move, regenerating rapidly while even more vines rapidly attack our group with intense veracity.

'Oh no! Did something happen to Brad?!'

I cut my way through the vines and reach the edge of the throne seat, casting my enhanced sight on the world beneath.

There, I see Brad kneeling on the floor as he vomits blood.

A small pool of thick crimson liquid already exists beneath him, but it isn't because of his injuries, nor is it as a result of the spike attacks. No… it has to do with his body itself!

His face is pale, losing all its color, and his peach-colored hair is slowly losing all of its lustre.

I can see his hair turning white and his body shriveling up rapidly due to old age.

What is happening?

I don't know… but it looks fatal.

Then, with a booming voice, Brad yells out to us:

"Don't worry about me! Keep attacking! Get to the core and kill the Magivore!"

He quickly picks himself back up and continues playing the instrument, pausing the attacks of the vines yet again. My body trembles, and I feel my heart bleed at this moment.

I didn't understand it before, but now I do.

Brad… he is sacrificing his life for us right now—just so we can win.

"Y-you…!"

Despite the overwhelming feelings, I instantly realize that I can't afford to stand still and give in to my emotions. My gaze shifts to Dahlia, who is currently protecting Brad from the spikes, and I can see her in tears.

She currently stands right next to him, supporting him so he can rise to his feet to defend us.

This man… even till the end, he remains unfathomable.

"RAAAAHHHHH!!!"

With a loud cry, I charge towards the inner shell, slicing as hard as I can, while using all my Expenditure-type Armaments, recklessly hacking at the target, just so we can reach our goal.

More and more people fall eventually.

Esther faints in exhaustion.

Fernand and Nathania run out of resources and have to recuperate from their injuries.

Rupert has run out of Armaments and has reached his limits.

Nathania as well.

Austin is below, right next to Dahlia and Brad.

Everyone has fallen.

All of them, except me, are no longer able to advance to slay this monstrosity.

Yet, I persevere!

I take one foot forward and violently slash to open a path.

One step at a time…

I hack and don't stop hacking.

I slash and don't stop slashing.

I cry, scream, and keep rending everything in my path without stopping.

Until…

… I reach the core!

It glows brilliantly, like the sun, with its bright yellow lustre. Such a beautiful gem, yet it is what has caused countless deaths.

My body is now riddled with injuries, and my muscles are sore beyond description.

I have lost so much blood, causing my senses to be in disarray.

I feel faint.

My consciousness is fading.

But—!!!

"ARRGGHHHHH!!!"

With the last embers of my strength, I charge forward, pushing my body forward with a piercing motion so I can stab the target.

And do I succeed?

Yes!

Yes… I do!

"You were right, Brad…" As I fall to my knees, feeling my body slowly give out to the exhaustion while the vine walls around me crumble to pieces, my lips curl up to form a smile.

"… Nothing is impossible to a man who has chosen to bear hope in his heart."

***********

I only fell unconscious for a few moments.

Perhaps some hours.

By the time I wake up, I find myself amidst plant debris. It takes some time to navigate my way out of the chaos, and in the process, I find some others trapped there as well.

Using my fragile strength, I drag as many of us who survived out of the debris.

Thankfully, the soft vines cushioned our fall and preserved our lives. Other than some injuries, everyone who made it to the top of the Thorn Overseer Vine survived. But, what about… the ones we left below?

Everyone has fainted.

I'm the only one awake, so I move towards Dahlia and Austin, whose eyes remain closed.

And I see Brad.

An old, emaciated man… thin and long like a cane.

All his muscles are gone, and all his white strands of hair have all fallen out, leaving a wretched, husky remain.

On one hand, he tightly grips the flute.

As for the other hand—

WHOOSH!

It suddenly moves, reaching out to me with a friendly passion.

"Brad!" Gasping, I grab his hand with relief, tears forming in my eyes as I watch him slowly open his eyes and stare at me.

"Javier… do you see? I showed you, right?"

"Yes! Yes, you did!"

"It's a shame…" His voice slurs as he speaks. "I won't be able to achieve my dream. Reaching the Sanctuary, and guiding my people to the world of the Vey'lithars… I won't be able to pursue that goal any longer."

"No, what are you saying? You're still alive! Take your own advice and have hope!"

"But I have no regrets in my heart. After all… I protected my friends. Through my sacrifice, many will live on, and life will flourish. The world can be an ugly and scary place, but it is also vast and beautiful, and while I wish I saw more of it, the path I chose is also one I have always intended to walk from the start…"

Tears fall down my face, and I cry like a child, holding onto my dear friend's hand.

I can feel it… His grip is loosening.

"Brad—!"

"Javier, you wish to write a Treatise someday, right? In that case…" Brad slowly raises his other hand and gives me the flute he has been clutching tightly all this time.

"… Here is my early present for you."

"Brad…"

"I know you can do it." He smiles warmly at me. "You can do whatever it is you set your heart to do. That is how you should live life… with hope that anything is possible."

Anything… is possible…

… Even freedom?

True freedom?

"Thank you, Brad!" I wipe away my tears and give him my best smile, watching as his eyes slowly close.

Even then, I don't stop talking.

"I promise you, your dream… I will help you achieve it somehow! I will find that sanctuary, no matter how long it takes, and lead your people there! The Vey'lithars will know the name Brad! They will know of your sacrifice… your greatness!"

At this point, Brad has long breathed his last, his grip already loose and his body limp.

I know it already…

He's dead.

Yet…

YET…!!!

"BRAD! I SWEAR THIS TO YOU!" My voice ascends far beyond, as I watch the night sky high above, with the twinkling stars shining brighter than ever. "I SWEAR THAT YOU WILL BE REMEMBERED FOR AS LONG AS I LIVE!"

On this day, April 19th, 2027… Brad of The Wandering Nine died.

It was a sad day.

But… it was also one of great rejoicing.

For the Thorn Overseer Vine, who would have claimed the lives of tens of thousands at the very least, was slain because of his sacrifice.

For the first time in nearly a Century, the Kingdom witnessed the end of a Cadre 5 Magivore.

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