The thick hemp ropes securing The Creator’s Judgment to the pier splashed into the water, severed by Aoi’s broadsword.
Free from their moorings, the black-teak barge’s three decks began to glide smoothly along the dark current of the Valoria River, leaving behind the city lights and the warehouses where the Inquisition had just suffered its worst regional defeat.
Haruto stepped onto the bridge and took the wheel.
He funneled a fine thread of azure mana into the ship’s steering mechanisms, causing the black canvas sails to unfurl automatically and catch the night wind blowing down from the mountains.
The vessel gathered speed silently and steadily, cutting through the river waters like a dark phantom.
Aoi walked up the bridge steps and leaned back against the wooden railing, watching the silhouette of Valoria shrink into the distance until it melted into the morning fog.
“To think that just a month ago we were locked up in that Holy Capital temple, waiting to be used as power batteries,” Aoi said quietly, letting the cool river breeze brush against her face.
“It feels like an eternity ago.” Haruto kept his eyes fixed on the river’s course, but his tone was warm against the chill of the night.
“We’re only getting started, Aoi.
The destruction of this port and the loss of this cargo will cost Cardinal Lucian control over the southern provinces for months.
We’ve bought ourselves the time we needed.” Aoi turned toward him, resting her back against the railing with her arms crossed.
“So, what’s the analyst’s next destination on the map?” Haruto reached out and unrolled the leather map taken from the Inquisition spies, projecting an azure mana illusion that floated over the ship’s wheel.
“The Valoria River empties into the Sea of the Great Archipelago, a region ruled by the Free Coastal Kingdoms,” Haruto explained, pointing to a cluster of islands and fortified towns.
“The Vatican’s authority is nonexistent there.
It’s the ideal location to seek out the entrance to the Sunken Ruins of Aethelgard, where the second part of the Ancient Way manuscript lies hidden.” “The second part of the manuscript?” Aoi’s eyes lit up with curiosity.
“Does that mean we unlock the third stage?” “The Sphere Domain,” Haruto nodded.
“If Primordial Resonance lets us merge our flows and deconstruct spells, the third stage gives us absolute control over the space surrounding us.
At that point, neither the Summoned Heroes nor entire divisions of the Inquisition will be able to touch us.” Aoi walked over to Haruto, stopping right by his side and placing her hand over his as he held the helm.
The blue runes and crimson marks on their skin intertwined in a steady violet spark, radiating warmth and absolute security amidst the vast, open water.
“Immortal and unbeatable,” she murmured with a wide smile.
“Sounds like a solid plan.” “It’s the only plan,” Haruto said, meeting her gaze.
“We became heretics to be free, Aoi.
And we won’t stop until this entire world learns it can’t chain us down.” Aoi leaned in slightly, resting her cheek against Haruto’s shoulder and closing her eyes as she listened to the water rushing against the hull.
For the first time since being reincarnated into this hostile world, they felt true peace.
Night slowly surrendered to the first golden and crimson hues of dawn.
The barge sailed on toward the south, leaving the shadow of the Inquisition behind and opening the path to the next chapter of their legend.