Chapter 1205 - 1205: Fig Wine

"Collaborate?"

The woman with eyes like pure moonlight set down her wine glass.

Her somewhat dark purple hair cascaded over her shoulder, and she, with two mismatched purities of color, was quietly observing the man across from her.

This was a hotel located within the Plain Ancient City, neither particularly luxurious nor dilapidated. Its interior wasn't as exquisitely opulent as a Noble mansion, but the two sitting at the table were surrounded by an inherent unique temperament, making it evident at a glance that they were no mere common Adventurers.

"That's right. What you desire is to save your homeland, isn't it?"

Hearing the man's words that spoke of her tribe's long-cherished wish, the woman's expression, as the Hero's mother, remained unchanged.

"This isn't something you need to worry about. My mission has been completed, and now there's only the waiting for the outcome."

"It sounds like you care even less than I do." The man, the Hero's father, mused softly.

"This isn't something that can change just because I care. I've mentioned, my task is complete. Since the prophecy has been fulfilled, I shouldn't deviate from the plan any further."

The mother explained patiently, her tone as calm as if she were reciting a scripture.

Despite repeated refusals, the father's attitude still remained unchanged.

"Then, are you saying that even if there was a way to directly save your homeland right within reach, you would still choose to refuse? What I'm asking now isn't about the externally imposed outcome but your personal wish."

At his words, she looked at the man who had been her companion for nearly several decades...

[Mother's Attitude]

D90+10=(24)=34

The woman finally let out a helpless sigh.

"My desire isn't as profound as you Humankind, naturally I won't chase after imaginary wishes.

"Furthermore, at this point, I think there shouldn't be any secrets between us. So I'll say it outright—I don't plan to assist your plan."

To delve into the Starless Abyss, leverage the Magic Power of the Ten Thousand Worlds, and create the new strongest...

Even with the thin emotional capacity of Moon People, she could clearly comprehend the sheer madness of this plan. It was no wonder he could start a sect in this city with just a few words.

Yet despite knowing the immense power more than anyone, the woman's expression remained unmoved.

This caused the man to let out a low sigh too.

"...Is that so."

Different paths, no collaboration. Despite sharing the same bed for so many years, the rift between these two had grown large enough that further clarification was unnecessary.

The man's expression showed rare traces of melancholy, but it quickly returned to a customary calm.

"It seems our cooperation ends here. It's not a problem though—though your aid in this matter wouldn't be insignificant, it's far from indispensable."

He continued, unhurriedly: "But given that, why did you follow me here?

"If you were worried I might interfere with our fated Hero, shouldn't you be by her side?"

"She doesn't need my protection. My mission ultimately was only to birth and pass legacy.

"Though she says I performed well, in the end, I merely acted as a relay point—not a guardian and certainly not a guide."

The woman chuckled self-deprecatingly and continued indifferently:

"If the likes of me can protect her, that only means she's not the one prophesied."

"Quite unexpected, I couldn't see it before, but you rate your position even lower than I thought. Or perhaps, there's a Great Demon on the Moon Surface that allows you this self-assessment?"

"Hmm...That does pique my curiosity." The man began to ponder.

"So I've said, this isn't something you need to worry about." The woman slightly furrowed her brows, finally showing a ripple of change on her almost expressionless face, "What you choose to do on this land is your freedom. But I hope you focus your gaze on that dark underground, instead of distractedly lifting your head to stare at that irrelevant sky."

"Hehe...Irrelevant?" Though the woman's tone had almost no fluctuation, the man still keenly caught that faint trace of urgency and reluctance. He let out a low chuckle.

"However, you don't need to worry about this. Although there's no distinction of nobility in the forms and nature of power, there's talk of compatibility and rank.

"The concept Magic Creatures of cluster cities...even though it's hard to conclude before actual contact, no matter the potential, in the end, it's just a greenhouse satisfied with stagnation and void. Likely far from my ideal goals."

"I hadn't realized before that, despite your indifference to finance and authority, you're actually someone with a particularly grand vision." The woman replied subtly.

"Money, power...though they can be converted into Strength, my capability is limited, and I can only choose the relatively more efficient path for myself."

The man picked up the wine glass, gently swayed the clear red liquid inside, causing the candlelight to refract into scattered gleams on the glass's surface.

"And if merely seeking these things, even if one doesn't intentionally pursue them, they continuously flow forth as byproducts along the journey."

"...Seems like as a Humankind, you're less socialized within your own tribe than I am."

"I have always believed choosing you was the right decision." The man smiled ambiguously.

"But that only deepens my confusion. Returning to the initial query—since your mission is complete, with no thought to continue, having gained freedom, why leave all behind at the Viscount Mansion to follow me here?

"I only acted based on Divine Knowledge's status, choosing the moment to act, but this matter should indeed have no relation to you."

"Yes, you're right, I'm now free. So..." The woman paused in silence, finally giving an answer.

"—I can choose my own way of living." She stated calmly.

"Moon People have very long lifespans. Within the Moon Capital, my tribe remains in nearly eternal stasis, experiencing no change, with almost undiminished destiny. Though I'm just a half-complete being who has come to the ground, my lifespan likely won't be less than the average Elf."

The man listened quietly without interrupting.

"Whether in subjective emotions or objective Time perspective, I have no urgent matters to fulfill. Hence, I decided to dedicate the upcoming period to settling accounts on the first half of my life."

"Settle accounts? What exactly are you planning then?" The man pursued curiously, "To my knowledge, you don't have any enemies you need to deal with. If you do, which I'm unaware of, I can provide some help."

"There's no such opponents. The so-called settling is just two simple things," the woman shook her head, "Awaiting the ultimate Redemption she shall bring, and, observing you and his impending end."

"...I see." The man paused in enlightenment.

"Humankind has a short life, and you likely won't die very late." The woman said indifferently, "As for him, lacking peculiar ambitions and being fairly healthy, barring unforeseen events, probably has some good Time left.

"Thus, I simply decided to stay by your side, that's all.

"Though Moon People are merely ageless, rather than Undying, so I won't assist your plan. Currently, my Strength can't bear that risk...likely no one can bear it.

"Do what you wish. But remember to say something when you're dying; at least by then, I'll be by your side.

"Of course, if you find it bothersome, I'll leave now."

[Father's Attitude]

D90+10=(50)=60

The room fell silent once more. Only the subtle sound of liquid gently swaying in the glass mingled with the faint wind outside.

"...Then, it doesn't matter." After a long silence, the man finally responded.

"I don't mind." He slightly curved his lips, raising the wine glass in his hand.

"Hmm, that's good." The woman's expression remained unchanged, raising her glass likewise.

The two wine glasses clinked softly, the vibrating glass emitting a crisp resonance, spreading throughout the room.

Both drank the contents of their glasses in one swallow.