Chapter 249.2

“It’s consuming magic…” Arcana muttered, trying to pull back.

“It sure is!” (Diedrich)

However, empowered by the magic he consumed, Diedrich moved his right fist wrapped in the power of <Angered Dragon Glow Nojiaz> faster, struck Arcana’s small divine body before she could react.

With a loud bang, Arcana was blown away and crashed into the great holy gates.

“ The light of regeneration heals wounds. ” (Arcana)

She called upon the power of the Keeper of Restoration, but the injuries she had sustained weren’t healing as quickly as they should.

“Truth is, <Angered Dragon Glow Nojiaz> devours the very source. Even a god can’t heal easily when the source of their magic is chewed through.” (Diedrich)

Consuming the source, huh? That sounded like a dragon’s womb.

But there was no sign of Diedrich using <Possession Summon Azept>.

“I heard the Sword Emperor of Agatha is a dragonborn.” (Anos)

“That I am. For whatever reason, I was born from a dragon. Because of that, I ended up with power that’s way beyond what I deserve.” (Diedrich)

Diedrich casually approached Arcana, who was on her knees in front of the great holy gate.

Stopping before her, he dissipated the energy of his <Angered Dragon Glow Nojiaz> spell, and grinned.

“Well, this is my loss anyway.” (Diedrich)

Arcana took the hand that Diedrich held out to her.

She spoke softly.

“This wasn’t a fight for our lives. The moment I received a wound that I couldn’t heal easily, it was my loss.” (Arcana)

“Unfortunately, this match was between that man and me. If I’d been able to land a fatal blow on you with that last strike, I might’ve argued it to be a draw, but that’s not how it played out.” (Diedrich)

He shifted his gaze back to me.

“The agreement was that whoever holds out the longest is the winner. You made Arcana admit defeat, so there’s no conclusion. It’s a draw.” (Anos)

Then, he let out a hearty laugh.

“No matter how you look at it, you beat Naphta first. If you act like it’s a draw just because of the agreement, it wouldn’t look good to my people or my subjects as the King of Agatha.” (Diedrich)

“Besides…” Diedrich added, pointing at the great holy gates.

“I don’t think he’ll be inclined to have a chat with both of us otherwise.” (Diedrich)

A chuckle escaped me.

“That’s a very noble thing to say. Diedrich, I’m starting to get interested in your country.” (Anos)

He flashed a wide grin and replied.

“If you come to Agatha, I’ll give you a warm welcome. And if I may ask for a favor in return, could you bring along your choir too?” (Diedrich)

He had mentioned something similar earlier.

“Did you enjoy their performance?” (Anos)

“Gahaha! I couldn’t get enough of it!” (Diedrich)

He was quite the refreshing man, true to himself.

“Then it’s a promise.” (Anos)

Diedrich picked up Ahid, who was lying next to him.

Then the Goddess of the Future Naphta walked up and stood next to him.

“Let me ask you something, Diedrich.” (Anos)

He turned to me.

“If you can see the future, you should’ve known you couldn’t win this match. And there’s the Selection Trial going on too. So why did you willingly reveal your hand like that?” (Anos)

Arcana fought Diedrich directly, and everyone here had witnessed his <Angered Dragon Glow Nojiaz>. The same could be said about Naphta’s order.

However, even without engaging in such a battle, he could’ve used the power of the Goddess of the Future to figure out my own strategies.

“If it’s difficult for you to answer, you don’t need to.” (Anos)

“No, this is all part of the judgment of the Goddess of the Future Naphta.” Diedrich replied, stroking his chin.

“Let’s say there’s a battle you must win. If you knew the future and saw that victory was impossible—what would you do then?” Diedrich asked with a calm demeanor.

“It’s not a prophet’s job to avoid challenges and run away. There’s no point in a prophecy that can’t be overturned.” (Diedrich)

To him, I must have represented a prophecy that could never be changed.

That’s why he challenged me. Even if it meant putting himself at a disadvantage in the future, he sought to overturn that fate.

“An admirable resolve, King of the Underground World.” (Anos)

Diedrich let out a hearty laugh.

“Let me give you a little prophecy about what you’re concerned about.” (Diedrich)

“Oh? I appreciate that. I’ll listen closely to the words of the Sword Emperor of Agatha.” (Anos)

I straightened my posture and looked directly at Diedrich.

He spoke.

“The Demon King of the surface, Anos Voldigoad, was chosen as a candidate by the Goddess of Creation Militia.” (Diedrich)

A mix of thoughts— so it was true and no way —swirled within my heart.

He didn’t seem like the kind of man who would lie.

“One more thing. This is tied to my situation, but if you’re going to go up against Golroana, it’d be better for you to completely annihilate him. That is, if you don’t want to expose Dilhade to danger.” (Diedrich)

“Hmm. I appreciate the advice. But you know my answer.” (Anos)

Diedrich flashed a grin and turned on his heel.

“Let’s meet again in Agatha, Demon King.” (Diedrich)

With his back turned and his hand raised, Diedrich departed with Nafta, cheerfully humming a song from the surface— K u-ikku, ku-ikku .