Elden Ring: Atai vows to have a perfect ending

“······I knew that if Brother Zero could say it, he would be able to do it.” In the dilapidated house of the warriors in Storm Hill, the shouting of Ishutopia almost drowned out the roar of the wind outside.

Oh, maybe it’s not time to call it a broken house now.

Although it was a bit crude, it was tidy and the leaks were patched up. It was said that this was to prevent Roderica from catching a cold. It was fixed two or three days after I left.

A group of us gathered in the hut, roasting pork by the fire, drinking the loa fruit wine that Roger brought, and having a lively time, talking about everything.

——Of course, the main topic is still me.

And Bernal, still as aloof as ever, sat near the door.

Hertok also leaned against the wall on the side of the door and did not join in the conversation.

Although the two soldiers did not talk to each other, there seemed to be an invisible attraction that brought them together to watch the fun for us.

——The sense of existence and security are particularly full.

And a rare smile appeared on Roderica's face.

“...Right, Roderica, I told you to trust Brother Zero. Even if he didn’t defeat Greg, he would be safe!” Ishtopia rubbed my shoulders. “But, until now, I still can’t imagine that you actually conquered the entire Stoneville by yourself. It’s incredible!”

"...To be honest, I wasn't the only one who conquered Stonewell."

"Don't be so modest!" Roger praised me again, "Now, Ling is already the honorary Storm King of Stonewell."

This question quickly aroused Roderica's curiosity: "Honor? Why is he the honorary Storm King?"

"Hahaha, Roderica, you'll have to ask Zero yourself about this." Roger also put his arm around my shoulder annoyingly. "Just this morning, this guy tried to run away in order to avoid being the Storm King, so Edson sent people all over the city to chase him... In the end, he still earnestly refused the position of Storm King at the coronation ceremony~"

"I just feel that there are too many troubles after becoming a king." I shook off Roger and Isutopan's arms and spoke the truth. "It's better to be alone and relax. It's more comfortable."

"Brother Ling, you are such a weirdo."

"Right."

“...However, I still really want to know, Lord Zero, how did you manage to defeat that terrible demigod?” Roderica’s eyes were as bright as the stars.

Kate and Bane, the two mercenaries, immediately echoed, "Yes, yes, Brother Zero, just tell the young lady about it!"

- I say, are you people in this room a little too pampered to Roderica?

However, I couldn't refuse the kindness, so I told him with reluctance how I left the shabby house, met Dyros and Roger, challenged the "evil omen" Markit, sneaked into Stonewell, and was almost surrounded by Heltok and the limb-jointing nobles. I fought desperately to survive, then met Edson Hyde, discussed the Storm City uprising, and finally fought against Little Ge with Nepheli Lu... I told him all in detail, even with exaggeration.

Roger also acted as my "wingman", agreeing repeatedly, making the whole adventure more vivid and making everyone in the shabby house stare at it so intently that they didn't even notice that the barbecue in their hands had cooled down.

"... Just like that, after we temporarily solved the Blackthorn Death Curse, we left the city and came here." After drinking the fruit wine brought by Roger, he couldn't help but feel a little dizzy. "After that, I have to go to the checkpoint outpost with Hurtok to investigate a furnace knight named Paris. Have you heard of this person?"

Everyone shook their heads helplessly.

——But it is normal. Every place in Nimgfu has its own way of chaos. It is like a big whirlpool that contains several small whirlpools. Ordinary people don’t have time to take care of things in the prison.

After a moment of silence in the room, Ishutopia let out a long sigh: "It's really not easy... Although from what you two said, it seems that there is a plan, but think about it carefully, as long as you make a wrong step, you will be defeated by Greg."

"I can only say that I have had good luck, which is one of the reasons why I insist on traveling." Looking at the sparkling cup in my hand, I said with emotion, "Every time I meet someone, more possibilities can be created... If I hadn't helped Diros and the others in More City, or if I had missed Kenneth Hyde, nothing would have happened afterwards. And even so, if it weren't for Nefeli's help, I'm afraid I would still be defeated by Greg... Even if a person has made full preparations, there will still be times when he is unable to do so. So, at this border, I want to continue walking and meet more people. In this way, maybe among the millions of possibilities that will be expanded in the future, there will be a way to save the entire border."

······

——Why does the atmosphere suddenly become so quiet? No one is talking anymore?

I looked up and saw that everyone was staring at me, with eyes filled with respect and admiration, as well as sudden realization and amusement.

——Ah, that's hard. Could it be that what I said just now was too serious? It doesn't fit my personal image?

Thinking of this, my face couldn't help but feel a slight heat.

——Okay, I have to change the subject quickly, otherwise I’m going to roast myself into a suckling pig!

——Ah, got it!

"Yes, yes, Roderica, this has to be given to you." I fumbled in the blessing tool bag and handed the pin wrapped in red cloth to her.

"This, what is this?" Roderica quickly identified the remains of the pupae group and looked at me in complete disbelief.

"...I found this by accident among the remains of those who had their limbs reattached. It seems to have a spirit in it, and there is a faint smoke coming out of it." I explained, "You have special abilities, so I guess you might be able to interpret something."

"Is it a spirit?" Roger leaned closer to the pin and examined it. "Although I can't see it, Greg has killed so many people, it's impossible to find it by accident."

——I want you to talk too much!

I couldn't help but punch Roger in the waist.

Roger quickly raised his hands in a funny way to block my continued attack and begged for mercy.

This made Roderica couldn't help but smile slightly. She raised her head, her eyes once again filled with tears, full of firelight, but full of determination: "I really don't know how to thank you, Master Ling. I, I... I also want to be like you, to meet more people, to explore more possibilities in this land, even if I can't see the guidance... No, Master Ling, you are my guide."

"Ah?" I was slightly stunned.

——Given the direction of the plot, you won’t go to the Round Table Hall?

And Ishutopia immediately cheered: "Okay, Roderica, I will help you no matter where you go!"

"...but your power is too weak. Some things cannot be achieved as expected." Unexpectedly, Bernal would suddenly speak at this time, pouring cold water on Roderica who had just cheered up. "Perhaps it is Zero's legendary experience that gave you confidence, but good luck will not always favor a person, and his good luck was also due to sufficient power to survive."

"Brother Bernal, do you think there is anything wrong with Zero and Roderica's idea?" Ishtopia retorted unconvinced.

"I'm not saying they are wrong, but it's too dangerous for Roderica to just rely on beautiful words." Bernard also frowned slightly. "Without power, there are countless things that can easily take lives at the border. Even those illusory lies can be fatal... Ishutopia, can you guarantee that you will never let her get hurt?"

"I..." Ishutopia was speechless for a moment.

And the small room was filled with an awkward and cold atmosphere for the third time.

In fact, I can fully understand Bernard's concerns about Roderica, but it all depends on Roderica's own decision, including whether she is willing to go to the Round Table Hall.

——Of course, if you are really worried, just travel with Roderica!

——Or are you a tsundere? Bernal-senpai

Roderica touched the pin in her hand for a long time, raised her head, smiled and said to Bernard: "Thank you, Lord Bernard... I know that the border area is full of dangers now, but even if we keep hesitating and complaining about ourselves, even if we can live in peace now, one day, the world that has already been swept up in a storm will inevitably drag us into it and swallow us up... In this case, this time, I want to choose to keep going, to broaden my horizons, and to find what I can do."

"...Even if I die in the wilderness tomorrow?"

"This is one of many possibilities." Rodlika now actually has the spirit of "If I hear the truth in the morning, I would be willing to die in the evening."

Even Hertok couldn't help but speak up, saying to Bernal: "This girl is already a warrior. She can't be stopped by words, Bernal."

Bernal avoided Rodlika's gaze, looked out the door, and sighed weakly: "... It's up to you guys."

"I, I say." Roger interrupted at this time, "If you say so, wouldn't it be better for Roderica to go to the Round Table Hall?"

-Oh, Roger, you finally said the most useful thing tonight!

——It’s worth it that I gave you so many eye hints just now!