Arknights, but the sickly pretty girl starts

Noah Kyrielight would never forget. She knew exactly what she would see after pushing open that door.

However, she gripped the door handle, but never dared to actually open it. She was honestly... a little scared. She was afraid of seeing the ideal world she had hoped for. She was afraid that her will was not strong enough, that it would deceive her and prevent her from leaving the palace. Even though she had the power to ascend to the divine realm, she was still human at heart, and she still believed that she was Noah Kyrielight.

—Squeak…

The warm afternoon sun illuminated Noya's eyes. She stepped into it, her steps even stumbling slightly. She felt dizzy and fell backwards. When she looked up, she saw...

"grandfather?"

"Stand up, what's wrong with you?" Although the white-haired grandfather was very old, he was still very energetic, holding a wooden sword in his hand. It seemed that he had just knocked the wooden sword out of Noah's hand and knocked her to the ground. Such scenes had happened countless times in the past. She seemed to be knocked to the ground by her grandfather again and again. Her grandfather was very strict, and sometimes he would even beat her hands and feet until they were swollen. However, every time... she would get up and stubbornly hold the sword with both hands.

Fight back... She just thought... She must fight back.

This time was no exception. Noah picked up the wooden sword on the ground, with the same feeling as before -

"Ha, now that's more like it, you look like a real Gileadite." Grandfather looked at Noah's posture of holding the sword again, and a gleam of light flashed in his eyes that were as sharp as the edge of a sword.

"Grandfather, I'm not a child anymore." Noah held the sword and followed her grandfather's instructions, looking for the flaws in his posture. But her grandfather was still her grandfather after all. He was just standing there with the sword in one hand, but he was as heavy as a mountain. Even now, she couldn't seem to find the opponent's flaws. However, if she kept stagnating, she might not lose, but she would never win.

"In my eyes, you will always be a child, Noah." Grandfather answered Noah's words, then easily blocked Noah's sword and immediately began to counterattack. The swordsmanship of the Kirilet family is basically inclined to the defensive counterattack type, and grandfather is the epitome of it. Even the current Noah would find it difficult to compete with him. If it was Noah in the past, he would probably be defeated with the next sword.

However, Noah is no longer the Noah of the past...

It was just a moment, and when his grandfather switched from defense to offense, he did reveal a flaw... and Noah was able to catch it at this time.

This flaw was too subtle. In Noah's opinion, it was only because her grandfather was too old that such a small flaw was exposed. She did not draw her sword immediately. She just stood there in a daze, and her grandfather knocked the sword out of her hand.

"……What are you doing?"

"...I...I just didn't win..."

"What are you thinking about?"

Noah opened her mouth, not knowing what to say, but her argument was extremely weak.

"Grandfather...I..."

"Why hesitate? You should have seen... the only chance of victory."

"I... I'm just very curious... I... Grandfather, you..." Noah stammered, "Grandfather... when did you become so weak?"

"……oh?"

"...I..." Noya looked at his grandfather's eyes, which had narrowed sharply, and suddenly began to panic. "Why? Why is this happening? Grandfather, you shouldn't be so weak... No, it shouldn't be like this..."

"Idiot." Seeing Noah's panic, his grandfather seemed to know something. He suddenly swung the wooden sword in his hand and hit Noah hard on the head. Noah was in so much pain that tears were about to come out.

"I'm old now, isn't it normal for me to be weak? What's the big deal about this?" Grandfather slung the sword over his shoulder. "It's such a small thing, what's there to cry about?"

"Cry? Me?" Noah realized that tears had already been streaming down her cheeks. Why? She was crying because she suddenly realized that her grandfather wasn't a superman, nor was he invincible. He was old... That's all... That's all.

But I only understood this...that's all...

She didn't know why, but tears filled her eyes.

"Okay, okay, let's talk about training later. One day less of training won't make you any worse." Grandfather couldn't help but soften his heart when he saw Noah crying. This man who was as strong as steel was like a child who had made a mistake. He felt in his pocket and finally took out the fruit candy wrapped in candy paper.

"Look, I have some candy here. Don't cry."

The man stretched out his fist towards Noah as if to please her, and in the center of his fist was a piece of fruit candy.

"I don't... I don't want candy... I just... I don't know what I was thinking."

Noah wiped her tears and suddenly remembered the day when her grandfather passed away... She didn't seem to cry, not a single tear fell, because in her memory, her grandfather was an existence that would never fall. At that time, she seemed to never be able to believe... that her grandfather would fall.

Why do people become so fragile...

Why do the strong eventually become weak?

Why does that grandfather who was so powerful that he could not be defeated, now... seem like he can be defeated by me at any time?

It doesn't matter...it really doesn't matter...

She had never thought about defeating her grandfather. How could she possibly defeat him? She just wanted to be like this, like this, after being defeated by her grandfather, and her grandfather clumsily gave her a piece of candy.

This is the only candy she will never forget, because it is so sweet...

Too sweet to forget...

That piece of candy that the grandfather clumsily handed over...why was it so sweet?

"...I see...you...have grown up..." The grandfather suddenly seemed to understand something. He stood up and looked at the girl in front of him with a complicated expression. "I was just wondering...when did you grow so big?"

"..."

"Looking at you... I guess I didn't see the day you got married? What a pity, Noah. Are you happy now? Are you persisting in becoming the person you want to be?" Grandfather sighed and suddenly asked, "I don't know why... why we can meet again. But you must have suffered a great injustice, right?"

"I do not have……"

"You're still saying no, yet you're already crying like this. I don't know what the future holds... You... should already know about those things, right?"

"...Hmm." Noah knew that his grandfather was talking about his true identity, that he was... the creation of Project Zero, and also, his grandfather... Oh, right, Noah suddenly thought of it.

"Grandfather... why do you..." Noah realized that she had to ask a question, "Why, Grandfather, do you want me to become Noah Kyrielight?"

"..." Grandfather, who always seemed to be quite straightforward, hesitated for a long time as if he was thinking about how to answer. "...Do you really have to know?"

"Well... I..." Noah nodded. "I am Noah Kyrielight. This is something that cannot be changed. I accept my identity. I accept that I am your... granddaughter. But why?"

"Why should I let you live on in place of my granddaughter?" Grandfather sighed. "There's no reason, because that wasn't my decision."

"……what?"

"To be precise, I did a lot of things to keep Noah alive, one of which was to seek help from someone. She agreed to help me, but she only gave me one option."

Grandfather explained.

"I took Noya with me... Noya was very conscious at the time. She and... you should call her the [Administrator], talked to her for a long time. In the end, she asked Noya to stay with you. She said that only the two of you could make the decision."

"The two of us?" Noah frowned in confusion. "Noah and I...but why is it like this? Isn't it because of something the administrator did to Noah?"

"No, the administrator and I didn't do anything. We just told Noah that everything was up to you and we would accept the result. I just remember waiting for a day and a night, and then you walked out of the room."

“…I…came out?”

"Yes, this is the result."

"...In other words...I devoured Noah?" Noah's voice began to tremble. "If that's the case...you should kill me...you shouldn't..."

"If it was really you who devoured Noya, I would certainly do this." Grandfather laughed, "But when you walked out and threw yourself into my arms, calling me...Grandfather, I already understood."

"..."

"It's not that one person devoured the other's life. It's that you two gifted each other's lives. You gave her new life, and she gave you a human identity. Everything is an equal exchange..." Grandfather reached out and touched Noya's head. "You are undoubtedly my proud granddaughter, Noya."

Not devouring each other... but giving to each other...

Noah Kyrielight...

What did you say to her at the beginning?

"...purity... perseverance... devotion... sacrifice..."

Ah...how could she forget...

That was the choice made by the girl named Noa Kyrielight in order to fulfill her family motto...

Chapter 55: Battle!

"...the real Noah...she gave me her life..."

Noya had never considered this possibility. She was only thirteen, so why would she make such a choice? Was it simply because of family teachings? Was this kind of gift really something a child could come up with?

She had made many guesses, such as that everything was led by her grandfather, or that it was for the overall situation, and she even thought that she had taken Noah's life on her own initiative. However, she had never thought that a thirteen-year-old girl had voluntarily given up her life just to fulfill the so-called "family motto" that was not her responsibility.

She had never been so shaken before - she was even prepared to be blamed and scolded. She was mentally prepared for everything except being given such a gift.

This gift was too heavy, so heavy that she felt suffocated... It was like sinking into the deep sea, unable to breathe.

"...Okay, okay, don't cry. No matter what, you're still my granddaughter. Even if you have some more memories of a previous civilization, you're still Noah Kyrielight. You just have more things. You and Noah, you didn't simply devour each other. In my opinion, you just gave each other the most important things in your lives and became better people." In the end, the grandfather was the one who had to deal with it. He sighed, "I originally planned to tell you the truth after you really grew up, but... maybe I left too early. It's my fault, Noah... I've watched you grow up, and I can understand what kind of person you are."

Grandfather reached out his hand and tried to wipe away the tears on Noya's face, but before he could touch Noya, his palm became illusory.

"...It seems that the time has come."

"Grandfather..." Noya realized they were about to part. To avoid worrying him, she forced back her tears and stood up. Even though the tears were still there, she managed a forced smile. "I... still have things to do... I can't be here with you... I... just wanted to say, I really... really missed you, and I'm so happy to see you again."

"I know, of course I know, Noah—you've grown up. This meeting shouldn't have happened. I'm lucky enough. I'm happy to see you grow up."

The two heads of the Kirilet family, although still reluctant to leave, had to say goodbye - and before the grandfather's figure completely disappeared, he suddenly threw the sword in his hand to Noah, and she subconsciously took it. This sword, which was supposed to disappear with her grandfather, was of course the heirloom of the Kirilet family - the Sword of the Martyr.

"……grandfather?!"

"Take it with you, you'll need it."

The shadow of her grandfather had disappeared, leaving only these words echoing in the air. Noah could only lower her head and look at the sword that she had never pulled out in the past. At this moment, she decided to try again. Although she didn't know why the sword didn't disappear, perhaps there was something condensed on it, or it was a strong obsession that allowed it to break through the boundary between reality and falsehood.

In short, the sword lying in Noah's hand is a true martyr's sword.

It was exactly the same sword she gave to Margaret. She reached out and grasped the hilt. This time, she did not use any force, but this time, it seemed different. The moment she grasped the hilt, the feeling of blood and flesh mingling instantly surged into her heart. She pulled it lightly, and the sword left its scabbard and was easily pulled out.

Sword of the Martyr—admitted himself.

In other words, it was only today that he completely became [Noah Kyrielight].

She grasped the sword. Although it might not be much of a strength for Noya now, it represented the will of Kirilet. This recognition made Noya happier than any power. She gripped the sword and muttered to herself, "Grandfather... I won't let you down."

Noah turned around with her sword in hand, and the next moment, she took a step forward, ripples spread, and in front of her appeared the familiar black and gold ancient palace - and the gate.

[Pavilion], the palace of the Witch King.

Having wasted too much time, Noah stretched out his hand and pushed the door open.

The layout of the room was no different from the one he had seen when he first entered the Ancient Black Gold Palace. Everything was exactly the same as before. The only difference was probably that in the center of the palace, there was a tall throne, and on the throne, there was an old man. His fingers were skinny, his eyes were covered with wrinkles, and although his hair and beard were still black, they had already exposed his weakness and old age. It was hard to imagine that this man was the Witch King who once dominated the world - Herhunzoren.

In Leithania, in the outside world, Herhunzollon was already confirmed dead. But here, in this palace, unless someone witnessed his demise, he would remain in this half-dead state, living on like a ghost. This was due to the characteristics of the Warp, and it was also the final [record] Herhunzollon had prepared.

In this respect, Herhunzollon was very similar to Noa, always preparing countless backup plans before doing anything. But the irony was that even with so many backup plans, they often couldn't keep up with the dynamics of events. Could he have foreseen the betrayal of his teacher, Fremont? Or could he have guessed that the twin primarchs he had created would ultimately become the final pauses in his elegy?

As a wise ruler, he accepted the order and revised the Golden Rule to prevent Leitania from being completely destroyed due to the collapse of the Golden Rule.

As a tyrant, he was cruel and capricious, often killing people for trivial matters. He would execute any rebel who disobeyed him. Under the Tower of the Witch King, there was mourning everywhere.

He is the human being closest to the gods, and he is also the king closest to the devil. It is impossible to judge the life of this king, this giant, by good and evil.

The Great One, the Tyrant, the Seeker, perhaps there are countless titles that suit him.

But naturally, there is only one title that was born because of him.

——Witch King.

"You're here?" The Witch King sat on the rotten throne. After stepping into the palace, Noah understood that the Herhunzoron in front of him had the memory of accepting him as a disciple. His eyes would not lie. The soul of Herhunzoron shaped by his own memory had merged with the person in front of him, just like a rotten body gained a fresh soul. Under Noah's nourishment, although Herhunzoron now looks old, he is actually recovering his youth at a terrifying speed.

Perhaps... at this moment, he was truly resurrected.

He wasn't just a coffin hanging in the Warp, but a true resurrection. He could step into the real world at any time if he chose. After all, the Witch King's Tower now established a physical connection between the wasteland and the real world. With his soul fully repaired, Herhunzoren could descend upon his own realm at any time and from any place.

"Teacher..." Noya lowered his eyes and bowed to his teacher like a student. "I have come to see you as you instructed."

"...You are the most gifted disciple I have ever taught." Helhunzollon finally stood up. He had gradually regained his appearance years ago. If just a moment ago he was a shell of his former self, now he looked more like a middle-aged man. However, his eyes remained unchanged, still gazing firmly at the disciple before him. "You have absorbed all my teachings, even applying them to other situations. You have made it this far. The crown on your head speaks for itself—you are recognized by Leitania. You are the King of Leitania."

"...Perhaps so." Noya touched his crown. "Teacher, tell everyone in front of them that the king you have chosen is me. And you should also know what choice I will make. Teacher, I am not fit to be king. I cannot lead the country forward. I can only protect those who are within my reach... I cannot bear this responsibility."

"You can." In just a few words, Herhunzollen had returned to his peak form. The youthful Herhunzollen's eyes were like the radiant stars, clearly restored to their peak state. "You're just different from us. I love this country, so I'll do anything to ensure its survival. But you're different. You don't love this country, but... you must become the King of Leithania."

"Why?" Noah wondered, "You could obviously choose a better successor... like Mr. Franz?"

"Him? He will only become a puppet manipulated by the nobles, dancing according to their control. He cannot change the status quo, nor does he have the ability to change it - he is just an ordinary person, Noah, he is different from you." Herhunzollon never seemed to have any desire to save face for his own offspring, and criticized Franz as worthless.

"...I believe the twin queens can also take over your power...They have been doing a great job," Noya said. She knew that Herhunzollon had never hated anyone for his downfall. Rather, hating anyone was a waste of time for Herhunzollon. "Why can't you trust them?"

"Power is bound to be concentrated, the twin queens... The moment they decide to share power, they will inevitably be constrained by the fragmentation of power. Conflict between the two queens is bound to exist, and it will only grow. If this continues, Leithnia will only be divided once again." Herhunzollon's assessment of the twin queens was also sharp, even tinged with disdain. "They are merely the tinkerers of this country, tinkering around. They won't bring new glory to Leithnia."

"...So...you have no choice but to choose me?" Noah was already feeling somewhat helpless. "I don't think this is a good idea. Letting someone who doesn't love this country be its king...it's something that nobody would approve of."

"Recognition? Is it important?" Helhunzollon laughed. "You already possess the power to manipulate people's hearts. You don't need anyone's recognition. You are Leitania. You can use your crown to directly issue orders to any Leitanian. The Golden Rule shapes everything about Leitania. With just the Golden Rule, you can make all of Leitania a part of your body. Do you need to negotiate with your arm to make it reach out and hold a glass of water? You already grasp the core of Leitania. Now... you just need recognition... recognition of your own identity. You are the one and only King of Leitania."

"...Golden Rule...Teacher, was this your intention from the beginning?" Noya closed her eyes. "Ignoring the will of the people, you regard yourself as the embodiment of the nation, even as your own body...controlling the people by manipulating the Golden Rule."

She clenched her fists.

"I'm sorry, teacher, I can't agree with that."

"I expected this, Noah." Helhunzollon stretched out his hand, and countless spells spun and flew in the air, combining with each other to form a golden river of musical notes and spells. "Then prove it to me, are you right, or am I?"

He seemed to be walking on a golden ocean of spells. Magic was his robe and music was his sigh. This warlock, who might be the most powerful in history, finally showed his [hostility] in front of Noah.