NOVEL NEXT Chapter 48: The Adventure in Elysion Village
New Ally and Excalibur
Arrival at Elysion Village
Loki (Satoshi Koizumi) and his companions returned to the village of Elysion, the first place they visited upon entering the otherworld. The village remained peaceful thanks to the protective barrier they had placed during their last visit. The villagers warmly welcomed them, grateful for the peace that now enveloped their lives.
The village was surrounded by vibrant greenery and blooming flowers, with a serene river flowing nearby. Children played joyfully, and the villagers led quiet, contented lives. As Loki and his team enjoyed the tranquil atmosphere, they prepared for the next adventure.
On a hill just outside the village lay the legendary sword Excalibur, said to be unyielding to anyone who tried to pull it from the stone. The villagers spoke of the sword with curiosity, wondering if one day its true power would be revealed.
Encounter with Excalibur
In the village square, Loki overheard a conversation about Excalibur. A young boy named Elias boasted, “I’ve tried so many times, but I still couldn’t pull it out. But one day, I’ll be the one to do it!”
Intrigued by the tale, Loki decided to visit the hill where Excalibur lay. The villagers watched with interest as he walked toward the sword with a lighthearted stride. Loki grasped the sword’s hilt, chuckling to himself, “Alright, let’s see if this is the moment to test my strength!”
The villagers held their breath as they watched. Loki pulled on the sword with a slight effort, but it didn’t budge. He paused for a moment and then, with a playful grunt, gave it a stronger tug. To everyone’s shock, Excalibur slid smoothly out of the stone.
The villagers gasped in amazement, and young Elias shouted in disbelief, “How… how is this possible? I’ve tried so many times, but it never worked for me!”
Noah, observing the scene calmly, offered his analysis, “Lord Loki, it seems this sword may have chosen you. Some special force is at play here.”
Gripping the sword, Loki smiled thoughtfully, “Maybe it’s just luck, but if this sword chose me, I should find out why.”
Elias’s Frustration and New Resolve
Elias, holding back tears, asked, “I’ve polished this sword every day, so why could you pull it out and not me?”
Loki placed a reassuring hand on Elias’s shoulder and said gently, “Your efforts weren’t in vain. Maybe it was just chance that the sword chose me, but your spirit and determination are second to none.”
Afterward, the village elder approached Loki and his group. “Lord Loki, the fact that you’ve drawn this sword is of great significance. Recently, there have been disturbing movements across the land, with people turning against the gods. We ask that you use the sword’s power to help protect the peace of this world.”
Asclepius’s Healing Power
Later that day, a village elder named Elena fell gravely ill, and Asclepius (Makoto Matsuda) stepped forward to use his healing power. It was an opportunity for him to demonstrate his abilities to the villagers.
After examining Elena’s condition, Asclepius murmured, “This power must be used carefully.” He placed his hand on her forehead, and a soft light spread across her body. Her pallor began to fade, and her strength slowly returned.
“Thank you, Lord Asclepius,” Elena’s family said, tears of gratitude in their eyes.
Realization of Life’s Fragility
After the healing, Asclepius addressed the villagers, speaking about the value of life. “Life is finite, which is why each moment is precious. Treasure the peace you have now, and live with purpose.”
His words resonated deeply with the villagers, and they began to reflect on the fleeting nature and importance of life.
Loki agreed with Asclepius’s sentiment, adding, “Because life is finite, living fully in the present gives it meaning.”
A New Ally Joins
Among the villagers was Elias, the elder’s son and a member of the wolf tribe. Elias approached Loki and his team with newfound determination. “Let me come with you. I can’t bear to be apart from Excalibur. I want to fight alongside it.”
Recognizing the strength of Elias’s resolve, Loki smiled and said, “Of course, Elias. We need your strength. Let’s fight together to protect the peace of this world.”
Preparation for the Journey
With Elias joining the team, Loki entrusted him with Excalibur. Elias readied himself with warrior equipment, and the group began preparing to head toward their next destination, Vaikanta, testing the sword’s power along the way.
The Shadow of a New Threat
As they made their final preparations, the ground near the village trembled, and dark clouds began to gather overhead. However, Loki quickly sensed the barrier’s protection and confirmed that the village was safe.
“The barrier is holding strong. The village is secure,” Loki said with relief.
Noah, examining the barrier closely, added, “This barrier should last for another hundred years, but we must always remain vigilant.”
Suddenly, a strange cry echoed from the distance, and ominous shadows began to appear on the horizon. Glancing at the Excalibur in Elias’s hands, the group cautiously observed the approaching threat. A new danger awaited them.