Kaya's Character Story: The Way of the Observer Part 2 Translated EN

A few days after the sudden attack at the ruins, Kaya sat at her desk in the commander's office, spinning a pen with a weary expression.

In front of her was a large pile of mission reports spread across the desk.

Kaya glanced briefly at Monzein. He, in turn, deliberately turned his head away and whistled. Kaya sighed.

"I think reports are usually brought in before they pile up like this."

"Sorry! I got caught up in training with the members and... well!"

"Sigh... You know, if you keep this up, you are going to have hard time in the future. But, fine, whatever."

With that, Kaya began going through the documents. She calmly read through the records of issues that arose during missions, the status of injured members, progress in training—she processed everything quickly, grasping the facts and situations as she went. As usual, Monzein was amazed at the commander's ability to handle so much at once. Before he knew it, the mountain of documents had been moved to the completed tray.

"Alright, done."

"Eh, already!?"

"Yep. Oh, and tell Magnus and Wilhelm that they’re getting a lecture next time."

With that, Kaya stretched and stood up from her chair. She dragged Anti along as she moved to leave the commander's office, when Monzein called out to her.

"Are you heading out again?"

"Uhh, I can’t or something?"

"Well, it's not that you can't... but please make sure you eat, okay?"

Kaya shrugged lightly at Monzein's words, smiling faintly as she left the room.

"At least answer me!"

Monzein's loud voice echoed into the void. There was no reply. It seemed she had already gone somewhere beyond the reach of his voice. Monzein sighed.

"She’s been holed up in the library every day... I wonder what she’s researching..."

There was no one in the library of the Holy Guard. The members of the order, who were fueled by the ideals and philosophies of their knightly duties, tended to prefer physical training over immersing themselves in contemplation under the roof. Additionally, they were simply too busy with their daily missions to have time for reading — the members of the Holy Guard often tended to be overworked. For these reasons, this place was always enveloped in solemn silence. For the past few days, Kaya had been within that silence. The reason, of course, was research.

Immediately after returning, Kaya had immersed herself in the investigation of the ruins. She analyzed the stone tablet obtained from the ruins using Anti, cross-referencing it with fragmentary information. She researched surrounding information in the library to further analyze the results and engage in thought experiments. Day after day, Kaya locked herself in the library, re-reading various documents, overturning past investigation records, and relentlessly analyzing as if driven by something. A torrent of information passed through Kaya's eyes and mind. The repetitive process of verification and thinking within her mind — in between those moments, Kadonova's voice resurfaced.

Their target is me. Well... if you continue this investigation, you'll be in the same boat.

If you dig up something inconvenient, you'll get kicked from behind, fall into a hole, have dirt thrown on you, and be buried.

A lament that is ignored underground. Using that lament... the rot hidden behind the world—

—The rotten parts must be burned away.

After the attackers had all fallen silent that day, Kadonova had said, "Let’s keep this matter just between us," and Kaya had agreed. It was troublesome to be reproached for investigating the ruins on her own, and she had urgent things to investigate anyway.

Seeing Kaya unusually cooperative, Kadonova had furrowed his brows, likely meaning to suggest, "Won't you listen to my advice?" Kaya noticed his intentions but chose to turn a blind eye to them.

Kaya's investigation proceeded from various perspectives. She analyzed the contents of the stone tablet, which had been so worn down that it was almost unreadable, traced ancient legends and documents, and even dug up her past investigation records to perform a comprehensive analysis. She connected the missing pieces, carefully weaving them together, and what emerged in the process was the name of a single existence —

“The Cursed Beast.”

It was the name of a massive beast that supposedly existed long ago. It was a fantastical entity encountered at the end of tracing the blank spaces of history. But, like all fairy tales, there was always something behind the story. Kaya's lips naturally formed the words Kadonova had said that day.

“If you dig up something inconvenient, you'll get kicked from behind, fall into a hole, have dirt thrown on you, and be buried.”

Kaya thought that Kadonova hadn’t been his usual self that day. Did he know something?

A searing hot wind brushed against Kaya’s cheek. As she made her way along the rugged mountain path, her footing occasionally wavered, accompanied by the sound of rocks crumbling beneath her.

Climbing a mountain “wasn’t like her” at all. On top of that, this was a volcano. If she could help it, she’d prefer not to be here at all. Still, Kaya had come to this place because she was certain there was someone she needed to meet here. She knew that the Rampelroad Mountain was a favorite training spot for them. As she carefully stepped forward on the jagged rocks, Kaya pondered.

(The history of the Lord Commander is a blank. The “Sin Beast,” with information unnaturally erased... The Holy Church — the world — is hiding something.)

In Kaya’s assessment, it was likely that the ruins and the stone tablet were connected to the Sin Beast. Perhaps Kadonova had realized this too. Maybe that’s why he had said what he did back then.

“As an old friend, I’ll warn you — it’s dangerous to continue the investigation.”

“Much more than you think.”

Kadonova, who had told Kaya this, was then attacked by mysterious assassins right before her eyes. It was clear that they were targeting him. If what Kadonova had said was true — that digging up inconvenient things had led to this — then the Sin Beast must be something that touches the very depths of the world. Just how much does Kadonova know?

Kaya sighed. It was all just speculation. She had long since passed the point of merely thinking things through.

"…Anyway, I need to hear the story first."

That is, if Kadonova is willing to talk.

Murmuring this to herself, Kaya continued onward, navigating the rocky terrain.

The moment Kaya stepped onto the flat ground halfway up the mountain, a deafening metallic sound echoed around her.

Kaya stopped and turned her face toward the source of the sound. Just as she expected, Kadonova and Zain were there.

With a large arc, Kadonova swung a heavy strike, which Zain blocked with his sword. Each strike from Kadonova's sword was heavy, but Zain took advantage of a momentary opening and retaliated, as if aiming at Kadonova's sword path. Their exchange of attacks was fierce, yet there was a certain playful joy, as if they were just friends sparring.

(It’s kind of nice to see, this boyish fun…. I’m a little hesitant to interrupt.)

Still, realizing she couldn’t stay on the sidelines, Kaya took a step forward.

"I knew it, this was the place."

Hearing her voice, Zain was the first to react. He lowered his sword and looked back at Kaya.

"Kaya! What are you doing here, all the way up here?"

"I needed to talk to Kadonova. It's about the conversation we had the other day."

Kaya glanced at Kadonova, who simply furrowed his brow without saying anything. Zain looked between them, confused.

"Huh? What conversation?"

"Well, that’s...”

"It’s a secret from you."

"Ehh?!"

Zain’s voice clearly expressed shock at her answer, his face resembling that of a child who’d been left out. Both Kaya and Kadonova couldn’t help but laugh.

"Say, you two always train here whenever you have the time."

"Yeah. If we’re here, we can train seriously without worrying about who’s watching, isn’t that right?"

Zain said this, and Kadonova exaggeratedly shrugged his shoulders.

"Still it’s not fun for the one who has to deal with your serious strenght in training."

"What are you talking about? You enjoy this as much as me."

"I won't deny it. When I’m sparring with you, my heart races... I get completely absorbed in it."

"Me too!"

They exchanged a look and laughed heartily. Kaya sighed, looking at them in disbelief.

"You really never change. Even though now you’re a Lord Commander."

"What are you talking about? It’s precisely because I’m a Lord Commander, right?"

"Huh?"

"To protect the absolute justice of the continent, to light up the entire world with light — I will become the light that leads the world. For that reason, I can’t neglect my daily training. It’s my duty as a Lord Commander."

Zain’s earnest words made Kaya gasp. Kadonova grinned mischievously and continued the conversation.

"Huh, you say all that, but you just want an excuse to take a break, don’t you? Lord Commander is a busy job after all."

"I won’t deny that. Sometimes I just want to move my body like this. But I can’t forget my original aspiration to grow stronger in order to protect the continent’s absolute justice."

"I never expected such a serious response."

Kadonova gave a wry smile and looked at Kaya. Kaya nodded.

—That's right, this man is just like that.

He’s more passionate than anyone else, so bright and straight-forward. He’s a dazzling light that illuminates everything around him and shows the way — that’s what Zain is like. A person who seems to embody the very concept of "absolute justice," perfectly suited for the position of Lord Commander. His brilliance shines on the dark thoughts Kaya harbors deep inside her. She smiled wryly and opened her mouth.

"You always say that, don’t you? 'To illuminate the world with light'... Truly, you're blinding. You and I, we're completely different."

Kaya let out a self-deprecating tone that was sharper than she expected, and she quickly realized what she'd said. Oops—when she lifted her head, Zain looked at her, puzzled. Kaya instinctively tried to come up with something to cover up her words. But before she could speak, it was Zain who spoke first.

"You’re the same as always, Kaya. You’ve always loved tracing history. And you’ve always enjoyed thinking deeply about everything... And because of that, I’ve been helped by you countless times."

This time, it was Kaya’s turn to be stunned.

"...I don't remember that."

"I do. I know that there’s someone who makes a stop and looks back, and because of that, I can move forward with peace of mind."

With that, Zain smiled at Kaya and then at Kadonova.

"It’s not just Kaya. Because I know that Kadonova is here by my side, I can confidently look over the whole world—without you two, I’d surely lose track of where I should be shining my light."

Kaya couldn't help but widen her eyes. Zain was smiling gently. His smile illuminated Kaya’s heart like a light, warming it softly. Kaya let out a small sigh.

"...You really are passionate."

"Is that so? I don’t really think so... wait, do you mean I’m coming off as too intense?"

"A little."

"So I actually am?!”

"But it’s still very much like you."

With that, Kaya gave a soft smile. Then she thought: Zain is truly passionate, so bright and straightforward—and that's why he probably doesn’t know. He doesn’t know that there are hidden truths in this world. He’s the type of man who never stops moving forward.

How could she help him avoid losing sight of where to shine his light?

Zain looked at her curiously as she fell silent. Kaya shook her head lightly and smiled.

"...It’s nothing."

As a Lord Commander, Zain still had his duties, so he had to leave Lamproud Mountain ahead of the two. He waved goodbye to Kadonova and Kaya with a smile before turning around and walking straight ahead.

Watching his back, Kadonova let out a small sigh.

"He never looks back. He’s always looking ahead. Zain is fine just the way he is. His unwavering forward focus is the hope of the Holy Guard."

Kadonova’s eyes, as he watched Zain leave, narrowed as if looking at something blinding. He muttered quietly, almost to himself.

"...I can’t trust this world the way he does anymore."

Kaya looked up and saw Kadonova’s face, where a faint, self-deprecating smile lingered.

"I might not be suited for the role of the Captain of the Holy Guard if I’m saying things like this."

"That’s surprising. I didn’t think you’d think that. You have your shadows, but you’re still straightforward, and you’re the one most suited to be by Zain’s side."

"You’re overestimating me. I know too much to stand at his side."

Kaya’s words made Kadonova chuckle through his nose. There was a trace of self-mockery in his expression.

"Then why do you continue being a captain? If you think you’re not suited for it?"

"Precisely because I’m not suited, there are things I can do."

Kadonova said that and squinted his eyes, as though looking far away. Kaya asked him.

"Things you can do because you’re not suited for it?"

"Just like Zain can be the absolute justice of the continent, I’ll burn away the corrupt parts."

"Even if that means your life being targeted?"

"It can’t be helped. It’s something only I, having seen the corruption with my own eyes, can do—there’s also one more thing."

Kadonova unsheathed his Crimson Lotus Sword and held it up in front of Kaya. Kaya raised an eyebrow slightly and asked him.

"What’s this, a duel challenge? I’m surprised. I thought you’d be a bit more eloquent than that Mister Serious."

"If you’d let me deceive you with my words, I’d do that, but..."

Kadonova’s low voice resonated quietly. His eyes were sharp as he stared directly at Kaya.

"Is this kind of rough approach the only thing you can do?"

"Power is my specialty... If I win, you’ll pull out of that investigation. It’s too dangerous. If you continue your investigation, you’ll be targeted too, as someone who knows too much—just like me."

"..."

Kaya remained silent, looking back into Kadonova’s eyes, urging him to continue his words. He spoke again.

"I know how strong your curiosity is. But if that leads to your death, it’ll be a great loss for the Holy Guard. To protect the continent...I can’t afford to lose someone who’s still supporting Zain."

"...You really are passionate, aren’t you? You’re just as passionate as Zain—yet, I don’t actually dislike your idea of doing things because you’re not suited for it."

With that, Kaya let out a small sigh and raised her weapon, Anti. Seeing the smile on Kaya’s lips, Kadonova’s eyes widened slightly in surprise.

"You’re actually going along with this? Honestly, I thought you’d flat out reject me."

"I came here to have this conversation, after all. I can’t just back down after being threatened a little."

"But you don’t like this kind of thing, do you?"

"Well... I admit, it’s “not like me at all” but...This kind of thing is fine from time to time, right?"

With that, Kaya gave a sly smile.

"I guess I’ve been caught up in your passion."