While Couronne was gathering the tribespeople, Riku was not idle.
Under the protection of Origami Tobiichi and Schwi, he took the initiative to absorb the first-ever Crystal Remnants in this world, and in doing so, provided both of them with a wealth of valuable information.
And when the crowd saw Riku using a power similar to magic, gasps of shock echoed from below the platform.
Humans using magic—it was a clear violation of common sense.
But what was even more absurd was that by his side stood two angels, one from the Elf race and one from the Ex-Machina, all standing on the same front as a human. That alone defied all reason.
Though doubts and confusion still lingered in their hearts, a frenzy slowly ignited in everyone's eyes.
They all understood what this moment signified.
"As we all know, the fundamental reason why we humans cannot construct formulas, forge magical tools, or use magic, is because we cannot control Spirit Circuits."
Riku awkwardly manipulated the Crystal Remnants inside his body, demonstrating its power to the tribespeople below. "But Origami provided another line of thought. She offered a way for us humans—and only us humans—to control a power. A power that belongs to the Spirit. Then Schwi analyzed and refined it, creating an item called the Crystal Remnants. As long as one merges with it like I did, they can command the Spirit and fight."
He then explained in plain and easy-to-understand language the principles behind the Crystal Remnants and why it could only be used by humans.
To every race, the Spirit were poisonous. And the more a race relied on Spirit Circuits, the more toxic the Spirit became.
Humans, despite having high intelligence, had so few Spirit Circuits in their bodies that they barely outnumbered plants. While Spirit still corroded their flesh, the rate at which they eroded Spirit Circuits within humans was incredibly slow.
This unique trait made humans the only race capable of withstanding the Spirit power.
"But even if it's slow, isn't it still harmful?" a member of the tribe's hunting squad, who often ventured out, asked anxiously. "Not to mention, our human bodies are so fragile. To absorb a Crystal Remnants directly into the body—can that really be safe?"
Although everyone was excited that humanity had finally gained power, the instincts of those long placed at the bottom of the food chain—instilled through years of hardship—made them naturally wary of such power.
And it wasn't just this young hunter who had doubts.
Many of the tribespeople who had frequently gone on expeditions and understood the effects of Wraiths were equally concerned.
"Every power comes with a price. The same is true for using Crystal Remnantss."
Faced with his tribespeople's questions, Riku didn't panic. On the contrary, he even smiled slightly. "But don't worry. During the refining process, Origami and Schwi have already reduced the external corrosion to the minimum. As long as you're not activating its power, it won't harm your body."
"What about when you do activate its power?"
"Depending on the strength and frequency of use, the Crystal Remnant will gradually erose the user's body."
Riku pointed to the area between his chest and abdomen where the Crystal Remnants was fused into his body. His tone remained calm: "The corrosion spreads gradually—from the internal organs to the limbs and bones. Once it reaches a certain level, the body will collapse like a pile of mud."
Gasps filled the crowd.
Couronne, standing in the audience, felt her heart skip several beats. She bit her lip, anxiously looking up at Riku on stage, her eyes filled with worry.
As the news sank in, the crowd could no longer hold back their emotions and began to discuss it uneasily among themselves.
But Riku expression remained firm as stone. Even though he had already fused with a Crystal Remnants and the fate he spoke of might one day be his own, his eyes betrayed not the slightest hint of fear.
"But what is there to be afraid of?"
Amid the growing murmurs of unease, Riku slowly spoke.
His voice reached every ear, silencing the crowd's whispers.
"Everyone, our human ancestors forged ahead through thorns and thistles. They wandered through endless journeys, endured countless separations, hunger, and fear, just to give us the right to stand here today."
Riku raised his head high, his voice rising with passion: "Tens of thousands of years of suffering and despair did not crush us. And now, humanity has finally been given a chance to end it all. Are we really going to retreat because of such a minor cost?
We now possess strength. We have allies. And soon, we will have a god-race of our own who can compete with the gods themselves. This is a chance we have never had in our entire history. If we don't seize it, all that awaits us is death!
Will using Crystal Remnantss kill us? Will intervening in the Great War lead to defeat? Even if it does—so what?
Has there ever been a moment in human history that wasn't accompanied by death and failure?!"
From atop the platform, the thin young man scanned the crowd with eyes sharp as a hawk's, almost roaring:
"Or are you going to stand there and watch this world be destroyed?
Stand there and watch those shameless gods and greedy races continue their arrogance?
Stand there and watch the cycle of war repeat over and over while humanity marches toward its doom?"
Under Riku thunderous interrogation, many hot-blooded young men had already clenched their fists, their eyes bloodshot.
Yes—if they didn't choose to fight now, how long were they going to cower?
Like the passing of a torch, one by one, the humans lifted their heads, and in their pupils burned the same fire that blazed in Riku eyes.
"That's right. Just like that—stand tall, everyone."
Riku took a deep breath, straightened his back, and solemnly declared: "So that we do not fail the expectations of our ancestors. So that we do not betray the future of our descendants. So that we can put an end to this endless pain and despair—pick up your weapons.
Whether it be death or defeat, as long as we fight, our efforts will never be in vain.
As long as humanity endures, our resistance will never cease.
I promise you this—one day, victory will be ours."
Riku slowly raised his hand, clenched his fist, and pounded it hard against his chest.
"Swear upon the legacy, Aschente!"
When his words fell, the crowd was silent for a moment.
But only for a moment.
The brief stillness was swallowed by a tidal wave of passion. The war cries and cheers seemed to lift the young man on the stage to the very skies.
This declaration pierced the hearts of every tribesperson, dispelling their fear and anxiety, and awakening the long-buried desires etched into their very bones.
They had endured humiliation, survived in shame, and suffered in silence—for this moment. Humanity had waited too long.
"Aschente!"
"Aschente!"
"Aschente!"
Two thousand voices roared in unison, a deafening torrent that seemed capable of shattering mountains and making the earth tremble beneath their feet.
As the atmosphere shifted so dramatically, brilliant light flickered in Schwi eyes.
At last, she seemed to understand just how the human heart could grant them the strength to survive until now—despite being so weak.