Chapter 66

In places like forests and mountains where human presence is scarce, a distinct ecosystem always manages to take root.

Occasionally, there are disturbances caused by what seem to be daemon creatures intruding, but even these can now be seen as part of the natural order in recent times.

Moreover, within the food chain, daemon beasts don’t always occupy the top predator position, so situations often resolve themselves naturally.

The real issue arises when indigenous life forms merge with daemons through infection or proliferation, transferring their properties.

These hybrid beings expand rapidly, doubling or even multiplying manifold in number and territorial reach almost instantly.

This phenomenon doesn’t discriminate—plants, insects, beasts—all are affected equally.

And since disasters vary wildly by region, nations have long made routine exploration and extermination missions a regular diplomatic task, season after season.

“Sure, it smells fishy, but bear meat makes for an incredible health tonic! Not a single part goes to waste!”

Without wasting time, Louilin starts preparing smoked meat after knocking out a massive bear.

“This fur could fetch a good price, but for now, it’ll make cozy bedding, capes, or insulation for campsites and caves. It’ll add warmth wherever we go.”

“……”

Honestly speaking,

I’m more scared of this bear than Louilin herself.

Even more terrified of this bear than any savage warrior who might face it head-on.

…Yeah, the bear’s scarier.

Why?

It’s not just about its sheer size or ferocity—it has its own primal instincts that might render our usual tactics useless.

Ironically, it’d probably be easier if it were corrupted by demonic energy into a daemon form… though whether I should laugh it off or swallow hard at that thought remains uncertain.

As soon as the bear appeared, Louilin charged forward, roaring fiercely before landing a punch directly on its snout.

Watching the bear’s muzzle cave in like a squashed fruit… well, let’s just say it chilled me to the bone.

I bet the skull and brain got utterly mashed.

Still, the mighty brown bear somehow managed to fight back fiercely against Louilin for several minutes.

Whatever protective mage tools Louilin wore seemed unusually resilient, resisting every claw swipe without tearing.

“It hurts, you know?!”

Though unbroken, the impact must’ve stung because Louilin was clearly irritated.

POW!

Seeing the bear get launched into a tree and bounce right back was surreal.

…Never seen anything like it. Honestly, something feels deeply wrong when a bear gets knocked flying by some kid.

After dispatching the bear, Louilin sniffs around, rubbing her nose.

“We need to drain the blood here, but there’s a nearby stream with fresh water. Let’s move there.”

We set up camp nearby.

Stripping the hide took considerable time, but carving up the meat and bones stretched longer still. Preparing everything for smoking required hours of groundwork—even with my help, we barely finished as the sun dipped below the horizon.

“We could eat all of it, but it’d weigh us down unnecessarily. Who knows how long our journey will last? Best to preserve supplies during successful hunts.”

This was only possible thanks to her mage tool—a coat capable of storing items regardless of bulk. Its name escapes her, but she knows it well.

Apparently, it was originally a plain cloak until a trusted craftsman reworked it for both convenience and stylish design. She recounted this matter-of-factly, so I accepted it.

She’s undeniably skilled. Just four years younger than me, yet already this accomplished… truly absurd talent. Perhaps a prodigy of survival or adaptation.

While roasting chunks of bear meat over a fire,

…though admittedly large,

a small iron pot nearby boiled water for soup. Adding grains and dried vegetables created a makeshift stew—a desperate measure to stretch our rations further. We planned to fill containers at the stream too.

“You’re always moving, yet picky about food. Your mentor must’ve been a stingy old man, huh?”

“……”

Mentor?

At first, she addressed me casually, but when asked why, explained:

“Imagine entering a remote village. Wouldn’t someone born there know the terrain better than me?”

“That’s true.”

“So there’s always something to learn from them, right? Asking questions is the best approach.”

“That’s true.”

“Skills are the product of time and effort. Sometimes even misfortune and luck shape someone’s aspirations and beliefs. Even those deemed lowly peasants become experts after decades of digging trenches, surpassing knights and warriors in that specific task. Strong individuals may excel at breaking things, but they can’t match the achievements of builders. That’s why powerful people use their strength to command others—they recognize their limitations.”

“……”

“To call someone mentor shows proper respect. Am I wrong?”

“…Do as you wish.”

She bombarded me with endless questions afterward, but no matter how much I tried explaining concepts like the Demon King did, she struggled to grasp them.

“What’s with all the obvious statements masquerading as profound truths? Anything better? And what exactly is this ‘heart principle’ thing anyway? Is it like a warrior’s mantra or the knightly code of chivalry from the Empire?”

Considering teaching her basic academy knowledge, I decided against it.

…Formal teachings wouldn’t suit her, and while I lack strong loyalty to the Empire, revealing such secrets felt slightly off.

‘If it were necessary, I’d have told her already.’

Planting unnecessary biases or expectations also seemed counterproductive.

Thus, I opted for experiential learning instead.

Through teaching her, I realized mutual benefits—for both her growth and my understanding.

-The process of learning deepens comprehension and fosters maturity while instructing others.

The Demon King labeled this a natural occurrence.

…My recent habit of idly strumming a lyre while lost in thought likely stems from this very notion.

Despite weeks spent pondering deeply, I gained more insight during mere hours contemplating what to teach Louilin.

Internally, I questioned whether this was correct.

-It’s about the process. Sitting alone won’t make answers fall from the sky unless you’ve earned that privilege.

The Demon King began uttering peculiar ideas.

-Occasionally, enlightenment strikes like overflowing water, but you’ve already reached that point. Now, using that overflow effectively is key. Religious types spreading grace achieve similar results through action, leading to personal elevation and insight—all tied to filling and emptying principles.

“……”

Does mimicking my verbosity stem from observing Louilin?

“The gist is, giving leads to enlightenment and spiritual growth, correct?”

-Exactly. Due to cause and effect.

Cause and effect?

“……”

Listening further would give me a headache.

-It’s akin to opening locked doors. Some people are born with all doors open; others need unlocking.

“Is this a kind of talent then?”

-Strictly speaking, even talent falls under this category. If unused, it festers and rots. For example, heating a sealed pot causes pressure to build until it bursts—similar concept.

Reflecting on this,

-Your past state mirrored this situation.

“……?”

Regardless,

It proved to be a rewarding journey.

However,

SQUEAK—

“?!”

Awakening suddenly due to convulsions and spending sleepless nights happened multiple times.

Whatever this lingering sensation is, it continues disrupting my rest unpredictably.

“Are you cursed or something? You hardly ever sleep properly.”

“……”

Though caught off guard by Louilin’s observation,

I brushed it aside as a personal ailment.

Our travels otherwise proceeded smoothly.

We briefly passed through bandit encampments and encountered dwarves or other non-human races, avoiding combat.

Tension rose near the borderlands, especially when nearly crossing paths with Dabas’ elite 6th Mountain Reconnaissance Unit, colloquially known as the Demon Felling Loggers. We had to dig tunnels and stay hidden for two whole days.

“…Have you done this often?”

“What?”

“Most people go mad within hours, yet you handled it so calmly.”

“…Being cooped up in a room daydreaming is second nature to me.”

At least no one forced me to kneel and pray. Sleeping whenever desired without worrying about ambushes felt downright luxurious.

The cramped space without light was initially uncomfortable, but eventually conducive to sleep.

The problem arose when sleep eluded me entirely, coupled with needing to relieve myself…

“You’re disciplined. Monasteries would adore having you around—quiet, trouble-free workers who eat little!”

“……”

Too much to think about.

More importantly, are these compliments or insults?

Additionally, the Demon King’s constant presence lessened claustrophobia. Louilin’s incessant chatter helped too.

Following her advice wisely ensured we avoided encountering the Demon Felling Loggers altogether and successfully crossed the marked border.

Now,

“We must beware of Metran Kingdom scouts.”

Why Dabas’ loggers earned such infamy:

Metran Kingdom’s border patrols, particularly the 11th Border Patrol responsible for mountainous regions, earned the nickname Demon Companions.

Here,

Where mystical Demon Trees grow,

This area remains notoriously dangerous. The sight of purplish leaves shimmering and branches writhing alive startles newcomers.

“Ancient Long Trees actually capture prey sometimes. Some possess consciousness and can communicate, earning semi-divine status among locals.”

Unlike Dabas, Metran lies closer to the continent’s edge, fostering cooperation with various species. Their inclusion policies promoting harmony and integration significantly contributed to diverse non-human populations thriving within their borders.

…All familiar information learned academically.

“……”

Recalling my past experiences as a hostage, this was my third visit here—not from memory but acquired knowledge.

“Don’t worry; the rough part is brief. Once across the border, it’ll be smooth sailing.”

“……”

Why prepare alternate identities if we aren’t planning straightforward passage through official checkpoints?

Louilin explains:

“If we avoid crossing the border officially, tracking us becomes doubly difficult. Someone’s following us, right? Given your reluctance, meeting them could lead to unnecessary trouble. Erasing traces while accepting minor risks makes sense. You see, borders, trade posts, and inspection points—even neutral zones—all exchange information regularly. Hey, your citizens came this way. Or, hey, your noble so-and-so passed through here. Or, did so-and-so come here? Let me check… Yep, there they are. Stuff like that.”

“……”

Your explanation sounds cute but contains grim realities.

“And that info spreads beyond governments to shadow organizations too. Even if ignored by the state, they might send assassins or raiders if you appear valuable. Killing you and claiming bounties, kidnapping first to see what you carry—either way, it’s profitable. With both of us carrying mage tools, we’d become prime targets. Besides, dying unnoticed in the wilderness means becoming beast or daemon fodder. Finding remains is tough; locating belongings proves faster.”

“Hmm…”

Her words highlighted just how brutal this world can be.

“But reversing this system lets you exploit it for profit. Though getting caught later might sting, vowing never to return to those areas for years makes it worth attempting.”

“……”

Her adorable appearance contrasts sharply with her ruthless insights.

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