Chapter 247

“What are you doing? Are you seriously clowning around in front of me or what?”

The warrior clad in white picked his nose.

“Ugh….”

Already, just in size and height alone, the figure towering over Reiman was about twice as big.

As for build? It was more like tenfold the difference.

It was almost embarrassing to compare the two physiques—it was like contrasting a child with an adult. Their physical disparity was overwhelmingly apparent.

Moreover, the other side wasn’t even human but still had formidable armor.

All Reiman had at his disposal? A measly wooden stick.

“Ah, do you think I’d really crack your skull open? I’ll just mess with you a little, so stop being such a wuss! What kind of man are you if you’re scared of this?”

Kha ha ha ha!

Hey hey! Like that guy over there would be afraid of someone like you? He’s probably terrified of your horrifying mug!

“What? Being scared is bad then? Speak properly, will ya?”

“…….”

How did things end up like this?

During their journey, Reiman began learning briefly about swordsmanship from Carriel at some point.

He taught Reiman, who only had one arm, how to handle a sword and what kind suited him best.

Whether it was a slashing weapon or a thrusting one, mastering both, all of that depended on Reiman’s own will.

Just remember: longer blades required weight balancing, while shorter ones needed slightly more heft, Carriel had said.

Carriel also mentioned that once Reiman could fully manipulate mana, those constraints would vanish…but…

‘Magic and this are just too different in terms of usage.’

Magic was equally headache-inducing, sure, but this relied more on sensation and habit—more precisely, mastery. The question was how exactly to achieve that mastery…

“That girl over there is way braver!”

“Are you not ashamed to be called a man?!”

“…….”

Not all men are supposed to be amazing, you know….

Reiman didn’t even have time to voice his thoughts before he started panting, which made him feel utterly pathetic.

Thus, several warriors dressed in pristine white surrounded them.

While they constantly teased Reiman, they weren’t shy about lavishing praise on Delica either.

And as for Delica herself receiving such compliments…

“Who’s mocking who?!”

Though she vented her frustration loudly, her responses were incredibly rational and level-headed despite her agitation.

…They say seasoned warriors remain cool-headed even when blowing their tops—and she seemed to fit that category perfectly.

Besides, Delica didn’t even bother wielding any weapons.

Still, she darted around like a squirrel or a rabbit, delivering blows with some inexplicable force.

The warriors, for their part, scratched the spots where they’d been hit, looking like they’d been bitten by insects.

“To think someone her age can do that? She must be a prodigy!”

“But even if a girl fights well… urgh!”

The summoned warriors appeared somewhat uneasy about that point.

“Isn’t there some faraway country where women are revered as warriors?”

“There? They’re great archers and spear-throwers, right?”

“That thing… about how shooting arrows is annoying because of… their… uh… chests…”

What should’ve been lewd gossip somehow felt oddly off-topic.

Their awkwardness while speaking only made it weirder.

“…….”

And after witnessing such scenes multiple times, Eras was still left feeling nauseous inside.

Had they entered the central continent where roads were better maintained?

Their progress had sped up significantly compared to before.

Thus, whenever they arrived, it was often right after something had already happened.

“…….”

But what exactly was Carriel planning with these kids?

It looked like he was trying to raise them—but why specifically these two?

Even that bizarre kid they met earlier seemed unnatural, almost non-human.

Yet, despite lowering himself humbly, there was something deeply unsettling about him, as though he considered Eras beneath notice.

“Haa.”

And amidst all this, Carriel remained seated with his knees bent, meditating as he always did.

Whether he was truly meditating or engaged in some other form of training or exercise, no one knew—but…

‘He seems to grow stronger just by breathing.’

He was already monstrous, yet he kept getting stranger day by day.

Thanks to Eras’ unique ability to perceive things others couldn’t, she understood this reality all too clearly.

“…….”

Just before crossing into Metran territory.

Next up was Dabas—only a little further ahead now.

Under normal circumstances, traveling from Faceulan to near Metran would take about the same amount of time.

Even riding horses wouldn’t make it this fast.

Which meant Carriel’s steeds were suspicious too.

They disappeared without a trace until summoned back effortlessly—as if by magic.

Additionally, since that moment, Carriel hadn’t exchanged a single word with Eras directly.

Not even through intermediaries or indirect messages—nothing. He completely ignored her.

No matter how much Eras insulted, mocked, threatened, or hurled malice his way, he never responded.

Even when she tried to unsettle the two he brought along…

[True demons never reveal themselves openly. If they do, it means they cannot tempt or persuade anyone unless it’s themselves. That’s dishonorable and insulting to them.]

He dismissed her attempts, saying there was no need for him to falter or be shaken.

For instance, whether Eras regarded him as a demon or a witch—or even as annoying mosquitoes—he treated everything as part of his training and discipline, leaving Eras halfheartedly losing motivation.

[The ocean accepts all filth, be it good or evil, without interference. Yet the ocean remains unruly and instead embraces all things within its vastness.]

The sky and earth seem similar in that regard.

“…….”

Though lofty words, Carriel…

Do you realize how far removed you’ve become from ordinary humans?

She realized then:

Carriel’s vision, purpose, and meaning were entirely different from hers.

So what turned him into this?

“…….”

Damn.

Damn it all.

I’m so mad.

Still, what could she possibly do now?

Words wouldn’t reach him, nor would schemes or intrigues work—Carriel saw through everything beforehand.

Somehow, he seemed capable of glimpsing the future like prophets, perhaps even observing the past through conjecture.

Furthermore, his personal power was strong enough to shake the heart of a nation.

Alone, he could disrupt entire wars on the battlefield.

…At this point, it’s almost like…

Yeah. It’s almost like… ‘Ruelde,’ isn’t it?

However, unlike Lord Ruelde, Carriel lacked a sense of responsibility, justice, or mission for the common people.

No, there was likely never any reason for him to possess such qualities in the first place.

Eras thought long and hard but still couldn’t understand him.

And for Alissius, who vowed to follow him…

“…….”

This would undoubtedly be the worst trial.

Especially with the upcoming empire jousting competition in about two months.

Jousting Competition.

And the Empire Magic Tournament.

These prestigious events held every two years alternated between showcasing the best skills across the continent.

One gathered top-tier fighters from all over the continent, including imperial elites, combining preliminary rounds into one grand-scale gladiator match.

Though called “gladiatorial,” participants could choose any weapon freely; typically, lances dominated in jousting, while individual preferences ruled in the arena.

Both competitions were independent but allowed simultaneous participation without restrictions.

And…

Upon entering Dabas, talk of these events followed them everywhere.

Including discussions about the local Gladiator’s Arena tournament.

“They seem really determined this year, huh?”

“What was it again? The Crown Prince personally announced that the winner of this year’s Gladiator’s Arena will receive full support to participate in the Imperial Martial Arts Competition?”

“But… is that even possible against the empire?”

“Listen here, buddy! Don’t talk like some lackey of the empire!”

“I’m not saying that—I’m just being realistic. If we go unprepared, we’ll just embarrass ourselves…”

Though Dabas harbors animosity toward the empire, deep down, everyone knows they’re no match for it, regardless of territorial disputes.

Despite their fiery spirit, reality bites hard.

“Didn’t you see that dark knight earlier?”

“He felt completely different.”

“That young guy with a boy in tow looks legit. Wasn’t that servant thingy? You know, training kids since childhood as part of knighthood duties.”

“Is he joining the Gladiator’s Arena too? He’s a knight, right?”

“If he’s a sir, he should just focus on the empire’s competition!”

“Maybe he’s from another town or nearby country and doesn’t know better.”

“Well, if he’s from a wealthy family, good for him!”

By the time Eras heard all this at a fruit stall, she decided to leave immediately.

With minimal inquiries, she could already gauge Carriel’s appearance and presence.

It seemed like he had merely passed through and moved on quickly.

If Carriel were alone, he wouldn’t even need to stop for supplies or tools.

“Either he has no attachment or he’s stubborn in unnecessary ways.”

Or maybe some vow or binding contract forced him to take care of these kids?

Investigations revealed nothing of the sort, though.

“…….”

Still, considering they’ve been gone for half a day, catching up now would be nearly impossible.

‘Still, one thing’s certain…’

They reached Dabas as planned.

The princess of Rutania, chosen by the lake but cursed for rejecting it.

The Demon of the Lake, Arathra, is one of the rare influential figures in Carriel’s life.

Given their close bond during his hostage days, their relationship was unusually tight-knit.

Some described it as:

Master and guardian knight.

Or perhaps an engagement between two youths.

While many shared a special connection with Carriel during his childhood, only Arathra consistently stayed by his side.

Whether she could afford to do so is another matter.

“Now that I think about it, wasn’t she here too?”

The younger sister of the Wolf Prince.

Though they were both too young to take such relationships seriously back then.

“…….”

Right.

The current him and the past him are like two different people.

Does changing fate mean this?

Her teacher, Eras, once said:

Originally, Carriel’s existence wasn’t destined for this path.

Something interfered or went wrong, leading to this outcome.

Still, details remain unclear.

“Carriel. You’ll meet plenty of familiar faces here.”

Back when we mingled freely, regardless of status, sharing idle chatter and nurturing the same dreams—someone like him is also here in Dabas.

“Tch. Who am I talking to?”

Half-dazed, muttering to herself, Eras continued walking until her figure faded away, leaving no trace behind.

The streets bustled with crowds.

Yet here stood a rival nation striving to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the empire—a competitive adversary.

This was the Kingdom of Dabas.

And a few days later…

“Brother! Even the heavens are unmoved! I’ve been counting the days until your arrival!”

Far from the capital of Dabas, in the Bluet Plain, a group approached under the command of their leader.

A rider hoisted a banner with a black wolf on a red background high above.

There rode a robust youth atop a fiery steed, advancing proudly.

Him and his troop of warriors warmly greeted another group consisting of knights, cavalry, a girl, and a young man.

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